Kev and Sian have A LOT of impressive travel tales to share at TravelPod, but of all their treks,
this one on
Moscow really wowed
me. It’s not too often I think about Russia as a first choice travel destination, but they certainly make me
want to reevaluate my list. The pair start with a rushed and sopping entrance into the Bolshoi Theater for the last
performance of Swan Lake. Afterwards they make way to their hotel which to their luck was smack dab in the middle
(or close) of all the most popular sites. Imagine Kremlin, Red Square, and St. Basil’s pretty much at your
fingertips. However, due to the Russian Cyrillic alphabet, crazed drivers coming up on the pavement, and
lack of pedestrian crossing, getting to them could prove a little complicated. As an added bonus they’ve got some
amazing pictures to share. This colorful shot of St. Basil’s really makes me want to capture one of my
own.
Elvis’ Birthday Celebration
Time to put on your blue suede shoes and head to Memphis. Get
there in the first week of January for the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s birth.
If he were around today, the Pelvis would be, well, shriveled and greenish, but there are still many people out
there who worship him…and quite a few others who claim he still hangs out in Vegas, although how you could spot him
among all those Elvis impersonators is beyond me.
No matter. Memphis it is, so treat yourself to a trip to Graceland while you’re at it, and if you’re attending
the Elvis Presley Birthday Celebration, keep in mind it includes the Memphis
Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Presley songs. There will also be numerous events at
Graceland. And now the big question: How old would Elvis be if he were alive? The
answer: 71.
NY Times on Tampa, FL
After a quick two day run in the big city last week I had never been happier to return to Tampa.
I’m just not cut out for the cold weather or the wind tunnels that act as NYC
streets. However sunny the weather may be, Tampa still kills my spirit. A city perfect for sport fanatics, cigar
aficionados, and home of some of the best Cuban sandwiches around is always lacking for me. I’m not wild about cigars
and pigskin is okay, but something I can’t quite place my finger on is missing. Yet, the folks at the NY Times managed
to point out some rather good
Tampa Bay finds should you have 36 hours to burn around town.
Just touching on a few of their picks I also find rewarding, every visitor should make special note to visit the
Big Cat Rescue. The home and sanctuary to some 150 exotic cats unfolds the
story of each one and the cats include African lions, pumas, ocelots, as well as lazy house cat. Another notable spot
is the restored 1926 movie palace called Tampa Theater, best for late
night flicks after a good round of tapas at Ceviche which gets a nod as well. And without the
beach, a trip to Florida wouldn’t be complete, but before heading to what’s said to be the nation’s best family beach
check the red tide status. If all is well and the sun is high and warm a ride down to
Fort DeSoto County Park should not be
missed.
See the NY Times full
list of action packed spots in Tampa and after reading this I guess, well, it’s not that bad.
Malta’s Popeye Village
Now here’s a classic film set to check out. Malta’s Sweethaven Village
better known as ‘Popeye Village’ for its filming of the 1980 musical production starring Robin Williams and Shelley
Duvall is one of the only sets created on the island that has stood its ground. Other film sets like ‘Troy’
and ‘Gladiator’ which were also shot in Malta were struck as soon as production wrapped. What used to be an
old dump for anchors back in the day has remained an enchanting, somewhat out of place fishing village constructed
from tons of Canadian lumber, an idea film director, Robert Altman had when selecting locations.
A trip to the village has a ton to offer. Fans of the film will naturally be drawn to the set and souvenir shops,
but don’t pass this one over as a cheesy tourist trap. Check out team-building activities such as bridge building, raft
building, treks, treasure hunts, and abseiling (for the adrenaline rush). I’d go just for the spinach.
Guh-guh-guh-gah!
Also, check out the Pittsburg Post-Gazette which turns its
attention to Malta in today’s Sunday edition.
Longitude’s Best Reads
We try our best here to cover the best books
out there for travelers in search of inspiration…or for those looking for an excellent tote along during your
adventures. Kelly’s One for the Road post today on When
Elephants Fly, is a perfect example, a book that mixes travel narrative with a meaningful message. That’s one of those
books about a far off and distant place that I’d likely get my hands on on.
Well, the folks at Longitude books have also put up a list of their favorites that might appeal to the readers among
us. This electic list of books features titles like
The Explorer’s Eye, First-Hand Accounts of
Adventure and Exploration, which is bursting with tales of vigorous adventure. Or, given the problems in that
region of the world, consider William Polk’s
Understanding Iraq, which will likely help you read
the morning paper with a more informed eye. The books here are not really the ones you’ll find at the top of the Amazon
travel list. They tend to be a bit more in-depth and challenging, which makes this list a must-see for the traveler who
wants to learn as they hit the road.