Rudolph’s on the loose above New Zealand

by Brett Atkinson on

Yep, eveyone’s favourite reindeer is on the loose, and a week out from Christmas has already been sighted above New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

Click here to see a larger image of this Yuletide-friendly cloud formation that was snapped by Kiwi photographer Alan Blacklock as he sat in his back garden.

He’s adamant it’s not the result of some Photoshop jiggery pokery, a stance backed up by the boffins at New Zealand’s MetService. Apparently it’s the result of light cirrus clouds being blown by a few winds in different directions. Go figure.

Let us know if you’ve seen any other quirky cloud formations that made you look twice.

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Photo of the Day (12/17/07)

by Iva Skoch on

I couldn’t pass this one up…since I am going with the Czech Christmas theme this week: a picture by uncorneredmarket of the Prague Old Town Square Christmas market. The photo captures the market perfectly – it so kitschy, it’s almost cool. And, of course, the Tyn Church in the background is so spooky; it looks like a stage set for an Vegas-style renaissance fair. Oh, Praha!

***To have your photo considered for the Gadling Photo of the Day, go over to the Gadling Flickr site and post it.***

Czech Christmas, Part I: Santa, go home!

by Iva Skoch on

Since I am spending the holidays with my family in the Czech Republic this year, I will give you a little insight into what Czech Christmas is like.

One of the first things you will notice when talking to the locals is that people are angry at Santa Claus. You might ask “How can you not like Santa?”

Well, Santa personalizes just another expansive monster who invaded the Czech lands in the past few centuries. Traditionally, Jezisek (Baby Jesus) brought Christmas presents to Czech children. After the fall of Communism in 1989, Santa was one of the first signs that capitalism is just around the corner. He started appearing in window shops, competing for children’s attention. As a results of this, many Czech kids now get presents from both Jezisek and Santa Claus. Ain’t capitalism grand?

Of course, parents complain that the Santa propaganda just makes children more materialistic. “Why can’t we just have Jezisek? Santa go home!”

Frankly, I always found this sort of spirituality hypocritical. Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic countries in the world. Yet, somehow, Czechs are hung up on Baby Jesus bringing their children’s presents. The Czech Republic is actually the perfect place for Santa Claus. We even have a president named Vaclav Klaus. That is him in the picture, implying “shop, shop, shop!”

Also see Czech Christmas Part II and Czech Christmas Part III.

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Mary and Joseph won’t have to sleep in the stable this Christmas

by Martha Edwards on

Here’s an interesting story from our friends over at Intelligent Traveler: This Christmas, hotel chain Travelodge is offering free rooms to UK couples named Mary and Joseph at any of their 322 United Kingdon properties. According to their website, this charitable offer is an attempt to make up for not having any rooms available on that fateful night over 2000 years ago when Jesus was born in a stable.

Here’s what the press release has to say:

Today’s Mary and Joseph will stay in a spacious Travelodge family room which can also cater for a baby and a manger. A free car-parking space will be provided for the donkey and there are plenty of £29 rooms available for the Shepherds and Wise Men to book. The couple can stay anytime from Christmas Eve to the Twelfth Night.

Very cute, Travelodge.

Travelling by air this Christmas? Some tips

by Martha Edwards on

I’m typically a homebody when it comes to Christmas, but with our family now scattered, I’m spending Christmas away from home for the first time since I was 11. I’m looking forward to it — sort of. We’re going somewhere warmer, where there’s a hot tub and skiing and lots of good food. But travelling around Christmas time when everyone else is in a mad rush to get to their family too? Ugh.

Here are a few tips for travelling this Christmas:

  • Bring your cell phone charger with you in your carry-on — that way, you’ll have it in case you’re stranded or delayed by poor weather.
  • Don’t pre-wrap Christmas gifts if you’re travelling by air — they’ll be un-wrapped by security.
  • Arrive for your flight on time. And expect to wait in line anyway.
  • Book early. If you haven’t do so already, do it now.
  • Don’t bring your car to the airport — it will be packed. Take a cab or public transportation instead.
  • If you do bring your car to the airport, pack some blankets and pillows in the trunk. If you end up spending the night at the airport, you’ll be set.
  • Consider flying on Christmas day. The flights will be much cheaper.