Uganda: The Next Kenya or Tanzania?

When you hear Uganda, if you’ve never been there, the first thing that comes to mind is Idi Amin and perhaps the more recent civil unrest in the north. Well, I certainly associated Uganda with these things, but when I visited the country last month, it painted a different story altogether. Now, when I think about Uganda, I think of lush green hills, white water rafting (apparently, the second best rapids in the world), gorilla safaris, which I wished I’d done, and the very friendly people.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Meera Ashish.

So, discovering how much Uganda has to offer, why then is Uganda not a tourist hot spot? Well, I definitely met tourists while traveling around here, but why isn’t Uganda on the tourist map as much as say Kenya or Tanzania? Of course, the quality of safaris that the latter two countries offer are unrivalled, but if you go to the right places in Uganda, you’ll certainly get to see the big five. When I visited Murchison Falls, I managed to see two lionesses and one majestic lion from up close on my very first day. When I say close, they were just steps away from our jeep: sitting, lazing, and yawning. One thing’s for sure, traveling by road to Murchison Falls or anywhere can be a little tiring, though simultaneously eye-opening, and if you want to take a plane anywhere, it might pinch your pockets. So it definitely doesn’t help that traveling within the country is either long or expensive.
Sipi Falls + Kampala Sunset © Meera Ashish

But regardless of all this, I think the lack of tourism here is to do with the fact that there just hasn’t been enough of a push in media. Yes, Uganda may have its own problems, just like any other country, but it seems that the government here needs dedicate a team and invest some capital into marketing the country. No matter how much a country has to offer, if the average person living in any other city of the world doesn’t hear anything about it – well apart from watching Last King of Scotland and thinking that Uganda still hasn’t quite recovered from the despotic leader it had so many years ago – then how can that country expect to attract high numbers of tourists?

And it isn’t just the game parks, the gorillas and the Nile that can attract tourists. Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, is bustling with activity. It was a good place to start from, but also fascinating to understand the growth potential here, learning that Uganda had found barrels and barrels of oil. I wondered how different it would look in ten years, with all the oil money.

Biking in Uganda © Meera Ashish

Apparently, they say that the land in Uganda is so fertile that anything you put in the soil will grow and bloom. Well, all the food I ate here certainly tasted extremely fresh and organic. The staple food here –a stodgy and mushy matoke mixed with groundnut soup and then a bean mixture (not quite sure what to call it) – might look bland and a little grubby, but it tastes pretty good. And some of the best dishes, you’ll find being cooked on the streets, from fresh and hot cassava to something called rolex – a rolled up fluffy egg chapati. I had this – without the egg – while quad biking through a village in Jinja. Nothing could have tasted better!

The quad biking route in fact overlooks the rafting in the Nile, but having never done rafting, I was a little apprehensive this time. Which means I have a lot left for next time. And the great thing is: I’m coming back at the end of this year for a bike ride from the famous Sipi Falls to Kampala, raising money for secondary schools in Uganda. Cycle4Uganda is hoping to attract a hundred people from around the world to participate in this 350km bike ride over the New Year period.

Girls from Uganda © Meera Ashish

The route will take in some of the most scenic spots in the region. Beginning at the imposing Tororo Rock, an ancient volcanic plug, the route takes us into the foothills of the magnificent extinct volcano, Mount Elgon, to view the spectacular Sipi Falls, a series of waterfalls with imposingly huge drops where much of the water from the mountain cascades off. Halfway through the ride there is an action packed ‘day-off’ in Jinja – so I’ll be rafting then. The route finishes with us leaving our bikes on the lakeshore and taking a small boat across Lake Victoria to a resort in Kampala, the capital city. We’ll be passing not only through the rural country, but also through several bustling towns. And of course, it’s going to be warm (apparently a warm climate all year round as it sits on the equator).

The bike ride is aiming to raise £150,000 or $230,000 to help secondary schools in Uganda. This will be done through an innovative program that has been devised by Mara Foundation, a charity based in Uganda. Rather than just spending money on a school and then going away, Mara Foundation partners with schools long-term to help them come up with new solutions for providing better education. The charity is quite unique – it recognizes the importance of good facilities, so raises money to develop them, but it also acknowledges that good facilities is only a small part of a quality education. The foundation has already partnered with two schools and hopes to scale the program up to ten schools in the coming year.

If you want to join the bike ride over the coming New Year, sign up on Cycle4Uganda.

 
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Meera Ashish is a weekly travel columnist for Gulf News, Dubai and contributes to various publications including Bazaar, Conde Nast, Spa Secrets, Epoch Times, and Travel Plus. Her guide to Dubai was recently published in the UK, and while she was born and brought up in London, she now splits her time between Uganda and Dubai – well, that’s when she’s not journeying around the world.

 

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Best NFL Stadiums To Visit

While Major League Baseball is considered the national pastime in the United States, NFL football has surpassed baseball in overall popularity over the last decade. It has become a Sunday tradition for sports fans who either watch on television or attend games, which consists of hours of tailgating followed by heart-pounding action. For the best experience, visit one of these stadiums:

Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers)

Lambeau Field is the home of the Green Bay Packers. The oldest stadium in the league has the best atmosphere for football including a stadium filled with passionate fans, often wearing cheesehead hats, who endure frigid temperatures to watch their beloved Packers. Together with an unmatched game environment, Lambeau’s Frozen Tundra has been home to three Super Bowl championship teams starting with the first two titles under coach Vince Lombardi and ending with the Super Bowl XXXI title largely won on the arm of popular quarterback Brett Favre.
Lambeau Field © Karen54301

Cowboys Stadium (Dallas Cowboys)

Opened in 2009, the new Cowboys Stadium is a state-of-the-art facility with the largest high definition video screen in the world. That along with an impressive franchise history including appearances in a record 8 Super Bowls makes a trip to Arlington, Texas a must for any football fan. Dubbed America’s Team after a run of success in the 1970’s, the Cowboys currently have a brash owner who helped usher in 3 titles in the 1990’s lead by Hall of Famers Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, and Emmitt Smith. In addition to NFL football, Cowboys Stadium hosted a record 108,713 fans for the 2010 NBA basketball All-Star Game in an effort that was spearheaded by Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Heinz Field (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Heinz Field is the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dubbed Steeler Nation, fans of this record 6-time Super Bowl championship team fill the stadium with black and gold. This passionate group of fans is also known for following and supporting the team on road games. As with the Cowboys, the Steelers built their massive fan base during their 1970’s championship run lead by quarterback Terry Bradshaw, running-back Franco Harris, and coach Chuck Noll’s “Steel Curtain” defense. The Steelers have also won Super Bowls in 2005 and 2008 with recently troubled quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leading the way.

Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs)

Visitors to Arrowhead Stadium will experience The Sea of Red, which is the nickname given to the loudest fans in the NFL. Though the Seattle Seahawks fans (The 12th Man) at Qwest Field would disagree since that is likely the loudest stadium in the NFL. Despite years of a home field advantage because of the high decibel level in the building, the Kansas City Chiefs have struggled over the last few years and haven’t reached a Super Bowl since the 1960’s under quarterback Len Dawson. That being said, it’s worth a trip to experience the hours of tailgating before the game along with a rarely matched fan atmosphere. Be sure to wear red and bring a pair of earplugs.
Tailgating © Nolosabias

Lucas Oil Field (Indianapolis Colts)

Lucas Oil Field is the home of the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the aesthetically pleasing design of the stadium, the main draw is an excellent fan atmosphere along with a consistently dominant team led by record-breaking quarterback Peyton Manning. The Colts have finished first in the AFC South for 7 straight seasons. This has led to a Super Bowl win in 2006 and a loss in 2009 to quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. Though Indianapolis may be a bit off the beaten track for travelers, it also has one of the best NBA basketball stadiums (read the list) called Conseco Fieldhouse.

Meadowlands Stadium (New York Giants and New York Jets)

2010 welcomes the unveiling of the new Meadowlands Stadium, which is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets. With 82,500 seats, it’s second only to the Redskins FedEx Field in overall capacity. Big Blue has been more successful over the years in terms of Super Bowls wins including wins in 1986 and 1990 led by Coach Bill Parcells and a tough G-Men defense with Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks. The Giants led by Eli Manning also upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII ruining their chance at an undefeated season. The Jets, on the other hand, won the most important Super Bowl in NFL history in 1968. The upset of the Colts in Super Bowl III led by Broadway Joe Namath solidified the AFL-NFL merger. A benefit of selecting a Jets game over a Giants game would be a chance to hear the loud chants of J-E-T-S led by Fireman Ed. The new stadium ensure that Giants games will be filled with a sea of blue while Jets games will be transformed to a haven for green.

Read about the Best MLB Ballparks or the Best NBA Arenas.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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5 Arts Festivals That You Can’t Miss

You don’t have to be a lover of the theatre or a liberal arts junkie to enjoy a good arts festival. In fact, some festivals are destinations in themselves – cities double in size and locales morph into totally new personalities. Check out the places and dates for these arts festivals that you just can’t miss – then add one into your upcoming travel plans.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Andy Hayes.

Edinburgh Fringe (August)

The Edinburgh Fringe is just one of several festivals that take place in Scotland’s capital city in August. Edinburgh swells in capacity as performers and audiences from around the world arrive to enjoy the party atmosphere and crazed vibe of the world’s largest arts festival. The Fringe originally started with heavy themes of sex and nudity, and in fact you’ll still find a racy scene or two today. Comedy is a huge focus but there’s also offbeat musicals and visual theatre. Book early for this one – and be prepared for non-stop action, including late night comedy and all night clubbing.
Edinburgh Fringe © Matito

World Buskers Festival (January)

Who would have thought a sleepy English town on New Zealand’s south island would have a can’t miss festival? You bet: The World Buskers Festival takes place here every January, and if you like the soothing sounds of a random subway musician or street corner comedian, then you have to see this. Everywhere you turn someone has managed to pull together a crowd to watch their act. It’s nice to see a lot of the country’s home grown talent showing off their skills, but plenty of international artists you might not have heard of will leave you with a lasting impression – and a sore stomach from all the laughter.

Echigo-Tsumari (August-September)

So, so sorry. You’ve already missed the inauguration of the world’s largest outdoor art festival. This festival was so big that you could spend the night there – two of the artworks were turned into hotels for the exhibition. Between the 350+ works, you’ll find trees with eyes, fields with gorgeous views and abstract pieces, weird and wonderful houses to explore, and some old schools even that were revamped for the project. Don’t worry, though – word has it that portions of the event will reopen again this autumn, so keep an eye out.
New York Film Festival @ Ziegfeld Theatre © Tamaradulva

Wausau’s Artrageous Weekend (September)

It doesn’t have to be big and blazing to be wonderful. How about the free arts celebration in Wausau, Wisconsin, which is approaching its 50th anniversary? It is probably the most family friendly of festivals in our list, with lots of arts-and-crafts fun for the children and adults. It even promotes valuing art from a young age – “young collectors” can purchase their first piece of artwork for less than $25. But of course there are plenty of art displays where you can choose your next centrepiece from well over 100 different artists from all over the United States.

New York Film Festival (September-October)

This one is for all the film buffs and DVD lovers out there. To be honest, I’ve been to Cannes and I’ve been to New York, and if I wanted a film festival backdrop, New York would be it. The Big Apple’s film festival is a two-week blitz of provocative and experimental cinema, particularly their “Views from the Avant Garde” programme which is top notch. New York is one of my favourite places in the world, so after a day of exploring the avenues, you can head out for a film or two before cocktails and dinner. What’s not to like?

 
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Andy Hayes is a professional writer and published author. He’s the editor of Sharing Travel Experiences, an online magazine. Visit their website to find out more. Be sure to follow Andy on Twitter too.

 

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Most Conversational Travel Posts Of 2009

As 2010 approaches, Enduring Wanderlust has collected its most conversational travel posts for 2009. Feel free to re-visit these articles and offer your thoughts about their content in the comment section. Have a happy and healthy new year.

1. 8 Best Chocolate Shops In NYC

New York City has some of the best chocolate shops in the world. This post offers eight of the best shops.

2. Angkor Wat Through The Lens

Angkor Wat is one of the most beautiful sites in Southeast Asia. It’s one of the primary reasons travelers have Cambodia on their itinerary. Enjoy this look at the site through photographs.
Chocolate Shop: Jacques Torres, New York City

3. Best Pizza In NYC

New York City is the home of lots of great pizzerias. It’s a constant debate about which spot has the best pies in the city. See if you agree with the selection.

4. Cusco, Peru: A Photographic Journey

Many travelers journey to Cusco in order to visit Machu Picchu, but the city itself is one of the most enjoyable in South America. This post is a look at the city through photos.

5. Things To Do In NYC (For Free)

New York City is expensive for tourists and locals. This post offers some of the attractions that are available for no charge. Yep, free things to do in NYC.
Irish Pub: McSorley’s, New York City

6. 9 Top Cities, 9 Top Irish Pubs

Irish pubs are plentiful throughout the world. These are some of the more authentic and enjoyable spots to enjoy a libation.

7. Historic Estates Of U.S. Presidents

American presidents have some of the nicest homes to visit. Most offer an educational experience along with a step back into history. The estates in Virginia are particularly impressive.

8. More Women Traveling Solo

Women surpassed men in terms of total solo travelers. This post looks at the statistics and reasons for the recent development.
Presidential Home: Monticello, Virginia

9. Recycled Masterpiece: Chandigarh’s Rock Garden

Chandigarh’s [India] Rock Garden is a fascinating garden created from recycled household materials.

10a. Lao Fishermen On The Mekong

This post takes readers into the life of a couple of fisherman from Laos. The photos capture their day on the Mekong River.

10b. 6 Steps To A Lucky Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is a time for a rebirth. This post looks at the steps taken for those looking to have a lucky new year. Chinese New Year falls on February 14, 2010. 2010 is the Year of the Tiger.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Last Night I Dreamt Of San Pedro

Sunrise Over San Pedro

Few experiences are as lovely as waking up to the sun’s rays shining on your face. It’s especially enjoyable when it happens over the balcony of your accommodations (The Phoenix Resort) in view of palm trees and the crystal clear waters of San Pedro, Belize. San Pedro, a hip town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye, has a range of activities and restaurants that will keep even the most seasoned travelers awed.
Sunrise © Gennaro Salamone

Swimming With Sharks

No trip to San Pedro would be complete without a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserves and Shark Ray Alley. Depending on the location of your hotel, a simple walk along the white sand beaches of the town will lead you to a plethora of companies who specialize in diving and snorkeling trips. Xtreme Adventures was responsible for ensuring that five travel bloggers and writers (see below) including myself experienced the vast underwater wildlife of the area. This included seeing sea turtles, barracudas, sharks, and stingrays over the course of a forty-minute swim. For those who are interested in getting close to the wildlife, the leaders of the expedition will hold onto sharks and stingrays for participants to pet.
Swimming With Sharks © Gennaro Salamone

Streets of San Pedro

After filling much of the morning with swimming and sunning, it’s a smart move to navigate the shop-filled streets of San Pedro looking for lunch. Be sure to keep your wits about you during your walk as golf carts, which can be rented on the island, are often whizzing bye.

Our landing spot for the afternoon was Elvi’s Kitchen. The restaurant gives off the feeling of home both in its presentation and cuisine. Started by Elvi Staines and her family, the spot has become the most famous restaurant on the island. Patrons can select from a wide-range of fresh seafood, which is prepared with a local touch. On this day, the ceviche, conch, and coconut curry shrimp were particularly memorable.
Elvi’s Kitchen © Gennaro Salamone

Parasailing

If you’re looking for some excitement after lunch, parasailing in the early evening will provide for a unique experience. Either in pairs or solo, Extreme Adventures will launch willing participants off their boats and over the waters of Belize connected to their parasailing gear. There is a slight adrenaline rush after lift off, but a relative calm sets in while looking over the blue waters and island formations off the coast of the Central American nation. The activity is also considered to be safe and people of various ages and abilities will be able to participate. One of the leaders of the adventure company even talked of a man who was wheel-chair bound going up earlier in the morning.

Bloggers Parasailing © Gennaro Salamone

Travel Bloggers/Writers In Belize

For a lot more coverage about the trip to Belize and all things travel, be sure to return during the week and to also read the following travel bloggers:

Melanie Waldman of Travels With Two

Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless

Kara Williams of The Vacation Gals

Kerrin Rousset of MyKugelhopf

This trip to Belize was courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Things To Do In London

There is no time like the present for visiting and getting bargains in jolly old London, which has been called the most expensive city in the world.

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Lisa Fantino.

Right now, with the state of the economic climate and exchange rates for the dollar and euro against the pound better than a year ago, there are plenty of bargains to be had in London for food, culture and off the beaten path. Here are ten great things to do for £10 or less:

1. Courtauld Gallery
Courtauld Gallery is one of London’s best kept secrets. The museum, located at Somerset House on The Strand, contains one of the best collections of impressionistic art outside of the major museums. Admission is just £5 for adults, while visitors under 18 are free. Also, if you go on Mondays between 10am and 2pm, admission is free for everyone. Visitors can see masterpieces by the fathers of impressionism: Monet, Manet and Renoir. There are other impressive collections such as Rubens & The Baroque, The Renaissance and Gothic & Medieval Art. The Courtauld even houses original sketches by Michelangelo, DaVinci, Picasso and Van Gogh.

2. The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is an imposing modernistic structure on the south side of the Thames. While the Tate houses 60,000 works from artists dating back to the 16th century, the collection at Tate Modern focuses only on those works created from 1900 to the present – think Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Joan Miro and Roy Lichtenstein. Admission is free except for major exhibitions.

3. Camden Market
This is the shopper’s paradise for everything quirky at Camden Lock, along with a good sampling of British antiques at Camden Stables tossed in for good measure. This is also a good day outing because it’s free to walk around and soak in the local color.
Camden Market © Robin H00d

4. Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
For Americans wanting to feel like they just stepped into Happy Days, this is the place to visit. The Bloomsbury Lanes are located in the heart of Russell Square, which is quite near the University of London. It’s a step back in time to the 1950s, where you can bowl and listen to new bands, along with catching some vintage film clips. You have to hunt for this place since it’s located in the basement of the Tavistock Hotel. It’ll cost you a bit to bowl but a burger and fries only runs about £7.95. And if you’re looking for music, the Lanes have a regular Rock ‘n’ Soul Bop for £5 with a D.J. spinning the hits and Retro Remix nights for £7. Also, if anyone is as dance crazy as this writer, don’t miss Sundays through November when they have Swing Alley dance classes from 5-10pm for only £7.

5. 100 Club
A visit to London would not be complete without a stop at this legendary music venue, also located in a basement off Oxford Street. On an off-night you can catch great music and quite possibly the next big band to make a splash across the pond, with tickets as little as £3.

6. Ceremony of the Keys
“It’s 10pm and all’s well,” cries the Chief Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. This is a ceremony of historical pomp and circumstance and occurs well after the last tourist has left the Tower of London. The Ceremony of the Keys, which is the formal locking of the gates of the Tower, has been carried out continuously every night, without fail, for more than 600 years since 1340. However, you must plan your visit months in advance. You must send in a written request at least three months before your selected date and hope for the best. The good news is that the rare lucky ducat is free.

7. Donmar Warehouse Theater
You never know who you will find performing at this intimate West End theater at an affordable ticket price. The gorgeous Jude law just finished up in Hamlet and Rachel Weisz returns to the Donmar to play Blanche DuBois in Tennessee Williams’ “A Street Car Named Desire” through October 9th. The small venue only accommodates 250 people and tickets can be had for as little as £10.

Ice Cream, Pizza Express © Melting Noise

8. London Transit
The tube is the most efficient way to get around central London since taking a bus can have you stuck in traffic for hours if you go anywhere near or around Oxford Street. The London Transit system now offers daily and weekly travel cards, as well as a special reusable Oyster Card for overseas visitors. However, unless you plan on picking up the Oyster Card in person in a major city, the best alternative is the daily or weekly travel card which can be purchased at any tube stop.

9. Pizza Express
You might find it slightly odd that an Italian-American writer is recommending a chain restaurant for pizza…..in London of all places…..but Pizza Express has enough quality, value and variety to suit every budget and palette. My particular favorite is the Veneziana which only runs £6.55 (You can also feel good about eating this particular pizza because 25p of every sale goes to support the charity Venice in Peril). A bottle of mineral water will run another £2.20 and you can have a great lunch or dinner for under £10 in the most expensive city in the world. Just as an aside, my particular favorites of this chain are located in fashionable Knightsbridge on Beauchamp Place and near the Millbank Pier with partial river views.

10. Food Garden Cafe at Selfridges
Hidden on the top floor of this century-old London shopping institution is a great restaurant offering everything from Indian entrees and a salad bar to fancy crusted pretzels and custom crepes and jacket potatoes. You can pile it on at the salad bar for about £6.50.

Let me know how you make out and if you find any other deals along the way! Tah!

 
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Lisa Fantino is an award-winning journalist turned attorney with a spirit of adventure that has sent her wanderlusting across the globe. You can find her all over the web at her Travel Dreams and Moonbeams blog and on Twitter.

 

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Pushkar Ghats Through The Lens

Pushkar is located on the shore of Pushkar Lake in Rajasthan, India. It is an important pilgrimage site for followers of the Hindu faith. The lake has countless ghats, which are a series of steps that lead down to its sacred waters. The city is filled with devout Hindus who descend into the waters of the lake for a spiritual cleansing along with travelers who are observing the cultural happenings.

Follow this photographic journey around the ghats of Pushkar:
Holy Cow + Preparing To Bathe © Gennaro Salamone

Sacred cows are seen throughout India including Pushkar. Whether it’s a rural area or walking down the streets of a major city, cows are a permanent part of the landscape. Revered by followers of the Hindu faith, the animals are well fed by owners and local passers-by. Travelers are often seen petting the gentle creatures (see photo above). Do note that beef is not readily available in Hindu communities. Tourists who are desperate for a fix will need to visit a Muslim community instead.

Pushkar Street Food + Colored Powder © Gennaro Salamone

Before visiting several of the 50+ ghats of Pushkar Lake, indulge in some of the local street food. The cuisine uses a variety of spices and flavors that remains unmatched by other ethnic foods. After filling up, walk the streets of Pushkar which are filled with small shops that sell local products ranging from bracelets and clothing to the colorful powder used during festivals like Holi. That festival involves the throwing of colorful powder and water at friends and family.

Solitude + Musician of Pushkar © Gennaro Salamone

The ghats of Pushkar are considered a holy place. Hindus use the steps to descend into the sacred waters of the lake. Each ghat has a unique feel to it ranging from a place of solitude to a more celebratory atmosphere. Foreigners are expected to remove their shoes when entering the ghat area. It’s also considered inappropriate to photographs bathing locals without their permission.

Follow another photographic journey to Bodh Gaya, India.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

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Memorial Day Weekend: Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was developed to commemorate American soldiers who past away while serving in the armed forces. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to visit a host of memorials and cemetaries that are dedicated to the nation’s history. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery (Virginia) is the perfect spot to observe this history along with the changing of the guard. It is also near the attractions of Washington D.C.

Follow this photographic journey into the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

Soldier on Guard © Gennaro Salamone

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier pays respect to the remains of unidentified soliders. Tombs of this ilk are found throughout the world. The Tomb at Arlington National Cemetary is guarded 24 hours per day, 365 days per year by specially trained member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry.

Changing of the Guard + Tomb of the Unknown Soldier © Gennaro Salamone

The changing of the guard is popular among tourists. The ceremony itself is highly regimented. It provided visitors with a view of the formality of the armed servies along with an idea about the seriousness in which the soldier take their service in relation to guarding the Tomb.

Graves © Gennaro Salamone

Together with the happening at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, visitors have an chance to walk around Arlington National Cemetary viewing the tombstones and graves of more than 300,000 people dating back to the American Revolution.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Best NBA Arenas To Visit

NBA basketball has exploded on the global scene. While baseball and American football remain the top two sports in the United States, it’s Kobe Bryant and Lebron James who are the most recognized athletes around the world. Attending an NBA game is a great way to enjoy a part of American culture. For the best experience, try one of these arenas:

Conseco Fieldhouse (Indiana Pacers)
Conseco Fieldhouse is the home of the Indiana Pacers. It was built to mirror the experience of attending a college basketball arena. The fieldhouse also has a retro feel to it. Pairing the rich Indiana basketball history with the passion of the college-esce environment allows for a unique experience for visitors. While the Pacers have struggled in recent years, its knowledgeable fans continue to fill the arena.

Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)
Madison Square Garden, New York © SoulSqueeze

Madison Square Garden is the stomping ground of the New York Knicks. Located above Penn Station, MSG has hosted a variety of sporting events ranging from championship boxing to the Stanley Cup hockey. Its history and location in the heart of New York City has made The Garden popular among NBA players. Michael Jordan was one of many who brought their best performances to MSG. Not a basketball lover? Spot Chris Rock, Woody Allen, and Spike Lee who frequent Knicks games.

EnergySolutions Arena (Utah Jazz)

EnergySolutions Arena is the home of the Utah Jazz. As the only major professional sports team in Utah, the Jazz have the full attention of local sports fans. The venue is built in a way that gives fans an ultra close view. The passion of the fans makes it one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. An added benefit of attending a game is the toughness of the teams under coach Jerry Sloan. Sloan is the longest tenured (20+ years) coach in professional sports.

TD Garden (Boston Celtics)

TD Garden is the home of the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are the most successful team in NBA history with 17 championships. With legends like Bill Russell, Bob Cousy, and Larry Bird, fans have experienced decades of great basketball. Despite a tough stretch after the Bird Years, the Celtics returned to glory in 2008 with their 17th title. The arena itself isn’t spectacular, but the passion of the Boston fans make up for it. Catch a game before the Pierce, Garnett, and Allen trio breaks apart.
TD Garden, Boston © Rene S

Rose Garden (Portland Trail Blazers)

The Rose Garden is the stomping ground of the Portland Trail Blazers. As with the Utah, Portland has only one major professional sport. This has led to a similar raucous atmosphere. With the Blazers returning to form over the past couple of years, the state-of-the-art venue has been filled to the brim. With Paul Allen of Microsoft fame owning the team, Portland will have no problem keeping their young nucleus together.

Staples Center (Los Angeles Lakers)
Staples Center is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers (and the Los Angeles Clippers). The Lakers are second to the Boston Celtics with 14 NBA championships. Their history is equally rich with WIlt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar among their hall of famers. Today, Kobe Bryant leads a Lakers team that is looking to return to championship form. As with Madison Square Garden, celebrities are easy to spot at Lakers games including Jack Nicholson, Denzel Washington, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Read about the best MLB ballparks to visit and the best NFL stadiums to visit.

 
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

 

Restaurants Of Florence

The center of Florence, Italy has countless ristoranti and trattorie. Which do you choose?

Editor’s Note: This post was written by guest contributor Katie Greenaway.

The waiters in Piazza Repubblica and Piazza Signoria grab your attention by conversing with you as you skim over the menu. They devise a plan to convince you to eat at their ristorante and then lure you inside. Most give in because of the exhaustion tourists have in the heat of summer and feel they should stay in familiar areas. But what about all the places you are missing outside the touristic center, on the Oltrarno, for example? Walking over the Ponte Vecchio to the other side brings a breath of fresh new smells and vistas. The alleyways hide a lot from the cautious traveler. Walk down one and see what you find.

Quattro Leoni is located on Piazza della Passera. It meets at a crossroads. The ristorante is set on the corner of the piazza that brings the bustle of the city to a gentle whisper. Inside there are about a dozen tables that are full on any given night. In the spring and summer, enjoy lunch outside under the umbrellas. People-watch or bask in the calm and simplicity of the piazza. Reservations are a must on the weekends. Notice the walls, they contain photos of many celebrities that frequent this secluded locale. Yes, even Sting eats here! This spot is very popular because few tourists stroll into Piazza della Passera. This place is usually run by the locals. Be aware when waiting to be seated that there might be some regulars that pop ahead of you. No worries as they will seat you, the staff is very welcoming and kind.
Bevo Vino (left) © Rob React and Tiramisu (right) © Koyochi

Bevo Vino welcomes each patron with warmth and charm. When you enter Bevo Vino you are arriving at an old friend’s home. Small secluded table areas with an opportunity to sit alone and enjoy the atmosphere around you. The menu is small with recommendations galore from the wait staff. Seasonal dishes are featured as well as typical desserts like tiramisu, which is a must when in Florence. A few tables are scattered throughout giving you a feel of what it is like to be a local. Smell the fresh tomatoes as they pass by on a plate of bruschetta. They come to the table with kindness and smiles. Prego, cosa volete? (My pleasure, what would you like?) I don’t know any other place in Florence as bona fide and personable. It’s so fresh and genuine that it’s worth a stop off the beaten path.
Cross Over To Oltrarno © Katie Greenaway

Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolo is a family run osteria that gives each patron a sense of home. Tables are booths and you could end up sitting next to people you don’t know. There is a lower level with tables arranged like in a cantina; all you need is a barrel of wine. A cute little bar sits in the left corner where you pay and where the waitress picks up your dishes. All guests leave here happy. As some osterias are rather pricey, this one is worth every penny. Each day their menu consists of specialties made from the heart and soul. Both located in San Niccolo, you will notice as night falls how the locals flock into crossroads between Bevo Vino and Osteria Antica Mescita San Niccolo. Immerse yourselves with the sounds of authentic Florence. Experience small cars honking as they squeeze through people-crowded streets, the chatter of Italian banter, and the clinging of glasses and dishes which allows us to realize we aren’t dreaming.

 
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Katie Greenaway fell in love with Italy from her first visit in 2002. She now calls it home, writing and capturing the culture of the enchanting city of Florence. She is always exploring the ancient cobblestones of Florence, one step at a time. Follow her blog: Olio di Oliva e Sogni di Vino and Twitter.

 

 

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