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[An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/12/an-off-the-beaten-path-itinerary-for-southern-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

china When planning my trip through China one summer, I decided that I wanted to stay out of the well-known cities and explore smaller villages and lesser known areas where I could find less tourist traps and more cultural fare. While Beijing and Shanghai are both excellent cities to visit, here is an itinerary that will take you off the radar and help you discover nature, minority villages, Chinese traditions, and more. To make planning easier for myself I did this trip through Intrepid Travel, but you can also recreate it for yourself.

First stop: Hua Shan, Ning Ming County

Before coming to China I had been traveling through Vietnam and had entered the country from the Lang Son Province into Guangxi, China. From there you can catch a train or bus via Pingxiang to the mountainous village of Hua Shan, which is located in Guangxi. The journey takes about 2-3 hours.

There is a lot to be experienced in peaceful Hua Shan, which is miles away from civilization, located in the heart of mountains, valleys, forests, and near the Dong and Zhuang minority village. I stayed at a family-run guesthouse called Butterfly Valley, which felt more like a homestay than a hotel, as the family would cook for my group, take us on hikes, and end each night playing Mahjong and singing kareoke with us. It also helps to learn a bit of Chinese as not everyone in the area speaks English.

Take a walk through the countryside and notice the myriad plants and crops, like the gum leaves that locals use to cure a stuffy nose and the various edibles like corn, pumpkin, potatoes, and rice fields. Make sure to visit the minority village, which is dominated by wooden and thatched houses and livestock running around. It's interesting to hear and see the music, dance, and art of the people of the community who are, for the most part, quite friendly and were happy to talk to me via my translator. In fact, the people in Hua Shan in general were very friendly and excited to talk to me. Many of the young girls knew basic English and even asked me to hangout with them to help them practice their language skills. Hiking in the area is also a fun activity, and there are many trails that allow you to explore the various flora and fauna of the area. As the region is completely rural you can literally just wander towards the trees and mountains to find your own paths. If you'd like to see indigenous art, boat trips go out to Mount Huashan where a vivid rock painting of various types of people, animals, and symbols is located. The painting is about 725 wide and 131 feet high, making it a bit of a mystery how it was created.

Continue reading An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China

An off-the-beaten path itinerary for southern China originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravelchengyang villageChengyangVillagechinadazhaigroup toursGroupTourshikinglongji rice terracesLongjiRiceTerracespingansouthern chinaSouthernChinatoursSun, 12 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Pomegranates in Jerusalem]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/photo-of-the-day-pomegranates-in-jerusalem/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/photo-of-the-day-pomegranates-in-jerusalem/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/10/photo-of-the-day-pomegranates-in-jerusalem/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Sometimes, the most hidden corners of a city are its most interesting. Take this sliver of Jerusalem's Muslim Quarter, where a small pomegranate stand, a chair, a door, a mirror, some electrical wires, and graffiti compose one of the most visually striking images in the Gadling Group Pool on Flickr. Plus, this Photo of the Day was taken with an iPhone! Flickr user Better Nothing Than Almost proves that when the subject, lighting, and composition are right, the rest doesn't really matter. Well, maybe some photo-ready iPhoneography apps help too.

Does your photo belong here? Upload your favorite travel shots, whether pro or Instagram, to the Gadling Group Pool and your image could be selected as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Pomegranates in Jerusalem originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iphoneiphone 4Iphone4israeljerusalemmarketphotophoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayphotospomegranateFri, 10 Feb 2012 17:30:00 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[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[Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Margaritas, Cuba libres, piña coladas and mojitos are drinks with Latin American origins that have become staples at bars across America. But what about the drinks being mixed up further south? Whether you want to know what to order up at the bar during your next trip to South America or you are looking for a way to raise the bar at home, these mixed drinks will leave you thirsty for more.

Gallery: Cocktails in South America

CanelazoPisco SourGrappamielFernet & CokeCaipirinha

Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholargentinaboliviabrazilchilecocktailscolombiadrinksecuadorfood and drinkFoodAndDrinknightlifeperusouth americaSouthAmericauruguayWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Olives, olives, and more olives]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/photo-of-the-day-olives-olives-and-more-olives/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/photo-of-the-day-olives-olives-and-more-olives/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/photo-of-the-day-olives-olives-and-more-olives/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Honestly, have you ever seen olives look so appetizing? This epicurean Photo of the Day was snapped at the Mercado San Miguel in Madrid, a traditional Beaux-Arts food market recently restored and reopened in 2009. Flickr user LadyExpat used a Nikon D90 to capture the details in the delicacies: the vibrant colors, the fillings contained in the olives, the reflection of light in the juice. We're sure they were delicious.

Does your photo belong here? Upload your favorite travel shots to the Gadling Group Pool and your image could be selected as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Olives, olives, and more olives originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europemadridmercado san miguelMercadoSanMigueloliveolivesphotophoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayspainTue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/07/ten-bizarre-travel-diseases-that-can-ruin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel diseasesOn some level, catching a weird disease or picking up a little-known tropical parasite on your travels gives you bragging rights. "Look at me, I'm so hardcore!" Trust me, I've been there. But with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR TB) making headlines worldwide, I'd like to remind fellow travelers that these diseases are no joke, and even those of us with healthy immune systems and access to industrialized medicine aren't impervious.

The reality is, you never know what you might be susceptible to. In my case, my doctors and medical research indicate that I may be lacking an enzyme that made me vulnerable to an extremely rare but serious tropical disease caused by the bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis, which causes Oroya Fever (and its precursor, Verruga Peruana). I'm still recovering from a three-year battle with the disease that has resulted in permanent organ damage because of a failure to protect myself against sand flies in the Amazon Basin region of Ecuador. Regular applications of DEET could have prevented that, as well as the various misdiagnoses of tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and Hodgkin's lymphoma, but that's another story.

A lot of tropical and uncommon travel-related ailments are difficult to diagnose, and sometimes even more problematic to cure (if they don't kill you, first). Statistically, however, most travelers--even if they're in extremely sketchy parts of the world--will stay healthy if they take the necessary precautions. Having a trustworthy travel doctor is also helpful if you spend a lot of time in developing nations.

Continue reading Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation

Ten bizarre travel diseases that can ruin your next vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>African sleeping sicknessAfricanSleepingSicknessAmazon BasinAmazonBasinantibioticsbartonellaCDCciguateradiseasefatal diseaseFatalDiseasefilariasisfoodborne illnessFoodborneIllnesshistoplasmosisJapanese EncephalitisJapaneseEncephalitismalariamds roboticsMdsRoboticsmisdiagnosismosquito borne diseaseMosquitoBorneDiseaseOroya feverOroyaFeverparasitesparasitic diseaseParasiticDiseaseTBtravel disease preventiontravel innoculationstravel medicinetravel vaccinationstravel wellnessTravelDiseasePreventionTravelInnoculationsTravelMedicineTravelVaccinationsTravelWellnesstropical diseasetropical medicineTropicalDiseaseTropicalMedicinetsetse fliesTsetseFliestuberculosisvaccinationsvector borne diseaseVectorBorneDiseaseverruga peruanaVerrugaPeruanaTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A video tour of 1950's London's swingin' coffee bars]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/a-video-tour-of-1950s-londons-swingin-coffee-bars/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanocappuccinocoffeecup of coffeecup of joeCupOfCoffeeCupOfJoedouble shotDoubleShotespressofrench pressFrenchPressjavajoelattelondonlook at lifeLookAtLifesohostarbucksstumptownFri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Traveler's guide to local and western food in Ghana, Africa]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/travelers-guide-to-local-and-western-food-in-ghana-africa/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/travelers-guide-to-local-and-western-food-in-ghana-africa/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/travelers-guide-to-local-and-western-food-in-ghana-africa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

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[Photo of the Day: Falafel, going fast]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/photo-of-the-day-falafel-going-fast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/photo-of-the-day-falafel-going-fast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/photo-of-the-day-falafel-going-fast/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

photo of the day
We at Gadling love street food. Whether it's from an upscale Manhattan cart or from a Chinese cannon, you'll find that some of the most satisfying and authentic local food doesn't come from a restaurant. Today's Photo of the Day by Flickr user micke77023 comes from Cairo, Egypt of a falafel man who seems to enjoy his product. You can almost smell the chickpea goodness emanating from his kitchen and tell that whatever he's cooking is bound to be tasty.

Send us pictures of your favorite street eats by uploading them to the Gadling Flickr pool for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Falafel, going fast originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cairochickpeaegyptfalafelfood cartFoodCartphoto of the dayphotographyPhotoOfTheDayphotosstreet foodStreetFoodThu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Food poisoning! What to watch out for in 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/ten-ways-travel-will-give-you-food-poisoning-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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<![CDATA[10 luxury hostels from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gilligans While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ's.

Continue reading 10 luxury hostels from around the world

10 luxury hostels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art and cultureArtAndCulturebest hostelsbest hotelsBestHostelsBestHotelsbudget travelBudgetTravelluxury hostelsluxury travelLuxuryHostelsLuxuryTravelwhere to stayWhereToStayThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Things I learned in Antigua: Luffas grow on trees]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/things-i-learned-in-antigua-luffas-grow-on-trees/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/things-i-learned-in-antigua-luffas-grow-on-trees/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/things-i-learned-in-antigua-luffas-grow-on-trees/#commentsFiled under: , ,

luffaAntigua is a lush, green land of 365 beaches (one for every day of the year!), warm sunshine, and laid-back island culture. It is also the land of the luffa.

Beauty junkies the world over are familiar with these excellent exfoliating tools, perfect for sudsing up and washing down in the shower or tub. We may even know them by other names - shower sponges, poofs, etcetera. Today, many are made of plastic and come in a variety of colors and textures.

What we might not know: the luffa, also known as a loofah, is a fruit.

That's right. Just like that old fooler the tomato, the loofah is part of the fruit family. That's right - we thought it came from the ocean too. Doesn't the little sponge-like apparatus look like it came from the sea?

Well, it doesn't. This edible "climbing vine" with beautiful yellow flowers - if one wasn't aware of what they were seeking, the luffa might be mistaken for a beautiful tree. Resembling a cucumber when ripe, luffa is often cooked eaten as a fuit in some Middle Eastern and Indian cultures and sometimes prepared with crushed dried peanuts and bans. Some even use its juices as a natural treatment for jaundice. In Canada, the luffa is known as a Chinese Okra and in India the fruit is called a Sebot. In Paraguay, the fruit is combined with other vegetable matters and recycled plastic to create furniture or construct houses.

When dried out, as shown in the gallery below, the luffa can be peeled or chipped away to showcase the mature and dry fibers underneath. Shake out the seeds, which resemble oversized watermelon or sunflower seeds, and viola! The world's only natural bath or kitchen sponge. The coarse network of fibers makes the luffa a perfect exfoliator for both dry and wet skin.

These fruits grow in dry, warm climates throughout China, Korea, Japan and Central America as well as my own personal land of discovery, Antigua.

I'm proud to say that the phrase "you learn something new every day" stands true - it just turns out that this day was more memorable than most!

*A big thanks to Vorn Johnson, an Antiguan nature enthusiast, who accurately pointed out that one of the island's many plants is indeed the luffa fruit. While we can't find data verifying if the plant is native to the island, research shows that the fruit also grows on nearby Barbuda.

Gallery: The Luffa Fruit

Vorn Johnson, Antiguan naturalist. Photo courtesy of Sugar Ridge Resort.

Things I learned in Antigua: Luffas grow on trees originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antigualoofahluffaThu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best times to break your travel budget]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/01/10-best-times-to-break-your-travel-budget/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

blue mountains While it's smart to plan a budget and make wise spending decisions, there are times while traveling when a splurge is in order. Don't think of these instances as wasting money, but as investments into your personal happiness and enhancements to your travel experience.

If there's a site you really want to visit

Whether it's a museum that covers a topic you're passionate about, a trek that will take you through unexplored territory or ancient ruins, or a historical site with a unique story to tell, you should let yourself experience it. No matter how much information a guidebook or website gives you, it can never compare to actually seeing the site for yourself. And if you think about it, isn't the point of traveling to a city to experience things for yourself? When I was in Sydney, Australia, I had heard about a place called the Blue Mountains, and although I was a broke student at the time, the vivid photos and natural landmarks I kept reading about online made me realize that if I didn't go visit this area I would regret it later on. I splurged on a coach bus and a cabin in the mountains, which allowed me to have an unforgettable long weekend hiking diverse terrain, getting aerial views of valleys and mountains, photographing unusual rock formations like The Three Sisters and Orphan Rock, and seeing firsthand why they call it the Blue Mountains (the oil mist from the eucalyptus trees creates a blue haze over the area).

Continue reading 10 best times to break your travel budget

10 best times to break your travel budget originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbudget travelBudgetTravellove abroadlove and sexLoveAbroadLoveAndSexsafetytravel budgetTravelBudgetWed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Monday morning in Ho Chi Minh City]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/photo-of-the-day-monday-morning-in-ho-chi-minh-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/photo-of-the-day-monday-morning-in-ho-chi-minh-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/photo-of-the-day-monday-morning-in-ho-chi-minh-city/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Each morning in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, mobile street vendors brave the city's frenetic traffic to hawk breakfast specialties like banana patties, pho, and other popular Vietnamese street foods. A typical Monday morning scene is captured in today's monochrome Photo of the Day from Flickr user Jeryc Garcia.

Does your photo belong here? Upload your favorite travel shots to the Gadling Group Pool and your image could be selected as our Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Monday morning in Ho Chi Minh City originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ho chi minh cityHoChiMinhCityjessica maratiJessicaMaratiphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaysaigonstreet foodStreetFoodvietnamTue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: From steel town to scenic city]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-from-steel-town-to-scenic-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-from-steel-town-to-scenic-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-from-steel-town-to-scenic-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

pittsburghWhile many people still visualize Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to be an old steel city, the hilly town has certainly changed a lot in the last 30-40 years. My first impressions when arriving were that the lit up hillsides, public art, modern architecture, colorful bridges, scenic rivers, diverse restaurants and lively club scene made Pittsburgh seem a lot more eclectic and trendy than industrial. If you're visiting Pittsburgh, here is a guide to help you navigate the best the city has to offer based on your preferences.

For a mix of history and food

Visit the Strip District. The area was home to many industrial innovations (it's where Andrew Carnegie began doing business in the iron and steel industry) as well as a once booming produce industry, a legacy that can still be tasted through ethnic food shops, cafes, markets, and restaurants. Use Penn Avenue as your main focal point, and veer off as necessary. Make sure to stop in the Pennsylvania Macaroni Co. for traditional Italian groceries and natural alternatives to processed cheeses, sauces, soups, and meats, as well as Mon Aimee Chocolat for unique varieties of organic and artisanal chocolate. For those who love vino, Dreadnought Wines offers glasses and accessories as well as specialty wines and educational classes, like "Cooking with Wine" and "High Brows and Low Brows- Can You Taste the Difference?". A stop in Penzeys Spices is a delight for the nose as visitors can walk around and sniff the many herbs and seasonings out on display, as well as ask questions about the products and get free recipes. Want to educate yourself on the city's history and culture? A visit to Senator John Heinz History Center allows you to explore Pittsburgh's past and present through six floors of exhibits on local sports, companies, heroes, innovations, artifacts, and more. My favorite parts were sitting in an old-fashioned trolley and walking through a life-sized replication of a traditional early-1900's home.

For a list of businesses in the Strip District, click here. To keep up to date with events in the area, click here.

Continue reading Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: From steel town to scenic city

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: From steel town to scenic city originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artarts and cultureArtsAndCulturebest cities in the united statesBestCitiesInTheUnitedStatesethnic restaurantsEthnicRestaurantsfunky coffee shopsFunkyCoffeeShopsnightlifepennsylvaniapittsburghpittsburgh penquinspittsburgh steelersPittsburghPenquinsPittsburghSteelerssportsvegetarianTue, 31 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three unexpected treats on Oahu's North Shore]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/three-unexpected-treats-on-oahus-north-shore/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/three-unexpected-treats-on-oahus-north-shore/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/three-unexpected-treats-on-oahus-north-shore/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Last October, when my wife and I visited Oahu for a week, we spent the first few days happily exploring the attractions and activities we'd plotted before the trip: the artfully educating exhibits at the Bishop Museum; the snorkeling splendors of Hanauma Bay; the tranquil and transporting Byodo-In Temple; Chef Ed Kenney's acclaimed organic cuisine at Town restaurant; and the then-just-opened Japengo restaurant in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, which promised - and as it turned out, delivered - a palate-expanding fusion feast (three faves: the Tootsie maki with crab, avocado, shiitake and lobster; the scallop butter yaki; and the coconut crème brulee). I've already written about two other highlights from those first few days: a night of multi-course culinary magic at Alan Wong's restaurant in Honolulu and a visit to life-changing MA'O Organic Farms in Wai'anae.

But a quarter-century of serendipity has taught us that some of the most memorable on-the-road experiences come from listening to residents after you've landed in a place, and on this trip again three of our finest discoveries - all on Oahu's less-visited North Shore - came from locals' impromptu advice. If you're going to Oahu, here are three North Shore sites we'd recommend you add to your own must-do map.

1. Waimea Valley: This 1,875-acre valley preserve on the outskirts of Hale`iwa, near Waimea Bay, doesn't billboard its wonderfulness. In fact, that's one of the many things we loved about it: how humble and low-key it is, despite- or perhaps because of? - its riches.

Waimea Valley comprises one of Oahu's last examples of the traditional land use system called ahupua'a. In this system, the islands were divided into wedge-shaped slices of land, ruled by a local chief and often overseen by a priest, that ran from the mountains to the sea and incorporated all the kinds of topography and resources residents needed to thrive. You can learn much more about the ahupua'a system here.

Continue reading Three unexpected treats on Oahu's North Shore

Three unexpected treats on Oahu's North Shore originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don georgeDonGeorgefoodhawaiioahuTue, 31 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paris postcard: Savoring the subversively seductive splendors of the Marais]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/paris-postcard-savoring-the-subversively-seductive-splendors-of/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/paris-postcard-savoring-the-subversively-seductive-splendors-of/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/31/paris-postcard-savoring-the-subversively-seductive-splendors-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



French star architect Jean Nouvel once gave me a ride home from his studio in Paris' edgy 11th arrondissement. I chuckled to discover that the guru of transparency, glass and steel lives around the corner from me in a 1600s building on the Rue des Francs Bourgeois, the spinal column of the Marais. Old is better?

I was amused but not surprised: after 40 years of blanket gentrification the Marais has reportedly become theplace to live for a mix of fashion designers, artists, architects, auctioneers and other professionals-plus droves of bobos, meaning bohemian bourgeois. It's so desirable that it's practically unlivable.

Luckily you don't have to move here to enjoy the Marais: wandering its patchwork of streets from the 1500s-1800s is still a magical experience.

For one thing, super-rich celebs and bobos aren't the only ones drawn here. Trawl the gay district around Rue Vieille du Temple, the Rue des Rosiers Jewish neighborhood, or the Place des Vosges-the Marais' centerpiece square-and you'll discover a global festival of hip hedonism.

What's the attraction? The Marais' storied streets spread on the Right Bank between Beaubourg (the Pompidou Center) and the Bastille, the Seine, and the dowdy Place de la République. They're home to enough boutiques, museums, art galleries, trendy restaurants and cafés stuffed into landmark townhouses to defeat even those born to shop (the French call such people "window-lickers"). This is a safari park for people-watchers, a study in how to preserve and gentrify a unique historic neighborhood.

The penurious few who wound up here before the Marais became trendy do what we can to appreciate the hallowed atmosphere without sounding like party-poopers. Truth be told each time I step out I discover something new and wonderful in my backyard. But I always find myself at least once a day in the Place des Vosges.

Continue reading Paris postcard: Savoring the subversively seductive splendors of the Marais

Paris postcard: Savoring the subversively seductive splendors of the Marais originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedavid downieDavidDowniefrancemaraisparisTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/30/upcoming-travel-blogger-conferences-for-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel bloggers conferenceIf the word "conference" immediately conjures images of tipsy, poly-suit clad conventioneers, comic book geeks, or coma-inducing workshops, you obviously haven't attended a travel blogger gathering.

'Tis the season for some of the year's biggest travel industry blowouts. Each has a different focus--some are for accredited travel writers, others hone in on the burgeoning travel blogging industry or events tailored for the public. What they all share is an emphasis on networking with industry professionals, travel trends, and continuing education in the form of field trips, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and yes, a fair bit of partying.

Below, our picks for the best in travel industry camaraderie and information exchange:

Travel Blog Exchange (TBEX)
The year's most anticipated travel scribe gathering will be held June 15-17 in Keystone, Colorado. Expect a mix of over 350 fledgling and veteran writers, PR and travel industry experts, guest speakers, and workshops. In your downtime, take advantage of Keystone resort and environs by hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fly-fishing, or riding. Psst. Europe TBEX will be held in Lausanne, Switzerland, October 11-13.

New York Times Travel Show (NYT)
Held March 2-4 at Manhattan's Jacob C. Javits Convention Center, this is a great event if you're an accredited writer with a specific niche (Industry Professional Sessions include topics like "Focus on Africa," and "Focus on Travel Media"); there's also a "trade-only" day. The public and and newbie writers can explore the Exhibition Hall, check out a variety of cultural events to be held on five stages, and let the kids run amok in the Family Fun Pavilion. Bonus: Accredited travel professionals can attend the Friday Exhibition Hall and travel industry welcome reception, and Saturday and Sunday seminars and Exhibition Hall free of charge.

Travel Bloggers Unite (TBU)
Feel like a tax write-off trip to Umbria, Italy (did I just say that)? From April 20-22, this UK-organized conference unites travel writers and bloggers with travel PR experts, tourism boards, and travel companies. Seminars include photo walks and workshops, and using social media. Best of all, delegates will be able take free post-conference tours of Umbria.

Book Passage Travel Writers and Photographers Conference
Lonely Planet guru/Gadling editor Don George co-founded this renown industry event with Book Passage owner Elaine Petrocelli in 1991. Held annually at Petrocelli's Marin County bookstore (located 15 minutes north of San Franciso; the other Book Passage is a tiny shop in San Francisco's Ferry Building). The event has attracted in the past luminaries such as Tim Cahill, Larry Habegger, and Gadling's David Farley. This year, esteemed writer Susan Orlean will be in attendance, and the schedule includes four days of seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and optional evening field trips. If you're serious about travel writing--and few places provide as much topical diversity as the Bay Area--sign up, stat.

Be sure to check out Don's article on "Top tips for TBEX and other writers' conferences" before you sign up or get on a plane (they say advice doesn't come cheap, but this is free, baby).

[Photo credit: Flickr user Dia[TM]]

Presenting Xtranormal's "I want to be a travel writer"

Upcoming travel blogger conferences for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelBay AreaBayAreabloggersbloggingblogsbook storesBookStoresconference centersConferenceCentersconferencesconventionsculinary travelCulinaryTravelLausanneManhattanNew YorkNewYorkphotographySan FranciscoSanFranciscotravel bookstravel companiestravel conferencestravel conventionstravel journaliststravel lecturestravel literaturetravel seminarstravel workshopstravel writerstravel writingTravelBooksTravelCompaniesTravelConferencesTravelConventionsTravelJournalistsTravelLecturesTravelLiteratureTravelSeminarsTravelWorkshopsTravelWritersTravelWritingUmbriawriterswritiers workshopsWritiersWorkshopswritingMon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST