Skinny Dipping in the Drakesnberg

by Erik Olsen on

Pat Walker
heads
off to South Africa not knowing what to expect. She heads to a place little known among Americans called
Drakesnberg, which means dragon mountain in Dutch, and
discovers a South Africa of “rushing rivers, trickling creeks, plunging waterfalls and shimmering lakes”. The lakes
boast some of the finest trout and bass fishing in Africa. Hiking to a swimming hole called the Blue Grotto (isn’t this
what all swimming holes are called?) she sits and watches her friends do a bit of skinny dipping and fantasizes that
she has found the Garden of Eden. Not bad for a day’s trek.

A nice little story.

How to Eat With Your Hands

by Adrienne Wilson on

A lot more thought goes into the art of eating with one’s hands than I thought. Two key techniques to
master are the use of the thumb and right hand only. Avoid having curry juices run down your elbow as well. It’s
considered a bit tacky, if not unpleasant. Makes good sense to me.
INDAX provides a
comprehensive guide to India with great articles on cultural tips, notes on how to use
the loo and this piece on the right way to eating with one’s hands. (You may wish to read about eating
with your hands before the toilet piece.) Though there are several places in India where you needn’t
worry about shoveling food in your mouth with your hand, I’m almost positive you wouldn’t want to offend
anyone who doesn’t offer eating utensils.

Hiker Survives Five Days in Lava Field

by Erik Olsen on

A hiker in Hawaii who disappeared was found in a lava field where he survived by drinking the
water he squeezed from moss that grew in the scarce nooks in the lava.

Gilbert Gaedcke was crossing a series of desolate lava fields near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park when he got lost
amid vast miles of blackened volcanic rock. He was rescued when a passing helicopter caught the glint from a mirror
that he used to get their attention (good thinking, Mcguyver). 

Wallpaper Travel

by Erik Olsen on

If you’re pondering the best place to stay on your next trip, you might check out the reviews in the tres-hip glossy
magazine Wallpaper, whose travel section highlights the best hotels,
night-spots and restaurants around the world. The recent July issue takes a quick look at the
Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) in Angkor Wat (which I’ve visited and
is quite nice…if pricey…at least as a place to stop by for a drink after touring the ruins). Here is a nice little
city guide of Seoul as well. The pieces are very short, but provide info
on cost, decor, and ambiance, as well as a “To Five Things to Do” section in the city-specific travel guides.

All for Des Moines

by Adrienne Wilson on

My little cousin is leaving the nest and heading off to Iowa for college in a matter of weeks. Not
entirely sure which area he is headed or if he is even close to Des Moines, but it’s
probably a small college town with farms and cows and not much else around. At least that’s how I picture things in
Iowa. This piece found in today’s Star Tribune shows
a different side of Des Moines, Iowa. A more urban, fun, and action packed
city that awaits the unknowing visitor. 

Summer is the perfect time to embark on a journey to the state’s capital. Every Saturday morning visitors and locals
can trek down to the Farmer’s Market to find fresh produce and a good mixture of ethnic fare as well. At night the city
hosts some pretty exciting summer activities to pass the time, be it a baseball game or a firework show. Also coming up
for the city is the famous state fair. If you’ve been thinking Iowa, I’m sure
you wouldn’t want to miss Des Moines or its prized fair.