Dharavi: Asia’s Largest Slum

by Erik Olsen on

I was working on a documentary film in India last August and
happened to take a quick day trip to the slums of
Dharavi in Mumbai. Dharavi is the largest slum
in Asia…and the world, too, I think. It was an unforgettable experience. We walked the dusty roads and strolled past
people living in conditions that can almost be described as Fourth World. The slum went on forever. The derelict sprawl
of plastic roofs and filth stretched out before us as far as the eye could see. But the people we ran into were
amazingly friendly. They offered us Cokes and wanted to talk about America as well as their own lives. The kids played
in rancid puddles, but their faces beamed with smiles. The fact is, despite their miserable conditions, many of the
people we met were genuinely happy, full of life and laughter. I think of them every once in a while as I live my own
life and consider how fortunate I am to have been born here in the US. But it’s hard not to reassess the meaning of
happiness when you have an experience like that.

I was reminded of my time in India when I read 
this Slate piece on Dharavi and the people who live
there. It’s hopeful, I think, and an eye-opening story about a part of the world that doesn’t often get our attention.

Going Amish

by Erik Olsen on

There are other ways I can think of to spend a vacation, but what
do you think of the idea of hanging out with the Amish? Sadly, when I think of the Amish, my mind immediately goes to
scenes from the Harrison Ford film Witness, which I suppose is
rather pathetic of me. So perhaps a trip like this
one, where you go and hang out with the Amish, have dinner, churn some butter, raise a house or two, would probably
do me some good…expand my cultural horizons, as it were. (hey, btw: what ever happened to
Kelly McGillis?)

Cool or Lame: Morgan Spurlock’s New Project

by Erik Olsen on

When I saw “Supersize Me” I remember thinking to myself what a wonderfully
simple idea this was. Morgan Spurlock decided to go on a strict diet of fast food for 30 days…McDonald’s fast food to
be specific. The film based on this endeavor went on to big fame and won many awards, all of which, I think, deserved.
But after the film, a friend of mine commented that Spurlock was a one hit wonder, that his idea was great, but that
likely he’d fade into pre-Supersize Me obscurity. Not so.

I looks like Mr. Spurlock is taking his wonderful concept and
expanding it into all sorts of
socially-conscious realms. His new show concept, to be aired on the FX channel will involve living some life-style for
a month and filming the entire process. According
to his blog, which gives a somewhat
consistent update on his project, he and his fiancée Alexandra moved to Columbus, OH where they decided to live on
minimum wage for one month. The idea being to show how hard it is to make it in the United States on the pltry sum of
(what is it now?) $5.15 an hour.

A superb idea. And quite timely, too. In fact, just yesterday the New York times started a series on class in America
that is sure to be Pulitzer material. In these heady Bushian days of conservative domestic policy, the show is surely
to develop a following. And this initial program is just the first of a series that will tackle issues ranging from
homosexuality to binge drinking, and consumerism. Very cool.

Kayak Fishing Event

by Erik Olsen on

Anyone in New York or Brooklyn today wanting to catch
an interesting outdoorsy event might head over to
the second annual Jamaica Bay Kayak Fishing Tournament. The fishing and paddling
fiesta is attracting scores of kayaker-anglers who will catch and release some of the region’s favorite
“sport fish”: bluefish, striped bass and weakfish. This will be a bigger event than the one last year, which I confess
I missed, but heard about. Anyway, it could be a nice way to spend a cool Saturday.

LP Asks You to Support National Passport Month

by Erik Olsen on

One of our favorite travel-dudes out there, Don George,
Lonely Planet’s global travel editor, sent out a note earlier asking people
to support a new initiative making September National Passport Month. Not a bad idea at all. The point of the would-be
law is to get more people – well, Americans – to shed their isolationist tendencies and start seeing more of the
world.

George writes: “We believe that the passport is a portal to discovery, education and connection, and our goal is to
focus national attention on the many benefits of having and using a passport.”

Folks, this is a fine idea. In my opinion, it ought to be accompanied by a “Get More Vacation” bill as well that
increases the amount of vacation Americans get to four from two weeks (which, by the way, is not even mandatory), but I
guess that’s another argument for another post.

Anyway, to show your support, send an email to
passport@lonelyplanet.com stating that you endorse National Passport
Month. Add your name and the name of your organization as you would like it listed. Be cool. Do it now. And while
you’re at it, listen to our recent
podcast with Don.