Kiev: Another “New” Prague

by Erik Olsen on

Reading about parts of Eastern Europe these days it seems every rundown old town that was once under communism is
now the “new Prague”. I celebrated Slovakia as such just
recently (bit I have a couple of good friends from the region, and they assured me it was a great place…so there). And
now, from the land of breaded chicken (yummy), comes word that the new Prague is really to be found in the Ukraine. Ah
yes.
Kiev
is the new Prague.

Well, any way you slice your chicken Kiev, the fact of the matter is, the growing interest in these places is great
news for them and the world. Despite the “Americanization” of places like Prague, it is still far better to have them
become modern and open to the world than the closed-off Commie backwaters that they have been. So check out the article
on Kiev, and see if it might be worth a trip.

Goombay Festival

by Erik Olsen on

We’re all about festivals today, as we seek to help you plan your summer by adding interesting new events to your
summer travel plans.

The largest black heritage event of its type in the country, the Goombay
Festival kicks off on June 4 in Miami. It has been a colorful and noisy celebration of the Bahamanian roots of the
Coconut Grove area since 1977. There are multi-colored processions (and we do mean multi-colored as many cultures show
up to drink like frat boys and writhe to the music), and many different music venues to choose from. Named after the
skin-covered Goombay drums this could be a cool way to spend a few days in Miami.

Memphis in May

by Erik Olsen on

Here’s something you might want to add to your May calendar. As part of the
Memphis in May celebrations that rage throughout the month, the famous St.
Beale St. hosts world-renowned musicians. This is a killer festival. 

Past performers include BIG names like Van Morrison, Ray Charles and Willie (two-bong-hits-for-breakfast) Nelson. This
year over 60 artists are confirmed for the celebrat5ion’s four stages. Nearly every genre of music is represented,
except perhaps Tuvanese Throat Singing. Yep, just checked. No
throat singers thiis year.

Photo of the Day: (4/04/05)

by Erik Olsen on

I went to Flikr today and decided to look for a photo in Newfoundland. It was a place that came to mind today
because…well, I’m not sure why. I suppose I was thinking of interesting places I’d like to visit. And maybe back there
in my consciousness there was a story I read about the Vikings being the first ones to come to America. No matter. My
search paid off. I found this photo of a lonely lighthouse.
It’s a nice photo, although let’s be honest. It’s hard to take a BAD photo of a lighthouse.

Luxury Native American Lodging Popping Up

by Adrienne Wilson on

These days many Native American’s are going beyond the building of just new casino’s and they
are investing that money into new luxury hotels with very Native American themes.  One
example, the Inn of the Mountain
God’s found in pine-forested mountains in southeastern New Mexico.  Your first introduction to the culture of
the Apache is through the entrance where you’ll see sculptures of gigantic Apache crown dancers.  The
interior features original Apache artwork all throughout its eight stories.  Though revenue surely comes from
the gaming industry, tribes are wanting more than a piece of their culture told by the government shared. 
They are wanting to interact and to tell their entire story for themselves. 
USA Today has further
details.