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[Stunning Photos Of The Alps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/18/stunning-photos-of-the-alps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Continue reading Stunning Photos Of The Alps

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo Of The Day: Where Do I Go From Here?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/photo-of-the-day-where-do-i-go-from-here/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/photo-of-the-day-where-do-i-go-from-here/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/photo-of-the-day-where-do-i-go-from-here/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There comes a moment in every great voyage when one finds the need to sit and reflect. That sentiment is captured perfectly by Flickr user Jason Rodman in today's Photo of the Day. Taken on a recent trip to Basel, the image depicts the Statue of Helvetia, mother of Switzerland, as she contemplates life from a perch overlooking the Rhine at sunset.

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

Photo Of The Day: Where Do I Go From Here? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baselhelvetiaphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayrhinestatueswitzerlandTue, 17 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Welcome To Zurich, Home Of The $12 Big Mac Meal]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/16/welcome-to-zurich-home-of-the-12-big-mac-meal/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/16/welcome-to-zurich-home-of-the-12-big-mac-meal/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/16/welcome-to-zurich-home-of-the-12-big-mac-meal/#commentsFiled under: ,

zurichThere are no Dollar Stores in Zurich. But if there were, they'd probably offer single sticks of gum, paper clips or kernels of popcorn. In February, Zurich assumed the top spot in The Economist's annual list of the world's most expensive cities, knocking Tokyo off its perch, largely due to the strength of the Swiss Franc.

I'm a frugal traveler - the kind of person who prides himself on finding good deals, even in the most expensive places. So I viewed a recent three-day trip to Zurich as the ultimate challenge. If you can find bargains in Zurich, you deserve a Ph.D. in budget travel. And besides, I've always been smitten with Switzerland and the Swiss. It's a country with four official languages and 37,000 miles of sign-posted hiking trails. It's best known for neutrality, cheese, knives, watches, secretive banks, chocolate and Roger Federer.

I was up for the challenge but on my first day, when my toddlers requested - no, demanded - McDonald's, it became painfully obvious that sticking to a budget in Zurich would be a challenge. My kids' Happy Meals cost the equivalent of $9.15 each. Want a Big Mac value meal? $12.51. No joke.

After they ate, my wife and I repaired to a hole-in-the-wall fast-food Turkish restaurant the size of a broom closet. We ordered doner kebabs and two small bottles of water. The bill came to the equivalent of $28.34. The menu said that doners were 9 francs ($9.81), so I was confused.

"How much is the bottle of water?" I asked.
"Four francs," said the Turkish proprietor.

In all my years of travel, I don't believe I've ever paid $4.35 for a small bottle of water and I wasn't about to start in a zero star take-away, so I asked for some tap water.

Continue reading Welcome To Zurich, Home Of The $12 Big Mac Meal

Welcome To Zurich, Home Of The $12 Big Mac Meal originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeexpensivejames joyceJamesJoyceswitzerlandworlds most expensive cityWorldsMostExpensiveCityZurichMon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Got Milk? This Swiss Soft Drink Does]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/got-milk-this-swiss-soft-drink-does/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/got-milk-this-swiss-soft-drink-does/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/got-milk-this-swiss-soft-drink-does/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It looks like soda. It tastes like soda. But the Swiss soft drink pictured above has a peculiar key ingredient: milk whey. First introduced in the 1950s, Rivella beat out both Coke and Pepsi in sales in its home country, and a spokeswoman once said the Swiss people are "almost as familiar with it as breast milk." Still, the drink remains practically unknown throughout the rest of the world. Efforts in the early 2000s failed to introduce the drink as a "health food" product to Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, and today the Netherlands is the only country that seems to have embraced the product, drinking up 90 percent of Rivella's foreign sales.

My assessment? The first sip was okay, mostly because I wasn't told that it was made from milk. My boyfriend, equally unaware and severely lactose intolerant, was even more aghast when the key ingredient was announced to us. Needless to say, he steered clear of a second taste. I was a little reluctant to take another sip after hearing the news but had no complaints about the carbonated apple juice flavor. Besides milk, Rivella is made with lots of fruit and herbal extracts, and sources say that the filtration process used for the serum removes all the fats and proteins from the whey, making the soft drink rich in vitamins and minerals. Next time, I'll probably try the version of Rivella with the yellow label, which is made with soy rather than dairy milk - it should be a little easier to stomach for both my boyfriend and me.

[Wikimedia photo by Parpan05]

Got Milk? This Swiss Soft Drink Does originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>food and drinkFoodAndDrinkgastronomyGermanyHealthmilkNetherlandsrivellasoft drinkSoftDrinkswitzerlandUnited KingdomUnited StatesWed, 11 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six Of The Most Scenic Train Trips In Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/11/six-of-the-most-scenic-train-trips-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


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

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

[Flickr photo via boutmuet]

Continue reading Six Of The Most Scenic Train Trips In Europe

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adriatic SeaAix-en-ProvencealpsAmsterdamAnglosphereBellinzonaBlack Forest RailwayBrothers GrimmdutchedinburghEnglandEntertainmenteuropeFloating cityGermanyGlacier ExpressgroningenHansel and GretelIrish SeaItalyLocarnolondonMarseilleMediterranean seamoorsNiceOffenburgPaul CézanneRoman SRomeRomeo and JulietScotlandSwitzerlandTicinotrain travelTrainTravelTriestetulipsVeniceveronaWilliam ShakespeareYorkshireWed, 11 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best places to live for avoiding world conflict]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/10-best-places-to-live-for-avoiding-world-conflict/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/10-best-places-to-live-for-avoiding-world-conflict/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/10-best-places-to-live-for-avoiding-world-conflict/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New ZealandExpatify.com asked the question, "Where would you be the safest if World War III broke out tomorrow?" The answers arrived in a post titled "10 Best Places to Live for Avoiding World Conflict." Irrelevant as it may seem to you, the claws of conflict affect a revolving roster of nations. The knowledge of where not to go because of conflict, or better yet, where to go to avoid it, can be useful if you're planning to live, or even just spend some time, abroad. According to this article, countries that make the safety cut are: Switzerland, Costa Rica, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Seychelles, Finland, Tuvalu, Iceland, Bhutan, and New Zealand. Most of these choices make sense to me, based on what I know, but the undeniably gorgeous Seychelles seems like a somewhat uncertain choice. News stories covering the Somali pirates swarming the Seychelles area are prevalent. To be fair, I'm not convinced Somali pirates are a current threat for World War III. What are your thoughts? Where would you move in order to be as far removed from world conflict as possible?

Continue reading 10 best places to live for avoiding world conflict

10 best places to live for avoiding world conflict originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10 best places to live to avoid world conflict10 safest countries10 safest destinations10 safest nations10 safest places10 safest places to live10 safest places to visit10BestPlacesToLiveToAvoidWorldConflict10SafestCountries10SafestDestinations10SafestNations10SafestPlaces10SafestPlacesToLive10SafestPlacesToVisitbhutancanadacosta ricaCostaRicafinlandicelandnew zealandNewZealandpapua new guineaPapuaNewGuineaseychellesswitzerlandtuvaluworld conflictWorldConflictTue, 13 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/09/eurocheapo-launches-budget-travel-guides-for-switzerland/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

eurocheapoWhile Switzerland is not usually thought of as a budget-friendly destination, there are actually many worthwhile hotels, sights, and restaurants that won't cost you a fortune. To help travelers navigate their way around this usually costly country, EuroCheapo has launched budget travel guides for the cities of Zurich and Geneva, marking their first Swiss guides on the site. These guides will not only feature accommodation recommendations and photographs from the editors themselves, but also insider tips on how to explore these cities without breaking the bank.

Says EuroCheapo's founder and editor-in-chief, Tom Meyers, "While it's certainly easy to overspend in Geneva and Zurich, our editors have uncovered many simple ways to make visiting more affordable. Both cities offer delightful inexpensive hotels that will keep your trip budget in check."

EuroCheapo is a free budget travel guide for Europe. To check out the brand new Swiss guides as well as money-saving guides for other European cities, click here.

EuroCheapo launches budget travel guides for Switzerland originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTraveleurocheapoeuropefree travel guidesFreeTravelGuidesgenevaswitzerlandtravel guidesTravelGuideszurichThu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/04/airport-carbon-accreditation-program-grows-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Airport Carbon Accreditation program grows in Europe

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

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftaircraft pollutionAircraftPollutionAirport Carbon Accreditationairport pollutionAirportCarbonAccreditationAirportPollutionAmsterdamBrusselsEuropeFinanceFrankfurtGatwick AirportLondon Heathrow AirportMunichSiim Kallasvoluntary environment impactVoluntaryEnvironmentImpactWorldSat, 04 Feb 2012 09:00:00 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[10 Etsy shops from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/10-etsy-shops-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/10-etsy-shops-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/12/10-etsy-shops-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


With all of the Etsy shops out there, how are you supposed to know which shops to peruse and potentially support? While it's a good thing to be supporting independent, local, self-made, all-natural, and/or struggling artists, it's a difficult thing to know where to start. So here's some advice, fellow travelers of the world: start with the Etsy shops that bring different regions of the world to your shopping window. Start with the Etsy shops that can transport you into another culture with a single browsing. Start with the Etsy shops that allow you to bring home goods with a flare from your favorite places if you can't always be getting on a plane to travel to those places and bring home the goods yourself. Need some inspiration? Here's a list of 10 Etsy shops from around the world, 10 personal favorites. This should help get you started.

Continue reading 10 Etsy shops from around the world

10 Etsy shops from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>etsyetsy directoryetsy shoppingetsy shopsetsy storesEtsyDirectoryEtsyShoppingEtsyShopsEtsyStoresinternational goodsinternational shoppingInternationalGoodsInternationalShoppingshoppingshopping on etsyShoppingOnEtsyThu, 12 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Interlaken, Switzerland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-interlaken-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-interlaken-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/05/adventure-vacation-guide-2012-interlaken-switzerland/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Interlaken, Switzerland, is a hotspot on the backpacking circuit and is located in the beautiful Bernese Oberland.

For those that like to spend their time jumping out of planes, diving into canyons, and hiking glaciers, Interlaken in Switzerland is your perfect destination. Surrounded by a diverse landscape of jagged peaks, roaring rivers, snow capped mountains, and lush greenery, it contains the ideal landscape for an array of adventure sports. The area is also world-renowned for its famous hiking trails in the Swiss Alps. And, starting in March of 2012, a brand new hostel will be open to Interlaken visitors.

For those looking for an air-borne adventure, hanggliding, skydiving, and paragliding can all be experienced. If you want a thrill but would rather stay a little closer to Earth, Interlaken has bungy jumping, horseback riding, hiking, ice climbing, skiing, rock climbing, glacier trekking, ropes courses, and mountain biking. There is also a unique adventure sport called Via Ferrata which consists of traversing mountain passes equipped with fixed cables, steel ladders, and ziplines, and can only be done in a few unique regions. And for the water lovers, Interlaken gives you canyoning, kayaking, river rafting, and funyaking.



[flickr image via Fr Antunes]

Adventure Vacation Guide 2012: Interlaken, Switzerland originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureadventure-travelbudget-travelinterlakenswitzerlandThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ancient Egypt--Art and Magic, opens at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/19/ancient-egypt-art-and-magic-opens-at-the-museum-of-fine-arts/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/19/ancient-egypt-art-and-magic-opens-at-the-museum-of-fine-arts/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/19/ancient-egypt-art-and-magic-opens-at-the-museum-of-fine-arts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ancient EgyptAncient Egypt never ceases to fascinate. Its elaborate religion, art, and ritual make it at once foreign and compelling. Now a new exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida, showcases some of the highlights of this unique culture.

Ancient Egypt--Art and Magic: Treasures of the Fondation Gandur pour l'Art brings to the public eye one of the greatest private collections of Ancient Egyptian art. These 100 choice pieces from the collection of Jean Claude Gandur of Geneva, Switzerland, include mummy cases, statues of pharaohs, papyrus texts, and precious jewels.

Each item emphasizes the skill of the ancient Egyptian artisans and their culture's deep connection to magic. Alongside the works of art are explanations of how magic played a part in every aspect of Egyptian society, and how these particular objects fit into that belief.

Some of the items have an interesting modern history too. One sarcophagus was owned by the late French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

It's rare for so many items from a private collection to go on display all together, so if you're passing through Florida, be sure to make it to this exhibition. The exhibition runs until April 29, 2012.

This photo shows the lid from a sarcophagus, made of gessoed and painted wood from either the 21st or 22nd dynasty (1080-720 BC), from the Collection of the Fondation Gandur pour l'Art.

Ancient Egypt--Art and Magic, opens at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, Florida originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient artancient egyptancient egyptian religionancient historyAncientArtAncientEgyptAncientEgyptianReligionAncientHistoryarchaeologyArchaeologyNewsarcheologyArcheologyNewsartart historyart newsArtHistoryArtNewsEgyptEgyptian artEgyptianArtegyptology newsEgyptologyNewsFlorence and the MachineFlorenceAndTheMachinehistorymuseummuseum newsMuseumNewsmuseumsSt. Petersburg Floridast. petersburg timesSt.PetersburgFloridaSt.PetersburgTimesMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enjoy nudist hiking? Rethink that holiday in Switzerland]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/enjoy-nudist-hiking-rethink-that-holiday-in-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/enjoy-nudist-hiking-rethink-that-holiday-in-switzerland/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/18/enjoy-nudist-hiking-rethink-that-holiday-in-switzerland/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

nudist hikingLast year we reported on a major victory for nudist hiking in Switzerland. A hiker in the conservative Swiss canton of Appenzell got fined for baring all, appealed, and won.

Now that victory has turned into defeat. The BBC reports that Switzerland's highest court has ruled that local authorities can fine people for hiking in the buff. Naked hiking isn't illegal per se, but but public indecency is, and if the local authorities decide naked hiking is indecent, well, then you can't do it. And since this came from the nation's highest court, it applies to all of Switzerland.

The court stated its ruling was only a "marginal" infringement on personal liberty. Much more marginal than, say, forbidding women to vote, which is what Appenzell did until 1990. This makes me the local authorities aren't so much concerned with individual rights as they are with a buttoned-up conservatism.

But individual rights are an issue here. In a truly free country, shouldn't a person have the right to get an all-body tan while hiking? In a truly free country, shouldn't people who are offended by the sight of naked strangers be able to have a picnic in peace?

Tricky.


Photo courtesy Alain Tanguy.

Enjoy nudist hiking? Rethink that holiday in Switzerland originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AlpsAppenzellhikehikeshikingnakednaked hikingNakedHikingnaturismnaturistnaturist hikingNaturistHikingnaturistsnudismnudistnudist hikingNudistHikingnudistsSwitzerlandFri, 18 Nov 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the day: a goaty guide to pronouncing foreign cheeses]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/12/video-of-the-day-a-goaty-guide-to-pronouncing-foreign-cheeses/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/12/video-of-the-day-a-goaty-guide-to-pronouncing-foreign-cheeses/http://www.gadling.com/2011/11/12/video-of-the-day-a-goaty-guide-to-pronouncing-foreign-cheeses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The holidays are Cheese Season. At no other time of the year are cheese and specialty food shops as thronged by dairy-seeking customers. They're hungry for a fix or searching for a gift, recipe ingredient, or the makings of a cheese plate. Cheese is love, and one of the easiest, most elegant ways to kick off a cocktail party or conclude (or make) a memorable meal.

With that in mind, the folks at Culture: the word on cheese magazine (full disclosure: I'm a contributing editor) have produced this clever (and utterly adorable) video to aid you in pronouncing some of those delectable but tricky foreign cheeses from France, Spain, and Switzerland. Happy Hoch Ybrig, everyone!

Video of the day: a goaty guide to pronouncing foreign cheeses originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apline cheeseAplineCheesebeerbeer pairingsBeerPairingscheese coursecheese magazinescheese pairingcheese platescheese recipesCheeseCourseCheeseMagazinescheesemakingCheesePairingCheesePlatesCheeseRecipescheesesChristmasChristmas dinnerChristmas foodsChristmasDinnerChristmasFoodsChristmastimecocktailscookingcooking classesCookingClassescowsdairydairy farmingDairyFarmingdistilleriesentertainingEuropean cheeseEuropeanCheesefarmers marketsFarmersMarketsfarmingforeign languagesForeignLanguagesFrenchGermangoat cheeseGoatCheesegoatsHannukahholidayholiday cocktailsholiday entertainingholiday foodsHolidayCocktailsHolidayEntertainingHolidayFoodsholidaysimported cheeseImportedCheeselanguage skillsLanguageSkillslocal foodLocalFoodlocavoresmixologyNew Years EveNewYearsEveseasonal foodsSeasonalFoodssheep cheeseSheepCheeseSpanishspiritssustainable agricultureSustainableAgricultureswiss cheeseSwissCheeseThanksgivingthanksgiving dinnerThanksgivingDinnerwinewine pairingWinePairingSat, 12 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[5 train trips everyone should experience]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/5-train-trips-everyone-should-experience/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/5-train-trips-everyone-should-experience/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/29/5-train-trips-everyone-should-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

the blue train in south africa While some train routes can seem long and boring, there are many that allow for great views of unique landscape or luxury service. Still, there are some train rides that go above and beyond your wildest imagination. Check out these five train trips that everyone should experience in their lifetime.

The Blue Train
South Africa

The Blue Train travels approximately 1,000 miles between Pretoria and Cape Town and is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. Some of the amenities include butler service, two lounge cars (one smoking, one non-smoking), an observation car, and sound-proofed carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, full-carpeting, an en-suite bathrooms (many of which include a full bathtub). Both kings and presidents have made this journey, as the train is marketed as a "magnificent, moving 5-star hotel". Along with luxury, the Blue Train also takes passengers through unique countryside scenery. Rolling vineyards, pristine coastline, and jagged mountain faces are all right outside your luxurious, gold-tinted view.

Continue reading 5 train trips everyone should experience

5 train trips everyone should experience originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbest transportationBestTransportationbritainbudget travelBudgetTravelglacier expressGlacierExpressmachu picchuMachuPicchuperuperurailscotlandsouth africaSouthAfricasouthwest chiefSouthwestChiefswiss alpsSwissAlpsthe blue trainTheBlueTraintrain journeystrain travelTrainJourneystrainsTrainTravelunited statesUnitedStateswest highland lineWestHighlandLineSat, 29 Oct 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Serial public art around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/17/serial-public-art-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/17/serial-public-art-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/17/serial-public-art-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,



Public art exhibitions featuring a common sculpture that is multiplied and then embellished by various artists have been popping up in cities worldwide since 1998. Artistic director Walter Knapp first came up with the idea and convinced artists to dot Zurich, Switzerland with a collection of artfully-decorated lions. Within a year, Chicago businessman Peter Hanig had taken the idea and ran with it, using life-sized cows for an exhibition titled CowParade that is still circling the world today.

This idea of serial public art spread like wildfire into over 70 cities across the United States and many other locations worldwide. Tourism administrations seem to think the installations draw a crowd, while the exhibitions typically end in pieces being auctioned off to charity. It's a win-win for all--unless, of course, you think the artworks are an eyesore.

From mermaids to gorillas, click through the gallery below to see a sampling of serial public art from around the world.

Gallery: Serial Public Art Around the World

Chicago, Illinois (and other cities worldwide)Berlin, Germany (and other cities worldwide)Toronto, Ontario, CanadaNorfolk, VirgniaBaltimore, Maryland

Serial public art around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artberlincaliforniacanadachicagocowparadefloridagermanyillinoisistanbulnorfolkontariopensacolapublic artpublic art displayspublic art projctpublic art sculpturePublicArtPublicArtDisplaysPublicArtProjctPublicArtSculpturesan franciscoSanFranciscosanta rosaSantaRosasculptureswitzerlandtorontoturkeyunited statesUnitedStatesusavirginiazurichMon, 17 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Extreme hot-tubbers suspend Jacuzzi from Swiss bridge]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/05/extreme-hot-tubbers-suspend-jacuzzi-from-swiss-bridge/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/05/extreme-hot-tubbers-suspend-jacuzzi-from-swiss-bridge/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/05/extreme-hot-tubbers-suspend-jacuzzi-from-swiss-bridge/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I have a friend in Michigan who lives in a house with an outdoor hot tub which has never been used. He believes that it simply isn't worth the effort of filling it, cleaning it, and maintaining it. Clearly, my friend would be persona non grata with the members of the Jacuzzi Association.

The Jacuzzi Association (or l'Association Jaccuzzi) is an informal Swiss non-profit dedicated to fostering its members' creativity and sense of camaraderie through extreme hot-tubbing. The group designs and builds their own hot tubs which they then place in some of the most precarious and unlikely spots. In the past, they have hosted Jacuzzi parties on top of a frozen lake, at the bottom of a cave, in a parking spot in downtown Geneva, and at the summit of Mont Blanc. That last feat required 20 participants each hauling 45 pounds of specialized gear in a pre-dawn ascent in order to enjoy an 100-degree bath on the Alpine peak.

Not to be outdone by past accomplishments, the Association recently threw their most logistically demanding pool party on the Gueuroz Bridge, in Switzerland's Valais region, on October 1. More precisely, they built the hot tub under the bridge, on a specially designed platform hanging by wires attached to the bridge 150 feet above. Potential hot tubbers had to then rappel down to the platform, suspended 450 feet above the gorge below.

If you have the urge to bathe in unusual locations, and possess the right combination of courage and love of the absurd (not to mention a basic understanding of French), check out their web site for membership information.

[Photo credit: jacuzzi.ch]

Extreme hot-tubbers suspend Jacuzzi from Swiss bridge originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swiss village Obermutten has more Facebook fans than residents]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/swiss-village-obermutten-has-more-facebook-fans-than-residents/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/swiss-village-obermutten-has-more-facebook-fans-than-residents/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/30/swiss-village-obermutten-has-more-facebook-fans-than-residents/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A tiny Swiss mountain village is taking social media to a new level. Obermutten in Graubuenden has promised anyone who "likes" the town on Facebook that they will put his/her photo onto the Commune's official notice board. By doing this, they say, anybody anywhere in the world can "become Swiss". After only three days, the village already has fifteen times more fans than residents, and this number is growing by the day.

The identity pictures are printed out by a councillor and pinned up on the noticeboard and the fans thus become part of the village community. So far, the fan list has grown so fast that they've filled the town's message board and resorted to using a barn side to post pictures. The eighty inhabitants - many still without an internet connection - like to get to know their fans in this way.

The Commune, located in the Graubuenden holiday region, seems excited by their newfound fame.

"Obermutten is developing a personal relationship with its guests. Here it's not a question of the total volume, but of each individual one. Why shouldn't this be the same for us in the internet?" said Martin Wyss, Mutten's village president.

The village president communicates with his fans in short video YouTube messages like the one seen above.

Wow, this is really taking "social" to a new level.

Swiss village Obermutten has more Facebook fans than residents originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookobermuttensocial mediaSocialMediaswitzerlandyoutubeFri, 30 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day - Through the Alps]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/13/video-of-the-day-through-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/13/video-of-the-day-through-the-alps/http://www.gadling.com/2011/09/13/video-of-the-day-through-the-alps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


The Alps. Stretching from Austria and Slovenia in the east through Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany and France in the west, it is one of the greatest mountain ranges in Europe and arguably the greatest range to navigate by car (or motorcycle) in the world.

Today's Video of the Day captures one man's motorcycle trip through Austria, Italy, Switzerland, & France along routes such as the Stelvio, the Silvretta, and the Grossglockner; all of which are extremely impressive feats of construction & maintenance. While there isn't any description or storytelling, it's a great way to experience the sights and sounds of the Alps.

Have you captured an amazing road adventure? We want to see it too! Share your videos with us in the comments below, or upload photos to our Flickr pool and it could be the next Photo/Video of the Day.

Video of the Day - Through the Alps originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdventureAlpsAustriaFranceItalyMotorcycleSilvrettaStelvioSwitzerlandThe AlpsTheAlpsVideoTue, 13 Sep 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Visa-free travel by the numbers]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/http://www.gadling.com/2011/08/15/visa-free-travel-by-the-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

visa-free travel

Visa-free travel is easy travel. Procuring visas takes time, energy, and money, and is beyond debate a pain for frequent travelers. The erection of visa barriers responds to a number of factors, though it can be said without too many qualifications that the citizens of rich countries tend to have a much easier time accessing the world visa-free than do the citizens of poor countries.

The Henley Visa Restrictions Index Global Ranking 2011, excerpted in the Economist last week, was just published by Henley & Partners, an international law firm specializing in "international residence and citizenship planning." Henley & Partners divide the world into 223 countries and territories.

And who gets to travel with few visa restrictions? The best citizenships for visa-free travel belong to nationals of Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, at 173 apiece. On their Nordic heels is Germany at 172 and a mess of countries (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United Kingdom) at 171. The United States isn't too far down the list, tied in fifth place with Ireland at 169. The US comes in ahead of Switzerland (167), Canada (164), New Zealand (166), and Australia (166).

Some of the least lucky countries, according to the Henley Visa Restrictions Index survey: India (53), China (40), Iran (36), Lebanon (33), and Afghanistan (24).

[Image: Flickr | megoizzy]

Visa-free travel by the numbers originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumcanadafinlandfrancegermanyhenley partnersHenleyPartnersirelanditalyluxembourgNetherlandsnorwayPassportpassportsswedenunited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesVisavisa-free travelVisa-freeTravelvisasMon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST