Travel Africa Magazine

by Willy Volk on

Africa is a big continent. With lots of space. And lots of things to do. That are far apart. I think you get my point.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t head to the beautiful, vista-packed, sunny Dark Continent. To the contrary, I’ve spent 3+ years living and working in Africa, and I encourage everyone to go. The key, however, is planning your trip properly.

For that, you might want to check out Travel Africa Magazine, a quarterly publication that covers the continent’s diverse attractions, wildlife, and culture. Featuring high-quality writing supported by world-class photography, Travel Africa covers everything from off-the-beaten-track Ethiopia to responsible tourism in Zambia.

Even if you’re not planning on traveling in Africa any time soon, Travel Africa’s site may still interest you. For example, you may be interested to learn how to choose a conservation-conscious South African wine or how to prepare Inkuku yasekya nama qeselengwane.

Mmm…Inkuku…my mouth is watering already.

Cape Verde: Rich in Heritage and Beauty

by Jamie Rhein on

Cape Verde, made up of 10 islands off the coast of West Africa, boasts the oldest European settlement in the tropics. I didn’t know that. All I knew before I did some searching is that one of my Peace Corps friends went to Cape Verde on vacation once and sent me a post card of its beautiful mountains.

Unfortunately, the reason for Cidade Velha was the slave trade. Back in 1462, the place was hopping. But, pirates ruined the affluence. My son, who at age five has a thing for Jack Sparrow, would love the idea of the pirates. They raided so much the Portuguese quit the town and moved elsewhere. If you head to Cape Verde, you can still see Cidade Velha’s ruins that indicate its history as a trade center.

Cape Verde’s islands also have beaches for lazing about if that’s your thing, or you can put on hiking boots and hit a trail. Because of its location, Cape Verde has both Brazilian and Senegalese cultural trimmings. The music here, in particular, is a fusion of both. Check out Cape Verde Travel. There is a map of the islands. Click on each island for information particular to that one. For several shots of Cape Verde’s landscape, villages and wildlife, ignazw’s photos on Flickr are a great place to start. Detailed descriptions are included.

Russian Theater Jams Cell Phone Reception

by Neil Woodburn on

There is nothing more irritating while watching the performing arts than someone’s cell phone going off in the middle of the show. But this is where it normally stops. I’ve never actually seen anyone answer that ringing phone, just turn it off in embarrassment.

In Russia, however, theater goers don’t just answer their phones, but chat at length during the performance.

The problem has become so common that one venue in St. Petersburg, the 18th century Alexandrinsky Theater, has installed jamming equipment to block the reception of cell phones during performances.

Way to put that old Cold War technology to practical use! Now if they can only figure a way to stop those annoying coughers.

The Haru Basho, Guaranteed To Be A Big Time Out

by Willy Volk on

Here on Gadling, we like to focus on activities you can throw yourself into personally. However, the Haru Basho may be one of those events that’ll be better to watch than participate in. Unless, of course, you’re a sumo wrestler.

A honbasho is one of the six official professional sumo tournaments held each year. One of the honbasho — the Haru Basho, or “Spring” Basho — starts next week and runs through the 25th.

During Haru Basho, sumo wrestlers from across Japan will descend on Osaka’s Prefecture gym and throw around their weight. Though not widely understood in Western culture, Sumo is one of Japan’s most popular sports, steeped in history and ceremony. To the outsider it can seem like fat guys in diapers shoving each other really hard; but Sumo is a subtle sport with over 70 different throws, trips, forms and tricks that requires lots of training. Only when a wrestler masters the throws and is in excellent physical condition can he dream of becoming a Yokuzuna.

Single-day tickets for the Haru Basho run $17 for a general admission seat to $360 for a box seat, holding 4.

[Via Whatsonwhen; Photo: Wikipedia]

Abu Dhabi to Get A Louvre, Two

by Willy Volk on

Everyone knows how beautiful the artwork inside Paris’ Louvre is. However, since not everyone can travel to Paris, wouldn’t it be cool if the Louvre could “franchise” itself so people the world over could enjoy the pieces? Guess what? Yesterday, France’s culture minister confirmed that he will approve the construction of a satellite museum in Abu Dhabi: a Louvre 2.

Experts have estimated the multi-faceted deal — which calls for the Louvre to lend its name, expertise, and some of its art to the branch in the United Arab Emirates — could be worth as much as $1 billion to France. While critics charge that France is trading its heritage for profit, the director of that country’s national museum service said France has an obligation to share its art treasures with the world.

Abu Dhabi is in the midst of creating a $27-billion “cultural district” on Saadiyat Island, hoping to attract prestigious art museums and turn the city into a tourist destination. So far, the only other group to sign on is the Guggenheim, which is in the midst of building a $400-million museum on Saadiyat.

[Photo: Bonita711]