WLT Travel Blog: Jamon y Madrid

Ham in Madrid is like gelato in Italy. You can have it whenever, wherever and however you want in any style, shape or form for prices varying from 1 Euro to hundreds of Euros (for an entire pig shank).

A fairly common cornerstone restaurant known as the Museo del Jamon actually could be a Museum of Ham if it wanted. Each "Museo" differs from its brothers, although the inventory is always the same: Ham.

The Museo del Jamon that we happened upon was in Northern Madrid, close to the Mailboxes Etc. we had to wait two hours for...while they took a siesta...with our Real Madrid tickets.

So, we dropped in to our first Museo del Jamon experience and standing at a counter, as gigantic, dusty hindquarters of pig hung above us, we picked from the 1 Euro menu. I chose the buttery croissant with ham and cheese shown below with a new drink that intrigued me.

Right and left, old ladies, old men, young people, everyone was ordering a beer and pouring lemonade to top it off. Tangy, sparkling, crisp. Actually, pretty good!

You can see the drink behind the appetizer that comes with a drink...which I mistook for my croissant. Luckily, when I asked the lady behind the counter, all she did was laugh hysterically at me.

Travel and learn something new every day. Or get laughed at. Or both at the same time.

WLT Photography: Nat Geo Photo's of the 2009

Another year means another set of awe-inspiring National Geographic Global Contest photos. Nat Geo, when will you ever stop producing ridiculously cool images for the world's ceaseless viewing pleasure?

Probably never. Cause you're great.

And I love you.

A panel of three National Geographic judges sifted through over 200,000 submitted photos and chose a winner in the categories of People, Places and Nature. The winners have been chosen, and the photos are, as expected, outstanding.

If I EVER see a manatee passively floating along in the wild while dozens of awesomely striped fish eat algae off his back, I will definitely die happy.

To see all contest photos, past and present, you can do so here.

[Photo: National Geographic]

WLT News Feed: December 8, 2009

Porn Star Karaoke - News.au.com

Genius.

Megabus Offers Free Tickets - Intelligent Travel Blog

One megaoffer, if you ask me.

COP15 201 - Cool Green Blog

Inside scoop on inside issues

Best New Species of 2009 - National Geographic

Blob fish, Ghostshark, Silky Cuscus and more!

Five Non-Fugly Carpets - Hotelchatter

Non-fugly FTW

[Photo: News.au.com]

WLT Travel Blog: El Rastro

[Compasses for sale in El Rastro]

The most popular open air flea market in Madrid is called El Rastro, or "The Trail," and is 3500 stalls strong. Every sunday and public holiday the stalls of antiques, clothing and goodies open shop from 9am to 3pm along Plaza de Coscorro and Ribera de Curtidores.

According to legend, the open air market got its name from the trail of blood left by slaughtered cattle on their way to the tanneries located in Ribera de Curtidores which means "Riverside of Tanners."

[Dyed, leather sandals hang on a fence]

Today, the marketplace is filled with anything you can imagine. Unfortunately, however, no food. But just about everything else!

[Wooden crafts]

In the cobblestone squares, merchants set up shop with old swords, vases, coins, dressers, you name it. It's like an organized, simultaneous, Spanish garage sale. It was an amazing array of the most random assortment of goods. Yet, even in its randomness, it wasn't chaotic or entropic, it was a community.

El Rastro is a staple in Madrileno life in the center of Madrid. The largest open air flea market is sure to draw treasure hunters and curious tourists, but locals also frequented the market buying everyday household goods like blank CDs or measuring cups or silverware.

[Anything you could imagine]

El Rastro is an open air market that welcomes everyone into its winding pathways, leading them through discovery after discovery and spitting them out with untold stories and armfuls of who-knows-what. What more could you ask for?

WLT Spotlight: Four Square!

Foursquare is the newest, latest, social media phone app.

...and it's actually kind of cool.

Foursquare is kind of like Yelp meets Twitter meets Pokemon. Foursquare currently works for iPhone and Android and can be accessed via Blackberry through mobile web. They do have a Blackberry app in the works - so stay tuned Blackberriers!

Here's how it works:

By accessing the Foursquare app on your phone, you can "Check-in" to a place while you're visitng. No, this isn't one of those creepy apps that let's EVERYONE know exactly where you are ALL THE TIME. You can "Check-in" voluntarily and at your discretion.

Once you "Check-in," Foursquare sends your whereabouts to your friends who can then meet up with you or recommend other things to do in the area.

Example:

Kind of cool, right? It's like Yelp on the go from your nearest and dearest. But WAIT, there's MORE!

Here's where Foursquare transforms you into Ash Ketchum whilst you go abouts your travels through the Kanto Region of Pokemon Red and Blue.

The more you "Check-in" the more points you earn. The more points you earn, the more BADGES you unlock! WEEEEEE! If you find a new place in your neighborhood, +5. If you drag along a friend, +1. Etc... There are all sorts of badges from hitting the gym to too much karaoke.

Now, if you frequent any place more times than anyone else, you can become the mayor and get awesome deals like this:

If anyone's interested in a little Foursquare action, hit me up! I'm down for some good old fashioned fun.

WLT News Feed: December 7, 2009

Mongolia Opens First Ski Resort - NYT

Ghengis Khan would be so proud

Thinking About Traveling in 2010? - msnbc.com

Here's your unofficial guide.

Archival Disneyland Photos = Creepy as Hell - Jaunted.com

Cuteness has come a long way

Five Trips for Inspiring New Careers - Afar

Research, cooking, teaching? Do it abroad!

[Photo: NYT]

WLT News Feed: December 4, 2009

Buy Clothes, Help Stuff - TreeHugger.com

Change is so fashionable.

$82,000/night Thai Resort - Kayak.com

Remember when we all thought SouthEast Asia was cheap? NOT THIS GUY!

Pirate Booty on Display in Virgina - msnbc.com

Hehe...booty.

America's Coolest Small Towns - CNN

Modesto? Modesto? Anyone?

Travelocity Savings - upgradetravelbetter.com

Fail.

[Photo: TreeHugger]

WLT Must-See Video: Why I Love Soccer

This trailer proves that soccer is much more than a sport or a game, but a universal language. Like music or art, it's something we share over continents and oceans and can be understood without explanation.

WorldHum, you've done it again. Check out Michael Yessis' interview with the filmmakers and travelers.

WLT News Feed: December 3, 2009

Virgin Galactic to Begin Test Flights - News.au.com

To infinite, and beyond!

Reasons to go to Wisconsin - Geekologie

#1 on my list

CityCenter Begins Opening - msnbc.com

Vegas' largest property to date

New Years Eve in New York - Venere.com

Never gets old

JetBlue to Offer All-You-Can-Jet-Pass next year - JetBlue

Success! Who's with me?

[Photo: News.au.com]

WLT Must-See Video: Leap Year Rom-Com

I just couldn't help myself. Here you go: A travel-based Rom-Com. (It actually looks really good.) Thanks again, WorldHum.

WLT News Feed: December 2, 2009

Dubai Marvel Theme Park? - Neatorama

They just think of everything!

Celebrity Cruises Implementing All-You-Can-Drink - Jaunted.com

What do you do with a drunken sailor?

How COP15 Will Change the Way We Travel - eHotelier.com

Carbon neutral in Copenhagen

6 Roadtrip Games for Kids - CNN

Or really bored adults.

2010 Travel Menu Trends - eHotelier.com

#4 meet #10. In my stomach.

[Photo: Chimera Design]

WLT Must-See Video: Why I Hate Soccer

'Nuff said.

Thanks MetaCafe.

Tornado Forming In The Middle Of Soccer Field - The top video clips of the week are here

WLT Must-See Video: Everest

I've never really understood why people wanted to risk their lives to climb Everest. Sure, it's the tallest point on Earth. Sure, it's a milestone in human history. Sure, you get massive street cred. I still never understood it.

However, this video posted by WorldHum sheds some light on the victorious summit made by these climbers and the inexpressible view from the top.

Congratulations, fellas. I'm impressed, but I still think I'll pass.

WLT News Feed: December 1, 2009

Freediving World Championships 2009 - Adventure World Magazine

85m? Psh...

Dalai Lama Calls for Climate Change - Treehugger

And when the Dalai Lama calls, you better freaking listen

Travel North for a New York Past - NYT

196 acres of Manhattan shrubbery goodness

V Australia and Accor Hotels Team up for Good - ehotelier.com

Needy children in Thailand benefit from mid-air auction

World's Friendliest Countries - Forbes

Canada comes in second, eh?

[Photo: Adventure World]

WLT Must-See Video: Change the World

This is a great video from the Nature Conservancy's "Planet Change" Campaign.

For why this campaign is different than other climate change web campaigns, check out the Cool Green Blog.

WLT News Feed: November 30, 2009

JetBlue's Cyber Monday Sales - LA Times

Sale ends tonight at 10pm PST

The DC Power Lunch - CNN

Where DC's power players chow down

Las Vegas Calendar of Events - LA Times

Tis the season

Is Travel Bad for the World? - Lonely Planet

Hm.

[Photo: LA Times]

WLT Travel Blog: 100 Montaditos

[So, I'm kind of late, but here are the catch up blogs I never got to post from my latest romp in Europe. Enjoy!]

Our first official meal overseas was at a place called Cerveceria 100 Montaditos. The chain which has become somewhat of a Andalusian franchise began in Islantilla in 2001 and had reached 100 locations by 2007, 39 of which are in Madrid.

[Crisp, refreshing and cheap bearing the 100 Montaditos logo]

The Cerveceria gets its name from the 100 varieties of small sandwiches otherwise known as bocadillos or montaditos from which diners choose from on a piece of paper and hand over to the cashier.

The petite subs were basic, but delicious. A crispy mini baguette formed the vessel for all sorts of fillings from the normal ham and cheese to salami to small shrimp to salmon and cream cheese. While one may not be enough to fill you up, a six-sandy party platter will certainly do the trick for around 5 Euros. Do not underestimate these little guys.

[Party platter of deliciousness]

However, the best part about Cerveceria 100 Montaditos:

1 Euro beers. What better way to celebrate our arrival in Madrid than a pre-noon brewski from Madrid's McDonald's.

[Fellow traveler Matt trying to catch up on his beer intake]

For more on these travel-sized subs and other Madrilena ponderings, check out Tapasdealyssa.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

It doesn't matter where you go in life, where the winds blow you or where the roads take you. A good meal among family and friends always feels the same. While traveling the world, the back roads and mountaintops is enlightening, exciting and breathtaking, there is nothing quite as satisfying as coming home to the people who know you best.

No matter who I meet or where I go, there can never be a replacement for friends, family and places I call home.

So, to all those out there who have played a part of my life, I am deeply thankful for you and the impact you have had on my life and I wish you the very best.

Have a good Thanksgiving everybody!

Let the agony of early and incessant Christmas music commence.

[Photo: Google Earth Blog]

WLT News Feed: November 25, 2009

[Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!]

China Sends Two Pandas to Australia - Treehugger

Koala population dwindles.

Catalina Island Hotel Deals - LA Times

Still not affordable. Sorry.

WLT's Long Lost Brother FLT - Coastal Living

Reunited at last!

6 Stupid Traveler Tips from Pauline Frommer - Bing.com

She calls it like it is.

Visit Greenland! - Kayak.com

I would.

[Photo: Treehugger]

WLT Travel Blog: Thank God for Stewardesses

[So, I'm kind of late, but here are the catch up blogs I never got to post from my latest romp in Europe. Enjoy!]

You know you're about to set off on an epic cultural experience when you find your first two meals consist of a Sausage McMuffin and a slice of pepperoni and sausage pizza. I mean, let's face it, both are delicious and, well, we weren't out of the States yet.

The pizza was a prelude to our nearly nine hour ride from Atlanta, Georgia to Madrid, Spain. Despite landing the exit-row seat and semi-delicious in-flight meal, it was on that plane, Delta Flight 108 I encountered the first obstacles of the journey.

I could talk on and on about the red-eye eight hour and 40 minute flight, the worst turbulence I've ever felt (seriously.) or the massive time difference between Madrid and Los Angeles, but those all pale in comparison to the freelance meteorologist sitting next to me. That's right.

Midway through the flight I jotted down these notes:

Striking up a conversation on the plane is always risky. Much like the proverbial 'box of chocolates,' you never know who you're going to get.

You might end up with the quiet reserved guy who deflects your questions with simple one word answers, either unwilling to share information or just too lazy to contribute. Or you could get the guy who never stops talking.

Such was my fate today.

Sitting in my palace of an exit row on Delta's Flight 108, I struck up a conversation with a freelance meteorologist from Tampa Bay. This means he goes from weather channel to weather channel on a freelance basis and forecasts, well, weather. Yup.

Initially, I asked him loads of questions because I was intrigued at such an occupation as freelance meteorologists, but soon the questions stopped and his continued lecture on traveling, frequent flyer miles and clouds commenced.

Halfway through our conversation, I slipped into smile-and-nod mode and began drafting this blog in my head. Luckily, a stewardess sat down in front of us and he found his new chatter pal while I drifted off to sleep.

Thank god for stewardesses.

Here is CNN's advice on how to deal with what they call the Talkative Airplane Seatmate and if you want to share your own chattery stories you can post them on the website Flights from Hell.

[Photo: CNN]

WLT Spotlight: Fast Track to Fast Food

If only I had one of these in college, my decision making would have been far less strenuous. The blogger of Eating the Road has graced our lives with the beauty of "Where should I eat: Fast Food Edition."

It's a simple flowchart that will make all of your tough semi-drunk, late night or early morning fast food decisions. My favorite? Question #1: Are you in Canada? which, if 'yes', yields only one choice. Oh, Canada.

Click photo for better detail.

[Photo: Eating the Road]

WLT News Feed: November 24, 2009

Vomiting Snake Reveals New Species - TreeHugger

New survey: Baby Otter vs. Shiba Pups vs. Snake Vomit

More Than 100 Icebergs Headed Towards New Zealand - The Independent

Causes slow-reacting but inevitable concern.

Top 5 European New Year's Celebrations - Venere.com

Fairly predictable, but still cool.

Hawaii's Beaches Disappearing - Intelligent Travel Blog

Only Coach and ABC stores remain.

EasyJet Withdraws Holocaust Museum Photoshoot - Breaking Travel News

Tropical beach, thumbs up. Holocaust Museum, ehhh...

[Photo: Treehugger]

WLT Spotlight: Looping Water Slide

Yes. It's finally coming to the US. A looping water slide. A what? A looping water slide.

According to this LA Times article, Europe and Asia already have the Aqualoop slide in various watery locations and Noah's Ark in Wisconsin and Jay Peak in Vermont may open America's first looping slides Memorial Day weekend 2010.

WhiteWater is the designer/builder/mad scientist behind these awesome creations and have been around since 1981. According to their website, they are the largest and oldest builders of waterparks and water attractions.

Some of their other new products? The Giant RainFortress, the Family Boomerango, and the Flowrider Double.

WLT News Feed: November 20, 2009

I'm leaving for the next couple days without Internet, but I wanted to leave you with this. And really, this is all the travel news you need for today.

Jaunted.com Analyzes UCLA vs. USC Football Matchup - Jaunted.com

Where to play, party and pass out on November 28.

The rivalry is not always competitive, but it sure is a helluva good time. Some unforgettably great images from our last UCLA vs. USC tailgate.

[Photo: maveric2003]

WLT Spotlight: Lava Plane

Reasons not to go to Congo:

1. Gorillas will eat you.

2. These things exist. (Are you kidding me.)

3. Planes land on lava instead of runways. (Above)

[Photo: MSNBC]

WLT Photography: LA Without Cars

Brooks Institute of Photography student Tom Baker has put together a photo series of Los Angeles, without cars. Baker is an avid traveler who has been through Europe, South America, Asia and North America and has lived in both Brazil and London.

I'm jealous.

See all the photographs here.

[Photo: Tom Baker]

WLT News Feed: November 19, 2009

Strippermobile Shut Down on Vegas Strip - Jaunted.com

Partially see-thru truck + scantily clad women. What could go wrong?

More Scantily Clad Women - News.com.au

This time on top of crocodile trap. Classy!

Top Five Bargain Destinations this Winter - USA Today

Sun, skiing and public bathing.

Virgin America Begins Golden State to Gold Coast Service - Breaking Travel News

Going gold gets gooder.

16-year-old Girl Crosses Equator on Solo Trip Around World - News.com.au

My Mom would NEVER let me do this.

[Photo: Jaunted.com]

WLT Now Reading: Walden and Civil Disobedience

Henry David Thoreau's Walden is an uncontested American classic and Thoreau's retrospective account of self-reliance and spiritual discovery.

In response to America's rise in commercialism and industrialism, Thoreau, in 1845, leaves Concord, Massachusetts for the nearby Walden Pond where he sets up shop isolated from the community he critiques.

Over some 300 pages, Thoreau observes and comments on the balanced ways of nature and the life unattached from earthly goods. He says, "Indeed, the more you have of such things, the poorer you are."

Much like the fervent traveler, the more things one carries, the harder it is to move about carelessly. This is only one of Thoreau's musings and many such quotes have been taken from this account. As an unemployed post-grad, the idea of following one's rightful path, pursuing one's dreams and maintaining a balanced life without reliance on material 'things' hits home.

Here are some of my favorite quotes thus far:

• "In the long run men hit only what they aim at. Therefore, though they should fail immediately, they had better aim at something high." (69)
• "I mean that they should not play life, or study it merely...but earnestly live it from beginning to end." (94)
• "This spending of the best part of one's life earning money in order to enjoy a questionable liberty during the least valuable part of it, reminds me of the Englishman who went to India to make a fortune first, in order that he might return to England and live the life of a poet." (97)
• "I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father's or his mother's or his neighbor's instead." (114)
• We may not arrive at our port within a calculable period, but we would preserve the true course." (115)

[Photo: Amazon]

WLT Must-See Video: Baby Otter

This isn't really a travel-related video, but the last time I posted something on the ludicrously cute Shiba puppies I got way more popular. In my next desperation attempt to get friends, I present to you: Baby Otter.

Whether or not keeping a baby otter as a pet is wise...well, let's not go there. Enjoy!

UPDATE: Thanks to my friend Gabriela, I've decided to post a one-question survey. Would you rather have a Shiba Puppy or a Baby Otter? You be the judge.

Click Here to take survey

WLT News Feed: November 18, 2009

Antarctica Tourism Season Opens; Ship Stuck in Ice - The Adventure Blog

I mean, what could you expect?

Cheap Holiday Flights Still a Possibility - Rick Seaney

Book a flight to Modesto and visit yours truly!

Spirit Airlines Apologizes for Crappy Service...Two Years Later - Jaunted.com

Spirit Airlines, basically slow at everything

Cosmic Rays May Have Hit Qantas Plane - News.au.com

Passengers walk away with ability to stretch and turn invisible

The Mafia Goes Green - Treehugger.com

Fraudulent wind farms are the Mafia's latest investments

[Photo: The Adventure Blog]

WLT Must-See Video: The Cove Trailer

National Geographic Adventure recently released its list of 2009 Adventurers of the Year. Suffice it to say, these guys and gals are studs and studettes.

For the first time, however, Adventure is allowing readers to vote for a Reader's Choice Adventurer of the Year and to kick it off, the National Geographic Adventure Blog will be featuring profiles of each Adventurer.

This incredible trailer of The Cove movie should explain all you need to know about NGA's first profile, Louie Psihoyos, and his testament to true storytelling in spite of, well, you'll see.

For more, hit up NGA's blog on the filmmaker and don't forget to vote!

WLT Now Reading: The Old Patagonian Express

In his second major work of travel non-fiction, Paul Theroux hops on a train from Boston and ends at the end of the rail in Patagonia, southern Argentina. From the outskirt town of Laredo through Central America to the "Canal Zone" of Panama and to the Andean mountain towns of Ecuador.

Soccer riots, suffocating dust-filled trains and endless geography are enhanced by Theroux's impeccable ability to capture place and dialogue, forming them effortlessly into narrative.

Theroux's work transports the reader to the time and place at hand. We become attached with the characters he meets, the places he visits and the cultures he both criticizes and embraces. Theroux's text allows us to see, smell, taste and touch the excitement, terror, spontaneity and curiosity accompanying travel and giving the reader historical and cultural background along the way.

The Old Patagonian Express is as much a travel narrative as it is a critical analysis of the world around us and the places we often overlook as tourists and not travelers.

[Photo: Amazon.com]

WLT News Feed: November 17, 2009

Celebrity Hide and Seek - T+L

Where A-list celebs go to play. Clue: Not my house.

National Geographic Adventure Names Adventurers of 2009 - NGA

Educators, Surfers, Astronauts, Oh My!

Coke Sponsored Round the World Trip - Jaunted.com

Heroine, Ecstasy and 8-ball to follow

Weirdest Things Left Behind in Hotels - T+L

#2 French Maid Outfit. Nice.

How to Celebrate Christmas in New York - Venere

With lots of layers

[Photo: Ritz-Carlton; T+L]

WLT Must-See Video: Dubai Fountain Brings World Peace

Ok, maybe it doesn't really bring world peace, but I'm convinced if all the warring countries in the world sat down in front of this watery masterpiece, we could all get along. The Dubai Fountain is the centerpiece of the Dubai Mall set on the 30-acre Burj Dubai Lake.

The Dubai Fountain performs daily by shooting water as high as 500 ft across its 900 ft width. California-based WET was enlisted to design the largest dancing fountain in the world (and, I'm sure the most technically advanced), the same company that designed the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Enough of my yapping. Go enjoy the greatest water spectacle you will ever witness.

...until WET strikes again.

Update: If you would like to see the fountain from a bird's eye view...well...how about from the top of the TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD?

WLT News Feed: November 13, 2009

China's Adventure Tourism Takes Off - Guardian.co.uk

Yangshuo soon becoming China's adventure capital

Travel + Leisure's Ultimate Wine Tour - T+L

Bruce Schoenfield uncovers Oz's wine regions

NYC Restaurant Week 2010 Dates Set - Jaunted

Eat at some of the world's best restaurants for less! Seriously. Do it.

Man Caught Trying to Smuggle 1000 Spiders - news.com.au

Yes, it really happened.

[Photo: Guardian]

WLT Must-See Video: I Love the Earth

Discovery channel thinks the "The World is Just Awesome." I kind of have to agree.

You gotta see this:

WLT News Feed: November 12, 2009

Ryan Air Bikini Calendar Raises Money for Children - news.com.au

Despite labor criticism, nudity continues to provide benefits

Roundup: SF Green Museums - CNN

Environmentally friendly learning done good

New Disney Wait Time App - NY Times

New app shows real time wait lengths in the Happiest Place on Earth

NYC Drop Prices this Winter - Times Online

January and February the time to visit because 1. Cheaper prices, 2. I'm there.

10 Travel Twits - NY Post

Tweeting for travel tips

[Photo: News.com.au]

WLT Spotlight: Hotels...in SPACE!

For just $4.4 Million, you maybe be able to spend 3-nights in space via the Galactic Suite Limited, a private "space tourism company." Their goal: to have a fully integrated space experience up and running by 2012.

Travelers will spend a training period at Galactic Suite's "SpacePort" situated on a tropical island preparing to board their "SpaceShip" that will transport them to the "SpaceResort."

Once aboard, visitors will orbit the Earth every 90 minutes, experiencing sunrise and sunset every 45 minutes akin to a slow motion, weightless rave.

[Photo: Exclusive Lifestyle]

WLT Must-See Video: Paul Theroux on Travel Writing

ThinkTalk.com, Career TV for College has posted this clip of my recent idol and acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux. His advice for aspiring travel writers? "Leave home, travel alone, and stay on the ground."

WLT News Feed: November 10, 2009

Britney Spears Is on a Virgin (airplane) - Jaunted.com

Britney Spears begins touring in Australia on VAustralia - Look out for her in airports wearing revealing blue costumes

Plane Hits Bushpig - News.com.au

What the heck is a bushpig?

Stuff My Stocking, Please - Los Angeles Times

San Diego Omni Hotel special for $99/night!

On Vacation? Go to a Drug Lord's Home - News.com.au

Tourists visit Columbia drug lord, Pablo Escobar's home; hang out with 27 hippos

Japanese Trawler Tipped by Giant Jellyfish - Treehugger

Sort of. Read on.

Risk: The Movie? - WorldHum

Don't tease me!

[Photo: Buzznet]

WLT Travel Blog: Takeoffs and Landings

(From left to right: Me, Matt and Justin trying to survive at Oktoberfest, Munich: Photo Alyssa Bricklin)

As of yesterday, two of my dear friends returned from a trip around the world. It was a trip that we all started together, but a trip that they finished, in epic (wink, wink) style, without me.

We left LAX on September 23rd and after three countries, loads of beer and more cultural misunderstandings than I care to recount, we parted ways on November 2nd: me to Dusseldorf and eventually America's East Coast, them to leave their mark on Asia.

Along the way, we walked in circles around Madrid, got chased by a scary dude in Paris and took an international survey of beer games.

To commemorate their safe return to the States, I felt it was finally time to get back into the blogosphere.

This is our story.

...well what we remember, anyway.

Wandermelon Article #1

Three months ago I took a class on Travel Writing through a publishing resource called Media Bistro. Three months later I contacted the teacher who was starting his own website called Wandermelon to see if he needed contributors.

Today, the first story about the luxurious Eco Beach Retreat was published online. See it here!

Afar

Earlier today one of my friends was asking me what I was doing in the future. It's a question I often ask myself and something I think about more often than not. In the last couple of months I have really had a chance to solidify what it is I want to do. It probably won't be lucrative right away, it may not even be lucrative in the long run, but it's something that I get excited about.

Despite worldwide depression and an even greater depression in the publishing industry, a travel magazine called Afar has been launched. In the last months, magazines are struggling to stay alive, yet here, a magazine is counterintuitively going against the grain and making its origins.

This is the kind of stuff that excites me. It's an overwhelming urge to express experiences and share the world, the cultures, the people. This video explains how the magazine came about and why I get excited every time I think about the publishing industry.