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[The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh opens, featuring bowling alley and cigar bar]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/04/the-ritz-carlton-riyadh-opens-featuring-bowling-alley-and-priv/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/04/the-ritz-carlton-riyadh-opens-featuring-bowling-alley-and-priv/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/04/the-ritz-carlton-riyadh-opens-featuring-bowling-alley-and-priv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ritz-carlton riyadh

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. continues to expand into the Middle East market with their first hotel in Saudi Arabia, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. The 493 room hotel in the Diplomatic Quarter is adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre.

Of course, the hotel has to be appropriately palatial - it includes 52 acres of landscaped gardens, a massive fountain, and a one kilometer driveway.

Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel's architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound.

"This majestic hotel's prime location in the literal heart of the Arabian Peninsula offers many significant advantages to visiting guests and dignitaries," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. "We are extremely proud that The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh represents our first hotel into the Kingdom. We have been aggressively seeking the right first location in Saudi Arabia for a number of years, and believe there could be no better place for a Ritz-Carlton than in this" added Humler.

The interior of the hotel is also imbued with a sense of place - guestrooms and suites use the vibrant colors and ethnic textures of the region. Highlights include not just one, but 49 exquisitely appointed two-bedroom Royal Suites, each generously measuring 4,574 square feet and 50 one-bedroom, opulent Executive Suites at 1,022 square feet. Wow.

The hotel also features 62,000 square feet of meeting space, an Aubergine restaurant, a buffet-style restaurant serving Lebanese favorites, Asian and Italian restaurants, a tea lounge and a cigar lounge that will be home to one of the widest selection of Cuban cigars in Saudi Arabia. The hotel also features an indoor six-lane bowling alley, indoor swimming pool and men's health club with three treatment rooms. Sorry ladies, you're out of luck here- there isn't a women's health club or spa. See more pictures, below:

Gallery: The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh



*A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that the hotel has an on-site ICU. This information has since been removed.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh opens, featuring bowling alley and cigar bar originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotelsluxury hotelsluxury travelLuxuryHotelsLuxuryTravelritz carltonRitzCarltonsaudi arabiaSaudiArabiathe ritz carlton riyadhTheRitzCarltonRiyadhFri, 04 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interesting indoor spaces around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/04/interesting-indoor-spaces-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/04/interesting-indoor-spaces-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/04/interesting-indoor-spaces-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

indoor spacesI love the outdoors, to the extent that I tend to bypass or overlook exceptional indoor spaces when I'm traveling or recounting a great trip. Fortunately, Lonely Planet author/former Gadling contributor Leif Pettersen's recent list on LP's website has reminded me that---as many a grandmother has said---beauty is on the inside.

Pettersen says only in recent years has he developed a special appreciation for the indoors. He had ample time to contemplate his new interest "during two sadistically cold weeks last winter when I voluntarily confined myself to the Minneapolis Skyway System as a livability experiment for an article I was working on."

He's since started a list of "singular, practical" indoor spaces (traveloguebookdealforthewin!) of note, including (obviously) Minneapolis' Skyway System ("The largest contiguous skyway system in the world, connecting what may be the largest contiguous indoor space anywhere."); Istanbul's Grand Bazaar; Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest structure; NYC's Grand Central Terminal (aka Grand Central Station); St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, and the Queen Mary 2. Here's to keeping warm indoors this winter.

[Photo credit: Flickr user davedehetre]

Indoor Skydiving

Interesting indoor spaces around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruisecruise shipsCruiseShipsDubaigondolasGrand BazaarGrandBazaarindoor marketsIndoorMarketsinterior designInteriorDesignIstanbullargest ocean linersLargestOceanLinersLeif PettersenLeifPettersenLonely PlanetLonelyPlanetmallsminneapolisMissouriocean linersOceanLinerspublic marketsPublicMarketsQueen Mary 2QueenMary2Romeshoppingshopping mallsShoppingMallsskywayskyway systemsSkywaySystemsThe VaticanTheVaticantramsUnderground-Developmentwinter activitiesWinterActivitiesworlds tallest buildingsWorldsTallestBuildingsTue, 04 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A journey to Mecca]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/17/a-journey-to-mecca/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/17/a-journey-to-mecca/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/17/a-journey-to-mecca/#commentsFiled under: ,



The pilgrimage to Mecca, or the "Hajj", is a once-in-a-lifetime journey required by all followers of Islam. Each year, millions of pilgrims make the journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to pay respects to their religion, resulting in a tidal wave of visitors, traffic and stress on the local economy.

Vimeo user KDMart captures the journey spectacularly in the above video, from the masses of crowds migrating towards Mecca to the circular movement around the Masjid_al-Haram. In real life, the mass of bodies in the high temperature desert can often be a noisy and crowded affair, but in time lapse, the pilgrimage takes on a macroscopic beautiful movement of bodies and nature, a beautiful display of religion in motion. KDMart does a great job in telling the story.

A journey to Mecca originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hajjmeccasaudi arabiaSaudiArabiaSat, 17 Sep 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

advance visaWe live in an increasingly borderless world and we have access to many countries that were closed (or non-existent) 20 years ago. As reported earlier this week, Americans are especially lucky with access to 169 countries visa free. Still, there are still many countries that Americans need advance visas to visit. Visa applications and processing services can cost several hundreds of dollars and take a lot of time and energy to obtain, so figure in that into your travel planning but don't let it discourage you from visiting.

Nearly all countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America, Western Europe, and the Middle East will give you a visa free or for a fee on arrival. See below for our guide to countries you will need to apply for advance visas, along with fees, useful information and links to consular websites.

Continue reading 10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit

10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advance visaadvance visasAdvanceVisaAdvanceVisasAfghanistanaustraliaAzerbaijanbelarusBhutanbrazilCentral AmericaCubaHong KongIndiairanMacauMiddle Eastnews:topic:travelNigeriaNorth KoreaParaguayrussiaSaudi ArabiaSurinameTurkeyVietnamvisavisa freeVisaFreevisasWestern EuropeWorldWed, 17 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New world's tallest building planned for Saudi Arabia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/03/new-worlds-tallest-building-planned-for-saudi-arabia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/03/new-worlds-tallest-building-planned-for-saudi-arabia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/03/new-worlds-tallest-building-planned-for-saudi-arabia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

tallest buildingLess than two years after the Burj Khalifa opened in Dubai, Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has announced a new world's tallest building to be built on the Red Sea resort town of Jeddah. The Saudi building is planned to be 172 meters (564 feet) taller than the Burj and will stand at 1,000 meters or 3,281 feet. It will be part of the $20 billion "megadevelopment" Kingdom City and will house luxury condos, offices, and of course, a hotel. The prince has signed a $1.23 billion deal with the Bin Laden Group, the largest construction firm in Saudi Arabia and unaffiliated with Osama Bin Laden, to complete the new tallest building in five years.

Last month, Gadling explored the 2,717 foot Burj Khalifa. Gadling and Huffington Post blogger Melanie Nayer was one of the first guests at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong earlier this year, currently the highest hotel in the world. Check out our gallery below of the world's tallest buildings.

Gallery: World's tallest buildings

The Burj Khalifa - tallest building in the worldTaipei 101Petronas Towers, Kuala LumpurChicago skyline with Willis TowerEmpire State Building with rainbow lights


Image of Dubai's Burj Khalifa by Flickr user Jason Rodman.

New world's tallest building planned for Saudi Arabia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burjburj dubaiburj khalifaBurjDubaiBurjKhalifadubaihong kongHongKonghuffington postHuffingtonPostjeddahkhalifamelanie nayerMelanieNayerred seaRedSearitz carltonritz carlton hong kongritz-carltonRitzCarltonRitzCarltonHongKongsaudi arabiaSaudiArabiatallesttallest buildingtallest hotelTallestBuildingTallestHotelworlds tallestWorldsTallestWed, 03 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to get a second passport]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/http://www.gadling.com/2011/05/27/how-to-get-a-second-passport/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

second passportA second passport sounds glamorous. And in point of fact, it is glamorous. There's no debating the matter. Possessing a second passport gives its bearer bragging rights and the ability to feel a wee bit like a spy, especially when he or she is traveling with both passports in tow.

So you want to get a second passport and feel like an undercover agent? Not so fast. The US State Department allows Americans to obtain a second US passport under two circumstances only: [1] when a particular passport stamp will prevent entry into certain other countries the bearer intends or needs to visit, and [2] when a foreign visa application's processing time interferes with upcoming international travel.

The first loophole addresses diplomatic barriers to travel. The chief example here is the Israeli passport stamp. Several countries refuse to admit travelers with an Israeli stamp (as well as Jordanian or Egyptian entrance or exit stamps from Israel's land border crossings with Jordan and Egypt) in their passports.

With an Israeli stamp in your passport, you may be refused entry to Algeria, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Anecdotal evidence from friends and various online sources indicates that some countries are stricter than others, with Lebanon and Syria particularly unbendable. The bearer of a second passport can alternate between passports selectively, thus making sure that he or she will not be refused admission for a years-old Israeli passport stamp at, say, the Damascus airport.

The second circumstance addresses the problem of bureaucratic delays. People with upcoming travel scheduled while their passports are unavailable as a consequence of a foreign visa application (or another procedure involving a foreign government) can apply for and receive a second passport.

The second passport is only valid for two years. In addition to the required form and photographs, applications must include evidence of upcoming travel and a letter explaining the applicant's specific need for the additional passport.

How to get a second passport originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Israelsecond passportSecondPassportunited statesUnitedStatesUSAFri, 27 May 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/28/pop-up-restaurants-dining-for-a-new-decade/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/28/pop-up-restaurants-dining-for-a-new-decade/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/28/pop-up-restaurants-dining-for-a-new-decade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

pop-up restaurantsFirst, it was underground supper clubs. Now, everything's coming up pop-ups. As with food trucks, this form of guerrilla cheffing borne of economic need has become a global phenomenon. Equal parts dinner party and dinner theater, a pop-up refers to a dining establishment that is open anywhere from one to several nights, usually in an existing restaurant or other commercial food establishment.

The impermanent nature of pop-ups means no real overhead or utilities, and little food cost and labor. They're not enough to sustain chefs financially, but are instead a great way for them to make a name for themselves and draw some income in between (or during) gigs. Pop-ups also give chefs a chance to stretch themselves, stylistically or ethnically, although some prefer to let local ingredients shine. Most pop-ups give props to sustainability by sourcing product from local farms, which is part of what gives these fly-by-night operations such a wonderful sense of place.

I first heard about pop-ups while couch-surfing in San Francisco two years ago (my own pop-up form of survival after relocating back to the West Coast from Colorado). Chef Anthony Myint, the brainchild behind SF's Mission Street Food pop-up, which started in 2008, was serving much-lauded, locally-sourced dinners Thursday nights, each time with the help of a guest chef. The food was unpredictable with regard to cuisine or style. The location? Lung Shan, a nondescript Chinese restaurant in the city's vibrant Mission District (FYI, my favorite place for great, usually cheap, eats). I remember thinking at the time, "More, please."

Continue reading Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade

Pop-up restaurants: dining for a new decade originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bay AreaBayAreabest chefsbest chefs U.S.BestChefsBestChefsU.s.BostonCaliforniachefsChicagoDelhidiningdining trendsDiningTrendsDubaifarmers marketsFarmersMarketsFastFoodFloridafood trendsFoodTrendsHarrodsHong KongHongKongIlinoislocal foodLocalFoodlocavorismLondonLouisianaManhattanMassachusettsMiamiMission DistrictMissionDistrictMoscowNapaValleyNew OrleansNew YorkNewOrleansNewYorkOregonParispop upspop-up businessspop-up diningPop-upBusinesssPop-upDiningPopUpsportable restaurantsPortableRestaurantsPortlandrestaurant trendsRestaurantTrendsSan DiegoSan FranciscoSanDiegoSanFranciscoSeattleShanghaiSimonCowellSingaporestreet foodStreetFoodsustainable agricultureSustainableAgricultureSydneytakeaway foodTakeawayFoodtakeout foodTakeoutFoodThe French LaundryTheFrenchLaundryTokyotop chefsTopChefsWashingtonWashington StateWashingtonStateThu, 28 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Strictest dress codes - 5 countries with fashion police]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/strictest-dress-codes-5-countries-with-fashion-police/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/strictest-dress-codes-5-countries-with-fashion-police/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/13/strictest-dress-codes-5-countries-with-fashion-police/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

dress code countries

Earlier this week, the "Burqa Ban" went into effect in France. Since passing into law, several burqa draped women have already been arrested, and the symbolic law is causing an uproar among the Muslim population of France and beyond. However, France is not the only country with authoritative garment laws. Many countries possess laws that limit what citizens and visitors are allowed to wear.

According to Foreign Policy magazine, these five countries have some of the strictest dress code laws in the world. The list includes countries from three continents, though France is the lone western world inclusion. It is odd that a country known for its fashion houses and pioneering designers is also home to such an autocratic fashion law. I would expect this sort of posturing from the American South, but clothing oppression along the Champs-Élysées seems a bit misplaced.

Continue reading Strictest dress codes - 5 countries with fashion police

Strictest dress codes - 5 countries with fashion police originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bhutanburqaburqa banBurqaBandress codedress code countriesDressCodeDressCodeCountriesfranceniqabnorth koreaNorthKoreasaudi arabiaSaudiArabiasudanWed, 13 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What are the top five cities for business travel?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/21/what-are-the-top-five-cities-for-business-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/21/what-are-the-top-five-cities-for-business-travel/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/21/what-are-the-top-five-cities-for-business-travel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

London for businessSome cities are better for doing business than others, it seems. Of course, business travelers (well, professionals in general) all have their preferences. Having done my time in Omaha, Winnipeg and London (Ontario), I can tell you that some places are better than others. So, I was pretty excited to see think tank Z/Yen put out its Global Financial Centres Index (PDF), which shows the top five cities in the world in which to do business.

There aren't many suprises at the top end of the list, which comes out twice a year. The rankings are determined using "five key areas of competitiveness," according to Inside Investor Relations: people, business, environment, market access, infrastructure and general competitiveness."

So, what are the top five?

Gallery: Abbey Road and the Beatles' Crosswalk

Welcome to Abbey Road!Always a CrowdA Rare SightAbbey Road Recording StudioOncoming Traffic Is Common

Continue reading What are the top five cities for business travel?

What are the top five cities for business travel? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business travelBusinessTraveldubaienglandHong KongHongKonglondonnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityRiyadhShanghaisingaporeMon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/14/the-arab-revolution-the-reaction-of-one-muslim-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

arab revolution, Arab RevolutionFor the past few weeks, headlines all over the world have been dominated by the so-called Arab Revolution, a wave of anti-government protests across the Middle East. I'm living in the Ethiopian Muslim community of Harar and locals here are absorbed in the events. Sitting in living rooms or cafes to escape the heat of the day, all eyes are glued to the satellite channels and conversation revolves around the rapidly changing events.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive tempered by caution. They're happy to see a strong pro-democracy movement in Egypt but say that since the army is the real power, democracy is still in danger. While the West worries about the Muslim Brotherhood taking over, one recent university graduate told me, "They only use Islam for political gain. Deal with them in economic terms and there will be no problem."

The main talk right now, of course, is about Libya. Descriptions of Gaddafi range from "crazy" to "stupid" to "evil". Some Hararis even say Gaddafi is a heroin addict. "He has an injured back and started taking it for the pain. He has a Russian nurse who follows him everywhere and gives him injections," one friend told me. I've never heard that before, but it would explain the bizarre interviews and why he wears sunglasses indoors. Everyone thinks he'll go down fighting rather than give up control.

Most people here watch Al-Jazeera. That station has taken definite sides in the Libyan revolution. When Gaddafi's government blocked the Internet, Al Jazeera started running the addresses for proxy sites to access Gmail and Twitter.

Mazzika 1, an Egyptian music video station, is now running a video about the uprising, showing the protests in Tahrir Square, the faces of some of the dead, and the final joyous victory, all set to inspiring music. It makes an interesting contrast to their usual fare of Arab starlets gyrating in front of the camera.

Continue reading The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community

The Arab revolution: the reaction of one Muslim community originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure traveladventure vacationadventure-traveladventuresAdventureTravelAdventureVacationAfricaal jazeeraAlJazeeraarabArab RevolutionArabRevolutionarabscityofsaintscivil warCivilWardemocracyDergGaddafiIslamIslamic RevolutionIslamicRevolutionmazzikaMengistuMubarekMuslimMuslim BrotherhoodMuslimBrotherhoodpoliticssatellite televisionsatellite tvSatelliteTelevisionSatelliteTvtelevisiontvwarMon, 14 Mar 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Saudi King Abdullah's arrival procession--it's grand]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/video-saudi-king-abdullahs-arrival-procession-its-grand/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/video-saudi-king-abdullahs-arrival-procession-its-grand/http://www.gadling.com/2011/02/25/video-saudi-king-abdullahs-arrival-procession-its-grand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz returned to Saudi Arabia Wednesday after a 3 month stint abroad for medical treatment. Hundreds of men in white performed a traditional Bedouin sword dance on carpets laid out at the airport. With uprisings against government occurring throughout the Middle East, Abdullah is home just in the nick of time it seems. He greeted Saudis with plans for improvement and national stability.

What amazes me about this video: the large scale of his arrival procession. Just take a minute to soak in the grandeur of this event. And while you're taking in the event's grandeur, have fun grooving to the accompanying music.

Video: Saudi King Abdullah's arrival procession--it's grand originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abdullah bin abdul azizAbdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al SaudAbdullahBinAbdulAzizAbdullahBinAbdulAzizAlSaudking abdullahKingAbdullahmiddle east governmentmiddle east protestsMiddleEastGovernmentMiddleEastProtestssaudisaudi arabian kingsaudi arabias kingsaudi kingsaudi king arrives homesaudi king back homeSaudiArabianKingSaudiArabiasKingSaudiKingSaudiKingArrivesHomeSaudiKingBackHomesaudis kingSaudisKingFri, 25 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/http://www.gadling.com/2011/01/31/the-burqa-and-niqab-can-travelers-get-used-to-anything-should/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

burqa, burka, niqab, Somaliland, somaliland
Travel broadens the mind, at least for most people. As we explore different cultures and beliefs we see that for the most part they're OK. While there are always local customs we just can't follow, in general the more we travel, the more accepting we become.

But how accepting should we get? I've traveled extensively in the Muslim world and I've yet to figure out exactly how I feel about the burqa and niqab, two types of female Islamic clothing that cover the face. For the vast majority of the world's population, the face is a key to identity. We look at the face to tell what a person is thinking and feeling. It's how we spot friends and enemies at a distance. To see a covered face makes many people suspicious. In most cultures, it means the person has something to hide.

Here in Europe a debate is raging over whether the face veil should be banned. Some politicians say it's oppressive and against Western values, while others defend it as part of a cultural heritage that needs to be tolerated in a free society. One thing these pundits have in common is that they talk about women who cover their faces, but very few actually talk with them. Regarding the burqa ban in France, one female friend quipped, "It's just another case of men telling women what to wear." Here's a video from the BBC program Newsnight that interviews Muslim women both for and against veils.



This video makes two important points: that opinion is divided in the Muslim community over face covering, and that there are thinking, educated people under those veils.

Continue reading The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they?

The burqa and niqab: can travelers get used to anything? Should they? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>afghanistanburkaburka banburka ban franceBurkaBanBurkaBanFranceburkasburqaburqa banburqa bansburqa fineBurqaBanBurqaBansBurqaFineburqasEnglandEthiopiaFranceislamislamicislamic dressislamic fundamentalismislamic lawIslamicDressIslamicFundamentalismIslamicLawmodestymuslimmuslim americansmuslim womenMuslimAmericansMuslimDressmuslimsMuslimWomenOxfordreligionreligion and travelReligionAndTravelSomalilandUnitedKingdomMon, 31 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure travel meets faith: cycling to Mecca for the Hajj]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/19/adventure-travel-meets-faith-cycling-to-mecca-for-the-hajj/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/19/adventure-travel-meets-faith-cycling-to-mecca-for-the-hajj/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/19/adventure-travel-meets-faith-cycling-to-mecca-for-the-hajj/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

adventure travel mecca hajj
Two Muslims from South Africa mixed adventure travel and spirituality this year by cycling to Mecca for the Hajj. Natheem Cairncross, 28 and Imtiyaz Haron, 25, cycled through South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Turkey, Syria and Jordan. Visa problems with Sudan and Ethiopia meant they had to take a plane from Kenya to Turkey, but that doesn't lessen their achievement.

In an interview with the BBC, Cairncross said the 6,800-mile journey was a life-changing experience. Both had to sell possessions to raise money for the trip. Cairncross even sold his car. Yes, he had a car and he decided to go by bike.

The Hajj is the traditional pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim should do at least once in their lifetime if they are able. Currently the Empty Quarter Gallery in Dubai is exhibiting photos and recordings made by Dutch explorer Christiaan Snouck Hurgronje in 1885. Check out the link for some amazing early images and eerie recordings made on wax cylinders that had only recently been developed by Thomas Edison.


[Image courtesy Ali Mansuri via Wikimedia Commons]

Adventure travel meets faith: cycling to Mecca for the Hajj originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure activitiesadventure traveladventure-outdoorsadventure-travelAdventureActivitiesadventuresAdventureTravelcyclingcycling through africaCyclingThroughAfricaEdisonexhibitionexhibitionsexplorationexplorerHajjislamMeccamuslimmuslimsphotographyreligionspiritualityThomas EdisonThomasEdisonFri, 19 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (11.16.10)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/photo-of-the-day-11-16-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/photo-of-the-day-11-16-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/11/16/photo-of-the-day-11-16-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This Sunday marked the beginning of the Hajj, the world's largest annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. As the fifth pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage is a religious duty that must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim that can do so. Saudi officials have reported that a record-breaking 3.4 million people are expected to come from all corners of the globe to perform the Hajj this year.

This astounding photo, titled "Headed to Mecca" was taken by Flickr user Theodore Kaye as a mother prepares to leave Osh, southern Kyrgyzstan for Mecca. I love that Theodore was able to be present for and capture the intimacy of this moment and took advantage of the lighting to make the image even more beautiful. The result of being in the right place at the right time, and knowing how to capture a great photograph.

If you want to see more of the Hajj, Boston.com put up an amazing series of images of this year's processions. Also worth checking out is VBS.tv's short documentary of an inside look at the pilgrimage. What's your personal Mecca? Share it with us by adding photos to our Flickr group and it could be our next Photo of the Day.

Photo of the Day (11.16.10) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Al-Safa and Al-MarwahAl-safaAndAl-marwahBig PictureBigPictureBoston.comCultureEid al-AdhaEidAl-adhaHajjIslamKaabakyrgyzstanMeccaMount ArafatMountArafatOshPilgrimagePilgrimsReligionRitualSaudi ArabiaSaudiArabiaTawafTeoKayethe HajjTheHajjTheodore KayeTheodoreKayeVBSZamzam WellZamzamWellTue, 16 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Which country loves to work? See who doesn't take vacation time]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/08/which-country-loves-to-work-see-who-doesn-t-take-vacation-time/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/08/which-country-loves-to-work-see-who-doesn-t-take-vacation-time/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/08/which-country-loves-to-work-see-who-doesn-t-take-vacation-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A friend of mine asked me a few days ago when I last went on vacation - a real one. I struggled to remember the last time I went on a trip and didn't write or, before that, keep up with what was going on at the office. After stopping and focusing, I remembered a four-day trip I took to Orlando back in late 2005. Even there, I'm not sure that I didn't work, I just don't remember spending time behind the laptop. Before that, my last vacation was probably four days in San Diego in 2002 (again, I don't remember working but probably did) or the two weeks I took off when being reassigned from South Korea to Georgia in 1998.

Apparently, I'm not alone. Lots of people don't take vacations, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos study. Ask any employee in the world if he uses his vacation time, and a there's a 33 percent chance the answer will be a resounding "no."

In a survey of 12,500 people from 24 countries, the French, unsurprisingly, are most likely to take advantage of the vacation days they are given, with 89 percent using all they are given. Argentina comes in next at 80 percent, followed by Hungary (78 percent) and Britain (77 percent). Think about it: in the top four, up to 25 percent of a country's employees don't blow through their vacation days.

Now, consider how grim the situation is at the other end of the spectrum.

Continue reading Which country loves to work? See who doesn't take vacation time

Which country loves to work? See who doesn't take vacation time originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainemployeeemployeesenglandgreat britainGreatBritainvacationvacation timevacationsVacationTimeworkSun, 08 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[List of World Heritage sites continues to grow]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/03/list-of-world-heritage-sites-continues-to-grow/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/03/list-of-world-heritage-sites-continues-to-grow/http://www.gadling.com/2010/08/03/list-of-world-heritage-sites-continues-to-grow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, also known as UNESCO, has added more sites, including several cultural locations, to its ever expanding World Heritage list. The additions were made this past weekend when the organization concluded the 34th session of the the World Heritage Committee in Sao Paulo, Brazil following more than a week of deliberation.

Amongst the new inductees are the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long-Hanoi in Vietnam; the historic monuments of Dengfeng in China; the archaeological site Sarazm in Tajikistan; the Episcopal city of Albi in France; and a 17th-century canal ring in Amsterdam. Those five sites were lauded for their cultural significance, and their inclusion brought the list up to 904 total sites.

Joining the sites named above were the Bikini Atoll, located in the South Pacific's Marshall Islands, the Turaif District in Saudi Arabia; Australia's famous penal colonies; the Jantar Mantar astronomical observation site in India; the Tabriz historic bazaar complex, as well as a shrine in Ardabil, both located in Iran; and the historic villages of Hahoe and Yangdong in South Korea.

Singling out the Bikini Atoll, the Committee said that nuclear tests conducted on the tiny island during the late 1940's and early 1950's had a profound effect on the geology and environment of the area. They also noted that the atoll had historical significance by ushering in the dawning of the nuclear age as well.

New sites are generally added to the World Heritage list on a yearly basis, with the locations receiving a measure of prestige and honor for making the cut. In order to remain on the list though, they must be protected and preserved by the country in which they reside. In recent years several sites have been added to the Committee's "endangered list" with some actually losing their "World Heritage" status due to changes in their condition.

Lets hope these new additions are around for a long time.

[Photo credit: Chinasaur via WikiMedia Commons]

List of World Heritage sites continues to grow originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure-travelAdventureTravelamsterdambikini atollBikiniAtollhistoryworld heritageWorld Heritage Committeeworld heritage listWorld heritage siteworld heritage sitesWorld Heritage Tentative SitesWorldHeritageWorldHeritageCommitteeWorldHeritageListWorldHeritageSiteWorldHeritageSitesWorldHeritageTentativeSitesTue, 03 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hotel cooking classes let you savor travel memories at home]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/hotel-cooking-classes-let-you-savor-travel-memories-at-home/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/hotel-cooking-classes-let-you-savor-travel-memories-at-home/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/hotel-cooking-classes-let-you-savor-travel-memories-at-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

You know what they say..."take only pictures, leave only memories." But what if you want to take it home with you? That searing pad ka prow that leaves a film of sweat on your brow, a fragrant bouillabaisse, schnitzel so thin and crisp it practically floats?

What you need is a cooking class, from one of the many resorts, hotels, or cruises offering full or half-day demonstration and hands-on programs that let you recreate regional specialties. Depending upon the class, you might find yourself shopping at the local market for ingredients, visiting wineries, or truffle hunting.

Continue reading Hotel cooking classes let you savor travel memories at home

Hotel cooking classes let you savor travel memories at home originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu DhabiAbuDhabiChiang MaiChiangMaicooking classescooking schoolscooking vacationsCookingClassesCookingSchoolsCookingVacationsculinary programsCulinaryProgramsFranceGenevaGermanyHamburgJamaicaNew MexicoNewMexicoProvenceSanta FeSantaFeSauid ArabiaSauidArabiaSir Bin Yas IslandSirBinYasIslandSwitzerlandThailandTue, 13 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Terrible seat assignment kills airline passenger]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/terrible-seat-assignment-kills-airline-passenger/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/terrible-seat-assignment-kills-airline-passenger/http://www.gadling.com/2010/07/13/terrible-seat-assignment-kills-airline-passenger/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When Nas Air flight XY 720 from Beirut landed in Riyadh, airport workers found just how severe having the worst seat on the flight can be. The passenger wasn't alive any more, of course ... oh, and he was found on the landing gear. The corpse, ostensibly cold, has been shipped off to forensic medical experts for tests, according to local authorities.

So, how did he get there? According to AFP:
Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said passengers on the plane reported seeing a man in a baseball cap with a backpack make a dash for plane as it prepared to taxi. He stumbled once and then continued towards the plane.

The passengers and flight attendants let the pilot know about this, but he reportedly didn't do anything about it. Nas Air is staying tight-lipped on the affair.

[photo by dynamosquito via Flickr]

Terrible seat assignment kills airline passenger originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportbeirutRiyadhStowarzyszenieWdrujcychDinsw2Tue, 13 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/seven-new-hotels-around-the-world-from-fairmont-in-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/seven-new-hotels-around-the-world-from-fairmont-in-2010/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/28/seven-new-hotels-around-the-world-from-fairmont-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This year promises to be exciting for fans of the Fairmont. New properties are set to open in London, China and many other cities, each with a distinct style. There's no question that the Fairmont has the art and science of hospitality mastered, so these new properties are going to be exciting to watch.

1. The Savoy
With a design nodding toward Edwardian and Art Deco, the hotel reopens after a restoration program costing more than GBP100 million. The property has 268 guestrooms and a new luxurious Royal Suite. The Savoy Grill is going to come back ... under the management of Gordon Ramsay Holdings. Look for the doors to swing open in the second or third quarter of this year.

2. Fairmont Peace Hotel
This Shanghai landmark will reopen in the second quarter of this year, with 269 guestrooms over 12 floors. The hotel faces the Pudong area over the Hangpu River, making it a great spot.

3. Makkah Clock Royal Tower
The Makkah will open in Saudia Arabia in the third quarter, where it will be the focal point of the Abraj Al Bait Complex. With 858 rooms, there will be plenty of space near Masjid al Haram, the Islamic holy site. The hotel stretches 76 stories high and will be the world's tallest upon completion. The Makkah opens in the third quarter.

Continue reading Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010

Seven new hotels around the world from Fairmont in 2010 originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art decoArt Deco architectureArtDecoArtDecoArchitectureBeijingbritish columbiaBritishColumbiaenglandgordon ramsayGordonRamsaygreat britainGreatBritainhotelhotelslondonluxuryluxury hotelluxury hotel suitesluxury hotelsluxury travelLuxuryHotelLuxuryHotelsLuxuryHotelSuitesLuxuryTravelpennsylvaniapittsburghpudongShanghaispavancouverThu, 28 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Homesick Indian man locks himself in airplane bathroom for a free trip back home]]>http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/02/homesick-indian-man-locks-himself-in-airplane-bathroom-for-a-fre/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/02/homesick-indian-man-locks-himself-in-airplane-bathroom-for-a-fre/http://www.gadling.com/2010/01/02/homesick-indian-man-locks-himself-in-airplane-bathroom-for-a-fre/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

An Indian man working as an airplane cleaner in the Saudi city of Medina was feeling so homesick, that he locked himself in the bathroom of an Air India plane for a free trip back home.

The man was discovered 30 minutes into the flight, most likely when the flight attendants unlocked the bathroom door to allow passengers to relieve themselves. The 25 year old man was not carrying his passport, as the cleaning firm he was working for, had taken it away from him (most likely to prevent an incident like this).

Air India points out that there was no real reason for concern, as the man had to clear airport security before he could go to work. Once in India, he was arrested and booked under several sections of the passport law. It is very unlikely that they'll send him back, since he is an Indian citizen. The procedure for getting the plane ready for passengers only involves an announcement asking ground crew to leave the aircraft, and not an actual check that they do so.

Homesick Indian man locks himself in airplane bathroom for a free trip back home originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air indiaAirIndiastowawaySat, 02 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST