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[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.

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Photo of the day
Most of our favorite travel memories are from summer: school's out and the days are long, you can hit the beach, sit in a park, or people-watch at a sidewalk cafe. Spring and fall are great shoulder seasons for lower prices and fewer crowds, but winter tends to be underappreciated for travel. Outside of visiting family for holidays, winter travelers generally head to the ski slopes or Caribbean islands to escape the cold. But winter can be a lovely time to travel, whether you are enjoying the museums and bathhouses of Moscow or taking a country walk through the snow in an English village. Today's Photo of the Day by Flickr user Kumukulanui is from St. Ann's Well and Cafe above the spa town of Great Malvern, England. The snow outside makes it even more picturesque, inviting you to get cozy inside with a hot cup of tea and savor the long nights of winter.

Add your favorite winter scenes to the Gadling Flickr pool and you might see it in a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Getting cozy in the snow originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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

Local meals

Banku with tilapia

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaafrican foodAfricanFoodbankubudget travelBudgetTravelfood in ghanaFoodInGhanafufughanakenkeyred redRedRedrice waterRiceWaterFri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[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[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<![CDATA[A photo tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Brazil]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/a-photo-tour-of-the-unesco-world-heritage-sites-of-brazil/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/a-photo-tour-of-the-unesco-world-heritage-sites-of-brazil/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/a-photo-tour-of-the-unesco-world-heritage-sites-of-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

falls Brazil, a diversely landscaped and picturesque country in South America, is the home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While beauty isn't necessarily a requirement for being added to the list, you will see in the gallery below that many times these sites are absolutely breathtaking.

While not every UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brazil is on the list, you will be able to explore:
  • Brasilia- This capital city was created in 1956 and was planned in such a way that every element of the city is constructed in a harmonious design.
  • Brazilian Atlantic Island: Fernando de Noronha- This island features more tropical seabirds than anywhere else in the Western Atlantic and its waters are an important breeding place for various marine mammals, tuna, sharks, and turtles.
  • Central Amazon Conservation Complex 1- This is one of the most bountiful places on Earth in terms of biodiversity and is also the biggest protected area in the Amazon Basin.
  • Cerrado Protected Area: Chapada dos Veadeiros- This site plays an important role in preserving the biodiversity of one of the oldest and most unique topical ecosystems, the Cerrado.
  • Historic Centre of Salvador de Bahia-This was actually the original capital of Brazil from 1549 to 1763 and was also the first slave market in the New World.
  • Historic Centre of the Town of Diamantina- This colonial village sits in the midst of rocky mountains and blends into its untamed landscape. Another reason for addition into the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, according to the official website, is because "explorers of the Brazilian territory, diamond prospectors, and representatives of the Crown were able to adapt European models to an American context in the 18th century, thus creating a culture that was faithful to its roots yet completely original".
  • Historic Town of Ouro Preto- This town was founded in the 17th century and was a major focus during the gold rush and 18th century golden age. Today, much of the cities past still remains through its architecture.
  • Iguaçu National Park- Here you will find one of the most picturesque and astonishing waterfalls in the world. The area also features many "rare and endangered species of flora and fauna".
  • Pantanal Conservation Area- This site features four protected areas, myriad wild animals and diverse flora, and one of the biggest freshwater wetland ecosystems on Earth.
[flickr photo via markg6]

Gallery: UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Brazil

Where the Amazon and Tapajo Rivers MeetThe Amazon RainforestBruno Giorgi Warriors in BrasiliaMetropolitan Cathedral in Brasilia

A photo tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Brazil originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbrasilbrazilecotourismsouth americaSouthAmericaunesco world heritage sitesUnescoWorldHeritageSitesSat, 28 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Abandoned Austin: photos of neglected structures in the city of Austin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/abandoned-austin-photos-of-neglected-structures-in-the-city-of/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/abandoned-austin-photos-of-neglected-structures-in-the-city-of/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/abandoned-austin-photos-of-neglected-structures-in-the-city-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Life might sway to a slower beat in the South, but, compared to other cities in the United States, Austin, Texas' growth over the span of the last decade or so hasn't been slow at all. Steady job growth and population growth have worked together in Austin to create a sort of surreal union between urbanity and rurality. A succinct but steadfast downtown area in Austin is only a couple of miles away from artists' communities developing on the outskirts of town. These communities are budding and blossoming a short bike ride away from the city's center, but these communities, like East Austin, are still rural enough that you'll find chickens roaming the streets and newly-converted living and work spaces being created from has-been barns. This is usually the way these things work.

Artists seeking more affordable housing in New York sought Brooklyn and found homes in vacant factories--vacant anything, really. With dilapidating real estate, supply often meets demand in communities that are attractive for one reason or another to creative thinkers--innovators. It takes a visionary to see the worthwhile in what's been neglected, and Austin seems to have plenty of visionaries. Upon close inspection, Austin's framework is still falling apart at the seams in some places. It's a safe bet that these abandoned and broken-down buildings will be renovated or replaced in due time, but for now, during an economic shift like the one taking place is Austin, these boarded up buildings belonging to abandoned Austin represent the transition of a city to me.

Gallery: Abandoned Austin

Abandoned houseAbandoned HouseAbandoned SpaceAbandoned SpaceAbandoned Space

Continue reading Abandoned Austin: photos of neglected structures in the city of Austin

Abandoned Austin: photos of neglected structures in the city of Austin originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abandonedabandoned austinabandoned buildingsabandoned buildings in austinabandoned in austinAbandonedAustinAbandonedBuildingsAbandonedBuildingsInAustinAbandonedInAustinaustinaustin texasaustins abandoned buildingsaustins neglected buildingsAustinsAbandonedBuildingsAustinsNeglectedBuildingsAustinTexasneglected buildingsneglected in austinNeglectedBuildingsNeglectedInAustinold buildingsOldBuildingsThu, 26 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World's quirkiest rental home: The Balancing Barn]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/25/worlds-quirkiest-rental-home-the-balancing-barn/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/25/worlds-quirkiest-rental-home-the-balancing-barn/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/25/worlds-quirkiest-rental-home-the-balancing-barn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For travelers who want to have a rustic experience in the English countryside while also experiencing modern innovations, you may want to look into reserving a stay at The Balancing Barn, a unique rental home in Thorington, Suffolk, in England that defies the laws of nature. Created by Netherlands-based architectural firm MVRDV, half of the barn sits precariously over a descending slope with no ground underneath as the house actually shifts and balances. For an immersive experience in the outdoors, guests have the opportunity to literary soar over nature via a swing hanging from the bottom of the structure, just as if they were hanging from a tree. Moreover, the reflective sheet metal covering the structure responds to nature, causing the optical illusion of changing with the seasons.

For more information on how to book and what's included, click here. To get a better idea of the project, check out the video above and the gallery below.

Gallery: The Balancing Barn

The Balancing BarnThe Balancing BarnThe Balancing BarnThe Balancing BarnThe Balancing Barn

World's quirkiest rental home: The Balancing Barn originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>architecturebalancing barnBalancingBarnbritainrental homesRentalHomesunique accommodationUniqueAccommodationvacation homesVacationHomesWed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/exploring-the-diverse-scenery-of-east-java-indonesia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/exploring-the-diverse-scenery-of-east-java-indonesia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/22/exploring-the-diverse-scenery-of-east-java-indonesia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

indonesia The area of East Java in Indonesia is home to beautiful and diverse landscapes that include beaches, volcanoes, mountains, plantations, lakes, natural reserves, and a lot more. There are also many natural, cultural, and adventure activities to partake in, like scuba diving, hiking volcanoes, surfing, witnessing traditional ceremonies, hearing folklore stories, learning the cultivation process of tea, and photographing wild animals like zebras and cheetahs.

To get to East Java you can fly into its capital, Surabaya, via their international airport, Juanda Airport (SUB).

If you'd like to explore East Java from the comfort of your computer chair, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: The diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia

Karanggongso BeachBromo MountainAndung Biru Tea PlantationNglirip WaterfallMandara Giri Temple

Exploring the diverse scenery of East Java, Indonesia originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbeachesbest beaches in indonesiaBestBeachesInIndonesiadivingeast javaEastJavahikingindonesialandscapenational parksNationalParksnatural reservesNaturalReservesphotossacred sitesSacredSitesscuba divingScubaDivingsnorkelingspiritual sitesSpiritualSitessurfingtempleswildlife in indonesiaWildlifeInIndonesiaSun, 22 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the marine life of Madagascar]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/exploring-the-marine-life-of-madagascar/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/exploring-the-marine-life-of-madagascar/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/exploring-the-marine-life-of-madagascar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

madagascar While many people may think of DreamWorks' animal cartoon movie when they hear about Madagascar, there are many reasons the destination warrants a visit in person. The country of Madagascar is actually a large island off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. Because of it's unique location and climate, the area is home to an array of interesting and colorful diving opportunities.

First of all there is Nosy Tanikely Nature Reserve and National Marine Reserve, located on the very small island of Tanikely that has three very different and distinct reefs, each ranging from 5-18 feet in depth. Here you will find marine life like sea turtles and Leopard Sharks. There is also Nosy Be island, which literally means "big island". Dive sites here range from about 15 feet to 150 feet and feature myriad varieties of hard and soft corals as well as underwater animals.

The best time to visit is from the end of March up until the very end of December, as January-March is the rainy season, and February is their Hurricane season. In Madagascar, December is considered to be summer and is very hot, while June and July give the country a very warm (about 79 degrees Fahrenheit) and dry winter, making this the perfect time visibility-wise for scuba diving.

To get an idea of the scuba diving experience in Madagascar for yourself, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Marine life of Madagascar

Hump-Back whale migrationWhale SharkEnormous jellyfishCrocodilefishColorful oyster with shell open

Exploring the marine life of Madagascar originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelecotourismmadagascarscuba divingscuba diving in madagascarScubaDivingScubaDivingInMadagascarFri, 20 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City Silhouettes: reflections create unique skyline images]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/city-silhouettes-reflections-create-unique-skyline-images/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/city-silhouettes-reflections-create-unique-skyline-images/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/20/city-silhouettes-reflections-create-unique-skyline-images/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you have ever been in a city building, preferably a very tall one, you might have looked out the window once. Maybe twice. Maybe more. And if the light was just right, streaming in at just the right angle, you might have caught the reflection of your own face multi-layered with the city skyline beyond. Just the right approach can yield a face-shaped skyline--a skyline image distorted by the body of the onlooker. If you have ever experienced this blissful phenomenon, then you'll like City Silhouettes. British photographer, Jasper James, has perfected his subjects' reflections on glass, against sky-reaching buildings. The images are breathtaking. View them on his website.

Continue reading City Silhouettes: reflections create unique skyline images

City Silhouettes: reflections create unique skyline images originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's something indescribably calming about looking over a body of water at sunrise. Flickr user James Wheeler captures this feeling in today's Photo of the Day, taken at 6 a.m. from an old pier in the West Point Grey district of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The image's quality is partially thanks to Wheeler's Nikon D5000, but the scenery doesn't hurt either.

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: Western skies originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british columbiaBritishColumbiacanadajessica maratiJessicaMaratiphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDaypiersunrisevancouverwaterwest point greyWestPointGreyTue, 17 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The diverse diving destination you probably haven't heard of: Raja Ampat]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/the-diverse-diving-destination-you-probably-havent-heard-of-ra/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/the-diverse-diving-destination-you-probably-havent-heard-of-ra/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/17/the-diverse-diving-destination-you-probably-havent-heard-of-ra/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

raja ampatLocated off the northwest point of the Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia is Raja Ampat, an archipelago full of diverse habitats. The name literally means "Four Kings" and is a great destination for adventure travelers who want to get off-the-beaten path and explore a location with more fish, coral, and invertebrate species than anywhere on the planet.

To experience Raja Ampat, travelers can catch a connecting flight from Jakarta or Bali to Sorong. While Sorong is not actually in Raja Ampat, most Raja Ampat resorts pick up their guests here and transport them to the facilities. If you plan on scuba diving, liveaboard dive boats pick up guests in Sorong and motor them to the dive areas. While Raja Ampat is not typically a tourist destination, it should be as there is a lot do in terms of exploring the waters and marine life, from kayaking and snorkeling to diving and beach combing.

I got the chance to speak with Burt Jones, who has spent the last three years in Raja Ampat doing photography diving tours for Secret Sea Visions and consulting for Conservation International. He explained to me how, while Raja Ampat is full of life and beauty, it is also in need of help, especially because not a lot of people have heard of it.

"If we, as a people, can save any place on the planet, Raja should be high on the priority list," he explains. "It has the highest marine biodiversity of any tropical reef system on the planet, but fewer than 8,000 people visit Raja Ampat yearly. Part of our job [at CI] is to promote tourism within the region so that it will be considered as a viable local income resource. Most Raja Ampat villages profit very little from their land's natural resources: timber, fishing or mineral wealth. And, exploiting these resources damages the environment while sustainable marine tourism promotes environmental protection and directly benefits local people through jobs. In our books, we explain local customs and encourage traveling divers to stop by receptive villages where casual contact can enrich both hosts and visitors."

For more information on diving in Raja Ampat or taking a tour with Secret Sea Visions, click here. And, to get a better idea of just how beautiful Raja Ampat really is, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Raja Ampat

Raja AmpatRaja AmpatRaja AmpatRaja AmpatRaja Ampat

The diverse diving destination you probably haven't heard of: Raja Ampat originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelecotourismindonesiamarine lifeMarineLiferaja ampatRajaAmpatscuba divingScubaDivingsnorkelingTue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best food trucks in New York City]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/the-best-food-trucks-in-new-york-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/the-best-food-trucks-in-new-york-city/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/16/the-best-food-trucks-in-new-york-city/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

best food trucks nyc

In recent years, food trucks have taken over the streets of New York City. But for the casual observer, it can be difficult to distinguish between the good (organic, artisanal, locally-sourced), the bad (hello street meat), and the ugly (any of the cupcake carts in SoHo) when it comes to street food. To help, we've compiled a slideshow of some of our favorite mobile restaurants in NYC. You can thank us later.

Gallery: The best food trucks in New York City

Big Gay Ice Cream TruckBistro TruckCalexicoHalal Guys at 53rd and 6thKing of Falafel

Continue reading The best food trucks in New York City

The best food trucks in New York City originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best food trucks new york citybest food trucks nycBestFoodTrucksNewYorkCityBestFoodTrucksNycbig gay ice cream truckBigGayIceCreamTruckbistro truckBistroTruckbrooklyncalexicofoodfood truckFoodTruckhalal guysHalalGuysjamaican dutchyJamaicanDutchyking of falafelKingOfFalafelkorilla bbqKorillaBbqmanhattannew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityny dosasNyDosasred hook lobster truckRedHookLobsterTrucksolber pupusasSolberPupusasstreet foodstreet meatStreetFoodStreetMeatunited statesUnitedStatesvan leeuwenVanLeeuwenwafels and dingesWafelsAndDingesMon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best national parks in South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In South America, there are myriad diverse landscapes, unique flora, and endemic fauna to experience. With so many destination options on the continent, however, it can sometimes be hard to decide exactly where to go. National parks can provide beautiful and educational experiences in nature and, depending on where you visit, you can experience enormous glaciers, white sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, gushing waterfalls, jagged limestone cliffs, and hot thermal springs, sometimes all in one place. If you love birdwatching and wildlife viewing, South America is also home to many rare species that cannot be found anywhere else, like the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands or the spectacled bear in Peru. To help you plan your next trip to South America, or just to give you some inspiration from nature, check out the gallery below.

[Photo by Samuel Rochas, Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0]

Gallery: Best National Parks in South America

Cotopaxi National Park, EcuadorTorres del Paine, PatagoniaIguazu National Park, ArgentinaFernando de Noronha Martime National Park, BrazilCanaima National Park, Venezuela

10 best national parks in South America originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelcotopaxinational parksNationalParkssouth americaSouthAmericatorres del paineTorresDelPainevolcanovolcanosSun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ten most deadly cities in Mexico for tourists]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/13/the-ten-most-deadly-cities-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MexicoCrime and danger traveling to Mexico have been widely publicized for a long time. As a result, tourism in Mexico has suffered to the point where even cruise lines have pulled ships from calling at ports that seem safe by all appearances. Still, numbers speak for themselves and according to a study conducted by Citizens Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice, nearly twenty-five percent of the most dangerous cities in the world are in Mexico.

Just this week, MSNBC reported that one person died in drug-related violence every half hour in Mexico last year, amounting to 48 executions per day on average, a sign that the violence surrounding the country's powerful cartels continues unabated. Still, to a casual observer, Mexico looks like a reasonably safe place to visit or live.

Take a look at the gallery below based on per capita deaths for the surprising results.

Gallery: 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico

Reynosa- 36 murders per 100,000Acapulco- 51 murders per 100,000Tijuana- 53 murders per 100,000Torrean - 68 murders per 100,000Durango- 78 murders per 100,000


Drug War in Mexico Reaches A New Level

Flickr photo by (3)

The ten most deadly cities in Mexico for tourists originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Criminal JusticeLocalMazatlanMexicoMexico crimemexico crime deathsmexico crime photosmexico photo galleryMexicoCrimeMexicoCrimeDeathsMexicoCrimePhotosMexicoPhotoGalleryPublic safetyU.S.Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day: Paris bakery run]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/photo-of-the-day-paris-bakery-run/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/photo-of-the-day-paris-bakery-run/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/photo-of-the-day-paris-bakery-run/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

photo of the day
You might have been able to guess the location of today's Photo of the Day without a title. Advanced use of scarves? Check. Frou-frou dogs? Check. Delicious-looking loaf of bread? Mais oui, it is Paris. The French have a closer relationship to their bakers than most Americans can understand, picking up a fresh baguette daily. Even with the advent of baguette vending machines, you can be sure that the le pain quotidien (daily bread) remains a major part of French life.

Thanks to Flickr user wintkat812 for the great shot. Add your favorite travel photos to the Gadling Flickr pool for a future Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day: Paris bakery run originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baguettebakerybreaddogsflickrfrancefrenchparisphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayscarfThu, 12 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browse historic photos of San Francisco with Old S.F.]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/11/browse-historic-photos-of-san-francisco-with-old-s-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A photographer could spend weeks wandering around San Francisco - between the city's dramatic natural setting, bright murals and colorful rows of Victorian homes, there's a lot to see (and shoot).

As Gadling blogger Jessica pointed out recently, it's also a city rich with history. In fact, photographers have been documenting this City by the Bay ever since the very first days the camera was invented. Now a website called Old S.F. lets you blend these two pursuits, displaying the city's pleasing photography and rich history via an interactive map.

The story behind Old S.F. begins when resident Dan Vanderkam was looking at historic photos at the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection and came upon an image of his block that was identified with the wrong cross streets. The inaccuracy inspired him to start a searchable database, layered onto a Google Map of San Francisco to help others find them more easily. The rest, as they like to say, is history.

To start using Old S.F., just pull the sliders along the top to adjust the date the photos were taken (starting at 1850 and ending at 2000) and then click on one of the red dots to see images from that location. It's a fascinating journey through some of San Francisco's most famous (as well as its most intimate) landmarks - witness the chaos and destruction that followed the 1906 earthquake, or watch the elegant Golden Gate Bridge as its construction slowly creeps across the Bay. It's your own personal time machine to San Francisco - and you're holding the controls.

[Photo courtesy of army.arch]

Browse historic photos of San Francisco with Old S.F. originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1906 earthquake1906Earthquakecity by the bayCityByTheBaygoogle mapsGoogleMapshistoryold s.f.OldS.f.san franciscoSanFranciscoSFWed, 11 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Photographs of the people of China via Erin Drewitz]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/photographs-of-the-people-of-china-via-erin-drewitz/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/photographs-of-the-people-of-china-via-erin-drewitz/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/10/photographs-of-the-people-of-china-via-erin-drewitz/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Our dear graphic designer and occasional photographer Erin Drewitz had a busy 2011, romping between San Francisco, Dallas, China and the far reaches of the planet. Her most recent series, collected between Hong Kong, Shenzen, Changsha and Zhangjiajie captures some of the everyday life experienced among the country's working class, from the street workers in the central provinces to the schoolgirls bashfully commuting to class. Check out a portion of the collection below or view the full set over at erindrewitz.com.

Gallery: The People of China by Erin Drewitz

Photographs of the people of China via Erin Drewitz originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelasiabudget-travelchinaphotographyphotosTue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST