Kiev: Another “New” Prague

by Erik Olsen on

Reading about parts of Eastern Europe these days it seems every rundown old town that was once under communism is
now the “new Prague”. I celebrated Slovakia as such just
recently (bit I have a couple of good friends from the region, and they assured me it was a great place…so there). And
now, from the land of breaded chicken (yummy), comes word that the new Prague is really to be found in the Ukraine. Ah
yes.
Kiev
is the new Prague.

Well, any way you slice your chicken Kiev, the fact of the matter is, the growing interest in these places is great
news for them and the world. Despite the “Americanization” of places like Prague, it is still far better to have them
become modern and open to the world than the closed-off Commie backwaters that they have been. So check out the article
on Kiev, and see if it might be worth a trip.

Goombay Festival

by Erik Olsen on

We’re all about festivals today, as we seek to help you plan your summer by adding interesting new events to your
summer travel plans.

The largest black heritage event of its type in the country, the Goombay
Festival kicks off on June 4 in Miami. It has been a colorful and noisy celebration of the Bahamanian roots of the
Coconut Grove area since 1977. There are multi-colored processions (and we do mean multi-colored as many cultures show
up to drink like frat boys and writhe to the music), and many different music venues to choose from. Named after the
skin-covered Goombay drums this could be a cool way to spend a few days in Miami.

Segway Centaur

by Erik Olsen on

OK, file this one under gear, even though I suspect very few of us will ever own one. But check out
the newest transportation device from Dean Kamen and the folks at Segway.
If the new Centaur does not spark childish fascination in you, then, as Russell Crowe might have put it, you are
already dead. This futuristic buggy uses the patented stabilizing technology of the original Segway (the one that is
more like a scooter), but the Centaur is designed for off-roading. I actually got to ride a Segway the day they were
publicly released and loved it…though I have a hard time imagining myself owning one. But these might just turn out to
be a hit. I am already imagining all sorts of
interesting new sports that will emerge in
Silicon Valley when/if these become popular.

Bamboo in Your Underpants

by Adrienne Wilson on

Looks like some of us as finally catching up to all the spectacular wonders bamboo provides.  Asians have
been using bamboo for years for the purpose of construction. However these
days folks are finding it a very handy performance material for travel gear. 
Outside notes, that the
super-grass is nearly as strong as steel and can be used for one-twentieth of the cost.  You’ll find it in
underwear, clothing, bikes, skateboards, and split-cane fly rods which there’s a five year wait. Links and more
info on bamboo made products at
Outside.

Luxury Native American Lodging Popping Up

by Adrienne Wilson on

These days many Native American’s are going beyond the building of just new casino’s and they
are investing that money into new luxury hotels with very Native American themes.  One
example, the Inn of the Mountain
God’s found in pine-forested mountains in southeastern New Mexico.  Your first introduction to the culture of
the Apache is through the entrance where you’ll see sculptures of gigantic Apache crown dancers.  The
interior features original Apache artwork all throughout its eight stories.  Though revenue surely comes from
the gaming industry, tribes are wanting more than a piece of their culture told by the government shared. 
They are wanting to interact and to tell their entire story for themselves. 
USA Today has further
details.