Borat’s: Face of Kazakhstan?

by Adrienne Wilson on

Strangely this isn’t the first time Sacha Baron Cohen has received mention here on Gadling. Erik wrote a short blurb on the star back in November of last year when word on the streets was Kazakh government was going to sue Mister Borat / Ali G. / Cohen. According to Erik’s piece the gov officials didn’t like the way Cohen was portraying them as sexist, racist, and stupid louts. Well, I don’t know how far that lawsuit went, but Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan is set for nationwide release on November 3, 2006.

After seeing the absurd previews in theaters last night I couldn’t help placing this one on my ‘to-watch’ list. What? Huh? Yup, I said it. I’m hoping to catch this one on the big screen in stadium seating, DDS surround sound – the works. Personally I find Borat disgustingly funny. Not because I feel he’s poking any sort of fun at Kazakhstan through his character, but simply pointing out the same age-old stereotypes Americans have created over time. Cohen who is Jewish makes joke about Jews, Blacks, Cowboys, and various other American folk he runs across in his great road-trip across America. Offensive and crude cinema – yes.

My only hopes for those who do know very little about the country of Kazakhstan is that they’ll go pick up a book or do some research online. It’s not that hard to learn something a little factual about the place. In fact – start by clicking here.

Genghis Khan Time in Mongolia

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just a few days ago I featured a bit of Mongolia lingo for the first time and wouldn’t you know the ole’ NY Times posted a thing or two on Mongolia this weekend as well! If I didn’t know any better I’d say they were spying on me, but I doubt that. For starters I gave readers the opportunity to learn the word horse in Mongolian. This New York Times articles tells readers what it’s like to ride a horse in Mongolia. Not only that – Edward Wong does us the favor of describing what made Mongol horses much better for the calvary men during the times of legendary Genghis Khan. Basically, Mongolian horses are short and stubby. It’s an excellent read if you’ve ever contemplated going to Mongolia and a great time to act on those funny travel urges.

As previously mentioned; 2006 is the 800th anniversary of Genghis Khan, so saddle up and start exploring!

Voices of the Globe

by Erik Olsen on

The site Global Voices Online has go a lot of pretty informative stuff in their series of blogs. Global Voices Online is a non-profit global citizens’ media project, that was sponsored by the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at the Harvard Law School. They provide access to conversations and ideas appearing around the world on other blogs or podcasts and posts links to these websites on a daily basis. Check ou the Global Roundup Archive to get a sense of the type of information available including news and commentary on blogs in Senegal, Kenya, Estonia, Oman, Burma and countless other places. It’s an excellent alternative news resource that world travelers can turn to for first hand accounts of politics, economics and culture in countries that often don’t receive adequate coverage by mainstream media.

Bhutan Is Cool

by Erik Olsen on

It’s been a whle since we did a post on one of the most interesting countries on the globe. The Times Sunday travel section has an article on the allure of Bhutan which has recently eclipsed Cambodia as the Asia destination du jour. And why not? I love Cambodia, but man, is can get hot there. Especially around Angkor in the summertime. Whew. And so instead, hit the high road and go up to the atmosphere, up where the air is clear, oh let’s go…to Bhutan!

The article hails Bhutan as the place to go “in search of a spiritual journey, a hiking adventure – or just a chance to experience a place before the rest of the world gets there”. Me, I’d go in a heartbeat. Just hand me a ticket and I’m off.

When I Travel to _______, People Say this_______.

by Adrienne Wilson on

Go on, fill in the blanks. Just humor me alright. It’s early Saturday morning and I’m as giddy as ever. My visa for Tajikistan is finally on its way, I have less than a month to go and high hopes of making it to the Pamirs. My head is swirling with sweet exotic travel thoughts of a land beyond lands – the Roof of the World. I’ve got happy feet. I’m elated. I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it… I’ll stop now. Now if only I could make my family understand. Every time I pick a new destination to jet off too, the response is often why do you want to go there? I usually spit out the typical off-the-beaten track traveler’s answer, why not?

Why not?

Not that I’m the kind of person to pay too much attention to public opinion I do find what people have to say about the places I go or think about going rather hilarious. It’s almost like a nice round of MadLibs. If I were to describe what some of the responses have been like and who they came from this is how it would probably read:

When I travel to Tajikistan, people say ‘where?’ (75% of reactions) Well I haven’t gone yet, but I’ve got 25 days left till departure.

  • But, why, why, why, would you want to go there? – Family member desperately trying to understand my NEED to travel there.
  • Oh, so you’re going to the ‘Stans?’ – Random person who couldn’t point out the so-called ‘Stans’ on a map to save their life.
  • You’re going by Afghanistan? Are you crazy? – Overly concerned friends.
  • I’m pretty envious of you. Dushanbe is one of the best places in Central Asia. Stay at Malohat’s. – Friend of a friend who knows and who has been. (I liked this guy.)
  • Adrienne, you’re crazy? – Multiple people speaking in regards to travel and non-travel related issues.
  • Isn’t it dangerous there? – Americans who don’t realize how dangerous it is here. (Isn’t there a Serial Killer on the run in Arizona now?)
  • My brother just got back from there on business. – Woman who was trying to hire me for a job I had to pass up.
  • I’m so glad you’re doing this for Habitat for Humanity. That’s really cool. – Andy, my amazing travel agent and pal who does the booking!
  • No one goes there. You’re the only one. – An employee at a bookstore that didn’t carry any Central Asia travel guides.

I could go on, but I won’t. What do you think about when you hear Tajikistan? What have people said about your travels to Milan, Abu Dhabi, Eritrea, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Kingston, or where ever you may have been? Planning a trip now? What are people saying about that? Anything useful? Just a fun little way to exercise your brain this fine Saturday morning.

Happy travel planning!