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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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.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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 Newspaper Travel Sections

Newspaper circulation and advertising revenue has taken a major hit over the past few years. That drop has been partly connected to the rise of Internet media. Despite this, a number of newspapers maintain excellent travel sections that are worth reading on a daily basis. These papers have also made a strong transition into the Internet Age with comprehensive websites. Enduring Wanderlust has compiled a list of the best travel sections for English-language newspapers:

United States

The New York Times

The New York Times has the third highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. It is considered the most respected newspaper in the country. The NY Times travel section is comprehensive with in-depth feature stories, tips for the selecting local eateries, and reporting on consumer issues. Its website also manages to organize their content into multimedia presentations and featured destination guides for readers who want to follow years of coverage. For wanderers on a budget, try The Gray Lady’s Frugal Traveler blog.

The Wall Street Journal

The Wall Street Journal has the second highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. Its coverage is focused primarily on U.S. and international business and financial news. That focal point makes the WSJ a must-read for business travelers. It also provides a wealth of information for travel-industry professionals and consumers. The Wall Street Journal’s reporting on the airline industry is particularly comprehensive. Give The Middle Seat Terminal blog a trial run.

Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Times has the fourth highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. Its travel section has excellent coverage of California, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Mexico. Online readers also have access to the LA Times message boards and nearby destination guides. The former gets few responses, but the latter is perfect for locals looking for weekend trip ideas. The LA Times has recently been featuring top travel photography, which has been successful in capturing a lot of attention from social networking circles. As with the other papers, they have a blog that’s worth a trial run: Daily Travel & Deal Blog.

Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune has the eighth highest daily circulation of the U.S. newspapers. It has wide-ranging coverage of international and local travel. Online readers have access to the Tribune’s well-organized Midwest destination guides. Each destination has a section covering top attractions to go along with a list of the Chicago Tribune’s feature stories for that location. The paper has also developed a Chicago tour connected to President Barack Obama’s life in the Windy City.

United Kingdom

The Guardian

The Guardian has the ninth highest daily circulation of the United Kingdom newspapers. Its travel section has outstanding coverage of international and UK travel. In addition, The Guardian website has been effective with its integration of journalistic reporting and blogs that focus on the current “hot” trends in travel such as Twitter. They also have a section dedicated to readers’ tips in their coverage.

Canada

The Globe and Mail

The Globe and Mail has the second highest daily circulation of Canadian papers. The Globe’s travel section has a mix of coverage including destinations, ‘tripping’ narratives, and consumer news. Their reporting has a personal feel to it since articles often focus on an individual’s experience with a place or activity. The Globe’s website is comprehensive, but their multimedia presentations are limited in comparison to the other papers on the list.

Which are your favorite newspaper travel sections? Why?

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

 

Authentic Local Eats: Readers Weigh In

One of the best aspects of travel is trying the various local foods from each community. A great way to find the most authentic eats and restaurants is to ask local experts. Enduring Wanderlust recently asked a group of its readers to share their local knowledge, resulting in an inventory of must-eat foods:

Nadia Ballas-Ruta of Happy Lotus gives an insider view of Philadelphia:

For anyone who happens to be in Philly, the best place for soft pretzels is at the Reading Terminal Market. The market is located in an old train terminal and has all kinds of foods. The big draw is that the Amish from Lancaster, PA come a few days a week and sell their homemade goods. Their pretzels are the best in the city. Try their apple dumplings too.

Philly cheesesteak sandwich is a local favorite too. Every one knows of Geno’s Steaks since they are featured in almost every movie that takes place in Philly. Geno’s is a basic stand in the middle of South Philly, but also an institution. If you are a vegetarian, head to Govinda’s Cafe for a vegetarian version of this local favorite. Govinda’s is a simple place with awesome food located on South Street.

Now on to my favorite…fudge. The place for best fudge is The Original Fudge Kitchen. They have locations throughout the southern Jersey Shore. It’s a family run business and each shop is full of all kinds of sweet treats. The good news is that you can order their yummy fudge online from anywhere. It is truly the best fudge in the world. It is heaven.
Philly Cheesesteaks © Marvin Kuo

Rosalind Cummings-Yeates of Farsighted Fly Girl gives her take on Chicago’s local eats:

For Chicago visitors, a taste of Chicago style pizza is a must. Noted for its thick cust and gut-busting piles of cheese and toppings, Chicago style pizza refects the city’s brash attitude and heavy midwestern palate. There are hundreds of eateries in Chicago that claim the best Chicago -style pizza, but my recommendations for tourists are:

Pizzeria Due, an iconic Chicago restaurant credited with being one of the first restaurants serving Chicago style, its decor is basic and it’s always crowded because the pizza is authentic. Pizzeria Due is the second restaurant that was opened because the popular Uno was constantly over-crowded. Unos has expanded into a restaurant group across the U.S. but Due is still one-of a-kind.

Giordano’s is another famous eatery that’s favored by locals. There are over a half dozen city-wide locations but the one at 730 N. Rush offers lots of energy and people watching, in addition to excellent stuffed pizza.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. Less well known but equally memorable, Ovengrinder creates a signature pizza pot pie that’s not to be missed. Located in a charming brownstone in Lincoln Park, this restaurant, like its neighborhood, supplies an understated stylish vibe.
Chicago deep-dish pizza © Adactio

J.D. Meier of Sources of Insight provides his view on Seattle’s best eats:

When you go to Seattle, you need to “meet the man.” Picture this. It’s a warm, sunny day. You park your car and add yourself to a long line of people wrapped around an old garage. Somewhere in the distance, you hear a distinctive voice shout, “you met the man?” You turn to see a man with an apron and a pot. It’s Gene. You’re at Dixie’s BBQ.

“The man” is an insanely hot sauce that’s dangerous to the touch. Seriously. In fact, if it’s your first time, Gene warns you to just dab your toothpick and touch it to your tongue. I’ve seen many a grown man cry, while trying to prove they’re “man enough.”

It’s a simple menu, from sandwiches to ribs. Whether you go pork or beef, it’s some of the most succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat you’ve ever had. Your mouth waters whenever you think of the tang of the sweet BBQ sauce. If you’re daring enough to brave the man, you know you’ll pay for it both now and later. It’s called “the man” for a reason. It’s not bark, it’s all bite.

On your first trip to Dixie’s, Gene will take you over to his map of the world. He’ll give you a pin and tell you to find yourself on the map. The map is always full with people from all over the world. It’s just a little garage, but it’s just the kind of place memories are made from.

Nik Tjhin of Unearthing Asia provides a tasty Indonesian treat:
Oxtail Soup © Avixyz

One of my favorite local foods is Indonesian Sop Buntut, which translates to Oxtail Soup. A little online research shows that the Oxtail Soup is a popular dish throughout the world, with each country adding their own unique twist and tweaks. If you eat this in Jakarta, however, what you will get is a tasty clear broth with tender oxtail, chunks of potatoes, carrot, tomatoes, and celery, with aromatic spices mixed in and topped with crispy fried shallots.

For fine diners and the luxurious high-rollers, Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta is famed for its delicious Oxtail Soup. They added their own little twist in which they actually serve the oxtail meat separate from the soup, and stir-fried it before hand, calling it Sop Buntut Goreng (Fried Oxtail Soup). For the rest of us normal people, try the Oxtail Soup at Puri 88. Their servings are large, tasty, and easy on the pocket. A meal for two will cost you around Rp70,000 which at current rate translates to roughly US$6.50.

Alik Levin of Practice This gives his take on the scene in Israel:

Israel is unique in that people come here from all over the world bringing a variety of food traditions. Influences include Poland, Germany, Argentina, Morocco, Yemen, Russia, Iraq, and many more. I can assure you that the food here is the tastiest, healthiest, and cheapest I’ve eaten in my life. That includes meals in Russia, Poland, France, Spain, South Africa, US, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, UK, and Turkey. For me, the most authentic is local street food like Falafel and Shawarma. Stop at any small shop and indulge in those two foods.

Sire of Scenic Adelaide gives his take on a local Aussie spot worth checking out:

The River Cafe is part of the Red Ochre Restaurant, which has stunning views. I must admit that I have never tried ‘contemporary Australian cuisine’ and this restaurant is touted to have some of the most innovative Australian food with a native influence. The menu of local eats and the beautiful location makes it an appealing spot for a visit. On the other hand, The River Cafe has replaced one of my former favorites, Cafe Lago. It will be interesting to see how it measures up. Either way, these restaurants are perfect spots for travelers dropping over to Adelaide.

Norwegian Meat Cakes © RennyBA

RennyBA’s of Terrella gives a few of his favorite Norwegian classics:

The Norwegian national dish is “Fårikål” or Lamb in cabbage. To prepare it: cut pieces of cabbage then layer lamb and cabbage on top of each other. Sprinkle in some whole black pepper too. Another favorite is kjøttkaker or meat cakes (see photo above). The cakes are usually made from ground beef. Kjøttkaker is traditionally served with boiled potatoes, gravy, and lingonberry. For travelers who prefer fish, rainbow trout is the local dish to look for in Norway.

Read about the most authentic pizza in New York City or Most Conversational Travel Posts Of 2009.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Unique Ways To Pick Your Next Destination

The world is filled with countless travel destinations. With so many great options, we often struggle to settle upon the perfect place to visit. That leaves us open for a different approach. Ready to try a unique method for selecting your next destination?

The World’s Best Festivals & Parties

Visiting a country in the mist of a festival is a great way to meet locals, observe culture, and have a lot of fun. Rough Guide’s World Party website provides a comprehensive search function for the best festivals from across the globe. It allows visitors to explore in a variety of ways including by specific festival, month, country, or theme (music, food, parades, drink, religion). Have a week off in April? Try the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Headed to Spain this August? Visit Buñol on the last Wednesday of the month for La Tomatina.

Do note that festivals bring in lots of locals and tourists. Plan ahead for accommodations.
La Tomatina, Spain © AG Saran

Throw A Dart At A World Map

Sounds crazy? That’s exactly what your editor, Gennaro Salamone, did back in 1998. With so many great destinations, he was struggling to select a place for a study abroad trip. A friend dared him to toss a dart at an oversized world map on the wall. A small hole in that friend’s wall resulted in a summer of study in the Czech Republic. Prague delivered a fascinating city along with informative courses in Central European politics, the Holocaust, and Czech literature. Authors Milan Kundera and Franz Kafka remain favorites a decade later.

Twitter

Searching for the latest hot spots or newly uncovered gems? Twitter has thousands of travel experts spreading their wisdom. It’s a unique opportunity to have a discussion with a travel blogger, innkeeper, or travel-industry specialist within the context of a community discussion. Take in their tweets for ideas or send an @ message for a specific suggestion.

Follow us on Twitter @EWanderlust. We’ll be happy to help with travel tips. Be sure to add a collection of the travel tweeters we follow for a well-rounded perspective.
Galápagos Islands © Kyle Mac

World Heritage List

The World Heritage list offers over 800 sites of natural or cultural value from around the world. Their committee looks to help preserve and promote places that exhibit human creative genius or natural wonders, especially ones with universal value for visitors. Italy has the highest number of sites recognized by the World Heritage Committee with over forty properties. The committee also has an inventory of places that are in danger including popular sites like the Galápagos Islands and Old City of Jerusalem. The Democratic Republic of the Congo leads the way with five endangered locations.

Let Your Blog Readers Decide

Though it’s an easier task for travel bloggers who already have an audience with an interest in the topic, any blogger has the ability to use their communication device to elicit suggestions. Have readers fill the comment section with submissions. Knowing that a few jokers will attempt to send the blogger off to the Gulag, take the ideas and narrow them to a few acceptable recommendations. Use the most popular entries to conduct a final poll. This will lead to a significant interest among readers in relation to the details in the forthcoming trip posts.

Would you employ one of these methods? What was your most unusual approach for selecting a trip?

Need a trip idea? Try rock climbing in Southeast Asia.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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9 Top Cities, 9 Top Irish Pubs

The Irish have contributed quite a bit to civilization. One way to celebrate their achievements is to visit an Irish-themed pub. These watering holes are scattered throughout the world. Enduring Wanderlust has put together nine of the best Irish-themed pubs in nine of the best cities.

1. McSorley’s Old Ale House (New York City)

Established seven years before the American Civil War, McSorley’s Old Ale House prides itself on being the oldest continually-operated bar in New York City. McSorley’s even managed to continue serving beer during Prohibition. It, remarkably, counts Abraham Lincoln among its former patrons. One of the fascinating aspects of visiting the Ale House is seeing the wishbones above the bar (photo below), which were left by men leaving for World War I. It has been said that the remaining bones are from soldiers who never returned.

For women, it will be a surreal experience as McSorley’s only started allowing women to enter since the Supreme Court forced their hand in 1970. Yes, 1970. The Ale House built its first ladies room in 1986. Men and women alike must be ready to drink either McSorley’s Light or McSorley’s Dark, as they are the only options.
McSorley’s, New York City © Laughing Squid

2. O’Neill’s Islington (London)

O’Neill’s is an Irish bar with a great atmosphere. It provides for a combination of beer starring Guinness and Smithwick’s Irish Red Ale and Irish fare that will have any visitor feeling the luck of the Irish. Along with serving delectable Irish breakfast all day, O’Neill’s has a bunch of unique choices including Irish stew crock-pot, vegetarian sausages with colcannon, and Limerick ham with Irish cheddar quiche.

With live music and numerous large screens that feature sporting events, there is plenty of entertainment for O’Neill’s patrons. Do note that the heated outdoor courtyard is often filled with rugby and football fans during game time.

3. The Snug (Boston)

The Snug has the feel of a pub with plenty of restaurant amenities. Located in Hingham, it has been awarded Best Irish Pub. The Snug’s menu includes crowd favors including succulent French toast, New England clam chowder, and Ellen’s Homemade Shepard’s Pie. It adds live music four days a week starring The Bobby ‘O Boys, Mark Purcell, and The Red Liners among others.

4. The Irish Embassy (Toronto)

The Irish Embassy was created within an old bank building in 1873. It is an upscale bar located in Toronto’s Financial District. It’s often filled with passionate Maple Leafs or Raptors fans waiting for the game or individuals looking to relax after work. As with many of the pubs on the list, The Irish Embassy has exceptional homemade food to go along with its impressive selection of drinks. Try a few patron favorites such as Jameson chicken liver pate, traditional Irish stew, and Kilkenny battered haddock.
Guinness Beer © Peter Baker

5. Galway Arms (Chicago)

Galway Arms, located in the heart of Lincoln Park, has an extensive menu filled with Irish goodies to go along with lots of choices from the tap. Locals love their daily special such as “Everyday Chicken Pot Pie” Monday and “All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips” Tuesday. The Arms has been adding to their crowds with live Irish bands and its patio for the summer months along with a sit-down dinner option in their restaurant area.

6. The Brazen Head (Dublin)

No better place to relax with a pint of Guinness than Dublin. The Brazen Head states that it was the first on the pub scene dating back to 1198. True or not, The Brazen Head has plenty of history within its doors to go along with being a top music venue for Irish tunes. Their weekend line-up currently features lives tunes by Rafferty, The Rye River Band and The Brazen Hussies. Add to that their award-winning restaurant, specializing in Irish stew and seafood, and The Brazen Head was enough to make even James Joyce take notice.

7. Kildare’s Irish Pub (Philadelphia)

Kildare’s Irish Pub prides itself on being authentic. For a few of their locations, 40-foot containers filled with Irish artifact were shipped to the United States to recreate an Irish pub scene. If authentic was their goal then Kildare was successful. It has glasses of stout flowing and an extensive menu that would please anyone looking for a taste of Ireland. Try the traditional bangers and mash with Irish style sausage over a bed of mashed potatoes or the Guinness beef stew with vegetables simmered in the rich beer.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade © R0sss

8. Durty Nelly’s (Sydney)

Durty Nelly’s has a relaxed atmosphere with prints imported from the National Gallery of Ireland to help emanate the feeling of Erin Go Bragh. Pouring its first brew as early as 1854, Durty Nelly’s has plenty of history and tradition to go along with its fresh beer and tasty cuisine. When munching in the bar, try the black pudding with bacon baguette or the soup of the day with homemade soda bread. Consider their sit-down restaurant too with its seasonal menu.

Plan on being in Sydney for a while? Locals receive a plague on the wall for joining the 100 Pints Club.

9. Fadó Irish Pub (Washington D.C.)

Located near the MCI Center, Fadó Irish Pub screams of authenticity. In fact, it was design with materials that were shipped over from Ireland. Fadó is often filled with basketball and hockey fans after games let out from the MCI Center, but the screens are often filled with Gaellic football and rugby too.

Visitors with an appetite will appreciate the corned beef rolls, Irish smoked salmon bites, and homemade shepherd’s pie to go along with their brew.

Try some great pizza with that beer or read about more great Irish pubs.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Road Warriors: Bloggers In Motion

Want to be location independent or a digital nomad? Blogging has exploded over the past few years opening the door to endless opportunities. A number of bloggers have been able to have professional writing careers, quit their desk jobs to travel the world, or prolong that backpacking trip indefinitely. Enduring Wanderlust caught up with four travelers who manage to keep their blogs flourishing while globetrotting.

The Bloggers

Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere was blogging before the word was invented. He went around the world in 1999 and kept a website allowing his company’s employees to follow his travels. He made subsequent trips to Iceland and Argentina updating on his website. His latest travel blog is thriving as he continues to wander the globe.

Lara Dunston of Cool Travel Guide is a professional travel writer who teams with her husband Terry (travel writer and photographer) to produce countless research and articles for magazines and guidebooks. On the road for the past three years, Lara’s life and work are unique takes on the concept of location independent.

Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless left her managerial position at a large Fortune 500 Company to be freelance writer who travels the world while working remotely. Her blog follows her day-to-day experiences. She is currently wandering through Mexico and Central America.

Matthew Kepnes of Nomadic Matt is a vagabond who has been traveling continuously since finishing his Master’s and quitting his job in July 2006. Backpacker extraordinaire, Matt has managed to build a network of friends around the world who often house Matt during his journeys.
Christine Gilbert, Jack (White), Molly (Black) © Christine Gilbert

The Challenges

Time is a universal issue for bloggers on the run. Balancing professional duties, traveling, and taking care of the inner working of their blogs isn’t easy. Add to that the poor Internet connections in a number of countries and it becomes essential to plan ahead. Christine follows a rigid schedule allowing time to write, apply for freelance jobs, and handle the social networking aspects of blogging while Matt sets aside certain days or mornings for the majority of his output.

With a heavy focus on photography, Gary struggles to upload the 50,000 images taken over the last two years. Internet connections in the Middle East have hampered him of late. Of the four bloggers, Lara has the most difficult time keeping up with the blog itself because of her heavy writing and travel schedule. Though her blog is updated regularly, her focus remains on the travel writing that pays the bills. Travel and guidebook writing sound glamorous, but come with a lot of responsibilities in a short amount of time.

Lara explains that we “essentially go to wherever the work is, so when we got an offer to do a book in Amsterdam, we rented an apartment there for about 6-8 weeks, we went to Buenos Aires for two and a half months, renting two different apartments in two different parts of town so we could get to know those places…we were on the road in Italy for 3 months researching books including one month in Milan, and now we’ve been in Australia for a while now – we did a 4 month road trip for two books – this is a huge country!”
Open Road © Lxsocon

The Technology

Twitter has been a tremendous help for Gary. Thousands of people have found his site through the micro-blogging site allowing him to improve traffic to the blog along with giving him lots of travel tips for each location he visits. Christine uses a similar strategy asking her followers (lots of travel experts) about a best plan of attack for each new location. Christine travels with an extra laptop and power cord to ensure that her work gets done on her schedule.

Lara has found that technology remains a mixed bag. Many countries have slow web connections including a reliance on dial-up in some hotels. Even countries like Italy and Australia have woefully slow connections in many establishments. Not to mention, a lack of access in the Australian Outback or country towns. Without ample time to go to Internet cafes, Lara must complete the bulk of her work in hotels, which charge very high rates. She finds it difficult to justify spending more than $20 to add one blog post. Lara and her husband prefer places like Brussels and UAE that have abundant access to free Wi-Fi.
Writing Gear © RintaKumpu

The Passion

When asked about delaying or giving up blogging none of the four were considering it. Each gets a certain joy from sharing their travels with others. Gary finds that in the big scheme of things blogging is pretty easy. Both Gary and Christine pondered about the life cycle of a blog especially after the trip ends. The former found that the problem with many blogs was a lack of updates or a total abandonment whereas Christine wondered about transforming a blog that focuses on trip reports into other avenues such as multi-author blogs. For Lara and Christine, getting paid for their travel writing has left a sense that no end was near for their travels or blogs. The same is true for Matt who recently dropped anchor in Taiwan after an extended stay in Thailand.

Though none of the bloggers have been recognized on the road in connection with their blogs, Lara and Terry had a touching moment when several travelers in Dubai recognized their photos from the Lonely Planet guidebooks. In fact, three groups of people in a carpet shop all recognize and approach them. They’d all been using their books and loved them and had great feedback – one woman from Australia was on holiday, another was a Scandinavian girl, and a third was a German girl that had moved to Dubai and was using the books to get to know the city. “That was funny. And sweet. It’s nice to be recognized and nice to hear people appreciate all the hard work we put into writing the books.”

Read more about being location independent or a digital nomad.

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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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8 Best Chocolate Shops In NYC

1. Jacques Torres Chocolate

Named after its founder, Jacques Torres, who grew up in a small town in the southern region of Provence, this chocolate shop tops the list. With four locations in the city, Jacques Torres manages to create chocolate that triumphs over your taste buds. For the ultimate experience, visit their Hudson Street location to witness chocolate being made from fresh beans. The entire place is enveloped by glass to allow patrons to watch the factory do its magic.
Jacques Torres, New York City © J Hritz

2. Martine’s Chocolates

Martine’s Chocolates creates a variety of fresh cream chocolates and truffles. Their delicacies are handmade right in front of their customers with the finest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut couverture chocolate, French butter, fresh American cream. Martine’s is, perhaps, the best place in the city to watch the chocolate-making process. Be sure to take out an order of your favorites in their signature pink boxes for a friend.

3. MarieBelle

MarieBelle doesn’t manufacture chocolate. They create works of art. The most aesthically pleasing on the list, MarieBelle’s chocolates will satisfy all of your senses. Their traditional blue boxes are the perfect gift for a loved one. Each box is filled with a sampling of their finest work. MarieBelle also has entertainment on Wednesday nights. Visitors will enjoy Jazz In The Chocolate Factory at their Madison Avenue location.
MarieBelle, New York City © Clemson

4. Kee’s Chocolates

Founded by Kee Ling Tong, Kee’s Chocolates makes handmade bon-bons and hand-rolled confections. Their flavors have an international taste with imported yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. This is the ideal stop for individuals who prefer a small SoHo shop over the glitz of La Maison or elegance of MarieBelle. Be sure to try the ultra-creamy truffles.

5. La Maison du Chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat built its reputation as one of the preeminent chocolatiers in France. It has extended that legacy to New York City. The most expensive chocolate on the list, La Maison creates mouthwatering ganaches, pralinés, and a variety of fruited chocolates. Do note that it’s closer to an ultra-high end boutique than a quaint shop.
La Maison du Chocolat, New York City © Ever Jean

6. Mondel Homemade Chocolates

Mondel Homemade Chocolates has been a neighborhood favorite, near Columbia University, for over sixty years. Mondel’s was also the preferred shop of four-time Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn. It has a wide range of chocolates ranging from truffles and creams to cordials and break-up chocolate. Mondel also has a tasty selection of sugar-free chocolate.

7. Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Vosges turns out the best truffles in New York City. Created by Chicago’s Katrina Markoff, Vosges’ truffles will leave you feeling satiated. Visitors will try a range of exotic flavors including curry, Thai pandan leaves, and wasabi in several of the chocolates. If you’re not living in Chicago or New York City, it’s possible to order these unique sweets over the Internet.
Vosges Chocolates, New York City © The Pink Peppercorn

8. Evelyn’s Chocolates

Evelyn’s Chocolates has been satisfying customers for decades in the Financial District. Created by Evelyn Robb, this shop has hand-dipped chocolates and delectable confections. Understated in comparison to its competition for New York’s best, Evelyn’s maintains a homey feel. It will feel just like mom’s kitchen. Try the homemade Chunkys.

In a New York state of mind? Read about the best pizza in the city or free things to do in NYC.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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Take A Hike! Into The Wilderness

“It is easier to find an excuse than to find a reason” ~Doug Brown

Life is filled with studies, work, and household responsibilities. That being said, it’s essential that we refresh our minds occasionally by stepping away from our routine. Take this opportunity to plan a day trip or long weekend into the wilderness. The best way to accomplish this is to avoid excuses and set a specific date for your sojourn. No excuses. You deserve it.
Hudson Valley Vineyard © Gennaro Salamone

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”
~ John Muir

Every community has locations for a fun weekend. Despite that, it’s often satisfying to leave town for a day or two to keep your focus away from life’s distractions. A smart approach to selecting a destination is to connect it with a specific activity for the weekend. One leisure pursuit that can be found near every neighborhood is hiking. Hiking combines exercise with an ability to commune with nature.

Try Local Hikes (limited to U.S. locations) to find the best spots in your area. Local Hikes has a search feature that allows visitors to set preferences including location, scenery, time available, and difficulty. Using that method, we found an enchanting town called Cold Spring, New York containing several hikes with views of the Hudson River Valley. The town and its neighboring communities screamed of Americana. Each was filled with colonial houses, small shops, and a volunteer fire department. It was also the perfect spot for an Autumn hike as the foliage was reaching its colorful peak. Even better it was only a little over an hour outside of New York City. Planning to visit next time you’re in the area? Try neighboring Beacon, Newburgh, and West Point too.
Cold Spring, NY © Gennaro Salamone

“Food is our common ground, a universal experience” ~ James Beard

Hiking expends a lot of energy. It’s important to eat well and drink plenty of liquids. Eating will also provide a pleasant way to break up segments of your trek. Consider preparing and packing a few recipes that are different from your usual meals. A great resource for selecting unique foods is The Minimalist: 101 20-Minute Dishes for Inspired Picnics. Try the grapes and cheese recipe, which mixes feta cubes with green grapes. Add olive oil, black pepper, and salt to taste. Another delicious option is the tomatoes and peaches recipe, which tosses together sliced tomatoes and peaches, along with thinly sliced red onion. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Travelers headed to the Hudson River towns will also have the option of dining at one of their numerous quality restaurants before or after their trek.
Church, Hudson Valley, NY © Gennaro Salamone

“He who would travel happily must travel light” ~Antoine de St. Exupery

Unless your hike involves a lengthy or intensive journey considering packing light. Bring the essentials, but little else. Turn off the cell phone too. Focus on the individuals and the wilderness around you. It’s not often that we have a chance to turn off all the noise and enjoy the nature around us.

What’s your favorite hiking spot?

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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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