Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Museum Junkie: Oxford's Ashmolean reopens today]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/07/museum-junkie-oxfords-ashmolean-reopens-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The long wait is finally over for the grand reopening of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology.

After being partially or completely closed for the past three years, the museum's vast collection is finally open to the public again, with twice the exhibition space it once had.

The Ashmolean is the oldest public museum in the world, having opened in 1683, and while there have been a lot of changes over the years, none have been as big as this £61 million ($101 million) project. The expansion includes four temporary exhibition galleries so the Ashmolean can host blockbuster traveling shows, something it couldn't do with its previous space.

The permanent collection has gone through some major changes too. More of it is on display now, of course, but also the style of the displays has been revamped with the new idea of Crossing Cultures Crossing Time, which allows visitors to see how civilizations developed as parts of an interrelated world culture. This is an an improvement over the old-style way of displaying civilizations as separate entities when in reality they influenced one another on many levels. It also echoes the global perspective that Oxford's other world-class museum, the Pitt-Rivers, brings to its own collection.

The museum is best known for its collections of Anglo-Saxon, predynastic Egyptian, Asian, and Renaissance art and artifacts, but has a good sampling of treasures from just about every period and culture, everything from crocodile mummies to medieval beer mugs. Museum junkies will not want to miss the new Ashmolean.

If the pictures in the gallery below aren't enough for you, check out this collection of photos by yours truly and Mrs. yours truly.

Gallery: Treasures of the new Ashmolean

Cycladic figurine, c. 2500 BCDeath mask of Oliver Cromwell, 1658Ceramic Chinese horse, mid 8th centuryGreek tetradrachm of Lysimachus, 280 BC

Museum Junkie: Oxford's Ashmolean reopens today originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaeologyarcheologyarchitectureartenglandmuseummuseumsoxfordoxfordshireSat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trekking Tajikistan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/trekking-tajikistan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The mountain countries of Central Asia have been a bit of a hidden gem for adventure travel in recent years. While the vast majority of people can't find Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan on the map as of yet, the more adventurous travelers have begun to hear tales of rugged, remote mountain trails that weave their way through mostly unspoiled backcountry with some of the most stunning views on the planet.

That's exactly what London Times reporter Caroline Eden found when she traveled through the High Pamir mountains of Tajikistan recently. She wrote about her experiences trekking amongst the 7000 meter peaks of the Geisev Valley, describing crystal clear mountain lakes, wide open skies, and tiny, remote villages populated by friendly, hospitable people. Best of all, the country has few tourists, which meant she often had the trails to herself, and many of her nights were spent staying with locals, which gave her a very personal glimpse into their daily lives.

The travel experience in Tajikistan has a lot to offer on the cultural and historical level as well. The former Soviet satellite has long been a crossroads for trade between the East and West, with major routes along the Silk Road passing through the country. Islam is the predominant religion now, but there are elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and even Zoroastrianism, each having an impact on the people that live there.

While that culture and history is interesting however, the big draw for the country is what it has to offer adventure travelers. Aside from the amazing trekking, there is plenty of rock climbing, horse and camel riding, and backpacking to keep you occupied for week, and mountaineers are also discovering the challenge of the "three giants" of the Pamirs, namely Peak Somoni, Peak Lenin and Peak Korzhenevskaya, which have earned there place amongst the top alpine climbing destinations in the region.

Trekking Tajikistan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelcampingcentral asiaCentralAsiahikingtrekkingThu, 05 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: Grenada moves on past Hurricane Ivan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/the-spice-isle-moving-on-past-hurricane-ivan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/the-spice-isle-moving-on-past-hurricane-ivan/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/05/the-spice-isle-moving-on-past-hurricane-ivan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


I didn't know a lot about Grenada before visiting recently, but one name was familiar to me: Ivan -- the hurricane that came through with force in 2004. So once I got there, I wanted to find out two things: what's it like during a hurricane? And how does the country look now, five years later?

You first have to realize -- the hurricane was a fluke. The reason some residents were actually excited to see a hurricane in person was because hurricanes come so infrequently and Ivan would be their first. (The previous one was Janet in 1955.) Located 12 degrees above the equator, in the southeast part of the Caribbean, Grenada sits outside the hurricane belt.

By all accounts from the stories I heard, "Ivan the Terrible" was a rager. News had been as moody and unreliable as the hurricane itself - first saying that it was coming, then saying it wasn't - before Ivan struck soon after. Winds blew 130 mph strong, making it a category 3 storm, as it made its way to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Florida. 28 people in Grenada were killed, 18,000 people were homeless, and 90% of the buildings were damaged and 30% were destroyed.

All important things to realize. But even more, from what I've seen and heard, Grenada should be known for overcoming these things as much as enduring them.

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Grenada moves on past Hurricane Ivan

The Spice Isle: Grenada moves on past Hurricane Ivan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>constructiondamageGrand Etang National ParkGrandEtangNationalParkHurricane IvanHurricaneIvanrain forestRainForestrebuildingspiceislestormThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is the best day of the week, in my opinion: You're in a midweek groove, but the weekend is in sight. That's a perfect metaphor for how I'm feeling this week in life, too. I'm past the midpoint of many things in life, but the end is nigh! We have a whole lot of great travel reads to be thankful for as well, so let's get started.

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureair safetyAirSafetygadlinkspilotssushiworld heritageWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The <em>real</em> problem with dying languages]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/the-real-problem-with-dying-languages/#commentsFiled under: ,

When the last speaker of the Sechelt language, a tongue spoken by fewer than 40 people in southwestern British Columbia, eventually dies, an entire language will perish too. But, linguist John McWhorter wonders, so what?

In his recent article in World Affairs, McWhorter explores the phenomenon of dying languages and asks what we really lose when a language goes extinct. "The main loss when a language dies," McWhorter argues, "is not cultural but aesthetic. The click sounds in certain African languages are magnificent to hear. In many Amazonian languages, when you say something you have to specify, with a suffix, where you got the information. The Ket language of Siberia is so awesomely irregular as to seem a work of art."

Continue reading The real problem with dying languages

The real problem with dying languages originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get out and go: Events around the world (November 3-9)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-4-9/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Here's a travel factoid for the day: It was 106 years ago today that Panama proclaimed its independence from Colombia. Apparently, today in Panama, which they call "Separation Day," even the bars are closed.

It's time to look at the festivals and events happening around the world, and this week has a particularly international selection of happenings. If you're close and have time, then you have no excuse to get out and go!
  • Japan - Bunka No Hi (Culture Day) is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academic endeavour. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars.
  • Helsinki - The Kettupaivat Short Film Festival begins Wednesday, November 4, and continues until November 7.
  • British Columbia - Whistler's 13th annual art event, ARTrageous, takes place this Thursday, November 5, and features live art, roving performers and a live dance band.
  • New South Wales - The Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival will today take place this weekend, from Saturday, November 7 to Sunday, November 8 in New South Wales.
  • London - The World Travel Market 2009 will take place at the ExCel London from Monday, November 9 through Thursday, November 12. This travel expo enables businesses to network with each other and learn about the travel industry's latest innovations.
If you make it to one of these events, let us know how it was, or if you know of an event that's coming up, please let us know and we'll be sure to include it in the next "Get out and go" round-up.

Get out and go: Events around the world (November 3-9) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbeerbritish columbiaBritishColumbiacultureeventsfestivalsfilmget out and goGetOutAndGohelsinkijapanlondonwhistlerTue, 03 Nov 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


You wouldn't know it from the abundance of nutmeg in shops, but Grenada's production of the spice stopped five years ago. And it'll continue to be at a halt for another five years. Why? Because of Hurricane Ivan. 82% of the island's nutmeg trees were destroyed by the 2004 hurricane.

But amazingly enough, there's still plenty of nutmeg there.

On my recent trip to Grenada, I found it everywhere -- mostly whole (as large seeds) and ground. But at any market, you'll also find it as jelly and jam, as essence and oil, as syrup for ice cream, as a sugary candy (oddly named "nutmeg cheese"), and in everything else from ice cream to coffee. Buy one of the island's rum drinks from the bar, and you'll always get a finishing touch of grated nutmeg on top. It even has medicinal purposes -- Nut-Med comes as a lotion or spray to relieve pain in muscles and joints.

Is it just me, or does it seem to make everything happy, like egg nog during the holidays?

Actually, it may be scientifically proven. It's been said that if you get a big enough whiff of the fresh spice, you'll get a type of addictive high.

Gallery: Dougaldston Spice Boucan, Grenada

Dougaldston Spice Boucan, GrenadaCacao podCocoa beansCocoa fermentationDrying cocoa beans

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada

The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agricultureCaribbeanDougladston Spice BoucanDougladstonSpiceBoucanGrand EtangGrandEtangHurricane IvanHurricaneIvanIsle of SpiceIsleOfSpicemaceNut-MedNutmegrumspicespiceisleTue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos!]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/bowermasters-adventures-welcome-to-the-galapagos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Often by the time the mainstream media runs big stories about an environmental battle it's often too late. I've seen it up-close dozens of times during the past couple decades and have reported so many David-versus-Goliath stories - usually positing good-hearted indigenous peoples and international environmental groups against greedy, monolithic utility companies and strong-arming government agents - that the stories have almost become fill-in-the-blanks. (Just change the name of the indigenous tribe, the utility company and the country and the story - and outcome - are usually very similar.)
Yet despite ominous recent headlines in the Wall Street Journal ("Galapagos Under Siege"), the Times ("Can Darwin's Lab Survive Success?") and UK's Independent ("Tourism, Over-Population and Overfishing Have Become the Blight of the Galapagos"), I happen to believe that the Ecuadorian archipelago will survive (even if more and more of its endemic creatures may not) and flourish. In some respects, as the standard bearer for the planet's evolutionary history, it simply must. As Alex Hearn, a marine biologist with the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz Island told us about the Galapagos future, "if we can't get it right here, where can we?" A microcosm of the planet's wildlife, if the Galapagos loses its wildness it will feel like the end is near for the rest of our wild places.

Continue reading Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos!

Bowermaster's Adventures -- Welcome to the Galapagos! originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowermasterbowermastersadventuresecuadorgalapagosgalapagos islandsGalapagosIslandsjon bowermasterJonBowermasterTue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/02/first-map-to-name-america-goes-on-display-at-library-of-congress/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Visitors to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., have a rare opportunity to see the first map that used the name "America" for the New World.

The Library has the only surviving copy of the famous Waldseemüller map, created in 1507 by Martin Waldseemüller, a German cartographer living in France. The map was a major departure from earlier maps in that it relied less on the received wisdom of Classical geographers like Ptolemy and more on reports by the many explorers of the time.

Waldseemüller studied reports by Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci and decided Columbus was wrong in thinking he had reached India. Waldseemüller favored Vespucci's theory that the lands they were exploring on the other side of the Atlantic were actually part of a previously unknown continent. Waldseemüller rewarded Vespucci by naming the continent after him. America is the feminized Latin form of Vespucci's first name. All other continents had Latin feminine names, so it fit.

The map is not only correct about the New World, but also portrays other parts of the globe far more accurately than other maps of the time. It's a fine work of art too, with detailed depictions of terrain and portraits of Ptolemy and Vespucci.

Continue reading First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress

First map to name America goes on display at Library of Congress originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartographycolumbusexplorationgps-daylibrary of congressLibraryOfCongressmapmappingmapsmuseummuseumsvespucciwashington dcWashingtonDcMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Museum Junkie: Manga and Moctezuma at the British Museum]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/31/museum-junkie-manga-and-moctezuma-at-the-british-museum/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Trust the British Museum to have two completely different but totally cool special exhibitions at the same time.

There's still time to catch Moctezuma: Aztec Ruler, a dazzling collection of art from one of Mesoamerica's greatest civilizations. It focuses on the reign of Moctezuma II (1502-1520), who died at the hands of the Spanish conquistadores. He ruled over a large, complex civilization from his capital at Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City. While generally known for their bloodthirstiness, the Mexica, as they called themselves, were accomplished architects, administrators, and artists, creating vast cities and delicate carvings. This show closes January 24, and it's advisable to book tickets well in advance.

Another interesting show is just starting. Manga: Professor Munakata's Museum Adventure showcases a series of Japanese manga cartoons featuring leading manga artist Hoshino Yukinobu's most popular character exploring the British Museum, along with other adventures by the professor. There will also be a special "manga coffee shop" area where visitors can sit and leaf through a selection of manga books. The show runs from November 5 to January 3.

So if you're passing through London make some time for the British Museum. There's plenty more than just mummies, although those are amazing too.

Gallery: Moctezuma and Manga

Aztec artProfessor Manukata studies the Rosetta StoneProfessor Manukata explores more treasure of the British Museum

Museum Junkie: Manga and Moctezuma at the British Museum originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aztecaztecsbritish museumBritishMuseumenglandlondonmangamuseummuseumsSat, 31 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 10.30.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/gadlinks-for-friday-10-30-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I find costumes scary and Halloween night even scarier. I may love to travel, but on this particular evening there's no better place than the comfort of my living room. For those of you who are a bit more brave and eager to set out into the spooky evening donning a custom costume, have a ghoulish time! But for the others, like myself, who prefer to stay home, I invite you to read these Halloween-themed travel reads.

'Til Monday, enjoy the last of October!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 10.30.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlesgadlinksgraveyardsgreen halloweenhalloweenhorrorhotelsFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Met returns stolen Egyptian art]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/met-returns-stolen-egyptian-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced this week that it will return a fragment of Egyptian sculpture to its homeland. Unlike the bust of Nefertiti or the recently returned frescoes that the Louvre gave up, the Egyptians weren't calling for its return for months or years. In fact, the Met bought the item from a collector with the specific intent of repatriating it.

The move is being seen as an olive branch offered by the Met's new director Thomas Campbell, and another victory for Egyptian head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, who's been getting tough with museums who own stolen Egyptian artifacts.

The artifact is a fragment of a naos, a shrine in the holy of holies of an Egyptian temple. It was dedicated to the 12th dynasty pharaoh Amenemhat I, who ruled from 1991 to 1962 BC, and was taken from a temple at Karnak, shown here.

History and art buffs face huge temptation when they enter an antiquities shop. Beautiful works of art and evocative everyday items from ancient civilizations are available for purchase, but this history and art buff has always resisted temptation. Much of what you see is either fake or stolen (witness the large numbers of Iraqi and Afghani artifacts on sale these past few years) and purchasing them encourages the destruction of irreplaceable archaeological sites by artifact hunters.

Once in Palmyra, Syria, a guy tried to sell me some "Roman" coins made of aluminum! Unfortunately the fakes are not always so easy to detect, as there's a major worldwide industry making new things look old. Even if they are real artifacts, there's a good chance they were stolen sometime in the past.

So congratulations to the Met and Dr. Hawass for a job well done. It's a shame the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities is such a mess, but Dr. Hawass is working on fixing that too.

Photo courtesy of mikescrivener from the Gadling Flickr pool. Check out his really cool series from Egypt here.

Met returns stolen Egyptian art originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient egyptAncientEgyptantiquitiesarchaeologyarcheologyartifactsegyptianmetropolitan museum of artMetropolitanMuseumOfArtFri, 30 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cycling the Silk Road]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/cycling-the-silk-road/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/cycling-the-silk-road/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/cycling-the-silk-road/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Cycling tours have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially amongst adventure travelers who are looking to explore the world from the seat of their bikes. One of the leaders in organizing these kinds of adventure cycling trips has always been Tour d'Afrique Ltd, the creative minds behind such epic rides as their namesake Tour d'Afrique and the Vuelta Sudamericana. The company has even launched a website called DreamTours that allows us to design and plan our own cycling adventures, leaving all the logistics to their travel experts.

As if that wasn't enough to keep us happily peddling our way around the globe, the Tour d'Afrique team is busily preparing for another long distance ride for 2010 that will cover the entire Silk Road, starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Xi'an, China. The ride will cover more than 6650 miles over 16 weeks time, crossing through Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as riders follow one of the most famous and important trade routes of all time, a route that was also explored by such historical figures as Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, and Genghis Khan.

Some of the highlights of the journey will include passing through an amazing variety of landscapes, from including snow capped mountains and desolate open plains. Travelers will get the opportunity to camp below sea level in the arid deserts of the Xinjiang Province in western China, while also ascending to dizzying heights as they climb along the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan, which rises well above 15,000 feet, offering a challenge for both the heart and the legs. The ancient cities of Samarqand, Bukhara, and Merv will be stops along the way as well, offering refuge from the road and a chance to explore marketplaces that have been bustling with shoppers for centuries.

Continue reading Cycling the Silk Road

Cycling the Silk Road originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure cyclingadventure traveladventure-travelAdventureCyclingAdventureTravelcyclingsilk roadsilk road toursSilkRoadSilkRoadToursFri, 30 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Edgar Allan Poe travel for Halloween weekend]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/edgar-allan-poe-travel-for-halloween-weekend/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/edgar-allan-poe-travel-for-halloween-weekend/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/edgar-allan-poe-travel-for-halloween-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Even though Edgar Allan Poe's funeral do-over in Baltimore was a couple weeks ago, there are several locations where it's not too late to pay tribute to this literary master of horror. Poe, a traveler himself, moved between Boston, Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia and Baltimore, plus a few towns in between. Because several of the Poe-related landmarks still exist, it's possible to follow his trail from his birth to his death.

Given that this is the 200th year of his birth, why not pay Poe tribute by heading to one of these locations for a Halloween weekend remembrance?

Bring a copy of his short stories or poems with you to add to the ambiance. Make sure "The Raven" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" are among them: some of the stops are where they were written.

Continue reading Edgar Allan Poe travel for Halloween weekend

Edgar Allan Poe travel for Halloween weekend originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american writersAmericanWritersEdgar Allan House and museumEdgar Allan PoeEdgar Allan Poe National Historic SiteEdgar Allan Poes birthplaceEdgarAllanHouseAndMuseumEdgarAllanPoeEdgarAllanPoeNationalHistoricSiteEdgarAllanPoesBirthplaceFort IndependenceFortIndependencegothicNevermore2009Poes deathPoes gravePoesDeathPoesGraveThe RavenTheRavenThu, 29 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ship graveyards from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/ship-graveyards-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/ship-graveyards-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/ship-graveyards-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Eco-friendly website Environmental Graffiti has an interesting story on their site today that details some of the top cargo ship graveyards from around the world. The article also includes some amazing photos of the rusted out shells of former cargo and cruise ships that have been left to rot in a variety of sun baked locations.

All told, there are five graveyards on the list, including the infamous Skeleton Coast in Namibia, as well as a others along the Aral and Red Seas, the Sahara, and off the coast of Greece. Most of these dumping grounds are desolate, remote deserts that remain uninhabited and mostly unvisited altogether. This, of course, makes them perfect places to deposit these obsolete vessels, but one can't help but wonder what kind of environmental disasters we've created in these places.

Reading about these ship graveyards is sobering to say the least, but it is the excellent photographs that really delivers the story. Seeing these once proud vessels reduced to dilapidated shells left to wither away slowly is kind of sad, and you can't help but wonder what kind of interesting stories some of these ships have to tell. Looking at them now, it is difficult to think that at one time they roamed the seas, delivering cargo and passengers to exotic locations around the globe. This is kind of an ignoble end to their tours of duty.

Ship graveyards from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco friendlyeco-friendlyEcoFriendlyenvironmentenvironmentalenvironmentallyfriendlysaharasahara desertSaharaDesertship wreckShipWreckskeleton coastSkeletonCoastWed, 28 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Istanbul's hammams becoming more popular]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/istanbuls-hammams-get-makeover/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/istanbuls-hammams-get-makeover/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/28/istanbuls-hammams-get-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In Ottoman times they were the daily ritual of the wealthy and middle class. Hammams were a place to unwind and socialize while getting clean. But in the twentieth century with the rise of internal plumbing and changing attitudes, the traditional hammam declined. Many decayed or were converted to other uses.

Now hammams are becoming popular again. Turks are once again interested in their Ottoman past, and with the recent death of the last heir to the Ottoman throne, that nostalgia will probably increase. Cagaloglu, built in Istanbul in 1741, is on sale for $16 million. Another one in Istanbul's Aya Kepi neighborhood, dating to the 16th century and built by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan, is on sale cheap for $3 million, but needs extensive remodeling. At the moment it's being used to store lumber! Hopefully someone will buy this historic building and reopen it as a hammam. There's also been a spate of new building, with hammams appearing in shopping malls and hotels.

While the big historic ones in Istanbul are impressive, going to a small-town hammam in Cappadocia was one of the more memorable experiences of my month in Turkey. It was so small, in fact, that they didn't have separate men's and women's sections. Men and women went on different days. The smaller crowd made the whole experience more relaxing and the tellak (masseur) sure knew his business. As I lay on a warm stone bench he squashed me into the rock, kneading my muscles until tension fled in terror. The best feeling was when he stopped! It was only then that I realized how relaxed I was.

Lounging around a hammam is a great way to spend a couple of hours. So if you're headed to Turkey, try a hammam. The small-town ones are more sedate and less expensive, but the big popular ones in Istanbul need support too.

Istanbul's hammams becoming more popular originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hammamhammamsistanbulottomanOttoman architectureottoman empireOttomanArchitectureOttomanEmpireturkish bathturkish bathsTurkishBathTurkishBathsWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get out and go: Events around the world (October 28-31)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-october-28-november-1/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-october-28-november-1/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/27/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-october-28-november-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's time to look at the festivals and events happening around the world, and this week has a particularly spooky selection of happenings. It is Halloween weekend after all. If you're close and have time, then you have no excuse to get out and go!
  • Denmark - Since the first Music Harvest in 1985, the festival has presented contemporary music from the USA, Russia, Britain, Germany, Hungary, Finland, Poland, Lithuania and the Baltic countries, as well as from Denmark. The event takes place in Odense. It begins Wednesday, October 28 and will continue until November 7.
  • Cambodia - Coronation Day a major religious holiday all over Cambodia and commemorates King Norodom Sihamoni's Coronation. This event takes place this Thursday, October 29th.
  • Ottawa - One World Film Festival is a platform for filmmakers and the public to exchange ideas and information about issues of social justice, human rights and the environment. The event begins Thursday October 29 and continues until October 30.
  • Hong Kong - Wine and Dine Festival is part of the a range of food and wine events in Hong Kong. The event begins this Friday, October 30 and continues until November 1.
  • Las Vegas - The Professional Bull Riders Finals take place this Friday, October 30 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The event is followed by the National Rodeo Finals later in the year and will continue until November 8.
  • Transylvania - Halloween in Transylvania is a special event that will be held this Saturday, October 31,. The festival includes tours, shows and celebrations that follow the footsteps of Bram Stoker's novel character, Count Dracula.
If you make it to one of these events, let us know how it was. If you know of an even that's coming up, please let us here at Gadling know and we'll be sure to include it in the next "Get out and go" round-up.

'Til next week, have a great Halloween weekend.

Get out and go: Events around the world (October 28-31) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambodiadenmarkdraculaeventsfestivalsget out and gohalloweenlas vegastransylvaniaTue, 27 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vintage candy making in Maine]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/vintage-candy-making-in-maine/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/vintage-candy-making-in-maine/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/vintage-candy-making-in-maine/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ever since 1915, Haven's Candies has been making hand-crafted candy in a traditional way, much like the company's founder Herbert Haven and his wife did when they first started making candy in their kitchen. They sold their confections from the parlor of their house on Forest Avenue in Portland, Maine.

Now there are three Haven's Candies locations. The company's flagship candy making facility, that includes a retail and wholesale store, is in Westbrook, Maine. Other retail locations are in Portland and Scarborough.

If you've ever wondered how candy is made the old fashioned way, this video clip of Haven's Candies covers it. From peanut butter cups to coconut haystacks to candy canes, it's all here. By the end, you'll have a sweet tooth craving.

It is possible to see Haven's Candies being made in person. There is an open house at the candy factory every year on Columbus Day. Guided tours are also available at other times. Plus, the candy making area of the Westbrook location has glass windows. When the store is open you can watch the candy production.

Vintage candy making in Maine originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candychocolatefactory toursFactoryToursfamily travelFamilyTravelHavens CandiesHavensCandiesMaine chocolateMaineChocolatePortland MainePortlandMainevintageamericaMon, 26 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten vintage carousels with a romance side]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/ten-vintage-carousels-with-a-romance-side/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/ten-vintage-carousels-with-a-romance-side/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/ten-vintage-carousels-with-a-romance-side/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What is it about painted horses that follow each other around and around in a circle that's so compelling? Ever since carousels first became part of New York's Coney Island boardwalk scene in 1886, their appeal hasn't waned. Head to almost any amusement park, carnival, zoo, fair, or boardwalk and you'll find one. Many are the centerpiece of a public park or a downtown looking to attract travelers.

Perhaps part of their appeal is because so many people have childhood memories of a carousel ride. My earliest carousel memory is of the one that used to be at the Coney Island outside Cincinnati. That one was moved to Kings Island when that park first opened.

There's also the user-friendly aspect. A carousel is the one ride that everyone can climb aboard. From babies to grandparents, to dating couples and all ages in between, no one looks out of place when sitting on a wooden horse carved to look like it's prancing or galloping.

Another appeal may be the way carousels test the push and pull between children and adults. First, there are those years when the child sits on a horse with the parent or caregiver firmly holding the child in place. Then, as both become braver as the child grows, the adult is at the other side of the rail--waiting, watching for and waving over and over again as the child disappears and reappears around the corner again and again. A carousel ride is one of the first tests of independent travel. It's the proof that if one goes out into the world, he or she will come back, and that the people who love us will be smiling at the door with outstretched arms to say welcome home.

Because their appeal has not diminished over the years, many vintage carousels still exist. Here are ten that are perfect for reliving a childhood memory. Each have a romance side.

Continue reading Ten vintage carousels with a romance side

Ten vintage carousels with a romance side originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amuseument parksAmuseumentParksBB CarouselBbCarouselBushnell Park CarouselBushnellParkCarouselcarouselsCasino PierCasinoPierCentral Park CarouselCentralParkCarouselConey IslandConeyIslandDentzel CarouselDentzelCarouselEcho ParkEchoParkFall River CarouselFallRiverCarouselKings IslandKingsIslandOak Bluffs Marthas VineyardOakBluffsMarthasVineyardvintage carouselsVintageamericaVintageCarouselsMon, 26 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Classic West Virginia Resort Returns to its Roots]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/a-classic-west-virginia-resort-returns-to-its-roots/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/a-classic-west-virginia-resort-returns-to-its-roots/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/26/a-classic-west-virginia-resort-returns-to-its-roots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Once commonplace in society, the ultra-luxurious retreats of the South were in abundance and served as the ultimate vacation spot for the well-to-do. Often found in off-the-beaten-track locales, such as sprawling alongside a private beach or set atop a lonely mountaintop, these lavish resorts served as private escapes for a variety of distinguished guests, from Presidents to wealthy businessmen.

Today, many of these bastions of lavishness live on, and in spite of a hefty economic downturn, have not only managed to stay in operation, but continue to offer their trademark impeccable service to those who can afford their hefty price tags.

Recently, one of the more notable resorts, The Greenbrier, has returned to the hands of its home state, West Virginia, after being purchased by West Virginia businessman, Jim Justice in May of this year, essentially rescuing the landmark from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Originally owned by CSX Corporation and about to fall into the hands of hotel giant Marriott International, Justice, a Marshall University graduate and former CEO of Bluestone Coal Corporation, says he is committed to, "bringing back the treasure".

Continue reading A Classic West Virginia Resort Returns to its Roots

A Classic West Virginia Resort Returns to its Roots originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casinogreenbrierhotelresortsrestaurantsvintageamericawest virginiaWestVirginiaMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST