I admit it was the flowery blanket that called my attention to this photograph and made it POTD. In what could have been a very hi-tech secret agent (complete with an iPod and shades) on the move shot (had there been black silk sheets) was softened by what looks like grand mama’s blankie. But it’s cool. Very cool. In fact, it would almost be nice to see more photos like this JRAWLS, on different bed sheets and with a different video image being uploaded. I’m seeing strange coffee-table material. Aren’t you?
GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of September 10
Kick back, relax and get ready for your weekly highlights of some Gadling’s favorites. There were dozens this week, but I managed to narrow it down to these five. Hope you enjoy!
5. BT Blogger Blab Post Mortem:
Sure this one isn’t really going to help you in making your next big trip plans, but I liked it. Our very own Erik Olsen had the opportunity to hang out and better yet be apart of a panel for the Budget Travel Blogger Conference. This posts highlights some of his thoughts and gives the low-down on the event. I just think it’s awesome that he went! Hi-five!
4. Theater: Dress Up (or Not):
Why something like this has never made the Gadling tops before I haven’t a clue, but I’m sure happy we have Iva writing pieces like this one. You’re on the road backpacking and all when you want to go some place fancy, like the theater. The questions now is to dress up or not? I’m with Iva on this one (dress it up a bit), but what’s your take?
3. I Eat Cannibals:
Cannibalism is beyond me. In fact, making plans to travel to places where the locals might be practicing such things blows me away, but would I be tempted. Heck yeah, so long as I’m not on the menu. Neil leads us to a fascinating find from the Smithsonian Magazine which follows Paul Raffaele in Indonesian New Guinea. Very cool read.
2. Burning Man Photo Results, Sort Of:
While it sadden me none of the Gadling readers were compelled to enter the Burning Man Photo Contest or just didn’t go I’m delighted to find these brilliant photos from elsewhere posted by Neil. I admit, I hope to head to Burning man one day and even if you think you don’t or won’t one look at these photos and I’m sure you’ll have a slight change of heart. They are…spectacular!
1. Reverse Culture Shock: Teaching the Somalians About America:
Every American should read this or maybe just everyone in general. This funny piece looks at the culture shock someone from let’s say Somalia might have when entering America and the classes they have to take before embarking into the “Promised Land.” It makes you think about how much we take for granted over here.
Kayaking Venice
When you think of Venice, Italy, you think of canals and gondolas. In fact, it’s practically sacrilegious to cruise the waterways in anything but an old wooden boat powered by an opera-singing Italian and a long wooden stick.
Here’s a disconnect for you: Kayaks.
Why not? I can’t think of a better way to thoroughly explore the legendary canals than at your own speed and power (and without Pepino singing Puccini).
The problem is that there are no kayak rentals within the city. This means packing in your own gear. Men’s Journal suggests an inflatable kayak that is a bit easier to travel with.
Taking Venice by Kayak, which appeared in last July’s issue, chronicles Mark Anders kayaking adventure through the busy canals. He likens it to a game of Frogger in which he was constantly dodging bigger and faster boats on the Main Canal.
But his four days of paddling amongst some 200 smaller canals did take him way off the tourist circuit, away from the circular gondolas routes, and into the very heart of the city where he received curious stares and even a “Bravo!” applause from one local woman. Anders, for the most part, lazily floated through the city, soaking up the architecture and reveling in a truly unique form of transport.
The highlight seems to have been his nighttime paddle through eerily quite canals. Venice magically transforms at night, and thanks to his kayak, Anders managed to capture the very best of the fabled city.
Word for the Travel Wise (09/12/06)
Some tour packages make me chuckle. Like who combines these things? Was there some poll asking whether visitors to Italy would be interested in fierce, high-speed, hot-red Ferrari rides through Rome to their mineral bath? There had to have been because they’ve got this thing called the Red Wellness Tour. On this two day, one night tour you’re given the opportunity to drive up to three different Ferrari’s and to receive spa treatments. I could see somebody’s red-hot mama stepping out of one of the rides (you know the Devil Wears Prada type) tossing her furs from her shoulders and soaking herself in a nice warm bath. When she’s through off into her Ferrari at the speed of light! Too cute.
Today’s word is an Italian word used in Italy:
un riccone / una riccona – A rich man/woman. Usually used in a derogatory way, giving the idea of rich and arrogant.
Seeing how popular the language is there isn’t much difficulty finding learning resources on the web. I’m a little unsure about what’s going on with this June29 site, but they have three very simple lessons to get your learning motors going. You might find the BBC your one stop shop in handling your needs. Dictionaries, lessons, audio, and slang are all included. Distance learning is always recommended in my book. Check out some of these programs abroad where you can study in various cities across the country and even Lugano, Switzerland. A few links to study abroad are as follows: Amerispan, World Link Education, and ILUSS. Head over to this Italian Book Store for suggested text.
Past Italian words: qualcosa, dov’é, congratulazioni
Flights within Europe for $50
At one point, Europe had more than one hundred budget airlines. Not all of them made it through the turbulent few years, but those who remained (some fifty) are pretty solid. You know the spiel – you can book one-way tickets without penalty, there is no free food on board, usually no assigned seats, you are only allowed to carry on 1 bag and check 1 bag, otherwise you pay. That is after all, how they make their money. If your dates are flexible, the tickets are very cheap.
SkyEurope.com is one of those airlines. The biggest budget airline in Central Europe, headquartered in Slovakia, started a major promotion today to celebrate their 5-year anniversary. They fly to all major European destination and have new planes.
This week only, you can buy tickets anywhere they fly for FREE (you only pay taxes). I booked a round trip ticket from Prague to Rome for $50. Go snatch some!