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Some thoughts on travel in Ethiopia {Gadling}
Apr 29th 2010 9:58PM I visited Ethiopia for a few weeks last year and it was an incredible experience. While there is definitely still a lot of poverty, the country has a lot to offer. Just a few hours outside of Addis Ababa, there are amazing scenes along the road, great hiking and biking, as well as hot springs to enjoy. I wouldn't say that it's an ideal location for travelers who are luxe-focused but the Ethiopian people are beautiful and kind, the food is amazing and most things are relatively inexpensive. I had a custom-made, traditional Ethiopian dress made and it cost less than one-tenth of what it would cost in the U.S.
Top Ten Strangest Hotel Guest Requests {Gadling}
Jul 4th 2009 6:09PM Ah yes, the never-ending quest to prove that money can indeed buy anything. That, and some truly narcissistic and downright stupid behavior. "Turn down the ocean"? Seriously!
What makes a good travel companion? {Gadling}
Jul 2nd 2009 6:01PM Here's a suggestion: Even if you think you know a person really well but you have yet to travel with them, TALK with them before you go! Discuss what you both want to get out of the trip. It might seem a bit crazy but it can make a huge difference. Imagine if one of you wants to party every night, get drunk and "hook up" with one stranger after another, and the other person wants to relax and take in the sights.
Another suggestion, unless you're traveling with a significant other, if it's financially feasible, get your own hotel room. That way, no matter what happens during the day, good or bad, you have an escape.
Just my .02.
Do you annoy people with your travel tales? {Gadling}
Jun 18th 2009 5:56PM Those of us who love to travel must keep in mind that everyone doesn't love it as much as we do (and some people don't like traveling at all). Plus, the way that you share the story makes a big difference. If you come across as a braggart and as though your journey is the end all, be all, then of course no one will want to hear it. (The same can be said of the person with the new deck though!)
10 Passengers we love to hate: Day 5 -- American Idiots {Gadling}
Jun 10th 2009 4:30PM I'm not sure which is worse: the families or the drunken college students. Many of these same idiots are the main people asking the question: Why do they hate us?! Note to the idiots: It's not just "them" who detest you; some of your American comrades do, too.
As the world order continues to change (and simply it's the right thing to do), we Americans should definitely learn to be kinder and more tolerant to our fellow global citizens. Maybe the airlines should start showing "ugly traveler" videos on international flights (with various nationalities represented) so that people can see what a horrible impression they leave. On second thought, maybe not; I can only imagine the distorted view the idiots would take.
10 passengers we love to hate: Day 6 - Crybabies and restless kids {Gadling}
Jun 10th 2009 4:13PM OMG! This is one of my all-time pet peeves. When I complain about it, people of course say "you were a child once" and "s/he can't help it", blah, blah, blah. I'm sure that, as Katie pointed out, the parents could give the child something or find some method(s) in a book that will help the kid. But, no! They choose to ignore the problem or worsen it by bouncing the kid up and down.
I was on a 9-hour flight from London to Miami once and a kid cried THE WHOLE TIME. By the time we de-planed, every passenger had undoubtedly planned the demise of that entire family. I've decided that when I take over the world, there will be special "family flights" so that those parents can suffer from other people's loud, rude kids, even if they're able to ignore their own.
Wacky sign of the week - what does this mean? {Gadling}
Jun 10th 2009 3:58PM It means: "RUN!!!!"
10 passengers we love to hate: Day 2 -- bringing a warm meal on the plane {Gadling}
Jun 2nd 2009 12:07PM I was once on a flight from Hawaii and a girl brought a whole platter of stinky sushi! People can be so very inconsiderate of others.
10 Passengers we love to hate: Day 1 -- The Escalator Obstacle {Gadling}
Jun 2nd 2009 11:58AM This doesn't seem to work as well in the U.S. as it does elsewhere. When I'm in Europe, it seems automatic. Americans just don't seem to care, signs or no signs. What's up with that?
Americans: We eat poorly quickly {Gadling}
May 8th 2009 7:58PM Sad but unsurprisingly true. I live part of the year in the south of France and there is an incredible difference in what people eat and the way that they eat. I've noticed that my meals are substantially longer, by as little as an hour. Plus, few of my meals include processed foods. And the cool part is that even though I enjoy bread, cheese, pasta and other wonderful foods when I am in France, since I'm much more active (read: walk a lot), I typically lose weight.
I recognize that there are lifestyle differences but, at what point does our health become a top priority? Besides, meal-events are very cool. ;o)
