Gadling Take FIVE — March 14-March 20

Happy first day of spring! This week we’re having a book give-a-way. Pico Iyer’s book The Open Road: Global Travels of the 14th Dalai Lama can be yours. All you have to do is leave a comment about a place that captured your attention at the end Iyer’s Talking Travel interview. Two winners will be picked in a random drawing.

Mike just came back from his awesome trip to New Zealand and Australia. He’s promised to give us the highlights of his travels. Here’s his first missive. Then there’s Kent who is racing about Europe with his wife. They’re in the Competitours Race competition, an Amazing Race style contest that is keeping them hopping and us entertained.

Here are five other posts on subjects that range from eats to hikes and worldwide events.

  • Did you know that tomorrow is World Water Day? Brenda’s post gives the scoop about the occasion and a link to events.
  • Karen’s post on the top 20 list of the most bizarre holiday grievances includes something having to do with the size of an elephant.
  • Annie is continuing to taste test jerky. This week she dove into buffalo jerky and presented her take in a flavorful post.
  • Because we have friends who are moving to El Salvador, Tom’s post on green travel in El Salvador caught my eye.
  • This week, one of Kraig’s posts gave the rundown on ten great unknown treks.

World Water Day 2009: Events around the globe on March 22

How cool is this photo, entitled “water fireworks” by Gadling photo contributor jonrawlinson? If you look at the enlarged photo, the light creates star-shaped, firework-like reflections on the water. Beautiful.

World Water Day
was conceived over ten years ago by a United Nations committee as an international day of observance for the critical role water plays in our lives. Whether we live in an urban or rural environment, we cannot live without and must find a way to both conserve and utilize it wisely.

From global events like the “Activism and Water Rights Webinar” to a World Water Day hike in Morro Bay, there are things happening all over the world to raise awareness of water conservation. Check out all of the events happening on or around March 22 HERE, or find your own way to consider how to celebrate, appreciate, and learn about water.

I recently helped a student write a poem about water conservation for a statewide poetry contest held by Hawaii’s Board of Water Supply. The theme this year: “Ola I Ka Wai” (Water Gives Life). It appears efforts are happening within schools all over the globe to educate kids on what can be done to save this precious resource.

If you think of a cool activity to celebrate this special day, you can publicize an event on the offical WWD website HERE.