Explore Oman

by Adrienne Wilson on

Over the year we’ve hand plucked some very exciting things to do, see, and eat all over the
globe. Some leave a very heavy impression in our minds hours after reading or writing
about them. They work themselves into our dreams and become sort of an infatuation until the flight
is booked and our feet touch the soil for the first time. For me, Oman is quickly starting to become this
place. In the past we’ve touched on Mark Evan’s kayak trip around the country’s coastline, some terrific diving,
cave trekking, bird-watching as well as cruising the Straits of Hormuz by dhow. You can catch-up on the
past Oman coverage here.

All of these things have caused me to go back and google Oman several times. Each time I find another new site.
Explore Oman seems like an awesome place to begin if you’re completely
unaware of what this country is about. A tour agency located in the UK operates the site and offers independent
and group tour packages. The country overview provides all the needed basics, while the gallery displays some very nice
photos from all over the country. Sweet website to check out if you’re wanting to dream Arabian nights, though I
think I’m ready to skip dreaming and start living.

Ode to Philly

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’ve often heard our readers out in Philly say their beloved city never gets the props it
deserves. Today it does. Their cries to spread the word on how
Philadelphia is truly happening place to be must have been heard well before us, as I spotted some interesting
points in USA Today on
the various scenes in the city. Not quite as diverse as the urban eats in cities like San Fran or NY, Philly
does offer a wide selection of dining in all categories. On the mid-range of restaurants one might slip into Buddakan
(entrees, $18-$32) to stare back at the giant wall-size Buddha staring down on you while gobbling up tasty
Asian-influenced cuisine. Should your budget afford it and if you remembered to pack something a little formal, try the
famed French Le Bec-Fin (six courses, $138).

Great food isn’t the only thing putting the city back in the minds of anxious urban city travelers, think
well-preserved Victorian brownstones and an impressive booming art scene. For those needy for a history fix while
exploring the city is saturated with museums, landmarks, and celebrations around Independence Hall and the Liberty
Bell. Personally, I’d love to take in the sights and sounds a bit longer than my first run through the city,
which lasted one night at a club called Tragos. Great Afro-funk comprised of Yoruba lyrics over Brazilian drum beats
kept my feet moving all evening long which makes a plus for the nightlife. In any case, this certainly makes a nice
starting point if you’re considering a journey to the city of ‘Brotherly Love.’ And if you happen to love Phila and
know of any great spots shout em’ out here!

Tut Swag to Stay in LA Another Day

by Erik Olsen on

Just a heads up for folks interested in long dead rich people…turns out the King Tut exhibit has proven so popular
this year, that Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is extending the exhibit
until November 20. Record-breaking crowds have made it one of the most popular exhibits in LACMA’s history. After
November, if you want to gawk at the boy king’s golden swag, well, then you gotta head to Fort Lauderdale, FL, where
the stuff will move as part of its US tour. Hello Cleveland! (BTW: Does old Tuttie here look like Michael Jackson, or
what?)

New York in Film

by Erik Olsen on

Every day I walk around the city and see movies or TV being shot. Some months ago, I was coming home late at night
and there was a movie set up ahead, and I kind of made my way over to it just in time to see Steve Martin striding
goofily across the street in a yellow suit. Turns out it was likely a scene from the Pink Panther. So much is filmed in
New York that it’s got to be hard to come up with a concise list of classic New York Film scenes…that is, scenes from
classic films placed in the city. My tastes would range all over the place, from the
Warriors (Central Park) to the Godfather (Lower East Side).
Fodors has put together its own list of these scenes and
places, and while I agree with several of the films they consider “classics” (I guess that’s the real issue here…what
is classic and what is not) I concur, others (You’ve Got Mail) I am more dubious. But regardless, it could make a nice
guide to the city if you are both a movie fan and coming to the city for the first (or second, or whatever) time.

Montana Photos

by Erik Olsen on

If you are a fan of the West…and I’m not just talking about Deadwood…that is, if you love the open plain, a gaping
sky, jagged peaks…if images of lone buffalo get you’re heart beating, then you’ll really enjoy
Jerry Voss’ Montana photography. Here you will find images of America
as you know it from the history books; a place of astounding natural beauty, teeming with wildlife. I just stumbled
upon the site as I was clicking around, and I was really blown away by the vividness and originality of the work here.
If you want to know more about Voss, you can read his
bio here.