Why, just today Adrienne gives us an excellent post on Africa and a lovely new series of books on the continent. Well, if you’ve ever fantasized about going to Africa, then perhaps it’s time to actually do something about it. Perhaps it’s time to finally, um, pull the trigger and get yourself over to the continent. Of course, you first have to decide what you want to do. Is it animals you want to see? Is it outdoor adventure like paddling up the Nile or jumping off waterfalls? Well, you’ll have to decide. But to get more facts and ideas, I suggest you give this piece over at the LA Times a read. Jane Engle helps you understand all that you need to know to get to the continent and what to do once you’re there.
Chile’s Elqui Domos, Astronomic Hotel
Cool? Extremely! One of the seven astronomic hotels and the only in the southern hemisphere, this lodging jewel found in Chile is called Elquis Domos. (I discovered this one via The Cool Hunter, who I must say is doing a great job living up to the name.)
Elquis Domos pretends to be a magical place according to the story found on the hotel’s main webpage. The 6 geodesic domes are two-stories: the first floor houses the living room and bathroom and the second story has the main bed and a detachable roof. Other amenities/features include terrace space, telescopes, and specialized astronomic literature. Dark nights and bright stars are the real experience when staying in the Elqui Valley so it really is only appropriate to have offer accommodation that is both unique and allows the visitor to stargaze from their very own bed.
Just when I thought the Elquis Domos was going to throw out some ridiculously inflated rates I opened my eyes to a big surprise. They’re actually mid-range and affordable. During low season you’re in starting at $72 and during the high season for $99. Not bad.
If you want additional services like an astronomic tour or nighttime horse ride it’ll cost you extra, but if you’re looking for a room I’d have to say it couldn’t get better than this.
I’m so there and it will be sooner rather than later!
Photo of the Day (8/16/2006)
Not that I need any inspiration to haul my arse back to California to appreciate the relaxed, outdoors life…I think about it pretty much every day…but this photo from Misha Logvinov, buy, it really brought back some fine memories of hikes and camping trip in the Sierras. This shot of the Alpenglow over Glacier Divide from Lower Desolation Lake is marvelous. Ah, the Sierras.
Pauline Frommer Travel Guides
Like father, like daughter is what they say in this biz these days, I suppose. Pauline Frommer, daughter of the famous guide book extraordinaire, is introducing her own line of guidebooks catering to the adult budget traveler, but not the backpacker. On the market for purchase now include popular destinations such as Hawaii, New York and Italy. The Baltimore Sun online notes that 40 year-old Pauline will edit all the books in the series and write some of them. So least she’s not just using her name to sell I guess. The Pauline Frommer guides range from $16-$20 and can be purchased at Frommers.com.
I wouldn’t mind testing one out myself and if I had to choose from the three I’d go with Hawai’i. I’ve lived there / been before, but could always use a few recommendations on how to eat and sleep in paradise for cheap.
GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of August 6
End of the week means it’s time for a quick review. Pay close attention as Erik and Neil both part ways with their latest travel installments, but let’s not babble and jump right to it, okay!
5. Balkan Odyssey Part 24: The End:
Looks as if Neil’s Balkan days are numbered and in his farewell blog he still does a damn fine job of highlighting while summing up his incredible fantastic voyage. I’m sad to see it end here, but I’m sure there will be more travels and features like this one headed our way.
4. Mermaids of the Weeki Wachee Springs:
Who here can honestly tell me they’ve never wanted to see a real live mermaid? I’m well past the suggested age of (believing in) fairytales, but I think this show is fabulous for kids and the kid at heart. The mermaids might not be in Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs much longer, which is why I bring the topic to your attention a second time anyway. Don’t let this attraction swim away before you get there.
3. Gadling Audio Slideshow: Newfoundland Part III:
And yet another so-long, farewell piece from Erik this time as he wraps up his great Newfoundland adventure. Be sure to watch the first two first if you’re just checking in on this last showcase.
2. Alaska’s Seward Highway:
Does Erik have a way of picking up on some good travel pieces or what? This one on Alaska’s Seward highway has you virtually traveling to incredible photo galleries and a guide provided by Alaska.com on the highway itself. So awesome!
1. Top Ten Scenic Routes from the Sky:
If you’re the type that begs and demands window seats on flights you’ll probably want to know where some of the most scenic window seat routes are from 35,000 feet above. Neil points out this Telegraph piece on some of the top 10 and the readers follow right behind by leaving what they think are the best from above. Really cool read if you ask me.