Exploring the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang, Laos

by Jessica Festa on



While traveling through South East Asia, I had the opportunity to explore myriad temples and religious sites. Wat Po in Bangkok, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, and Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang were all stunning sites of spirituality that I would recommend to other travelers. However, visiting the Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang, Laos, was an extremely unique religious site that left a deep impression on me.

The caves, visible through a jagged opening in the waterside cliff face, are located right on the Mekong River, making the views very scenic. Inside the Pak Ou Caves are hundreds of Buddha statues of all sizes, shapes, and conditions. Most of them are donated by locals, who consider the caves to be a very important spiritual site. What’s really amazing is that locals of all classes have been coming to the site for over 500 years to worship and pray, which is pretty apparent when you notice that some of the statues are literally crumbling apart. While the site has become quite touristy, it is impossible not to feel something while being surrounded by so much visible history and culture.

To get there, you can take a boat from Luang Prabang, which is about 15 miles away. There are two caves, a lower and an upper. If possible bring a flashlight, as it can sometimes be dark and you’ll want to be able to clearly see all of the Buddhas. Expect to pay about $2 to enter.

Video: Around the world in five minutes

by Kraig Becker on

Who amongst us hasn’t dreamed of taking a year off to travel around the world? That’s exactly what photographer Kien Lam did in 2011, spending 343 days exploring 17 different countries. In the process, he managed to take 6237 photos, and when he got home, he compiled them all into one amazing video. The beautiful, inspiring, results of his work can be found below. Before watching however, be warned. Upon conclusion of the video, you may immediately start looking for your next adventure. Enjoy!


“First stop” in the 2012 world cycling events: The Santos Tour Down Under

by Jessica Festa on




The annual Santos Tour Down Under, the same race where Lance Armstrong made his comeback, will take place January 15-22, 2012, in Adelaide, Australia. The bike race, which is more than just your average cycling event, is actually the “first stop” on the UCI World Tour, which brings together the world’s most challenging road races.

There are about 500 miles total and 6 stages in the race, each offering a unique landscape for riders. During Stage 1, riders will cycle through the vineyards of the Barossa and into Clare Valley, while Stage 2 journeys through the winding hillside of Adelaide. Stage 3 brings participants to the Fleurieu Peninsula and through the seaside town of Victoria Harbor, with stage 4 traversing through the heart of wine country. This year, Stage 5 brings a new element, as riders will ascend Old Willunga Hill, the most challenging obstacle of the race. And finally, Stage 6 ends the event with a circuit race around Elder Park on the banks of the River Torrens.

Not a professional rider but still want to experience the fun? Participate in The Bupa Challenge Tour, which allows attendees to ride shorter versions of the main race a few hours before the WorldTour professionals as well Ride for a Reason and support Cancer Council SA. You can also experience the race as a bystander with a unique point of view, from a helicopter.

For a taste of what to expect, check out the Santos Tour Down Under promotional video above.

Get to know the real Milan, Italy, through Milan Dreaming

by Jessica Festa on




While spending a few months living in Milan, Italy, New York-based filmmaker Francesco Paciocco decided he wanted to create a short film called “Milan Dreaming” that told the story of Milan through its essence, people, and places. The background music, “A Necessary End” by Saltillo, gives the video a slight sense of darkness as you see locals going about their everyday business. While the video is shot in high definition, Paciocco doesn’t go out of his way to beautify the city but instead shows the natural aspects of Milan as they are, from aesthetically-pleasing Gothic architecture to dark cement hallways covered in graffiti. You even get to experience a speeding car crash from behind the wheel. To make the movie, Paciocco used a Canon 60D, Canon 24-105 mm f/4 L, Sigma 50 mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, and edited using Final Cut Pro 7.

50 states in 50 weeks: A unique interpretation of modern America

by Jessica Festa on



What does it mean to be an American in modern times? That is the question propelling Josh Hailey forward on a mission to visit 50 states in 50 weeks and capture modern America in a visual way. The final project from the road trip will be a 100-page photography book.

The project will go further than photography, however, as Hailey plans to conduct interviews and shoot video footage, as well. He says, “I want to understand what people feel about America and what it means to be an American in modern times. Asking a series of open questions, people’s answers will be documented on camera and compiled as a film that will be both aesthetic and thought provoking and will hopefully capture a wider picture of America in 2012”.

To follow the journey, view photographic artwork, host Hailey with accommodation, leave feedback and comments, or donate money towards fuel, visit his website, Photamerica.