Photo of the Day (12.15.08)

by Karen Walrond on


One of my favourite subjects when traveling is shooting portraits — to me, nothing really captures the essence of a country or culture like the faces of its people. That’s why when I saw this image of a man celebrating Buddha’s birthday in the Gadling Flickr pool, I stopped cold: I love his exuberance, his unbridled excitement. What a wonderful memory captured. Nice job, TPB, Esq.

If you’ve got some great travel shots you’d love to share, be sure to upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr. We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day.

Big in Japan: Hokkaido’s best national parks

by Matthew Firestone on

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan’s northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous…

The island of Hokkaid? (??????, literally North Sea Circuit) may have wonderful cities, gourmet foods and a rich sense of history.

However, the real charms of the island are most often found far away human crowds, usually in the absolute middle of nowhere.

Indeed, much of Hokkaid? consists of national park land, and – if you have enough time, the right kind of gear and a true spirit of adventure – you can access some truly wild nature and wide-open space.

In our continuing series on the wonders of Hokkaid?, today’s post is a brief run down of the best national parks on the island.

Since we don’t have enough room to list them all, you’ll have to keep reading to see which ones made the cut…

Shikotsu-Tōya National Park Centered on two caldera lakes, and home to some of the island’s most famous hot spring towns, this national park is Hokkaidō’s premiere resort destination.

Tōyako Onsen was thrust firmly into the spotlight following its hosting of the 34th G8 Summit, though neighboring Noboribetsu Onsen claims the title of the island’s most popular resort, boasting remote hot springs, rustic hotels and lots of steamy fun.

Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park One of the most remote corners of already remote Hokkaidō, this national park protects the islands of Rishiri-tō and Rebun-tō off of the coast of Wakkanai in the far north.

In the winter months, you’d have a better time visiting Siberia, though in the summertime, the islands erupt in a colorful explosion of wildflowers.

Daisetsuzan National Park The granddaddy of national parks, Japan’s largest protected area is primarily comprised of rough and rugged mountainous terrain. Attracting walkers, hikers, climbers and alpinists alike, Daisetsuzan offers everything from the proverbial walk in the park to some seriously treacherous high-altitude traverses.

Akan National Park In the middle of this national park lies Lake Akan, which is home to a unique type of algae known in Japanese as marimo (Cladophora aegagropila). These green spheres live for hundreds of years, can grow to the size of a baseball, and are surprisingly cute.

Seriously – only in Japan could you find algae with a personality!

Shiretoko National Park On the eastern tip of Hokkaidō, this national park was referred to by the Ainu, Japan’s northerly indigenous population, as the end of the world. Considering that Shiretoko has no sealed roads, impossibly remote hiking along towering sea cliffs, and frigid and frozen weather that changes by the minute, perhaps this description isn’t entirely off the mark.

Oh yeah, and they’re are bears – lots and lots of bears. Wear a bell unless you want to end up as human sushi. Seriously. We’re not kidding!

Want to learn more about Hokkaidō? Sure you do!

Tune in all this month as Big in Japan heads north and blogs from the road.

** All images courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **

Photo of the Day (12.13.08)

by Brenda Yun on

Myanmar has been on my mind. I am indebted to this country alone, so ripe with political strife, for the worldly passion I now possess. Just a year and a half ago, I stepped off the plane in Yangon a naive and lonely American traveler. I learned by observation that the men wear longyi (a long wraparound skirt), the women and youth paint their faces with thanaka (a tree bark powder serving the double function of makeup and sun protection), and most adults chew betel nuts (which leave a red residue on the teeth as seen on the woman in this picture). This is just the external part of Myanmar’s unique culture. During the brief three weeks I was given in Myanmar, I fell in love with the place. I arrived quite ignorant of what life can be like under an oppressive military regime; I left infinitely grateful to have shared my time with these friendly and most generous people.

This gorgeous photo taken by uncorneredmarket (a.k.a. Audrey Scott and Daniel Noll) really captures the spirit of the Burmese people. Audrey and Daniel, who have been traveling the globe for over two years now, offer a nice reflection of their time in Burma here. I too think about Myanmar and its people frequently. Perhaps the two faces in this photograph explain why better than words can.

If you have some great travel shots you’d like to share, be sure to upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr. We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day!

Dubai hotel offers meals to those made redundant

by Abha Malpani on

This is definitely one of the most innovative promotions I have seen coming out of Dubai: 3-star Arabian Park Hotel in Dubai is offering free meals to anyone who has lost their job because of the credit crunch.

The promotion is not only open to Dubai residents, but anyone in the world who has been fired. All you have to do is bring your redundancy letter with you as proof, and you will have access to a buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

It’s their way of adding “festive cheer” to those unfortunate to have lost their jobs in this down period. The offer is open to those unemployed after November 1, and will run from December 15-January 15, 2009. Guests that decide to take advantage of the offer can bring friends and family, but they will have to pay for their meals. Only one such meal will be permitted per person, although I’m not sure how they will control that.

Although Dubai is trying to show that it doesn’t have economy problems, that is far from the truth. Most companies are laying off hundreds of people, while others have frozen hiring.

As good intentioned as the promotion is, of course the hotel is doing it to attract more customers and perhaps make some money on the guests that the jobless people bring with them. Also, depending on the number of people who show up, the hotel thinks it will make interesting reporting statistics.

Losing a job can be quite traumatic, and I’m not sure I’d want to go to a restaurant where I’d be surrounded by other jobless people. It would probably more depressing that anything else. I have a few close friends who have lost their jobs, and I don’t have the guts to suggest going to this promotion.

I’d certainly be interested to see how many people go and also, what type of people will go. Knowing Dubai a bit, I have a feeling it will be more of the blue-collar workers and single unemployed men, but who knows?

Big in Japan: Sapporo isn’t just about beer!

by Matthew Firestone on

All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan’s northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous…

The island of Hokkaid? (??????, literally North Sea Circuit) is firmly centered on the capital city of Sapporo (?????).

Famous for liquid lager, miso ramen, the 1972 Winter Olympics and the annual Snow Festival, Sapporo is just as much a destination as it is a springboard for Hokkaid?’s vast wilds.

Voted one of Japan’s most livable cities, Sapporo was designed by European and American architects in the late 19th century, and proudly boasts a wide grid of tree-lined streets and plenty of public parks.

You’ve got to be able to withstand the cold if you want to make through the Siberian winters up here, though fortunately Sapporites have plenty of tricks for staying warm, most of which involve copious amount of frothy brew.

Of course, Sapporo isn’t just about beer, and there are a surprising number of tourist sights in the city.

Keep reading to find out…

While you’re certainly encouraged to down a few pints once the sun sets, avoid hangovers and do a bit of exploring during the day.

Here are some sights worth checking out:

Hokudai Shokubutsuen Although this botanical garden lies in the city center, it boasts no less than 4000 species of plants spread over 14 hectares.

The grounds are also home to a wonderful red brick Natural History Museum that dates from 1882, as well as an Ainu Museum dedicated to the island’s indiginous population.

Clock Tower An obligatory stop on the tourist trail, this Sapporo landmark hasn’t missed the hourly toll in more than 130 years – proof positive that the Japanese were perfectionists even in the 19th century!

Nijō Fish Market Hokkaidō is famous for having some of the freshest sushi and sashimi in all of Japan.

If you want a taste of northern specialties, such as squid, sea urchin roe, crab and salmon, look no further than this expansive fish market.

Yuki Matsuri If it’s February in Sapporo, it’s likely that you’re one of two million visitors to the annual Snow Festival. Most of the action takes place in the Odori Park, where you can snap pics of massive ice sculptures.

After all, Hello Kitty is a lot more impressive when she’s 10 feet tall and frozen solid!!!

And finally…

Sappor Beer-En No visit to Hokkaidō’s capital is complete without a round (or four) of Sapporo lager, especially if it’s served straight from the source.

Here, at the Sapporo Beer Garden, you can feel free to indulge in a liquid lunch.

For all of those purists out there, Sapporo’s signature brew is best served alongside a steamy bowl of miso ramen, or a plate of sizzling lamb and onions. Delicious.

Want to learn more about Hokkaidō? Sure you do!

Tune in all this month as Big in Japan heads north and blogs from the road.

** All images courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **