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[Ten random observations about Greece]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/ten-random-observations-about-greece/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/ten-random-observations-about-greece/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/ten-random-observations-about-greece/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GreeceWhile researching my travel series on Greece I noticed some interesting things that didn't fit into any of the articles. Some of these observations may be obvious to those more familiar with Greece, but odd first impressions are one of the fun things about travel!

1. Flying low over the Aegean as we made our descent into Athens airport, I swear I saw dolphins playing in the blue waters. We were still high enough that they were only visible as dots, but there was a whole group of these dots appearing and reappearing in the water, as if they were coming up and diving. Has anyone else seen this?

2. Like many countries, Greece has a smoking ban in public buildings. It's often ignored, especially in bars and cafes. Some places even have ash trays on the tables.

3. I always like hearing the local music, in my hotel I tuned into MAD TV, a music video station. I discovered lots of Greek stars I'd never heard of (is DEMY hot or what!?) and noticed a strange thing--cans of Red Bull appear in almost all their music videos. Even the lovely DEMY knocks one back in her latest video. Did Red Bull buy up Greek music or just MAD TV?

4. Greece is very visitor-friendly by having bilingual signs in all the touristy areas. This is a bit of a trap, however, because as soon as you get used to them and go someplace a bit out of the way, you'll be staring at Greek-only signs.

5. Have no fear, you can always learn the Greek alphabet. Many of the letters are the same as our alphabet and you're already familiar with some of the others. Learning the Greek alphabet takes less than an hour and you'll discover so many words that are the same or close enough to English that the hour will be well spent.

6. Greek can still throw you some curve balls. For a while I thought "ne" meant "no" since it's similar to so many other "no" words (nein, nyet, non). In fact it means yes.

7. Athens has a large and active Couchsurfing community. Get in touch before you go and they'll show you some awesome nightlife!

8. Small Orthodox Christian shrines can be found everywhere. Some are the size of a mailbox with only room enough for a little icon and a candle. These are often found beside roads. Others are little buildings that can fit a dozen or so people. They're tucked away wherever there's room. Dealerships for these these ready-made churches look like mobile home lots.

9. I saw a lot of graffiti, especially in the smaller towns, that was actually advertising for local businesses. I'm not sure if the businesses themselves are tagging concrete bridges and blank walls or if it's their loyal customers, but I suppose it's a cheap way to advertise during times of financial cutbacks.

10. Speaking of graffiti, my neighborhood in Madrid is covered with the tag "farlopa", which is slang for cocaine in Spanish. Walking through the Exarchia neighborhood in Athens one night I saw the "farlopa" tag. Same word, same style. I guess the tagger went on a road trip!


For something a bit more adventurous, check out my ten random observations about Ethiopia!

Ten random observations about Greece originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AthensAthens nightlifeAthensNightlifecinematicalCouchsurfingdolphindolphinsfarleyfunnygraffitiGreeceGreece tourismGreece travelGreeceTourismGreeceTravelGreek cultureGreek economyGreek languageGreek musicgreek orthodox churchGreek smoking banGreekCultureGreekEconomyGreekLanguageGreekMusicGreekOrthodoxChurchGreekSmokingBanlearning GreekLearningGreekMAD TVMadTvoddpastinperilrandomsmoking bansmoking bansSmokingBanSmokingBansstrangeweirdSat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Britain's Heritage Cities are ready for visitors]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/britains-heritage-cities-are-ready-for-visitors/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/britains-heritage-cities-are-ready-for-visitors/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/11/britains-heritage-cities-are-ready-for-visitors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Britain's Heritage Cities are ready for visitors

Thanks to the London Olympics, which will open on July 27, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, 2012 is expected to be a boom year for tourism in Great Britain. In the hopes of capitalizing on this trend, six historic cities have teamed up to get noticed by travelers intent on venturing beyond the English capital.

Bath, Carlisle, Chester, Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, and York, Britain's so-called Heritage Cities, are trying to lure tourists with eight itineraries that explore their shared history. The Literary, Visual and Performing Arts tour, for example, takes in Oxford, Bath, and Stratford with stops at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the Bodleian Library, the model for Hogwarts Library in the 'Harry Potter' series. Meanwhile, travelers interested in England's North Country may want to follow the Great Castles, Stately Homes, and Gardens tour, which visits three countries (England, Wales, and Scotland) and three Heritage Cities (Carlisle, Chester, and York), and includes stops at a 12th century castle, the homes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, and sections of Hadrian's Wall.

Beyond exploring these cities in a package tour, Britain's Heritage Cities website offers a glimpse of the top 10 attractions in each town. Did you know that York is considered the most haunted city in Europe? Or, that the city of Chester still carries on the medieval tradition of town criers? The most oh-so-British traditions and folklore live on in these Heritage Cities, so it may be worth checking them out while the past is still present.

Gallery: Britain's Heritage Cities

Roman Baths in BathCitadel in CarlisleOriginal Medieval Defensive Walls of ChesterOxford: Churches and CathedralsShakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-Upon-Avon

Britain's Heritage Cities are ready for visitors originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bathBritish Heritage CitiesBritishHeritageCitiesCarlislechesterEnglandgreat britainGreatBritainHeritage CitiesHeritageCitiesLondonLondon OlympicsLondonOlympicsoxfordScotlandStratfordStratford-upon-AvonWalesyorkSat, 11 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mistra: a medieval ghost town in southern Greece]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/mistra-a-medieval-ghost-town-in-southern-greece/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/mistra-a-medieval-ghost-town-in-southern-greece/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/mistra-a-medieval-ghost-town-in-southern-greece/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mistra, GreeceOn a steep hill overlooking the Vale of Sparta in southwestern Greece stands the last capital of the Roman Empire.

In 395 AD, beset by enemies, the empire split into western and eastern halves. The Western Roman Empire was soon overwhelmed. The east flourished. Its capital was at Constantinople, modern Istanbul. Known as the Byzantine Empire, it developed a distinctive style of art and architecture and protected the Greek Orthodox Church of its citizens.

Byzantium declined as civilizations always do, and suffered a serious blow during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Crusaders, who had originally set off to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims, decided to capture Constantinople instead. With its capital gone, Byzantium shattered into three small states. Byzantine art and the Greek Orthodox Church survived.

The Crusaders built an imposing castle on the summit of a hill overlooking the Vale of Sparta, one of a number of fortresses to protect their new domains. That didn't work. The Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaeologos recaptured Constantinople and steadily pushed the Crusaders out of the lands they had conquered. The castle at Mistra was handed over to the Byzantines in 1262 and a fortified city gradually began to take shape around it. Mistra became the regional capital of the Morea, as the Peloponnese was then called.

The Palaeologian dynasty was the last to rule the Roman Empire. It was a time of political and economic decline, with the Turks pushing in from the east, the Venetians dominating trade, and numerous other enemies nibbling away at the borders. Morea was one of the last wealthy regions of Byzantium and despite the empire's troubles witnessed a renaissance in art, learning, and culture.

Mistra is only seven kilometers outside of Sparta. It's an easy walk but I was anxious to start my visit and so I took a taxi and decided I'd walk back through the olive groves. After a week of cloudy, cold weather, the sky had cleared and the air was cool and pleasant. The winding road up the hill is dominated by the massive town wall. Passing through the gate, I found myself walking along steep, narrow lanes between the remnants of homes, palaces, and churches. Several of these Orthodox houses of worship are still open.

These churches are deceptive. On the outside they are prettily made with patterned brick and a series of small domes and half domes around a large central dome. It's inside that they show their true splendor. Frescoes cover the walls, domes, and pillars. Every available space is decorated with Biblical scenes and images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, all painted in a rich but somber style.
Mistra, Greece

Gallery: Mistra

Mistra from the distance with the Teygetus mountains behindThe city wallLooking up the hill toward the castle

Continue reading Mistra: a medieval ghost town in southern Greece

Mistra: a medieval ghost town in southern Greece originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architectureartart historyArtHistoryByzantineByzantine artByzantineArtByzantineEmpireByzantiumcastlecastlesChristianitychurch frescoesChurchFrescoesConstantinoplecrusadecrusadersdespotate of the MoreaDespotateOfTheMoreafall of ConstantinopleFallOfConstantinoplefourth crusadeFourthCrusadefrescofrescoesghost townghost townsGhostTownGhostTownsGreeceGreece tourismGreece travelGreeceTourismGreeceTravelGreekGreek orthodox ChurchGreekOrthodoxChurchhistory of religonHistoryOfReligoniconiconsmedievalmedieval architecturemedieval churchmedieval churchesmedieval religionMedievalArchitectureMedievalChurchMedievalChurchesMedievalReligionmiddle agesMiddleAgesMistraMistrasMoreaMystraMystrasPalaeologoipastinperilPeloponnesereligionreligonSpartaVale of SpartaValeOfSpartaFri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Teva Winter Mountain Games begin today]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/the-teva-winter-mountain-games-begin-today/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/the-teva-winter-mountain-games-begin-today/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/the-teva-winter-mountain-games-begin-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Teva Winter Mountain Games Being TodayThe first-ever Teva Winter Mountain Games get underway today in Vail, Colorado, where some of the top pro and amateur outdoor athletes have gathered to compete in a variety of sports. The event, which lasts through the weekend, will also feature a number of concerts, gear giveaways, clinics, and more.

Some of the sports that the athletes will be competing in including ice climbing, Nordic and telemark skiing, snowshoeing, and on-snow cycling. Even man's best friend can get in on the action, as there are several events for dogs to compete too. But the biggest event of the weekend is the Ultimate Mountain Challenge, which features three different sports spread out over three days. In order to be crowned the King or Queen of the Mountain, a single athlete will have to fend off all the competition in a Nordic Freestyle race today, than follow it up with an up-hill cross country skiing competition tomorrow. On Sunday, those same competitors will then square off in the toughest stage of all - a skiing race up, over, and back down, Vail Mountain.

A large group of spectators are expected to be hand over the three-day event, cheering on their favorite athletes. That crowd won't have to sit on the sidelines without getting the opportunity to join in on the fun however, as they'll get the chance to take part in photo competitions and clinics, test out some gear, and hone their own winter outdoor skills. They can also enjoy an adventure film festival, listen to some live bands, and join the celebration at several parties.

The inaugural Teva Winter Mountain Games is a natural extension of the summer Mountain Games, which will be taking place later this year. If you're an outdoor enthusiast who loves to run, ride, or climb, you'll certainly find a lot to love at both events.

The Teva Winter Mountain Games begin today originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-travelClimbingcoloradoIce ClimbingIceClimbingmountain gamesMountainGamesoutdooroutdoor gamesOutdoorGamesskiingsnowsnowboardingsnowshoeingTevateva mountain gamesteva winter mountain gamesTevaMountainGamesTevaWinterMountainGamesvailvail coloradoVailColoradoFri, 10 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Planters Nutmobile: a peanut-shaped vehicle]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/video-planters-nutmobile-a-peanut-shaped-vehicle/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/video-planters-nutmobile-a-peanut-shaped-vehicle/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/video-planters-nutmobile-a-peanut-shaped-vehicle/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Did you know that a Planters Nutmobile exists? It's a vehicle shaped like a nut and riding in it is the Planters mascot, Mr. Peanut. Mr. Peanut toured around the USA in this wacky vehicle throughout 2011 and I didn't even know about it. And I, of all people, sometimes feel like a nut. The vehicle is eco-friendly and unique. Complete with a recycled glass windshield, interior wood flooring sourced from an 1840 Pennsylvania barn, and solar panels on the roof, Mr. Peanut has been touring around in style, completely off my radar. Watch this video and tell me you too don't hope to catch the Planters Nutmobile on the road.

Continue reading Video: Planters Nutmobile: a peanut-shaped vehicle

Video: Planters Nutmobile: a peanut-shaped vehicle originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mr. PeanutMr.Peanutnut mobileNutmobilePeanutsPlantersPlanters NutmobilePlanters nutsPlantersNutmobilePlantersNutstraveling nutmobileTravelingNutmobileThu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

eurocheapoWhile Switzerland is not usually thought of as a budget-friendly destination, there are actually many worthwhile hotels, sights, and restaurants that won't cost you a fortune. To help travelers navigate their way around this usually costly country, EuroCheapo has launched budget travel guides for the cities of Zurich and Geneva, marking their first Swiss guides on the site. These guides will not only feature accommodation recommendations and photographs from the editors themselves, but also insider tips on how to explore these cities without breaking the bank.

Says EuroCheapo's founder and editor-in-chief, Tom Meyers, "While it's certainly easy to overspend in Geneva and Zurich, our editors have uncovered many simple ways to make visiting more affordable. Both cities offer delightful inexpensive hotels that will keep your trip budget in check."

EuroCheapo is a free budget travel guide for Europe. To check out the brand new Swiss guides as well as money-saving guides for other European cities, click here.

EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTraveleurocheapoeuropefree travel guidesFreeTravelGuidesgenevaswitzerlandtravel guidesTravelGuideszurichThu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tim Doyle's Unreal Estate exhibit in San Francisco]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tim-doyles-unreal-estate-exhibit-in-san-francisco/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tim-doyles-unreal-estate-exhibit-in-san-francisco/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/tim-doyles-unreal-estate-exhibit-in-san-francisco/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Austin-based serigraph artist, Tim Doyle, is currently participating in his debut solo show at Spoke Art Gallery in San Francisco. For fans of Austin's Alamo Drafthouse, Doyle's work should seem familiar--he was a creative director for the theater's Mondo Posters through 2009. In 'Unreal Estate', Doyle explores pop culture locations through limited-edition, hand-printed screen prints and original art. The exhibit opened last week and will be open through February 23rd. You can rsvp on the event Facebook page. If you'll be in San Francisco this month, check this show out.

Continue reading Tim Doyle's Unreal Estate exhibit in San Francisco

Tim Doyle's Unreal Estate exhibit in San Francisco originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art exhibitsart in san franciscoArtExhibitsArtInSanFranciscosan francisco artSanFranciscoArtspoke artspoke art gallerySpokeArtSpokeArtGallerytim doyletim doyle at spoke art gallerytim doyle in san franciscotim doyles unreal estateTimDoyleTimDoyleAtSpokeArtGalleryTimDoyleInSanFranciscoTimDoylesUnrealEstateunreal estateUnrealEstateThu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Disneyland 1957]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-disneyland-1957/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-disneyland-1957/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-disneyland-1957/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



This footage of Disneyland 1957 was previously unreleased until recently. The film was cleaned up, edited, and paired with music, but all of the images are original. In 1957, the Disneyland park in Anaheim, California wasn't even yet two years old. The park opened in July of 1955. The best part about this footage is that it is actually good! The editing and overall cleanup job helps, of course, but the original filmmaker did a respectable job at capturing various aspects of the park and the young Disneyland experience.

Continue reading Video: Disneyland 1957

Video: Disneyland 1957 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnaheimAnaheim CaliforniaAnaheimCaliforniaDisneyDisney LandDisneylandDisneyland 1957Disneyland1957old footageold videoOldFootageOldVideoWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Haight Ashbury Museum of Psychedelic Art and History]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-haight-ashbury-museum-of-psychedelic-art-and-history/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-haight-ashbury-museum-of-psychedelic-art-and-history/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/video-haight-ashbury-museum-of-psychedelic-art-and-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The Haight Ashbury movement may seem like a thing of the past. That's true or false, mostly depending on who you ask. But no matter how present the psychedelic spirit might still be in modern culture, its debut was art-altering, no one can deny that. That's why I hope the dream of the Haight Ashbury Museum of Psychedelic Art and History is soon realized. Tourists flock to Haight Ashbury in San Francisco as it is--maybe we should support giving them all a destination wherein they can view art from and learn about the Haight Ashbury movement in one, respectable place. Personally, I'm been using Pinterest to document my favorite pieces under the umbrella of 'Psychedelic Art' and, as a traveler, I'd love to see this sort of fixture in San Francisco. What are your thoughts?

Continue reading Video: Haight Ashbury Museum of Psychedelic Art and History

Video: Haight Ashbury Museum of Psychedelic Art and History originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Haight AshburyHaight Ashbury MuseumHaight Ashbury Museum of Psychedelic Art and HistoryHaightAshburyHaightAshburyMuseumHaightAshburyMuseumOfPsychedelicArtAndHistorypsychedeliaPsychedelicpsychedelic artPsychedelicArtsan franciscoSanFranciscoWed, 08 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 things to do in every city you visit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/10-things-to-do-in-every-city-you-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/10-things-to-do-in-every-city-you-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/10-things-to-do-in-every-city-you-visit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

While every city has its own unique landmarks, culture, and sights to see, there are certain general things you can do in any city you visit to make your experience more memorable. To enhance your next trip, take this checklist with you and try to do each of these things in every city you visit.

food Sample the local cuisine

One way to really get to know a culture is through the food. It's seriously incredible how much cuisine can differentiate from culture to culture, and how much the way food is prepared and eaten, as well as what the food is, can tell you about a community. When visiting Ghana, Africa, I was amazed at how most of the staple foods seemed to come from root vegetables and were eaten without swallowing and without using utensils. While I wouldn't say fu-fu and banku are my favorite foods, I definitely am glad I tried them and got to see the intense preparation that went into making these dishes. Even if you travel to a western country or a place that isn't too different from your own, try a local favorite or something that the area is known for (it will almost definitely taste better than what you're used to anyway). If you're in Maine make sure to have a lobster. Visiting Naples, Italy? Eat a slice of pizza from its birthplace. Traveling to Australia? Vegemite, Tim Tams, and barbequed meats are definite musts.

Continue reading 10 things to do in every city you visit

10 things to do in every city you visit originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelartbudget travelBudgetTravelcultural immersionCulturalImmersiondrinkfoodmarketsmuseumsWed, 08 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Used coffee cup art in NYC by Gwyneth Leech]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/used-coffee-cup-art-in-nyc-by-gwyneth-leech/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/used-coffee-cup-art-in-nyc-by-gwyneth-leech/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/used-coffee-cup-art-in-nyc-by-gwyneth-leech/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Haven't you ever found yourself pacing along with the quick-moving, coffee-cup-holding crowds of NYC wondering, "What if all of those coffee cups could somehow be collected to make an amazing used coffee cup art"? Admittedly, I haven't ever had that thought, either. But I'm happy someone did. That someone is artist Gwyneth Leech. Leech's newest project, titled 'Hypergraphia', is on display at the Sprint Prow ArtSpace in the Flatiron Building in Manhattan. Comprised over over 700 used coffee cups, each cup has been outfitted with original artwork. Leech can be seen in the space every Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 2pm. The exhibit will be running through February 18th. And here comes the part where I am bitter that I moved out of NYC because I used to walk past this building literally every weekday on my way to class while attending Baruch College... if you're in NYC between now and the 18th, make sure you stop to see this exhibit, preferably with a cup of coffee in hand.

Continue reading Used coffee cup art in NYC by Gwyneth Leech

Used coffee cup art in NYC by Gwyneth Leech originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coffee cup artcoffee cup artworkCoffeeCupArtCoffeeCupArtworkflatironflatiron buildingFlatironBuildinggwyneth leechGwynethLeechspring prow artspaceSpringProwArtspaceused coffee cupused coffee cup artused coffee cup artworkused coffee cupsUsedCoffeeCupUsedCoffeeCupArtUsedCoffeeCupArtworkUsedCoffeeCupsWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sparta: Greece's ancient warrior city]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/sparta-greeces-ancient-warrior-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/sparta-greeces-ancient-warrior-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/sparta-greeces-ancient-warrior-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SpartaAfter having seen Athens and Corinth, I couldn't resist visiting one of the other great city-states of ancient Greece: Sparta.

Sparta needs no introduction. It's a star player on the History and Discovery channels and that schlocky pseudo-historical film 300. While I wanted to see the ancient ruins where brave warriors once strode, my main reason for going was to explore nearby Mistra, a Byzantine ghost town with a castle that rivals Acrocorinth. I'll get to that in my next post.

Sparta is a three-and-a-half hour bus ride from Athens. The route passes along the Aegean shore, through the Isthmus of Corinth, and into the Peloponnese, the peninsula that makes up southwestern Greece. Passing Corinth, the road ascends into rough hills that were being buffeted by a snowstorm.

Luckily the roads were in good condition and I made it on time. The clouds were breaking over the Vale of Sparta although it remained bitterly cold. My first stop was at the Fifth Ephorate of Byzantine Antiquities to learn more about how the economic crisis was affecting archaeologists' ability to explore and preserve Greece's past. The Ephorates are divided by region, in this case Lakonia, roughly the central and southern Peloponnese, and also by period. There's a Fifth Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities too.

Archaeologists Lygeri Nikolakaki and Ageliki Mexia greeted me in their cramped office overflowing with books, reports, and maps. They spread out several maps in front of me to demonstrate just how rich their area was in medieval remains. Castles, churches, monasteries, and medieval towns dotted the landscape. This area was called the Morea in late Byzantine times and was one of the few centers of wealth, art, and learning during the waning days of the empire in the 14th and 15th centuries.

One region caught my eye--the Mani peninsula. The Ephorate has recorded some 2,000 Byzantine and post-Byzantine monuments on the peninsula, and the map showed hiking trails crisscrossing the area. The Maniots were always semi-independent, fierce fighters and pirates who never fully submitted to the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, or Byzantines. Their culture remains distinct even today. As I was researching this trip I was already planning another one.

Gallery: Sparta

Map of the PeloponneseRuins and olive treesStairway to nowhereRecent excavationsThe theater and modern Sparta


Don't miss the rest of my series: Our Past in Peril, Greek tourism faces the economic crisis.

Coming up next: Mistra: a Byzantine ghost town in Greece!

Continue reading Sparta: Greece's ancient warrior city

Sparta: Greece's ancient warrior city originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient Greeceancient historyancient SpartaAncientGreeceAncientHistoryAncientSpartaarchaeologistarchaeologistsarchaeologyArchaeologyNewsarcheologyArcheologyNewsByzantineByzantine EmpireByzantineEmpireByzantiumcastlecastleseconomyGreeceGreece tourismGreece travelGreeceTourismGreeceTravelgreek debt crisisGreekDebtCrisishistorymedievalmedieval greeceMedievalGreecemiddle agesMiddleAgesmodern SpartaModernSpartaMoreamuseummuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumspastinperilPeloponneseSpartaWed, 08 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How hikers in the Tarkine Rainforest can help save the endangered Tasmanian devil]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/how-hikers-in-the-tarkine-rainforest-can-help-save-the-endangere/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/how-hikers-in-the-tarkine-rainforest-can-help-save-the-endangere/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/06/how-hikers-in-the-tarkine-rainforest-can-help-save-the-endangere/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Visitors to the Tarkine Rainforest in Tasmania, Australia, can now help save the endangered Tasmanian devil. Scientists have set up 45 motion-sensitive cameras along the trails and are asking hikers to help them to collect data and track local populations of the marsupials.

Right on the Tarkine Devil Project's mission, it states they would like to "actively engage the broader community with the research. We will offer a direct hands on experience with the science via Tarkine Trails infrastructure, walks and custom built experiences".

While for a long time there was speculation about whether Tasmanian devils even lived in the Tarkine, there is now proof. What's really amazing about the discovery is that the Tarkine population seems to be void of the common facial tumor disease that causes most Tasmanian devils to starve to death, presenting a unique opportunity for researchers to learn more about the disease and to breed healthy devils.

If you'd like to sponsor a camera, click here for more information. To learn more about the project itself click here or check out the video above, which is part information, part guided tour as you get to experience the beautiful scenery of the Tarkine Rainforest in Australia.

How hikers in the Tarkine Rainforest can help save the endangered Tasmanian devil originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activismaustraliaeco-tourismendangered speciesEndangeredSpecieshikinghow+to+help+to+save+the+rainforestshowtohelptosavetherainforestsrainforest+newsrainforestnewssave+the+rainforestsavetherainforesttasmaniatasmanian devilstasmanian+devil+is+it+extincttasmaniandevilisitextinctTasmanianDevilsMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 free things to do in Barcelona, Spain]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/10-free-things-to-do-in-barcelona-spain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/10-free-things-to-do-in-barcelona-spain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/10-free-things-to-do-in-barcelona-spain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

barcelona Barcelona, Spain, is full of fun things to do and interesting sites to explore. Luckily, the city features many experiences for the budget traveler with free museums, walking tours, beaches, parks, museums, dance shows, and more. Use this list to help you save money while still experiencing the best the city has to offer.

Walk down Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is the most famous street in Barcelona, and often the first stop on many tourists' to-do list. Not only is the street lined with restaurants, bars, cafes, theaters, and shops; it's also home to various street entertainers, performance art, and colorful markets, making the street both fun and aesthetically pleasing. I love seeing all of the people dressed in ostentatious costumes trying to act like still sculptures (Note: Some of them look really real. I actually leaned on one not realizing it was a person!). Las Ramblas is also a bit historical, as the famous native painter Joan Miró, who died in 1983, helped to create part of the street. You can see one of his mosaic creations on the ground of the main center walkway.

Continue reading 10 free things to do in Barcelona, Spain

10 free things to do in Barcelona, Spain originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antonio gaudiAntonioGaudiarchitectureart galleriesArtGalleriesbarcelonabeaches in barcelonaBeachesInBarcelonabudget travelBudgetTraveldancefree flamenco shows in barcelonafree tapasfree tapas in barcelonafree things to do in barcelonaFreeFlamencoShowsInBarcelonaFreeTapasFreeTapasInBarcelonaFreeThingsToDoInBarcelonamuseumsspaintagoSat, 04 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure travel with a purpose in Israel's Negev Desert]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/adventure-travel-with-a-purpose-in-israels-negev-desert/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/adventure-travel-with-a-purpose-in-israels-negev-desert/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/adventure-travel-with-a-purpose-in-israels-negev-desert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

A view from the Negev DesertTravel can be such an incredible, life altering, experience, both for us, and the people that we interact with on our journeys. But seldom is that more clearly defined than in the case of an upcoming special trip from an organization called Bustan, which works closely with indigenous Bedouin tribes of the Negev Desert, a rocky, arid region located in southern Israel.

Starting in March, Bustan is launching a five-month long project in the Negev that will be a unique and intensive mix of education, cultural immersion, and desert adventure. Over the course of the time spent there, those joining the expedition will get the opportunity to live with the Bedouin people, while learning about their way of life and picking up practical skills on how to live simply and sustainably with the desert. They'll also gain extensive knowledge of the history of the Middle East, while also sharpening their Arabic language skills and discovering the unique landscapes of the Negev Desert.

But this journey also has a larger purpose as well. Participants will be living in the village of Qasar A Sir, which remains without many basic amenities that most of us take for granted, such as running water, electricity, or a sewer system. While there, travelers will be a part of Bustan's permaculture and sustainability program, which will help to create a more permanent community for the Bedouin people. They'll learn eco-building techniques, help create water harvesting systems, basic waste management facilities, organic gardens, and more permanent structures, all under the supervision of a team of educators who specialize in desert culture.

The cost for joining the trip has still not been posted on the Bustan website, but you'll find a lot more information about this opportunity by clicking here. This is one of those unique opportunities where you know before you go that you'll be a part of something that can truly impact the lives of those living in the place you visit.

[Photo courtesy Free Israel Photos via WikiMedia]

Adventure travel with a purpose in Israel's Negev Desert originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbedouinnegev desertNegevDesertSat, 04 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

colombia adventure travelAcclaimed Seattle-based adventure travel company and guide service Mountain Madness debuts its newest trip on February 4th: an excursion to Colombia's El Cocuy National Park. Although Colombia is often characterized as being mostly tropical jungle or coastline, the Andean Cordillera Oriental crosses a significant portion of the country. The El Cocuy trip will allow trekkers to explore glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote colonial villages.

Mountain Madness owner and president Mark Gunlogson has years of experience as a mountaineering guide all over the world, and the company is renowned for its reputable and distinctive trekking trips and alpine climbing schools, particularly in South America and the Himalayas. For this inaugural El Cocuy adventure, Gunglogson will lead five other trekkers and climbers as they "explore this area's potential for adventure travel. The team hopes to dispel the myth of danger with travel in Colombia and open up a new, cutting-edge trip."

Activities will include mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, and cultural exchange, a Mountain Madness hallmark. Check out the company's blog for dispatches from El Cocuy. Buena suerte, team!

Video: How to self-arrest with an ice ax

How to Self Arrest with an Ice Axe

Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ghana food When visiting Ghana, Africa, unless you are at the mall in the capital city of Accra or staying at a resort or hotel, you will most likely find yourself eating food that is far from Western comfort cuisine. Here is a guide to some of the typical foods you will find in Ghana, as well as some surprising favorites from home you'll be able to find in the small shops.

Local meals

Banku with tilapia

Banku is a thick dough ball made from fermented maize. The thick matter is stirred rigorously in a pot and has a similar, gum-like texture to the other main starch staple in Ghana, Fufu (see below), and is usually served with a stew and/or tilapia. The proper way to eat it is to grab a piece of the dough ball, create an indentation with your finger, and scoop up some palm oil or stew, swallowing it without chewing. The dish is very similar to Kenkey, another Ghanian staple, although the preparation and cooking time vary slightly. Many westerners may be a little hesitant to try the tilapia (I know I was), as it still has the head, tail, and scales in tact. Simply use your hands to peel back the scales and pull out chunks of meat with your fingers, being careful not to grab any bones.

Continue reading Traveler's guide to local and western food in Ghana, Africa

Traveler's guide to local and western food in Ghana, Africa originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaafrican foodAfricanFoodbankubudget travelBudgetTravelfood in ghanaFoodInGhanafufughanakenkeyred redRedRedrice waterRiceWaterFri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Acropolis: Greece's most famous monument weathers the crisis]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-acropolis-greeces-most-famous-monument-weathers-the-crisis/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-acropolis-greeces-most-famous-monument-weathers-the-crisis/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-acropolis-greeces-most-famous-monument-weathers-the-crisis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Visiting Greece and not visiting the Acropolis is unthinkable. Set atop a high rock overlooking Athens, the temples here were built primarily to honor the city's patron goddess Athena in all her attributes. The buildings here are some of the best examples of Greek architecture and have had a profound effect on the architecture of all the Western world. While I have a preference for medieval sites like Acrocorinth, and I've visited the Acropolis before, I couldn't help but go back.

The last time I was there was 1994, and a lot has changed. There has been a great deal of restoration and the world-class Acropolis Museum has opened up.

Here's one attraction that the Greek government needs to preserve as it passes through its worst economic crisis since World War Two. People still flock here and it's a major reason why Greece is an important tourist destination. Tourism accounts for 18 percent of the Greek GDP and tourist numbers went up last year. Several sources told me there were two reasons for this: budget-conscious Europeans are traveling closer to home and people are staying away from North African favorites like Tunisia and Egypt.

Even though sites like the Acropolis generate billions of euros a year in revenue, the Ministry of Culture survives on just 0.7 percent of the national budget, and that budget is shrinking faster than the supply of Greek olives I brought back from this trip. In the past year the ministry has seen its budget slashed by almost a third, with warnings of more cuts to come. Museums are already feeling the pinch and now ministers, archaeologists, and site directors are scrambling to find ways to maintain their their heritage. There are even plans to lease the Acropolis for film backdrops and photo shoots to help raise funds.

Gallery: The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

The Propylaia, the entrance to the AcropolisThe first view of the Parthenon as you enter the AcropolisThe Sanctuary of Athena NikeThe ErechtheionCaryatid columns in the Erechtheion

Continue reading The Acropolis: Greece's most famous monument weathers the crisis

The Acropolis: Greece's most famous monument weathers the crisis originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcropolisAcropolis museumAcropolisMuseumarchaeologyarcheologyarchitectureAthensAthens tourismAthens travelAthensTourismAthensTravelclassicclassicalclassical archaeologyClassicalArchaeologyclassicseconomiceconomic crisiseconomic recoveryEconomicCrisisEconomicRecoveryeconomyGreeceGreece tourismGreece travelGreeceTourismGreeceTravelGreek architectureGreek debtgreek debt crisisGreek economic crisisGreek economyGreekArchitectureGreekDebtGreekDebtCrisisGreekEconomicCrisisGreekEconomymuseumsparthenonpastinperilrecessionrestorationThe AcropolisTheAcropolisUNESCOUnescoWorldHeritageSiteUnescoWorldHeritageSitesworld heritage siteworld heritage sitesWorldHeritageSiteWorldHeritageSitesFri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ultimate guide to Carnival in Rio: parties and parades]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-ultimate-guide-to-carnival-in-rio-parties-and-parades/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-ultimate-guide-to-carnival-in-rio-parties-and-parades/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/the-ultimate-guide-to-carnival-in-rio-parties-and-parades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

carnival rio de janeiro

What's Carnival in Rio de Janeiro without its lively parties and parades? Now that planning, packing, and logistics are taken care of, it's time to think about the important stuff: your social calendar. In this second installment of the ultimate guide to Carnival in Rio, we'll walk you through some of the main events.

Continue reading The ultimate guide to Carnival in Rio: parties and parades

The ultimate guide to Carnival in Rio: parties and parades originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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food poisoningFor many people--myself included--one of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is experiencing how other cultures eat. Even if you're only traveling as far as the other end of the state, chances are there's a regional specialty, street food, farmers market, or restaurant that's a destination in its own right.

Sometimes, however, the pickings are slim, or no matter how delicious the food, the odds are just stacked against you. As Anthony Bourdain put it on a recent episode of his new series, The Layover, "...if there's not a 50-percent chance of diarrhea, it's not worth eating."

Gross, perhaps, but gluttonous travelers know there's truth in those words. Bourdain happened to be referring to a late-night drunk binge at one of Amsterdam's infamous FEBO fast food automats (above), so with that in mind, I present this photographic homage to the things we eat on the road, despite knowing better. Walk softly, and carry a big bottle of Imodium

Gallery: Ten places to get food poisoning in 2012



[Photo credit: Flickr user .waldec]

Food poisoning! What to watch out for in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-seriesAmsterdamasian foodAsianFoodbudget diningBudgetDiningbuffetscharcuteriecheap foodcheap restaurantsCheapFoodCheapRestaurantsChicharitoHernandezChinese foodChineseFoodculinary travelCulinaryTravele.colieconomyfarmers marketsFarmersMarketsfast foodFastFoodfood on a stickfood stallsfood standsfood to gofood tourismfood trucksfoodborne illnessFoodborneIllnessfoodiesFoodOnAStickFoodStallsFoodStandsFoodToGoFoodTourismFoodTruckshawker centershawker centresHawkerCentersHawkerCentreshot dogsHotDogsLas VegasLasVegaslisteriamontezumas revengeMontezumasRevengeNevadapop-upsregional foodRegionalFoodrestaurantssalmonellasalumiSingaporestreet foodStreetFoodsushitakeaway foodTakeawayFoodtravelers diarrheaTravelersDiarrheaturistasvending machinesVendingMachinesThu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST