Exotic Travel Risky to Health

by Adrienne Wilson on

It’s no secret to the seasoned adventure traveler some of the consequences that could be suffered while on that
whitewater rafting, mountain climbing, or hunt for ancient artifacts exploration, but just how many risks are out there?  After returning from Costa Rica
two weeks ago, I suffered one of the longest, um colds, that I had ever experienced.  Thinking about the many
obvious things it could have been (change of climate, flying dust from unpaved roads, and tons of second hand
smoke) I was hopeful that I would get well soon and I did.   What about those who aren’t so
lucky? 

The Miami Hearld has some nice
food-for-thought today, in some of the less obvious health risks posed to those off-the-beaten track vacations. 
Health officials are quite concerned.  While one man’s story leads in a deadly ending caused by
cysticercosis some
are a little more fortunate.  Still bothersome to the average traveler in many destinations is the
food.  Those tasty little plaintains, shark-fin soup, or even the food offered on flights can bring unpleasant
times to say the least.  Though laughing at other people’s misery is usually not my thing, I couldn’t help to
giggle from one woman’s quote. 

“It walked across my plate as I was trying to eat it.  It’s sushi.  It’s stupid.  I don’t do that
anymore,” she said.

Check the article out for yourself and as always the CDC, if you would
like to know more about the health risks in your next destination.

Learning Thai, sort of

by Erik Olsen on

Robbie Shepherd is an Aussie living in Bangkok and
trying his best to master, or at least attempt to speak, Thai. Now, having lived in
Bangkok myself, I can say that I, too tried to speak Thai, and the closest I
got after three months was an aptitude with ordering certain dishes, namely chicken and rice…about the easiest thing to
say. I am happy to report (in a schadenfreud kind of way), that Farang Shepherd is having no easy time of it, as he
describes in giggle-inducing detail here.
The supposedly simple act of ordering noodle soup might easily get you a nice hot bowl of penis soup…perhaps a delicacy
in some regions, but not something often found on Thai menus here. (link from
Friskodude)

The Holi Festival

by Erik Olsen on

Here at gadling one of the things we like to do is make you aware of the
various festivals and happenings around the world. Coming
up in March around full moon time is the Hindu festival of Holi in both Nepal and India.
Holi is a festival  celebrating
the climax of spring. I’ve been told by friends that it’s very wild. Bonfires are lit, people pray and fast (not the
fun part), and then for hours people chuck paint balloons at one another. Here’s
another site with info
about the festival. Perhaps you didn’t need a good excuse to go to South Asia, but here is one anyway.

“Lil Bit” to Search For Shadow

by Adrienne Wilson on

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, and this little piggy will be the promo
model for Lexington, North Carolina on Groundhog’s Day.  Rumor has it in
USA Today, that Lexington, N.C. is famous for it’s pork BBQ and tomato-based
sauce.  In celebration of the heritage of barbecue,
“Lil Bit,” the pig
 will be searching for her shadow and letting us know just how soon spring will appear.  Now get on over
there and grab you a plate! 

Tequila: The Book

by Erik Olsen on


Yes, there are books about
cod
and

salt and the

potato, so why not one about

Tequila, that wonderful headache-inducing beverage we all know and love. Perhaps you are heading to Mexico soon and
want to show off your vast knowledge of that country’s national drink. This book will get you there.

 

Did you know tequila comes in three basic styles: blanco (clear), reposado (“rested”) and añejo (aged at least one
year). Or that it was the Spanish who brought the technique of distillation (using the Arabic still) to the Tequila
region, which lies between Guadalajara and San Blas on Mexico’s Pacific coast. These bits of trivia will endear you to
your Mexican friends, and perhaps even ensure a few rounds on the house.