Day trip drive: Calcata, Italy

by Jamie Rhein on

When I browse the photos in Gadling’s photo pool to look for a “Photo of the Day” post, inspirational, lush, funky and interesting shots are aplenty. It’s hard to choose between them. Yesterday’s choice, David Farley’s shot of the restaurant, La Grotta dei Germogli gives a hint of the pleasure of being there which is one reason it caught my attention. It left me intrigued, prompting me to find out more about it. Oh, my goodness! This is a reason to head to Italy.

Calcata, where the restaurant is located, is a medieval village in the hills, 30 miles from Rome, thus a day trip suggestion. The town, over the years, has been taken over by the artsy crowd. When the government condemned it back in the 1930 because officials worried that the volcanic rock cliffs that it sits on would crumble, people moved out. But, the 1960s happened and hippies and artists moved in turning the town into a happening place.

I came across this New York Times article that details Calcata’s path from ghost town to groovy. It has something to do with the positive energy the village exudes. If you’re going to be in Rome, this looks like a terrific gallery and eatery filled spot to mellow out. There’s the blue chair folding chair on the balcony overlooking the hills with your name on it. It’s at the La Grotta dei Germogli. If you go, the gnocchi with almond pesto sounds delicious.

Photo of the Day (4/26/08)

by Jamie Rhein on

The days for sitting outside overlooking a view and sipping a glass of wine are here. This shot of La Grotta dei Germogli, a restaurant in Calcata, Italy looks like the most perfect place. Imagine sitting in that blue folding chair, with a glass of earthy red wine to savor. This looks like the type of place one stumbles upon and thinks, what a find. David Farley, who snapped this took the shot in November, had an autumn experience. Just think about how the flower boxes must be blooming now.

Share the shots of places you’ve come across by posting them at Gadling’s Flickr photo pool and one might be picked for Photo of the Day.

Controversy over Scandinavian ban on sexist advertising

by Anna Brones on

Scandinavia is known for being liberal; universal health care, government funded secondary education and open immigration policies are the first things that come to mind when thinking about Denmark, Norway and Sweden. But when it comes to advertising, the Scandinavian countries are a little more at odds.

Sweden recently decided not to put a ban on sexist advertising, something that is strictly regulated in Denmark and Norway. Sexist content used to sell a product has been banned in Norway since 2003. “Naked people are wonderful, of course, but they have to be relevant to the product. You could have a naked person advertising shower gel or a cream, but not a woman in a bikini draped across a car,” said Sol Olving head of Norway’s Kreativt Forum.

In Sweden however, the government cited concerns that such a ban would conflict with freedom of speech and freedom of the press. “I don’t want to infringe on fundamental human freedoms and rights for a legislation the efficacy of which I question. This is not the way to win the fight for gender equity,” said Gender Equity Minister Nyamko Sabuni.

Basically if you want half-naked photos of Scandinavian hotties, better make your way to Stockholm and not Oslo.

Expected Belgian rail strike for April 30

by Anna Brones on

A heads up if you’re on your way to Belgium: the country’s two largest rail unions announced Monday that they plan to strike on April 30, 2008 because of a dispute over pay and conditions, as reported by the International Herald Tribune. About 90% of the employees of the state rail company SNCB/NMBS will be striking, meaning that travelers can expect a 24 hour train standstill.

Not only will regional service be affected, but also international lines like the Eurostar to Britain, the Thalys to France and the Netherlands and the ICE to Germany.

In the United States, we aren’t very used to national strikes of this kind, but some European countries — France and Germany for example — deal with them frequently. But don’t let strikes discourage you; train travel is still an efficient and eco-friendly way to make your way across Europe, just plan accordingly.

Wanted: two drinking buds for dad, $14/hour

by Iva Skoch on

The poor performance of the dollar can have its advantages. Especially if you get paid in pounds…and beer. Backpackers looking for a seasonal job opportunity, listen up.

The son of an elderly British widower who could not find a drinking buddy has provided him with two new companions after advertising the post at a rate of £7 ($14) an hour, plus expenses, The Guardian reports. When he moved from a flat to a care home 20 miles from his old stomping ground of Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire, Jack Hammond, 88, a radar technician during the second world war, struggled to find someone suitable to have a beer with.

As a last resort his son Mike, 56, put a notice in the post office asking for someone with similar interests or background to accompany his dad, a former charge engineer at a Lancashire power station, to the Compass Inn in Winsor, twice a week for a couple of hours.

He was so inundated with offers – including one from a 16-year-old – that he had to interview candidates by phone before asking a shortlist of three to join him and Jack for a trial drink.

I hope my kids look out for me like this.