Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The top five worst traveling companions]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/the-top-five-worst-traveling-companions/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/the-top-five-worst-traveling-companions/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/the-top-five-worst-traveling-companions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Your traveling partner can make or break your trip, so you should probably choose carefully when planning a joint trip. Here are five traits of traveling companions you should avoid (and I've excluded the obvious, like snorers and kleptomaniacs):

The ditcher: The companion who bails on you at the first whiff of romantic interest, night after night. Besides getting annoyed at being stuck with the romantic-interest's own travel partner or, worse yet, sitting alone at the bar, you might find that you can't budget on splitting the cost of hotel rooms when your friend finds a long-term lover.

The puker: I'm not only talking about a weak stomach -- there are folks out there who can't ride a tricycle without tossing their mother's chocolate-chip cookies. Forget about taking an all-night bus ride as well as sampling local cuisine. And I hope you don't need the bathroom, because they'll be in there all night.

The druggie: Ditch the traveler who just wants to get effed up every night (unless you do, too), is in to buying illegal street drugs, and generally makes you nervous crossing international borders in Asia.They're nothing but trouble, and you could go down with them.

The complainer: I once met a girl when I was traveling from Athens to Rome who wouldn't shut up about how she just wanted McDonald's, how dirty Athens was, how much she missed Michigan, etc. I'm normally a very cheery person, so when she suggested we travel together, I changed my itinerary, stat. A little homesickness is normal, but who wants to hang with someone who's a constant downer?

The money-obsessed: This type can go both ways; either their budget is tighter than a Thai prostitute's tube top, or looser than said prostitute's you-know-what (is that metaphor too tacky to write? Apologies). Moderation may be boring, but it's probably also key to enjoying a longer trip. You could find yourself dining alone while your companion indulges in yet another cup of instant noodles, or dragged along for a trendy, spendy dinner. Make sure your budgets are in agreement before you leave.

The top five worst traveling companions originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athensrometraveling companionsTravelingCompanionsTue, 24 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Who was tops in Zagat airline survey?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/24/who-was-tops-in-zagat-poll-of-fliers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The fliers are having their say, and Zagat is there to record it.

It's time for Zagat's annual Airline Survey, tracking travelers' experiences with 16 U.S. airlines and 73 foreign airlines, and 30 U.S. airports. Each airline was rated on its comfort, service, food, and website.

These are the airlines to come in first this year:

Large Domestic (Premium class): Continental Airlines
Large Domestic (Economy class): JetBlue Airways
Midsize Domestic (Both Premium and Economy): Virgin America
International (Both Premium and Economy): Singapore Airlines

Any guesses on the top-ranked airport? Portland, Oregon. And the worst? LaGuardia, New York.

The full survey goes on to list everything from best luggage policy, to best in-flight entertainment, to quips from the 'write in' portions, such as "Treats occasional fliers like dirt, and treats frequent fliers like a better class of dirt."

In total, the survey gathers the collective consensus of 5,895 frequent fliers and travel agents, who took 97,600 flights altogether in the past year.

Who was tops in Zagat airline survey? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airline SurveyAirlineSurveyairportbestpoll of fliersPollOfFliersZagatTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Monday 11.23.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/gadlinks-for-monday-11-23-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/gadlinks-for-monday-11-23-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/gadlinks-for-monday-11-23-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Welcome to Thanksgiving week here at Gadling! I'm sure you're all dying to read about pilgrimages and turkeys. I think I'll spare you those topics for when it gets to crunch time -- on Wednesday. In the meantime, here are the latest and greatest travel stories from around the web. Hope you all have a great start to the week!
'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Monday 11.23.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorcontestseastern europefoodgadlinksphotographyMon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Great coffee shops around the world: What makes a great one anyway?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/great-coffee-shops-around-the-world-what-makes-a-great-one-anyw/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/great-coffee-shops-around-the-world-what-makes-a-great-one-anyw/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/23/great-coffee-shops-around-the-world-what-makes-a-great-one-anyw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hank Leukart, while savoring blueberry pie and a cup of chai at the University of Zoka in Seattle proclaimed it the best coffee shop in the world. As what happens when one proclaims something the best in the world, he immediately began to wonder if he overshot by his gushing. What does he know anyway? After all, had he been in every coffee shop in the world? Of course not, but he has been to a few.

In his essay, "searching for the best coffee shop: a lifelong quest for caffeine nirvana" on his blog without baggage, Leukart extols on the virtues of several coffee shops in various parts of the world. Read his essay and you'll have visited through his eyes several coffee shops that range from Afro Cafe in Cape Town, South Africa to Latte Da in Lee Vining near the east entrance of Yosemite.

To make it to the best coffee shop list,according to Leukart, there are seven attributes a great coffee shop must have:

  1. great coffee
  2. great tea/Chai,
  3. comfortable seats for relaxing and intermingling
  4. a full menu of good food
  5. free Internet access
  6. laptop outlets
  7. an unlocked bathroom

My current favorite coffee shop is the Crimson Cup in the Clintonville section of Columbus, Ohio. It doesn't have a full menu, but it has all the other attributes. Although there isn't a full menu, the eats are fresh baked and awesome, particularly the offerings from Pattycake Bakery that specializes in vegan treats.

For anyone in need of a caffeine fix, check out the side bar that accompanies Leukart's article. He has several suggestions.

By the way, Leukart doesn't drink coffee. He's a fan of chai. I love chai, but have yet to find a coffee shop that serves it unsweetened.

Great coffee shops around the world: What makes a great one anyway? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Afro CafeAfroCafeCape Town South AfricaCapeTownSouthAfricachaicoffeeColumbus OhioColumbusOhioCrimson CupCrimsonCupLatte DaLatteDaPattycake BakeryPattycakeBakeryseattleUniversity of ZolaUniversityOfZolawithout baggageWithoutBaggageYosemiteMon, 23 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Drink coffee the way George Washington used to]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/drink-coffee-the-way-george-washington-used-to/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/drink-coffee-the-way-george-washington-used-to/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/drink-coffee-the-way-george-washington-used-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Remember the coffee revolution of the Nineties, when what used to cost 25 cents at some crappy diner suddenly cost $3 at a snooty cafe? Well, at least instead of drinking what looked and tasted like dishwater you now got something that tasted like actual coffee. Ah yes, I was in graduate school then and the coffee revolution came along just at the right time! But coffee has been around a lot longer than that, as a new/old coffeehouse at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia shows.

Americans have been drinking coffee since before they've been called Americans. A local wigmaker and caffeine junkie named Richard Charlton opened a coffeehouse at Williamsburg more than 240 years ago, when Virginia was still a colony. Today Colonial Williamsburg, an interesting and authentic recreation of a Colonial town, has reopened this coffeeshop on the same site. You can sit in 18th century style while sipping a coffee, chocolate, or tea. You're not allowed to dump the tea into the sea, that was in Boston, but Charlton's coffeeshop was the scene of angry colonists confronting the British-appointed governor of Virginia colony to protest the Stamp Act in 1765.

This wasn't surprising. Coffeeshops were places to meet and discuss politics. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson drank coffee at Charlton's shop. There's no record of what they talked about over a good cup of Joe, but we can imagine. Did hepped-up caffeine addicts create the superpower we know today? Stranger things have happened. . .

Drink coffee the way George Washington used to originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coffeecoffee shopcoffee shopsCoffeeShopCoffeeShopscolonial williamsburgColonialWilliamsburgVirginiaWilliamsburgFri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Where to go for fast food - the flowchart edition]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/where-to-go-for-fast-food-the-flowchart-edition/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/where-to-go-for-fast-food-the-flowchart-edition/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/20/where-to-go-for-fast-food-the-flowchart-edition/#commentsFiled under:



American food blog "eating the road" has come up with one of the best uses for a flowchart I have ever seen. By answering some simple questions, you'll be told where to go for your daily dose of crappy fast food. The chart points west coasters to the stores the rest of the country dreams of getting, and sends all Canadians to Tim Hortons.

The chart covers 16 of the most popular US fast food chains, and even takes your sobriety into account (only drunk people will survive sliders).

Click here for the full version of the chart

Where to go for fast food - the flowchart edition originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fast foodfast food chainsfast food newsfast food restaurantfast food restaurantsFastFoodFastFoodChainsFastFoodNewsFastFoodRestaurantFastFoodRestaurantsflowchartFri, 20 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[In Japan, they bathe in beaujolais]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/in-japan-they-bathe-in-beaujolais/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/in-japan-they-bathe-in-beaujolais/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/19/in-japan-they-bathe-in-beaujolais/#commentsFiled under: ,

1,780 yenThe Japanese love their beaujolais nouveau so much, they're bathing in it.

At the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa, a hot springs spa resort in Hakone, Japan, they've just celebrated the yearly uncorking of the new wine by pouring bottles and bottles of it into an open-air hot spring bath. The result is happy people in hot pink watered wine stinking of booze and loving it. Photo here.

Much like the way chocolate used all over the body in spas delivers endorphins without the calories, bathing in wine surely delivers antioxidants through absorption. It probably also gets you a little drunk, but just in case, they sip the wine while they're in there, too.

This is an annual tradition (this was the fourth of their little bacchanals), so wine lovers, make your reservations for next year.

[via AFP]

In Japan, they bathe in beaujolais originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beaujolaisbeaujolais nouveauHakonejapanwineThu, 19 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get out and go: Events around the world (November 18-21)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-18-21/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-18-21/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/get-out-and-go-events-around-the-world-november-18-21/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

It's time to look at the festivals and events happening around the world, and this week has a particularly international selection of happenings. If you're close and have time, then you have no excuse to get out and go!
  • Mexico - Birders will unite in the Yucatan Peninsula for the Yucatan Bird Festival from November 19-22. For the 8th consecutive year, the festival offers a wide range of field trips, exhibits, conferences, and a "birdathon." Objectives of this annual festival include promoting the rich diversity of bird species found in the Yucatan and developing a conservationist culture among tourists and tour providers.
  • California - The California Surf Festival celebrates awareness and support for surf history preservation this weekend from November 19-22. It is an international event destination bringing people from all over the world to Oceanside, California, to experience surf culture through films, music, art, photography and interaction with those who embody the culture as well as highlight the surf community of California.
  • Amsterdam - The International Documentary Film Festival begins this Thursday, November 19. The film extravaganza will present over 300 documentaries over the course of 10 days, ending on the 29th.
  • Israel - Shalem Dance Festival will begin this Thursday, November 19 in Jerusalem. Over 50 Israeli and guest dancers perform in original contemporary dance works. This year's highlight will feature contemporary dance ensembles from Africa. The festival ends on the 21st.

  • India - The Mim Kut and Pawl Kut Festival will be celebrated this Friday, November 20 in Mizoram. Celebrated in the last week of November or the first week of December, the festival celebrates the completion of the harvesting season.
  • Helsinki - This year Helsinki's Chocolate Festival has a larger "box," as it is held at Wanha Satama fair centre November 21-22. The festivali celebrates the diversity of the sweet stuff. Choco-connaisseurs share their sweet wisdom about the impact of chocolate on health, wellbeing, history of chocolate, production and variety.
If you make it to one of these events, let us know how it was, or if you know of an event that's coming up, please let us know and we'll be sure to include it in the next "Get out and go" round-up.

Get out and go: Events around the world (November 18-21) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amsterdambirdcaliforniachocolatedanceeventfestivalfilmfilm festivalFilmFestivalget out and goGetOutAndGohelsinkiindiamexicomizoramsurfsurfingWed, 18 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tips for tippers: it isn't what you expect]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/tips-for-tippers-it-isn-t-what-you-expect/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/tips-for-tippers-it-isn-t-what-you-expect/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/18/tips-for-tippers-it-isn-t-what-you-expect/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Tipping's a tough nut to crack. Should you tip a housekeeper? Back in the day, the rule was leaving some cash only if your stay was 30 days or longer. Since then, however, it seems to have changed. And, what's appropriate for a valet? Bellman? Skycap? Travel means tipping, and there are plenty of points at which you can expect to do this. If you go to the same hotel or use the same car service frequently, you may want to adjust your tipping habits, as well.

If these questions make you feel ignorant, you're not alone. Michael Lynn, a prof at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, has conducted to nationwide tipping surveys and has found that a third of the respondents don't know to leave 15 percent to 20 percent of the tab at a restaurant. Throw hotels and drivers into the mix, and it's unsurprising that the rules aren't understood as clearly as they could be.

So, USA Today and I are helping you know what to tip and when. A recent article by Gary Stoller provides some good ideas, and I've tossed in a few of my own.

Continue reading Tips for tippers: it isn't what you expect

Tips for tippers: it isn't what you expect originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conciergeconciergesCurtainBluffEden Roc hoteleden rockEdenRocHotelEdenRocketiquettefinancial crisisFinancialCrisisholiday innHolidayInnhotelshousekeeperHousekeepersHousekeeperTipshousekeepingrecessionritz-carltonslumptiptippingtipsvaletvalet parkingvalet parking guideValetParkingValetParkingGuidevaletsWed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo restaurants tops in Michelin]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/tokyo-restaurants-tops-in-michelin/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/tokyo-restaurants-tops-in-michelin/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/17/tokyo-restaurants-tops-in-michelin/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Tokyo is the top dining city in the world, according to the latest Michelin Guide. With 11 restaurants at three stars, it's pushed past Paris, the former top dog in the culinary world. Eight of the nine Tokyo restaurants with three starts retained their Michelin ratings year-over-year, and three were bumped up from two stars to three for 2010. Paris has only 10 three-star restaurants in the 2010 Michelin Guide, and New York only has four.

According to Oyvind Naesheim, Nobu Hong Kong's executive chef, "Tokyo is an unbelievable city for food," continuing, "The passion and perfection at some top Tokyo restaurants show us why this city is so outstanding in fine dining."

Two thirds of the 197 Tokyo restaurants listed by Michelin focus on Japanese food, focusing on common styles includingfugu, soba, sukiyaki, tempura and sushi. Three of the 11 three-star spots went to French Restaurants.

In total, Tokyo has 261 stars, more than any other city in the 23 countries that Michelin covers. Look for the list of Tokyo three star restaurants after the jump.

Continue reading Tokyo restaurants tops in Michelin

Tokyo restaurants tops in Michelin originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culinarydiningdining outDiningOutHong KongHongKongmichelinmichelin guideMichelinGuidenew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynobuparisrestaurantrestaurant reviewsRestaurantReviewsrestaurantstokyoTue, 17 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[In the Wild Wild West: Dine in a trailer park]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/in-the-wild-wild-west-dine-in-a-trailer-park/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/in-the-wild-wild-west-dine-in-a-trailer-park/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/16/in-the-wild-wild-west-dine-in-a-trailer-park/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The new trend on dining out in Austin, Texas is in trailer parks. Street food trailer parks, to be exact. Warm, temperate weather makes the capital of Austin an excellent destination for outdoor eating, so why not plant a few street food stalls in permanent slots and let the masses come forth?

South Austin's Trailer Park and Eatery is a series of several, small street food stands parked on a dusty lot on South 1st St. At just over one mile from the capitol building, it's packed on a Sunday morning, imported cars and strollers stuffing the small parking lot as patrons wait in line for a greasy taco or hot dog. A fan of picnic tables snarl out from the village, constantly populated by families and hungover youth, ravenously feasting on their morning fare.

Arguably the most popular trailer at this spot is from Torchy's Tacos, an Austin favorite for well done and better priced tex-mex fare. Breakfast tacos will set you back a solid $2.50, while perennial favorites such as the Democrat (shredded beef barbacoa and onions topped off with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro and a lime wedge served on a corn tortilla with house green salsa) cost an easy $4. First hand, it doesn't get much better than this.

In the Wild Wild West: Dine in a trailer park originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austintacostex-mextexaswildwildwestMon, 16 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.11.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-11-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-11-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/11/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-11-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Did you know that former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat died five years ago today? I think it's fair to say that the situation is getting rather dire for the people in Palestine, as their current leader is threatening to quit his post. My girlfriend will be volunteering in a Palestinian refugee camp come February. I hope things will clear up by then.

I didn't mean for this pre-script to be such a downer! Maybe these articles will help to lift our travel spirits?
'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.11.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arafatcoffeefoodgadlinksHIVpalestinestreet foodStreetFoodWed, 11 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Friday 11.6.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/gadlinks-for-friday-11-6-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

I don't know about you guys, but I'm really grateful it's Friday! I need the weekend to decompress, but these great reads have already helped me on my way. 'Til Monday, have a great weekend!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Friday 11.6.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>couchsurfinggadlinksgeargraffitisouth americawineFri, 06 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/06/the-spice-isle-making-the-most-of-a-cruise-stopover-in-grenada/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It's official -- the cruise season in Grenada has begun. Actually, the first day of the season fell on a day when I was there recently. I might've missed the influx because I was across the island during most of their 12-hour stay, but I saw the big boat sail in during my breakfast, and sail away during my dinner.

Ideally, you'd want several days on the island where you could see waterfalls in the inland mountains, leatherback turtles off the northern beaches, and French and British influences in the capital town of St. George's. But if you plan it right, you can see some amazing things in the short amount of time.

Get out on the water:
I know. You might be thinking that the last thing you want after being on a cruise ship is to get on another boat. But a Grenada Seafaris boat isn't just any boat. When it powers at full-speed, it's a fun wind-in-your-face ride. And it stops for snorkeling at the underwater sculpture park, designed by Jason de Caires Taylor. The 2.5-hour tour also includes off-coast stops up the west coast and discussions about conservation and local marine life.

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada

The Spice Isle: Making the most of a cruise stopover in Grenada originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BelvedereConcord FallsConcordFallsconservationcruiseDougaldstone Spice EstateDougaldstoneSpiceEstateGouyaveGrand Anse BeachGrand EtangGrandAnseBeachGrandEtangGrenada SeafarisGrenadaSeafarisJason de Caires TaylorJasonDeCairesTaylormarketsnorkelspiceisleSt. GeorgesSt.Georgestourunderwater sculpture parkUnderwaterSculptureParkFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/gadlinks-for-wednesday-11-4-09/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is the best day of the week, in my opinion: You're in a midweek groove, but the weekend is in sight. That's a perfect metaphor for how I'm feeling this week in life, too. I'm past the midpoint of many things in life, but the end is nigh! We have a whole lot of great travel reads to be thankful for as well, so let's get started.

'Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks HERE.

Gadlinks for Wednesday 11.4.09 originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureair safetyAirSafetygadlinkspilotssushiworld heritageWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plan your airport layover with T+L's Airport Navigator]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/plan-your-airport-layover-with-t-ls-airport-navigator/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/plan-your-airport-layover-with-t-ls-airport-navigator/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/04/plan-your-airport-layover-with-t-ls-airport-navigator/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I hate airports. I hate sitting around and waiting, and I hate being unable to escape the thought that soon my plane will be the one zooming down the runway and lifting off into the sky. So rather than arrive early to the airport and allow myself time to get anxious about flying, I prefer to arrive at the last possible second, so that as I run through security and down the terminal, I don't have time to think about my fears.

Unfortunately, sometimes I have an unavoidable mid-length layover at an airport - one that's too short for me to go out and explore the city and too long for me to just sit at the gate and wait for my next flight. At those times, I need to find something to do to keep my mind occupied. Often, this means that I end up wandering the unfamiliar airport for about an hour in search of something good to eat, before giving up and buying the next thing I see - usually an uninspired sandwich or a bag of chips.

Next time, I'll check Travel and Leisure's Airport Navigator for tips on my airport before I go. For each of 20 airports, T+L has put together a list of places to eat and drink, shop, things to see and do, and places to relax. They've covered several major hubs in Europe - London, Madrid, Rome, Paris, and Amsterdam among them - plus major Asian airports like Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo. They'll give you the scoop on Sydney, Cairo, Dubai, Johannesburg, Buenos Aires and Mexico City, along with info on Vancouver and Toronto in Canada, but coverage in the US is non-existent.

Along with listings of each airport attraction, the guide offers reviews, websites, hours and price ranges.

Plan your airport layover with T+L's Airport Navigator originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportairport diningairport restaurantAirportDiningAirportRestaurantairportsamsterdamcairodubaieatingflightflyingheathrowheathrow airportHeathrowAirportlayoverlondonrestaurantstokyoTravel and LeisureTravelAndLeisureunited statesUnitedStatesvancouverwaitingWed, 04 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The best stinkin' food in Asia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/the-best-stinkin-food-in-asi/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/the-best-stinkin-food-in-asi/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/the-best-stinkin-food-in-asi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We humans have mostly evolved a distaste for eating foul-smelling things, like dog poop, Drano, or anything Dad tries to cook. This is a beneficial instinct, as bad-smelling things are often quite toxic. (Sorry, Dad.)

But the rules are a little different in Asia, where the smells of stinky tofu, fish sauce, the durian, and countless other pungent foodstuffs are often found in restaurants and on the streets. When a friend of mine returned from Korea last summer, she told me the smell of stinky tofu-- aged, fermented bean curd soaked in a brine-- would be forever seared into her brain. "How'd it taste?" I asked. She answered, "I believe this is what they politely refer to as an 'acquired taste.'"

But like the stinkiest French cheese, sometimes the worse the food smells, the better it tastes. Over at KoreAm, a blog about the Korean American experience, Lola Pak has come up with an entertaining list of the Top 10 Smelliest Foods in Asia. Some of her observations:

  • "Unless you enjoy breathing in ammonia, avoid [fermented] skate at all costs."
  • "Koreans gnaw on dried squid while drinking beer and soju. Too bad the rubbery strands smell like dead mice."
  • "Due to its fetid odor, the oval, tropical fruit [durian] also has one thing in common with terrorists and smokers: It's banned from the Singapore airport."
Whole thing here. How many of these stinky foods have you tried?

The best stinkin' food in Asia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/03/grenada-nutmeg/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


You wouldn't know it from the abundance of nutmeg in shops, but Grenada's production of the spice stopped five years ago. And it'll continue to be at a halt for another five years. Why? Because of Hurricane Ivan. 82% of the island's nutmeg trees were destroyed by the 2004 hurricane.

But amazingly enough, there's still plenty of nutmeg there.

On my recent trip to Grenada, I found it everywhere -- mostly whole (as large seeds) and ground. But at any market, you'll also find it as jelly and jam, as essence and oil, as syrup for ice cream, as a sugary candy (oddly named "nutmeg cheese"), and in everything else from ice cream to coffee. Buy one of the island's rum drinks from the bar, and you'll always get a finishing touch of grated nutmeg on top. It even has medicinal purposes -- Nut-Med comes as a lotion or spray to relieve pain in muscles and joints.

Is it just me, or does it seem to make everything happy, like egg nog during the holidays?

Actually, it may be scientifically proven. It's been said that if you get a big enough whiff of the fresh spice, you'll get a type of addictive high.

Gallery: Dougaldston Spice Boucan, Grenada

Dougaldston Spice Boucan, GrenadaCacao podCocoa beansCocoa fermentationDrying cocoa beans

Continue reading The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada

The Spice Isle: Nutmeg's always the answer in Grenada originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agricultureCaribbeanDougladston Spice BoucanDougladstonSpiceBoucanGrand EtangGrandEtangHurricane IvanHurricaneIvanIsle of SpiceIsleOfSpicemaceNut-MedNutmegrumspicespiceisleTue, 03 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pub Etiquette: This ain't no American bar]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/pub-etiquette-this-aint-no-american-bar/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/pub-etiquette-this-aint-no-american-bar/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/30/pub-etiquette-this-aint-no-american-bar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Pubs are a cornerstone of English life. Most English people go to them and many are regulars at their "local." Because of this, pubs are a great way to meet and learn about the English. Even if you don't drink, go ahead and order a juice and soak up the atmosphere. I've been to pubs in London and Oxford that are four hundred years old! Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in London and The Turf in Oxford are two of my favorites.

While much has been written about English reserve, this doesn't seem to apply to pubs. Generally people seated or standing at the bar are open to conversation with strangers, in fact they may be seeking it, while those tucked away in a corner table either alone or in groups aren't looking to make new friends.

Pubs have their own rules and etiquette. There are no queues, unlike everywhere else in England, but the barmen are adept at remembering who's first. When you walk in, catch the barman's eye and he or she will be with you shortly. When ordering, don't forget to say "please." Politeness is de rigueur in all aspects of English society, but to barmen especially. If the folks behind the counter aren't swamped, feel free to ask for advice about what beer you should try. I highly recommend the rich, flavorful real ales.

Tipping is not required but is appreciated, and one nice tradition is tipping your barman with a drink. Once you've been served and given the amount, you can ask, "And one for yourself?" at which point he or she will add on a pint or half pint (usually a half) to your bill. If they're busy they might not get to your drink immediately, but once they do they'll be sure to thank you again. If they've been given too many pints already, or have a stern manager, they might politely refuse. Don't take it personally, they may work at a pub but they're still required to be sober!

Continue reading Pub Etiquette: This ain't no American bar

Pub Etiquette: This ain't no American bar originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beerdrinkingenglandlondonoxfordpubsreal alereal alesRealAleRealAlesFri, 30 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Real Ale--the way beer ought to be]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/real-ale-the-way-beer-ought-to-be/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/real-ale-the-way-beer-ought-to-be/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/29/real-ale-the-way-beer-ought-to-be/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A trip to the pub is a quintessentially British experience, and if you're a beer snob like me, you'll insist on drinking real ale. The term "real ale" is reserved for beer that's brewed using traditional ingredients and secondary fermentation.

"Traditional ingredients" means there are no artificial clarificants, preservatives, or other additives. "Secondary fermentation" means the yeast is still alive in the cask, so that fermentation continues, providing a fuller, fresher taste. Don't worry about getting the microscopic little guys in your glass, because the yeast settles to the bottom and never comes out of the tap. Because they're still fermenting in the cask, such beers are often called "cask conditioned" or simply "cask" ales.

The British take their beer so seriously that they have a full-time lobbying organization to ensure real ales don't disappear under the onslaught of tasteless lagers. The Campaign for Real Ale is a national organization that promotes the brewing, selling, and drinking of real ales. They support traditional pubs too, on the basis that they're an important aspect of British culture and need to be preserved in the days of theme pubs, big chains, and plasma screen televisions.

One of CAMRA's campaigns is for an honest pour. A pint glass is only a full pint if the contents come to the bottom of the lip. While this makes it a little hard to carry back to the table without sloshing it on the ground, you will be getting what you paid for. Some people take a sip before leaving the bar, but a real Englishman can carry a three or four pints at the same time through a crowded pub without spilling a drop. Legally, up to 5 percent of the glass can be head, so don't threaten to sue if you see a bit of white at the top.

CAMRA sponsors real ale festivals across the U.K. These can be a great way to sample lots of different styles. Their website has an up-to-date calendar.

While constant vigilance is the price of good drinking, traditional brewing is actually enjoying a heyday. There are more than 600 breweries in the U.K. brewing an estimated 2,500 ales. Many of these are small, local operations that only distribute their product to a few nearby pubs as a guest ale. Others have national distribution.

Another important organization is Cask Marque, a body that reviews how pubs serve their cask ales, rating them on variety, serving temperature, and overall quality. Those that get high marks are awarded a Cask Marque sticker on their window, shown here. You can rest assured that within there are quality ales served the proper way.

If you're headed to England, Scotland, or Wales, the folks over at Real Ale Pubs have done your homework for you and have made an extensive list of pubs serving a variety of real ales. If the article I did on gastropubs whet your appetite, then check out the site Dining Pubs, which lists not only gastropubs, but pubs that serve more traditional yet still excellent fare.

Real Ale--the way beer ought to be originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alebeermicrobrewmicrobreweriesmicrobrewspubpubsreal alereal alesRealAleRealAlesstoutThu, 29 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST