Reference
I'm now quite taken with Keith Bellows. He writes regularly for "National Geographic Traveller". In the March 2008 issue, he interviews Andrew Harper. As a reference point, Andrew Harper has his own newsletter that reviews hotels around the world. His clientèle is upscale, so the hotels and resorts he visits are higher end. Andrew Harper talks about finding authentic places around the world. He believes that there are enough places around the world that of course they still do exist. He does acknowledge that high-end travel can create a barrier between the local culture and people and the traveller. He also discusses sustainable travel/tourism. On the one hand, he is quite hopeful while on the other hand he admits there are areas of the world that we may not be able to save. Anyways just a brief introduction to Keith Bellows and what he does. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Supermarkets
One of the things I like to do is visit a supermarket or convenience store when I go to a new place. It makes me feel like I'm connecting with that part of the world. What kind of milk do they drink? Where does it come from? What snack food to they eat? Is it savoury or sweet? What kind of bread to they like? I can spend hours exploring various grocery stores. Try 7-11 in Bangkok for its array of savoury snacks, Monoprix in Paris for wine or puddings in glass jars, Itoyokado in Japan for whatever the travelling vendor is selling that day, Atlantic Superstore in Halifax, or any nameless corner store in India for biscuits or spicy snacks. All of these places and their products will reveal something about the region and the people there that just can't be found in any guidebook.
One of the things I like to do is visit a supermarket or convenience store when I go to a new place. It makes me feel like I'm connecting with that part of the world. What kind of milk do they drink? Where does it come from? What snack food to they eat? Is it savoury or sweet? What kind of bread to they like? I can spend hours exploring various grocery stores. Try 7-11 in Bangkok for its array of savoury snacks, Monoprix in Paris for wine or puddings in glass jars, Itoyokado in Japan for whatever the travelling vendor is selling that day, Atlantic Superstore in Halifax, or any nameless corner store in India for biscuits or spicy snacks. All of these places and their products will reveal something about the region and the people there that just can't be found in any guidebook.
Articles
I subscribe to National Geographic "Traveler", especially since it is cheaper than buying off the shelf each time it comes out. I have to admit I don't always read the articles. However, today, I took the time to read two article out of the April 2008 issue.
The first was "A Life on the Road" by Keith Bellows. Bellows records his interview with a life-long traveller, Rolf Potts. There were two things that Potts said that struck me as so familiar. The first is that if you want to do it, then do it. It isn't as expensive or as unattainable as you might think. The second is that mass tourism does have its place and should not be looked down upon as that experience might be all that person gets and might be his "wow" travel moment.
The second was "The Joy of Comfort Food" by Daisann McLane. It was well-written and closely matches my own experiences in eating. I certainly remember trying to bring myself to eat from the Thai side of the buffet table at breakfast. It did take me a couple of days but once I got there....
So for some very interesting perspectives and some well written articles, check this issue out.
I subscribe to National Geographic "Traveler", especially since it is cheaper than buying off the shelf each time it comes out. I have to admit I don't always read the articles. However, today, I took the time to read two article out of the April 2008 issue.
The first was "A Life on the Road" by Keith Bellows. Bellows records his interview with a life-long traveller, Rolf Potts. There were two things that Potts said that struck me as so familiar. The first is that if you want to do it, then do it. It isn't as expensive or as unattainable as you might think. The second is that mass tourism does have its place and should not be looked down upon as that experience might be all that person gets and might be his "wow" travel moment.
The second was "The Joy of Comfort Food" by Daisann McLane. It was well-written and closely matches my own experiences in eating. I certainly remember trying to bring myself to eat from the Thai side of the buffet table at breakfast. It did take me a couple of days but once I got there....
So for some very interesting perspectives and some well written articles, check this issue out.
The Connection
I've just had the pleasure of travelling from British Columbia all the way to Nova Scotia. This is my first time in Nova Scotia and I was really stricken by the things that connect this country. I will do my best to list them here; I may add or change a few but this is how I see it at the moment.
The Trans Canada Highway
CBC
CTV
Tim Hortons (oh yes they love their Tims out here)
Our need for coffee across the country
I've just had the pleasure of travelling from British Columbia all the way to Nova Scotia. This is my first time in Nova Scotia and I was really stricken by the things that connect this country. I will do my best to list them here; I may add or change a few but this is how I see it at the moment.
The Trans Canada Highway
CBC
CTV
Tim Hortons (oh yes they love their Tims out here)
Our need for coffee across the country
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