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[Torture Museums Look At The Dark Side Of History]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/torture-museums-look-at-the-dark-side-of-history/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/torture-museums-look-at-the-dark-side-of-history/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/torture-museums-look-at-the-dark-side-of-history/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Torture Museum
Ah, the Good Old Days, when everyone lived in a perpetual Renaissance Festival quaffing ale and shouting "Huzzah!" It must have been wonderful.

Not!

People died young, the cities were filled with rats and open sewers, and God help you if you ever got arrested. You'd be taken to a torture chamber in order to "confess" while being subjected to various imaginative torture devices, like the rack shown here in a photo courtesy Jan Mehlich. It's from the torture exhibit in the Lubuska Land Museum in Zielona Góra, Poland. A victim would be tied to it and stretched until his limbs popped out of their sockets. The spikes on the cylinder would add an extra level of agony. This museum stands out among torture museums in that many of its objects were used in the local area.

Germany was a pretty rough place back in the Bad Old Days, and this has spawned several good torture museums in the country. The biggest is the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg, with 2,000 square meters of displays on torture, execution and medieval law. Nuremberg has a preserved torture chamber underneath city hall.

Italy was a rough place too, and you can find out more at the Criminal Museum in Rome, the Museo della Tortura housed in the Devil's Tower in San Gimignano and the Museum of Criminal Anthropology in Turin. The latter museum is interesting because it reflects the 19th century belief that a person's physical features, especially the shape of the skull, could show criminal proclivities. Hundreds of skulls, brains and death masks from executed criminals are on display, as well as the weapons they used in their crimes and the instruments of their demise.

Gallery: Torture Museums of the World

The gibbet displayed the rotting bodies of executed criminalsThe skull cracker removed heretical thoughtsEarly waterboarding, Inquisition Museum, LimaMask for gossips, RothenburgChain worn as punishment for cheating at gambling, Rothenburg

Continue reading Torture Museums Look At The Dark Side Of History

Torture Museums Look At The Dark Side Of History originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crimecrime preventionCrimePreventioncriminalcriminal interrogationCriminalInterrogationcriminalscriminologyEuropeEurope tourismEurope travelEuropeTourismEuropeTravelgrosshistoryinstruments of tortureInstrumentsOfTorturemedievalmiddle agesMiddleAgesoddrenaissancescarystrangestrange museumsStrangeMuseumstorturetorture instrumentstorture museumtorture museumsTortureInstrumentsTortureMuseumTortureMuseumsweirdweird museumsWeirdMuseumsSun, 13 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How To (Legally) Stay In Europe For More Than 90 Days]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/how-to-legally-stay-in-europe-for-more-than-90-days/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/how-to-legally-stay-in-europe-for-more-than-90-days/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/how-to-legally-stay-in-europe-for-more-than-90-days/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

stay in europePlanning an extended stay in Europe, travelers are often focused on what it takes to be there longer than 90 days, what is commonly believed to be the limit for tourists. Armed with a desire to stay longer, travel blog Nomadic Matt found a way and shares it in a recent blog post.

Getting to the heart of the matter, Matthew Kepnes, founder of Nomadic Matt's Travel Site, blogs "when people talk about the '90 day limit,' they are talking about restrictions on the Schengen Visa, which is the visa rule that governs 26 countries in Europe."

The easy way to stay longer than 90 days in non-Schengen countries, says Kepnes, is to vary your location when traveling in Europe, moving to a different country near the end of 90 days. That starts the clock ticking all over again.

But those 26 European countries that are covered under the Schengen Visa are really more like states and staying longer than 90 days can be tricky.

"When most people ask me about staying in Europe, they mean staying longer in the Schengen zone. After all, it covers 26 countries and visiting so many destinations in 90 days can be a little rushed (it is an average of 3.4 days per country)," says Kepnes offering a solution that tells of loopholes and other ways to hang around Europe, legally.

See more at Nomadic Matt's.

Continue reading How To (Legally) Stay In Europe For More Than 90 Days

How To (Legally) Stay In Europe For More Than 90 Days originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EuropeSchengen Areastay in europeStayInEuropeWorldThu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trashcam Project Shows A Different Side Of Hamburg]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/03/trashcam-project-shows-a-different-side-of-hamburg/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/03/trashcam-project-shows-a-different-side-of-hamburg/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/03/trashcam-project-shows-a-different-side-of-hamburg/#commentsFiled under: ,

Called the Trashcam Project, Hamburg's sanitation workers have equipped standard 1,000-liter garbage containers with pinhole cameras. Using these cameras, the "binmen" (and one "binwoman") take pictures of their favorite places showcasing the beauty and the changes of the city they keep clean every day.

"Pictures for the Trashcam Project are created by hanging large sheets of Ilford photo paper (not film) inside a closed dumpster with a few holes drilled into the front," says CNET. "To create the eerie photographs you see here, the pinhole photographers line the 'camera' up with their subjects and secure it in place - by locking the wheels of the trash bins, we're guessing. Then they wait, for up to an hour, until an image is formed."

trashcam projectThat process produces images like this one called "Berlin Cathedral Seen by a Dumpster." Trashcam Project explains:

"This is one from the archives. The first trashcam picture we made just to find out if it was possible. So this is not Hamburg but Berlin. We were so afraid the bin would bend and light would leak in that we didn´t dare to move it more than a few meters away from our office (Yes, it is nice to work here). As you can see our processing skills have developed since then. But still a gripping shot. It was taken on four sheets of Rollei Vintage paper we glued together to get the giant format. Exposure is about four minutes."

For more images, check out the ongoing Trashcam Project's Flickr photostream.

Trashcam Project Shows A Different Side Of Hamburg originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HamburgHideo KojimaIlford PhotoSci/TechTrashcam projectTrashcamProjectThu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stunning Photos Of The Alps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Alps, The Alps, MountainsThe Alps is a beautiful mountain range. Spanning through Austria and Slovenia all the way through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, France and Monaco, the Alps are a go-to spot for mountain-loving folks living in or passing through these areas in Europe. Taken from the Latin word Alpes, which may have been derived from the word Albus, which means "white," the Alps are certainly that. If you enjoy perusing jaw-dropping photography, you'll be happy to know that Nature Pictures has an Alps series up on their website here. This stunning collection of photos features the snow-capped peaks in several scenes. Whether partially lit from the sunrise, towering over a lake or contrasted against green pastures, this photo collection is worth the look.

Continue reading Stunning Photos Of The Alps

Stunning Photos Of The Alps originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Of The Most Scenic Train Trips In Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Forget flying around Europe. At 30,000 feet it's impossible to truly experience the continent's remarkable landscapes. Rather than being shuttled around in a plane that only allows a birds-eye view, train trips immerse travelers in the terrain. There's a reason why trains are often thought of as the most romantic mode of transportation: riding the rails makes you feel more connected and in tune than air travel ever could. Instead of feeling like a chore, as flying often does, train travel can be an experience in itself. In fact, there are plenty of scenic train rides in Europe that are worth the trip just for the view. The following are top rated train trips, and from the rolling hills of England to the craggy Alps of Switzerland, each one offers travelers something different.

6. United Kingdom
London to Edinburgh
The rolling, green hills and moors that are often associated with Yorkshire make this one of the most scenic train trips in Europe. When entering the northern parts of England, travelers will catch glimpses of the rugged coastline along the North Sea. During the 4 1/2-hour train ride, English speakers will notice a distinct difference in passenger accents as the train gets closer to Scotland. Although the common language is English, it can be hard to decipher as the Scottish brogue gets thicker and thicker.

[Flickr photo via boutmuet]

Continue reading Six Of The Most Scenic Train Trips In Europe

Six Of The Most Scenic Train Trips In Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adriatic SeaAix-en-ProvencealpsAmsterdamAnglosphereBellinzonaBlack Forest RailwayBrothers GrimmdutchedinburghEnglandEntertainmenteuropeFloating cityGermanyGlacier ExpressgroningenHansel and GretelIrish SeaItalyLocarnolondonMarseilleMediterranean seamoorsNiceOffenburgPaul CézanneRoman SRomeRomeo and JulietScotlandSwitzerlandTicinotrain travelTrainTravelTriestetulipsVeniceveronaWilliam ShakespeareYorkshireWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Feeding Frenzy In The Black Forest]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/10/feeding-frenzy-in-the-black-forest/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/10/feeding-frenzy-in-the-black-forest/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/10/feeding-frenzy-in-the-black-forest/#commentsFiled under: , ,

freiburg cathedralStanding in the shadow of Freiburg's massive 13th century cathedral, swarms of hungry, determined Germans lined up at dozens of sausage stands, waiting to gorge themselves on long, skinny encased meats in round little rolls. I made the mistake of wading into the carnivorous, frenzied crowd and got pushed around like a child in a stroller sucking on a pacifier.

When in Germany, it is generally a good rule of thumb to avoid standing in between Germans and grilled meats. Some of the men were eating double decker hot dogs - two really long dogs stacked on top of each other with just a small little roll to carb up the fleisch. 'Twas the afternoon before Easter but the deprivations of Lent already seemed like a distant memory in the heart of the Black Forest.

Continue reading Feeding Frenzy In The Black Forest

Feeding Frenzy In The Black Forest originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black forestBlackForestgermanyTue, 10 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In Praise Of National Pride While Abroad]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/09/the-self-loathing-american-overseas/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/09/the-self-loathing-american-overseas/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/09/the-self-loathing-american-overseas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

anti-american grafittiThe book "Rick Steves' Guide to Germany" weighs in at more than 700 pages but devotes just three sentences to Heidelberg, one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Steves' authors opine that Heidelberg, home to one of Europe's oldest universities and one of the better preserved old town centers in Central Europe, isn't worth visiting on a three-week visit to Germany because it's "overrun with Americans."

The book doesn't list a single hotel, restaurant or attraction in the city, apparently in the belief that lemming-like readers will avoid the place simply because the author has instructed them to. I have a lot of respect for Rick Steves and I like his guidebooks, television programs and podcasts. But when I'm advised not to visit a place, it piques my curiosity. Is Heidelberg really that bad? And does it make sense to avoid a place simply because there are too many Americans there?

Heidelberg has been a stop on the American's Grand Tour of Europe itinerary, particularly for college students, for a very long time. I have no doubt that there are plenty of Americans in the city in the summer but I've just spent a few days there and found it to be anything but "overrun" with Americans. In fact, very few of the tourists I encountered were English speakers, and quite a few of those were Canadians. (More on them later.)

Continue reading In Praise Of National Pride While Abroad

In Praise Of National Pride While Abroad originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-Americananti-americanismcanadiansgermanyheidelbergHeidelbergGermanyself loathing americansSelfLoathingAmericansMon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/07/10-best-cities-around-the-world-to-experience-graffiti-art/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/07/10-best-cities-around-the-world-to-experience-graffiti-art/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/07/10-best-cities-around-the-world-to-experience-graffiti-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

graffiti "Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don't come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they're having a piss." - Banksy, "Banging Your Head Against A Brick Wall"

While often thought of as vandalism, there are many cities around the globe with beautiful works of graffiti that add an aesthetic property to a destination. In fact, many of the cities on this list feature legal graffiti walls, and works commissioned by the city to help enhance and beautify the region. Moreover, a lot of street art helps to tell the story of a culture, express political views and enlighten viewers on important topics.

Want to know where to experience the best graffiti art around the world? Check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaQueens, New YorkBristol, United KingdomBerlin, GermanyMontreal, Canada

10 Best Cities Around The World To Experience Graffiti Art originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbest cities for graffitibest graffiti wallsBestCitiesForGraffitiBestGraffitiWallsbudget travelBudgetTravelculturegraffitiphotosSat, 07 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Drink With The Ghosts Of Napoleon, Marilyn Monroe And Mark Twain: A Pub Crawl In Heidelberg]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/06/drink-with-napoleon-marilyn-monroe-and-mark-twain-a-pub-crawl/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/06/drink-with-napoleon-marilyn-monroe-and-mark-twain-a-pub-crawl/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/06/drink-with-napoleon-marilyn-monroe-and-mark-twain-a-pub-crawl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

zum seppl heidelberg barIn Germany, one can go on a pub-crawl and claim to be sightseeing. There are centuries old pubs the size of postage stamps, beer halls one could land a plane in and more beer gardens than post offices. One could spend a lifetime exploring Germany's historic drinking emporiums but if you're looking for a medium sized city to base yourself on a beer tour, consider Heidelberg.

Heidelberg is a college town that boasts one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1386, and where there are students there are great bars. Students, and wannabe students, have been guzzling prodigious amounts of beer in Heidelberg for centuries. And if you stay in the altstadt, you'll hear them singing and partying at all hours of the night. Mark Twain, who spent three months studying German and art in the town in 1878, documented student drinking habits in hilarious detail in his travel narrative "A Tramp Abroad."

"At a signal they all fall loading themselves with beer out of pint mugs, as fast as possible, and each man keeps his own count," he wrote. "When the candidate can hold no more, a count is instituted and the one who has drank the greatest number of pints is proclaimed king. I was told that the last beer king emptied his mug 75 times."

studentenkarzer heidelberg student prisonAccording to Twain, students settled their drunken quarrels by dueling, and those who were particularly unruly were sent to the studentenkarzer, or students' prison. (see photo) On my first day of beer crawling in Heidelberg I emptied my mug only four times, but managed to guzzle four tasty beers in four of the city's most interesting drinking emporiums, all within a 400-meter radius. The total cost of the four 1/3-liter beers was just under 12 euros. (My kids drank juice and their drinks cost the same.) This beer crawl is long on beer and short on crawling.

Zum Roten Ochsen (Red Ox Inn) - 217 Hauptstrasse - This dark, inviting bar/restaurant is one of the city's oldest student drinking clubs. It was opened in 1703 and has been owned for the last 170 years by the Stengel family, some of who live upstairs. When you walk in, take a look at the stained glass windows - each devoted to a different field of study - and take a lap around the place to check out the black and white photos of some of the famous people who have supposedly quaffed beers here. Surely this is the only bar in the world that can claim Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Otto Van Bismarck and Mark Twain as former patrons.

Continue reading Drink With The Ghosts Of Napoleon, Marilyn Monroe And Mark Twain: A Pub Crawl In Heidelberg

Drink With The Ghosts Of Napoleon, Marilyn Monroe And Mark Twain: A Pub Crawl In Heidelberg originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beerbeer crawlbeer tourismbeer toursBeerCrawlBeerTourismBeerToursgerman beerGermanBeergermanyheidelbergHeidelbergGermanyFri, 06 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The art of William S. Burroughs on display in Germany]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/24/the-art-of-william-s-burroughs-on-display-in-germany/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/24/the-art-of-william-s-burroughs-on-display-in-germany/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/24/the-art-of-william-s-burroughs-on-display-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

William S. BurroughsWilliam S. Burroughs is most famous for his experimental novels about heroin and gay sex, yet he was active in many arts. Now a new exhibition at the Center for Art and Media (ZKM) in Karlsruhe, Germany, is focusing on his lesser-known artistic output.

The exhibition, "the name is BURROUGHS -- Expanded Media," highlights the author's film, photography, collage and audio experiments. Much of this work reflects the style of his writing. Burroughs developed what he called the "CUT-UP method" in which he wrote a text, cut the pages into pieces and rearranged them. What's interesting about this technique is that the sense, style and tone still come through. Try it on a political speech and you'll see what I mean.

The CUT-UP method is especially evident in his film work, which looks like it was edited with a paper shredder. Like his books, much of Burroughs' art is more emotionally experienced than intellectually understood. His photography is often more straightforward and includes some interesting self-portraits from various periods of his life.

The exhibition runs from March 23 and does not yet have a scheduled end date.


Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

The art of William S. Burroughs on display in Germany originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart historyart newsArtHistoryArtNewsBeatbeat generationBeatGenerationbeatsbooksBurroughsexperimental filmexperimental literatureExperimentalFilmExperimentalLiteratureexperimetnal literatureGermanyGermany tourismGermany travelGermanyTourismGermanyTravelJunkieliterary historyLiteraryHistoryliteraturemuseummuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsphotographyreadingthe beat generationthe beatsTheBeatGenerationTheBeatsWilliam S. BurroughsWilliamS.BurroughsSat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Fasnacht characters]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/photo-of-the-day-fasnacht-characters/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/photo-of-the-day-fasnacht-characters/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/08/photo-of-the-day-fasnacht-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Context accounts for so much. In the right context, even the most outlandish costume looks appropriate, and an everyday outfit can look out of place. Last month, much of the world celebrated Carnival or Mardi Gras, leading up to the Lenten period which marks the 40 days and nights before Easter. In Germany, they celebrate Fasnacht on the day before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins, with lots of parades, sugary treats, and silly costumes. Which is where today's Photo of the Day comes in, captured by Flickr user Taylor McConnell. These gentlemen from Wiesbaden, southwest of Frankfurt, are wearing remnants from their Fasnacht costumes. Earlier, they were likely surrounded by other revelers in multicolored wigs and sparkly pasties, but sitting in a bar, they just look odd. On the same day in New Orleans or Rio, there were probably similar groups of oddly dressed characters relaxing after many days of all-night partying. Context can be everything, and what a difference a day makes.

Share your best travel shots with us in the Gadling Flickr pool and you might see one as a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Fasnacht characters originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ash WednesdaycarnivalcontextcostumecostumesfasnachtflickrFrankfurtgermanuygermanylentMardi GrasNew OrleansNewOrleansphoto of the dayphotographyPhotoOfTheDayphotosrioWiesbadenThu, 08 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cold-hearted thieves steal "lovers' padlocks" off Cologne's Hohenzollern Bridge]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/28/cold-hearted-thieves-steal-lovers-padlocks-off-colognes-hohe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/28/cold-hearted-thieves-steal-lovers-padlocks-off-colognes-hohe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/28/cold-hearted-thieves-steal-lovers-padlocks-off-colognes-hohe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Police in Germany have arrested two thieves who were in the process of cutting "lovers' padlocks" off Cologne's Hohenzollern Bridge, a popular tourist attraction that spans the Rhine River. The padlocks, which were left by amorous couples who attach the locks to the bridge and then toss the key into the river below to symbolize eternal love, were presumably being stolen for their scrap value.

"I spotted two men on the other side of the bridge tampering with the lovers' padlocks, so I called for back-up straight away," a police officer said. The men tried to flee but were apprehended on the bridge. In a wheeled suitcase, police discovered 50 padlocks and a lock cutter. According to police, the men will appear in court on charges of property damage.

Click here to view a gallery of the lovers' padlocks taken last May in Germany.

Cold-hearted thieves steal "lovers' padlocks" off Cologne's Hohenzollern Bridge originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bridgebridgesCologneGermanyHohenzollernbrückelocks of loveLocksOfLovelovers padlocksLoversPadlocksRhinerhine riverRhineRiversymbolismtraditionsWorldTue, 28 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum Secrets learns the art of Viking warfare]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/museum-secrets-learns-the-art-of-viking-warfare/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/museum-secrets-learns-the-art-of-viking-warfare/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/21/museum-secrets-learns-the-art-of-viking-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When's the last time you engaged in Viking sword fighting during your travels? Apparently, there are some people who are trained professionals in this skillful yet dangerous art form, like Kelle Longbow and his son Gernot. In fact, Museum Secrets got the chance to talk to the two fight choreographers and see the proper technique for Viking fighting in the exclusive video above.

According to BBC History, "Laws of the late Viking period show that all free men were expected to own weapons, and magnates were expected to provide them for their men." Swords, battle axes, and spears were popular, with elaborately decorated swords symbolizing high status and wealth. Surprisingly, the Vikings had no professionally elected army, although the bonds between the men and their leaders were strong enough to hold them together. In the end, the goal was to capture or even kill the opposing leader.

Although the current sport uses dull blades and doesn't involve death, the risk of injury is apparently still pretty high, as Viking warfare is based on hitting the enemy. Luckily, you can only strike on the upper arms, shoulders, torso, and knees to upper thighs.

To get a better idea of Viking warfare, check out the video above. Museum Secrets airs on Thursdays at 10 PM ET/PT on History Television Canada and for international viewers, more short videos are available at www.museumsecrets.tv.

Museum Secrets learns the art of Viking warfare originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelgermanysportsunique experiencesUniqueExperiencesvideoviking warfareVikingWarfareTue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Travel Like a Boss: Onboard Singapore Airlines new A380 out of JFK]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/travel-like-a-boss-onboard-singapore-airlines-new-a380-out-of-j/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/travel-like-a-boss-onboard-singapore-airlines-new-a380-out-of-j/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/15/travel-like-a-boss-onboard-singapore-airlines-new-a380-out-of-j/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Casting away most comforts afforded a modern traveler, Gadling Labs typically ventures out as cost-effective as possible; be it on a boat, the back of a pickup truck or the occasional Mongolian yak. But when Singapore Airlines announced they were bringing the A380 to the United States, we couldn't resist. Packing our bags for JFK we checked in on the new aircraft which started service among Singapore, New York and Frankfurt late last month. Check out our exclusive tour below.



Music Credit: "S'Wonderful" by Paul Brill

Travel Like a Boss: Onboard Singapore Airlines new A380 out of JFK originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a380airbussingaporesingapore airlinesSingaporeAirlinestravel like a bossTravelLikeABossWed, 15 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Airport Carbon AccreditationEurope's Airport Carbon Accreditation program is now boasting fifty-five major European airports as members and making a significant dent in carbon emissions. The voluntary program has a four-level rating system that assesses and recognizes the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutral operations for all emissions over which the airport has control.

"It is clearly helping to move European aviation onto a more sustainable footing," European Union Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas told the Associated Press. "Genuine progress on greening transport ... can only occur when the regulator's work is complemented by citizens and businesses taking action of their own."

Airports are changing airport vehicles to electric or hybrid power, installing solar panels to generate the airport's own electricity, and involving the entire airport operation. Airlines, air traffic control, ground handlers, baggage handlers, catering companies, refueling trucks, passenger shuttle transport, airport maintenance services, emergency services, police, border control and retailers are all held accountable and encouraged to make a positive impact.

Aircraft engines are probably what we think of as major contributors to the carbon emission tally. At participating airports, specific taxiing techniques are used to reduce fuel burn. Apparently, common taxiing routes are not always the most fuel efficient, especially if the aircraft has to overcome steep taxiway elevations, sits still waiting for cross traffic to clear and/or many sharp turns.

Continue reading Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe

Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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vacation deprivationExpedia's Vacation Deprivation study is an annual analysis of vacation habits across multiple countries and continents. Taken from the results of a survey by Harris Interactive, 7,083 respondents were surveyed in total across 20 countries with some surprising results.

"226 million vacation days will go unused this year resulting in some 50 million Americans becoming vacation deprived," travel company Monograms reports on TravelBlackboard.

The 2011 study spans North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. It reveals who gets - and takes - the most vacation time, as well as attitudes toward vacation. Common themes impacting how and where respondents vacation include money, romance and disapproving bosses.

When asked, "How many vacation days, if any, do you receive from your employer each year?", Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and Brazil all tied for first place with 30 days. UK workers came in a bit less with 25, Canada 16 and the U.S. 14 but in last place was Japan with 11 days. Of those 11 they only used 6 on the average too.











Continue reading Vacation deprivation study says beach vacations rule

Vacation deprivation study says beach vacations rule originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DenmarkExpediaFinanceFlickrHarris InteractiveHealthNorth AmericaSouth AmericaU.S. Route 14Vacation deprivationVacationDeprivationThu, 26 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/14/eat-while-traveling-on-cuisine-focused-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

eat while travelingWhat we eat while traveling has always been a big part of a memorable trip. A recent survey by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism says 71% of Americans participated in at least one culinary activity while on an out-of-town trip and that activity was one of the most significant travel experiences of the vacation. Now, cuisine-focused adventures offered by travel agencies are making menus much more than a souvenir.

"With interest in local cuisines growing thanks to the success of popular television shows like the Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, gastronomic adventures are overtaking itineraries among gourmets and casual diners alike," said travel service company Amadeus in a recent newsletter.

Noting trending travel requests and getting the information out to travel agencies who want to be prepared with their offerings, Amadeus sent along information about a variety of food-oriented travel packages.

Taste-full tours
Travel agencies are creating itineraries that include tours of wineries, food and wine events, festivals, cooking classes, cruises with guest chefs and more so travelers can experience the unique flavor of a particular geographic region or city.

Learn to cook on a cruise
On cruise lines, dining has always been a big part of the experience. Now, many lines have gone beyond buffets to offer culinary-themed voyages. Holland America's Culinary Arts Center and Oceania Cruises' Bon Appetit Culinary Center are floating cooking schools where passengers get up-close and personal instruction from chefs on the ship.

Continue reading Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures

Eat while traveling on cuisine-focused adventures originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A museum of microcars in Germany

Before the automobile industry developed cars capable of going 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, there were the microcars. In the 1950s and 1960s, several European countries, in particular West Germany, manufactured cheap, zippy microcars that were one step up on the evolutionary chain from motor scooters. Most of these models are long gone today, save for those hiding in the garages and warehouses of avid car collectors.

One such collector is Stefan Voit, a German car enthusiast who has spent two decades assembling a stash of more than 50 microcars. Voit recently opened the Kleinwagen and Rollersammlung Museum (Microcar and Motor Scooter Museum) in his hometown of St. Ingbert, Germany, and it is filled with small vintage cars from Germany, Italy, France, and other European countries.

On display are a "cemetery of car brands," including the NSU Fiat Prinz, the Goggomobil, a Bond Minicar, and a Messerschmitt Cabin Scooter. There is a microcar with a plastic chassis (Spatz), a tiny, royal blue BMW Isetta with an equally tiny camper, and the world's first car built with its engine in the center of the car (Zündapp Janus). Sharing the exhibition space with the candy-colored vintage cars are more than a dozen motor scooters, Vespas and the like, that provide a bit of perspective to the progression of wheeled vehicles in the mid-20th century.

St. Ingbert is located about 12 miles outside of the city of Saarbrücken in southwestern Germany. Admission to the Microcar Museum is available via written request at oldtimercamping.de.

Photo (C) Stefan Voit

A museum of microcars in Germany originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Street Aesthetic of Berlin from Christian Andersen on Vimeo.

If you have ever wondered what the general Berlin street aesthetic is like, filmmaker Christian Andersen wants to show you. Sun rays, busy street corners, gliding boats, quick-moving trains, urban street art, and the city's lights at night all make appearances in this visceral video--among other Berlin staples, of course. Although I have never been to Berlin, I have been considering moving there for a short period of time based entirely off of the lovely things I have heard from trusted sources and the ever-deepening well of beautiful footage taken in the city, like this video, available online. Have you been to or lived in Berlin? Are you there right now? Do you feel like this Andersen's work with this piece adequately captures the Berlin street aesthetic in under two minutes?

Continue reading Video: Berlin street aesthetic

Video: Berlin street aesthetic originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>berlinberlin at nightberlin cityberlin footageberlin germanyberlin lifeberlin nightlifeberlin streetBerlin street aestheticberlin videoberlin videosBerlinAtNightBerlinCityBerlinFootageBerlinGermanyBerlinLifeBerlinNightlifeBerlinStreetBerlinStreetAestheticBerlinVideoBerlinVideoschristian andersenChristianAndersengermanyvideo of berlinVideoOfBerlinvideos of berlinVideosOfBerlinvimeoFri, 06 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum of European Cultures reopens in Berlin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/museum-of-european-cultures-reopens-in-berlin/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/museum-of-european-cultures-reopens-in-berlin/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/27/museum-of-european-cultures-reopens-in-berlin/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Berlin, PerchtenThe Museum of European Cultures has reopened after a two-year renovation.

Located in Berlin, this museum focuses on the life of the common people of old Europe. While most museums focus on the famous accomplishments of the elite, this one looks at the everyday lives and traditions of regular people so often forgotten by the history books. Folklore museums can be found all over Europe and make for fascinating visits. With a collection of some 27,000 objects, the Museum of European Cultures is one of the largest.

The latest temporary exhibition is of the paintings of Wilhelm Kiesewetter, who traveled across Europe 150 years ago to paint the traditional costumes and lives of various ethnic groups. There's also a study collection of old toys.

While many of the costumes and artifacts on display are now only museum pieces, some traditions have survived. One of the stranger ones takes place in the Alps over the Christmas season-the Perchten processions. Perchta is an old pagan goddess who was never quite suppressed by Christianity. She can appear as a beautiful maiden or an old crone and has single huge swan's foot. She roams the countryside during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany, checking to see if children and servants had been good and done their work. The good ones are rewarded with a silver coin in their shoe, while the bad ones get gutted and stuffed with straw.

Her entourage, called Perchten, includes glittering animal figures that bring luck and ugly critters like this one to scare away evil spirits.


Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

Museum of European Cultures reopens in Berlin originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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