Metro logos from around the world

by Jamie Rhein on

Thanks to Intelligent Travel that has a post on another blog, Prêt à Voyager, here is the heads up on a very cool Web site, metrobits.org.

Metrobits.org, dedicated to subways, lists the various logos of metro systems from around the world and tells the cities where those metros are found. As it turns out, my logo memory is sad. Very sad. So sad.

But, as I browsed the list, I counted up the metros I’ve been on, and if my mind is not faulting me, which is a possibility, I came up with 24. I think. Some of the metros are under construction. The array of cities and countries is dizzying. Several are in the same country.

If you traveled in Taipei or Bangkok before and after the metro systems were put in place, and you’ve probably noticed what a difference a light rail can make. Traveling on both systems make getting around each city actually pleasant and has cut down on pollution.

Which subway logo is the one in the photo? The photo is from the metrobits Web site that features 171 logos so far.

Bilbao, Spain

Outdoor theater production in China blends modern with traditional cultural art forms

by Jamie Rhein on

China’s blend of art traditions, mixing the modern with the traditional, and the secular with the religious, is quite evident in the production of “Zen Shaolin” that is being shown at an outdoor theater in Henan Province.

From what I read in the New York Times article about the production, for anyone heading to China, or who is in China now, I’d take this in if I had the chance. Earlier today, I posted a video of the production of Swan Lake by the Guangdong Acrobatics Troupe of China. Multiply that several times, and you might come close to what I imagine “Zen Shaolin” must be like.

“Zen Shaolin” has a cast of 500 people, for example, and was created by Tan Dun, the guy who composed the music to “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.”

How big is the backstage, I wonder? Along with the cast of hundreds, the backdrop is a valley in the mountains near Shaolin Temple. How cool is that?

The set is elaborate as to not be dwarfed by the surroundings, and from the description of the storyline, the production blends ancient Chinese tales, martial arts, Zen Buddhism and modern day sensibilities.

One of the reasons for the creation of this outdoor theater production is to bring tourists to the area. There have been 300,000 who have come so far. Just another version of the story “If you build it they will come.” That is if you have a good idea and the timing is right.

In the case of “Zen Shaolin,” I’d say it sounds like pay dirt. (For more photos, check out the NY Times slide show)

Photo of the Day (08.31.08)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

Sometimes all you need for a really interesting photo is just a change of perspective. That’s what I liked about this image from Flickr user larixk. Instead of shooting this abstract sculpture head on, it looks like we’re directly underneath it, looking up at the sky. Each of the metallic spheres also offers us a faint reflection of the scene behind, providing further intrigue. It almost looks like a model of a giant 3-D chemical compound at a science museum.

Have any travel photos you’ve taken of cool sculptures? Why not share them with our readers here on Gadling? Just add it to our Flickr pool and we just might choose it as our Photo of the Day.

Swan Lake, Chinese acrobatics style!

by Jamie Rhein on

If you thought the Chinese acrobatics feats during the Olympics were something to behold, check out this video of the The Guangdong Acrobatics Troupe of China. This is an edited version of the performance of the ballet Swan Lake that was taken on a world tour a couple of years ago. As someone who can’t even touch her toes, I find this truly stunning and amazing.

There are sections where the video is a bit dark, but stay with it. Sections of the performance are edited together. The variety of dancers and acrobatics is like a kaleidoscope. Here is an article about the performance from China Daily in 2005.

Baghdad counts on a giant Ferris wheel to attract tourists

by Jamie Rhein on

As a way to boost tourism in Baghdad, a giant Ferris wheel is being planned. Not just any Ferris wheel either, but one that is taller than the London Eye. Certainly, a huge wheel that brings people high up in the sky for all to see will give the message that Baghdad is a safe place to come for a holiday by the time it opens.

Considering that a company to build it is still being scouted out, and the funds still need to be raised, the Ferris wheel won’t be opening any time soon.

The idea of sending people to great heights to promote the idea of safety is nothing new. This technique was also used by the Wright brothers in Pau, France in 1909 as a way to show that airplane travel was safe for everyone. Katharine, their sister, flew with Wilbur over the French countryside (see photo) to illustrate air travel safety, a necessary feat after a plane crashed killed someone.

In the Brisbane Times article that covers Baghdad’s upcoming Ferris wheel venture are several other ways that Baghdad is currently offering its residence and people who visit there fun and relaxation.

Want more “weird”? Check out these weird hotels: