International Optimism

by Erik Olsen on

I thought this was a rather odd article…but I couldn’t stop reading it, and while I’m still a wee bit puzzled by its conclusions, I think it makes for some thoughtful examination. The article is the result of a BBC poll that surveyed some 38,000 people in 32 countries between October 2005 and January 2006. People were asked how optimistic they were about their own futures, how good they thought they had it in the world. Among those who were most optimistic, a most unlikely duo: Afghanistan and Iraq. How can this be so?

Well, first we should point out that among countries with the lowest sense of optimism were Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia. Which makes sense. Congo is the last place I’d like to be right now. Congo and Stockton, CA (jk!). But even the Italians and the South Koreans seemed a bit dour. Odd that.

Canadians were pretty psyched about life, but the French were down.

Where do the Americans fit in all this? No idea. I see no mention of us. But we are an optimistic lot so my guess is we’re off the charts. But that could just be me…Mr. Happiness.

Jeffrey Taylor on Worldhum

by Erik Olsen on

As an avid reader of the Atlantic Magazine, the name of Jeffrey Taylor has long been known to me. I’ve been reading his superb essays on travel through Russia and eastern Europe for years now…not to mention the myriad other places he’s been to report for the magazine. The guy is amazing. He’s Fluent in five languages (Arabic is one of them), and he’s reported from virtually every nook and shadow of the globe. His books include Siberian Dawn, Facing the Congo, Glory in a Camel’s Eye, and, most recently, Angry Wind, which took him to Africa’s Sahel region…rather unhappy places, one might say.

Well, Worldhum has got an interview with Taylor that’s worth a read. Worldhum’s Jim Benning asks him about the writing life and travel and how he got where he is (i.e. hard work). It’s a very satisfying, personal look at one of our best travel journalists.

One for the Road (01/10/06)

by Dave (Blogsmith Old) on

This book by Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan was released in 2004 and was turned into a television show in 2005. No Opportunity Wasted: Creating a List for Life is not exactly a travel book, but Keoghan shares his personal travel experiences in the Yucatan Jungle and African Congo to encourage readers to face their own fears and test personal limits. Last year his N.O.W. self-improvement philosophy was transformed into the N.O.W TV show, a globetrotting adventure series on Discovery HD and Fit TV. Each week on No Opportunity Wasted, one person is given three days (72 hours) and $3,000 to make their biggest dream a reality. You can view Phil’s List for Life as well as lists submitted by readers to get some travel inspiration. Check out the show or book to learn more about this adventure guru’s 8 Ways to Create a List for the Life You Want.

Polo’s Bastards

by Adrienne Wilson on

The writer’s at Polo’s Bastards didn’t take too kindly to the media portraying them as reckless and promoting irresponsible travel, according to this piece from PR Leap. Editor, Lee Ridley states to the adventure travel sites defense that many of their writers are some of the most travel-savvy in the biz, coming from backgrounds like security contractors, professional war-journalists, aid workers and a lone Oxford Professor.

I’m surprised I didn’t catch onto this site before this little news blurb. The Polo’s Bastards motto is ‘going where we ain’t supposed to,’ (a motto that works very well in describing some of my own dream destinations) and includes several stories on places like Honduras, Syria, Pakistan, Congo, and Afghanistan. Spending a good moment exploring their site, I found the content quite interesting and highly informative. The photo galleries capture the kind of visuals many travel brochures are lacking (love this one on Persian propaganda in Iran), reviews are given on Arabic language learning books, and another on a Sudan travel guide.

Didn’t fully catch any signs of being reckless in the stories and sure, the writers wish to travel to places you’re probably not going to want to spend your honeymoon, but for those who can’t help being curious and wish to see the truth for themselves, then thanks Polo’s Bastards. I recommend anyone with an interest in hostile travel destinations or places that have bad images otherwise, read some of the content on this site. How does it sound to you?

Nick Nichols Photography

by Erik Olsen on

Do you want to be blown away? Take a look at the photo Web site of National Geographic photographer Nick Nichols. Nichols work has taken him to Africa, Asia…well, I very much doubt there’s anyplace he hasn’t been. In fact, one of his most recent works is a book about Congo, a place he calls “The Last Place on Earth”. NPR did a story recently about Nichols as well, focusing on the Congo story, but the Web site is worth checking out and exploring, because it is bursting at the http seams with some of the most amazing photos you will ever see. And if you fancy yourself a photographer, then you might glean some helpful tips from his Nick’s Take On section.