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One for the Road: The No-Nonsense Guide to Tourism {Gadling}
Jun 25th 2007 8:59PM While I haven't read this book (although am now intending to) I find the subject multi-faceted and extremely interesting. There is a fascinating article by Africanist Rachel Hoffman titled "Seduction, Surrender, and Portable Paradise: Dogon Art in Modern Mali." While it is partially focused on the Dogon in particular, it offers valuable insight on the philosophies behind tourism in general.
Here's a link if you're interested:
http://www.columbia.edu/itc/history/mann/c1020/hoffman/hoffman.html
How To Write About Africa {Gadling}
Jun 25th 2007 8:50PM I agree that this is a terrible problem with the media's coverage of Africa. It seems that the urban and suburban middle-class is especially neglected, probably because they would appear far too similar to us Westerners than we are comfortable with. On the other hand, I think that notions of Pan-Africanism definitely have their own potential benefits. The African experience of slavery and colonialism is characteristic of nearly the entire continent, and unique from all other regions of the world. Recognizing those commonalities may prove extremely useful for African leaders, and therefore beneficial to many Africans. As for the West, however, our responsibility to educate ourselves on the realities of this most diverse continent of the earth. Seeing it for yourself through travel is an unparalleled way to understand Africa not as a mass of ribs and breasts and guns, but as a continent of individuals.
Bangladeshi and The Bronx {Gadling}
Jun 25th 2007 8:33PM My interpretation of this ad is that it was paid for by this bakery. I think the goal is to equate this particular bakery with all the top attractions of the Bronx. Definitely far-fetched, but might make someone unfamiliar with the area at least curious as to if there really is something that makes the owner of this bakery put himself on the same level as the Yankees.
Looking for Value: Three Options {Gadling}
Jun 22nd 2007 7:35PM What may actually be more enjoyable (and cheaper) in Buenos Aires than taking tango lessons is dropping into a bar/club with a tango dance floor. They abound in San Telmo, and all you need to do is wait until after 11:00PM, wander into one, maybe buy a few drinks, sit back, relax, and enjoy. You are guaranteed to witness skilled and experienced dancers who do it for their own entertainment and not as a performance. The atmosphere in general is romantic and feels very authentic.
Water in Africa Project {Gadling}
Jun 22nd 2007 7:24PM If this sort of thing interests you, a recent exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum might as well. The exhibit is called 'Design for the Other 90%.' Its premise is that most design is done for the wealthiest 10% of the world, so this exhibit focuses on simple, inexpensive innovations that drastically improve the lives of people living in extreme poverty. With inventions used in villages around the world (including New Orleans), it is likely that most adventure travelers will connect to at least one of the items on display.
For more information about the exhibit:
http://other.cooperhewitt.org/
