Rome’s Trevi Fountain runs red

by Catherine Bodry on

Last week, Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain ran red, tainted by paint or dye. The fountain runs on a closed cycle, so the waters remained blood red until police and technicians shut the water off and restored a clear flow. What at first seemed like a practical joke was actually a political statement; the group that claimed responsibility for the act left leaflets at the sight explaining that it was protesting expenses incurred in organizing the Rome Film Festival. The color symbolized the event’s red carpet.

Once I was assured that nothing was damaged permanently, I had to laugh at this harmless act. Some lucky tourists got a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity! It looks as if blóm, on Flickr, was one such lucky viewer.

[via Msnbc]

One for the Road: The Palace of the Snow Queen

by Kelly Amabile on

I’ve had a copy of this book for awhile, but unfortunately have not had a chance to read it yet. However, I want to let you know about Barbara Sjoholm’s new book now, because she’s got an event coming up this week. The Palace of the Snow Queen is a travel narrative that follows the author through Sweden, Finland and other parts of Lapland. Sjoholm visits the Ice Hotel in Kiruna, takes part in traditional activities like reindeer racing and dog sledding, and adjusts to the ever-darkening days of the Far North. Bookslut recently posted a positive review.

If you live anywhere near Bellingham, WA, you can meet the author and view a slideshow of photos from her travels in Lapland at an event at Village Books this Thursday night. She’ll read from her book, and also discuss the culture of the indigenous Sami, who are currently in a struggle to maintain their traditional reindeer grazing lands and migration routes.

GADLING TAKE FIVE: Week of October 13-19

by Jamie Rhein on

If you missed that big things happened at Gadling this week, then all I have to say is, “Where have you been?” Gadling has a brand new look and we’re enjoying it. It’s kind of like a shiny new toy. Wow! What does this drop down menu do on the left? The information we used to have is all here, it’s just relocated and gussied up. Also, perhaps you’ve noticed the slight name change. Instead of the heading “Gadling: The traveler’s blog,” we’re “Gadling: go there.”

Here our some of the offerings we’ve dished up this week that hopefully will help you go there where ever that may be. Hey, and if you’re not going off on some huge whirlwind mega trip, that’s fine by us. Sometimes, it’s the close to home treasures that are worth writing home about.

Abha Malpani, who just joined our Gadling forces this week, has some ideas for the best places to hook up with someone if you are so inclined, while Catherine’s got you covered when it comes to avoiding tourist traps. Grant knows just where you can get your hands on some of the best street food in Europe, and if you have a sweet tooth craving, check out Martha’s top places in the U.S. for a sugar fix ideas. To help you gather a bunch of facts that might come in handy at a party, or on a bus, or on an airplane –or just to amuse yourself in the privacy of your own bathroom, pick up a copy of Take Me to Your Leader. Kelly’s always dishing up good finds with her One for the Road Series.

Okay, that’s five and I still haven’t mentioned Matthew’s wealth of Japan know-how this week. Lastly, don’t miss Neil’s post “Visiting an American embassy, Simpson’s style.” Perhaps, you can relate.

Spain’s bullfighting craze resurfaces

by Abha Malpani on

The first (and last time) I saw a bullfight was early morning in a cafe in Valencia. I felt so sick watching I couldn’t even finish my coffee, even though I was watching it on a screen across the room. I sat there perturbed as I saw multiple spears oscillating in the bull’s back and a crowd cheering as the animal bleeds profusely whilst running to the swooshes of a red cloth swooned dramatically by some hero torerro.

Culture, tradition, art, amusement, call it what you want – how could anyone take pleasure in watching the slow death of an animal?

As I spoke to Spaniards about this ghastly game, whilst many were neutral, the majority strongly opposed it. With the “sport” legally banned in Barcelona and otherwise predominantly showcased only in tourist season, it thankfully seemed to be on the verge of obsolesce.

Until the legendary matador Jose Tomas decided to spring back into action. Local news channels and the general population seem to be rejuvenated with his comeback. Perhaps the pure ‘hero’ value he left lingering when he abruptly retired in 2002 has overwhelmed people and made them forget that the brutal killing of innocent animals is also at stake with this revival.

This mix-up and mess-up of tradition, art, bravery, and fame, with hypocrisy and human morality leaves me disappointed and confused; and I don’t like it.

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Doorbells and sleighbells and . . . frozen schnitzel?

by Catherine Bodry on

Wiener schnitzel may be one of my favorite things, but I’m not sure how I feel about the new toaster version of the traditional Viennese dish. In the classic version, a thin slice of veal is tenderized, coated in bread crumbs and fried. This process results in a wonderful combination of textures and flavors: crunchy, savory breadcrumbs and tender veal.

Now a German firm has created a more convenient method for preparing schnitzel: in your toaster. This version is made of pork coated in bread crumbs, is sold frozen and can be cooked in any toaster in three minutes. Meat-producer Toennies spokesperson Dietrich Gumppenberg claims that the company is only responding to customers’ needs: “Increasingly people want something that’s convenient. Who has time to go to the trouble of frying something themselves?”

Gumppenberg is keeping mum on the schnitzel’s lack of oozing grease. “We’re patenting our invention,” he says.

[via Reuters]