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!

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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; Lady Litigator blog; Lady Litigator on Facebook and Twitter.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Things To Do In London

It’s not a surprise that airlines are beginning to shift fees to travel agents. The industry is struggling with the downturn in the economy. In this case, agents are most likely correct in predicting that fees would eventually be passed on to consumers. It has become a pattern in the airline industry to use fees to keep airline tickets low in search engines, but keep the same profits coming in.

Is the shift in fees from airlines to agents and travelers a smart policy?

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

United Passes Fees To Agents

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.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Pushkar Ghats Through The Lens

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.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Memorial Day Weekend: Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

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.

What’s your favorite sports venue to visit?

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Best NBA Arenas To Visit

Americans love their cars, but concerns over gas prices and the environment are likely to keep them open to alternatives. If buses prices continue to drop, inter-city bus travel will persevere in the coming years. That scenario is likely with the success of budget companies such as MegaBus and BoltBus. Throw in President Obama’s recent proposal for a high-speed rail, and the nation may be moving in a new direction.

Have you traveled by bus in the U.S.? Which route? How was it?

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Bus Travel Takes Off

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.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Restaurants Of Florence

The National Park Service projects will address much needed maintenance across the nation. Though $750 million is a sizable amount with the current economic crisis, the preservation efforts will create 30,000 to 40,000 new jobs. If the United States wants to be serious about conservation, their parks must be kept in satisfactory condition. It’s no coincidence that the announcement of the funds landed on Earth Day. It’s meant to send a signal that the Obama Administration is committed to being green. Expect more projects that are funded by the federal government in the coming years.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

National Parks Get $750 Million

Follow this photographic journey about the Uros of Titicaca:

Uros Man + Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca © Gennaro Salamone

The floating islands are created from the totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These reeds are also used for meals, medicine, and for build boats. The boats were traditionally used for transportation, fishing trips, and defense. Carachi and catfish are two of the fish that have been caught for generations. Today, boats are often used for profit by locals who take travelers for a short journeys.

Uros Girls © Gennaro Salamone

The islands are filled with Uros children who are either wandering around or selling their family’s wares. The younger girl (left) was fascinated with a cat that was strolling across the reed floor of their island. You’ll find that all of the women are dressed in traditional clothing whereas a few of the men wear Western hats or pants. It’s also true that Uros women make most of the contact with tourists including providing information, selling goods, and setting up arrangements for overnight stays.

Uros Women © Gennaro Salamone

Only a few hundred Uros remain on the islands. Thousands of others have moved to the mainland. The Uros who remain on the island rely on a combination of traditional living and modern amenities. They have some electricity which power their own radio station and a few hours of television per day. That being said, living on the island isn’t an easy life. Maintaining the totora reeds takes a lot of labor. The same is true of gathering food, educating children, and dealing with the encroachment of outsiders.

View another photographic journey about Cusco, Peru.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

The Uros Of Lake Titicaca

Airlines have been on the defensive recently including RyanAir who is thinking about charging for toilet use and Spirit Airlines which was in a battle with their employees over a new apron policy. With consumer frustrations with airline policies, United is likely to take a few hits for their new guidelines. In their defense, United claims that this will policy will “help ensure that everyone’s travel experiences [is] comfortable and pleasant.”

Is United justified in charging certain passengers double the fare based on their size?

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

United To Charge Large Fliers Double

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.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Best Newspaper Travel Sections

With Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently saying that American tourists are not targets of the violence and should be safe in the tourist areas of Mexico, it’s a wonder why the media coverage was so extreme. There are certainly areas of Mexico that require caution for visitors, but few travelers venture into those places. It’s a matter of being informed before traveling. It’s a good idea to read the U.S. State Department’s document targeted at keeping spring-breakers safe. Consider reading a few blogs that cover travel in Mexico too, including Travelojos, for another view on the situation there.

Would a safety alert change your travel plans? if given the opportunity, would you visit Mexico this week.

Read about the U.S. Senate’s bill that would lift the travel ban to Cuba.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Travel Alerts Hurt Mexico

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.

What are your favorite local eats? What would you recommend for travelers coming to your hometown?

Read about the most authentic pizza in New York City.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Authentic Local Eats: Readers Weigh In

Follow this photographic journey featuring two of these fishermen:

Mekong River, Laos © Gennaro Salamone

The Mekong River plays a vital role in the economy of several Southeast Asian countries. Laos is particularly dependent upon it with all their major cities located on the river. Luang Prabang, a north-central city, is a particularly interesting spot for a river voyage or to simply watch locals at work.

Fishermen, Luang Prabang © Gennaro Salamone

The best time to view the fishermen in action is early in the morning. This is when they catch fish for their families or to sell at the various markets. The men working on the river are very friendly, but rarely speak English. Learn a few Lao phrases to break the ice before asking to photograph them.

Fishermen, Luang Prabang © Gennaro Salamone

The condition of their equipment gives some incite into the economics of fishing on the Mekong. Local fisherman often use primative gear that requires a lot of manual labor. That usually makes for a limited catch per day. The men in the photographs remained in the same spot for two hours. They caught six decent-sized fish.

Follow another photographic journey to Pushkar, India.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Lao Fishermen On The Mekong

The increase in women travelers is a fascinating trend. Even more so when coupled with the prospect of scores of female tourists wandering solo across the globe. In fact, an article in The Boston Globe was recently encouraging women to go at it alone claiming that locals would be eager to reach out to them. That being said, the main concern for women traveling solo continues to be safety. It’s important that solo travelers, especially women, take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip. The U.S. Department of State has a comprehensive list to help tourists.

Have you traveled solo? Would you consider it? Any tips?

Read about free rides home for women on Saturday nights.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

More Women Traveling Solo

Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)

Fenway Park is the home of Red Sox Nation. The oldest ballpark in the majors, Fenway was opened before World War I. The Red Sox won 4 World Series titles before being struck by the Curse of the Bambino (selling of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees). The curse left the Sox faithful with heartbreak after heartbreak from 1918 until 2004. The last few years, however, have seen the Red Sox return to World Series form making tickets hard to attain especially with fewer than 40,000 seats in the ballpark.

Do note that spectators are expected to sing Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline (good times never seem so good…so good, so good, so good!) at the top of their lungs before the bottom of the 8th inning. It may also be a good idea to leave your NY Yankees jersey at home.
Fenway Park, Boston © JS Catty

Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)

Wrigley Field is the home of the Cubbies. With one of the most loyal fan bases in baseball, the Chicago Cubs have failed to win a World Series title since 1908. That was President Theodore Roosevelt’s last year in office. Despite the struggles, The Friendly Confines is still filled with passionate Cub fans waiting for a little luck to finally help their beloved Cubs. Together with the fun-loving supporters is a classic ballpark with an outfield wall covered with ivy.

Do note that the 7th inning stretch isn’t a time to run off to the restroom. It’s reserved for the best rendition of Take Me Out To The Ball Game in the majors. Be ready for the local version that is sung in unison by the crowd: “Root, root, root for the Cubbies, if they don’t win it’s a shame. For it’s one, two three strikes your out at the old ball game.”

Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)

Camden Yards is the home of the Baltimore Orioles. It was opened in 1992 and represented a revolution in baseball stadiums. Oriole Park was a return to a baseball-only facility. The two decades before this ballpark saw a slew of multi-sport stadiums that were rarely aesthetically pleasing or ideal for seeing the field from the seats. After selling out every game for several seasons, Camden Yards has seen lots of empty seats for the last few years. The retirement of Cal Ripken, Jr. (record for the most consecutive games played) and a poor product on the field have been two factors for the lack of attendance.

Remember to bring your baseball mitt when sitting in the outfield seats as Camden Yards in known for allowing lots of homeruns.
AT&T Park, San Francisco © Scatterbrained

AT&T Park (San Francisco Giants)

The home of the Giants has undergone a number of name changes in connection with the recent move toward corporate naming rights for ballparks. It has been called Pac Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park. Built on San Francisco Bay, the ballpark has a beautiful backdrop. For years, fans cheered on Barry Bonds as he hit homeruns into the bay, which is better known to the Giants faithful as McCovey Cove. Though still a great place to catch a ball game, AT&T Park has lot much of its energy since Bonds broke the all-time homerun record. While most ballparks greeted Bonds with contempt for allegations of steroid use, Giants fans continued to love their record breaker until he was not re-sign after the 2007 season.

When buying tickets for a Giants game, check the team’s pitching rotation. Select a game that’s being pitched by Tim Lincecum. Lincecum won the 2008 Cy Young Award, which is given to the league’s best pitcher.

Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Dodger Stadium is the home of the LA Dodgers. The recent host of the World Baseball Classic finals, Chávez Ravine is the third oldest ballpark in the majors. After decades of calling Brooklyn home, the Dodgers were moved to Southern California. A beautiful spot to catch a ball game, Dodger fans have witnessed 4 World Series titles in forty-seven years in Los Angeles.

Do note that unlike East Coast baseball, there is a very laid back atmosphere at Dodger Stadium. Don’t be shocked to see fans arrive late or leave before a game ends. Think zen of baseball as opposed to the Red Sox Nation’s living and dying with every pitch.
Dodger Stadium © Kla4067

The Future And The Past

Citi Field (New York Mets) And Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)

New York will see two new ballparks open in 2009. It marks the end of an era for “The House That Ruth Built” in the Bronx. Yankee Stadium was home to a record 26 World Series championships. Yankee fan or Yankee hater, the ballpark had a special aura that will be difficult to top with their new park. That being said, hearing the chants of Bleacher Creatures including the daily role call of the starting players will ring true in any park.

Shea Stadium didn’t have the aura of Yankee Stadium, but it was home to the Miracle Mets of 1969 and the dominant World Champs of 1986. Despite some great memories, Mets fans are eager to leave Shea behind for a state-of-the-art ballpark. Citi Field promises to meet even the highest expectations with superb sightlines within the context of a classic ballpark. The editors of Enduring Wanderlust are excited to see the first major league action at Citi Field on Friday against the Red Sox. Let’s see if the ghost of Buckner returns.

Read about the best NBA basketball arenas to visit.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Best MLB Ballparks To Visit

Last year, 50,000 Americans traveled to Cuba after being approved for educational, religious, or family-based trips. Countless others traveled to Cuba through Mexico or Canada. With a change in the political climate, it’s likely that open travel will be broached within the next few years. Much of the current opposition stems from a selection of Cuba-American politicians from South Florida who feel that allowing American tourist dollars into Cuba strengthens the Castro regime. Others argue that the influx of travelers will help to bring democracy and capitalism to the island. Either way, it’s time for all parties to meet and come to a resolution over the issue. The Cuban Missile Crisis was 47 years ago. Communism fell almost two decades ago.

Should the U.S. government end travel restrictions to Cuba? Is it better to wait until the Castro regime is out of power?

Read about the first Western tourists to visit Iraq.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

End To Cuba Travel Restrictions?

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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Unique Ways To Pick Your Next Destination

It is difficult to conceive the lure of visiting a war-torn nation as a “tourist.” It would be a compelling destination for travel journalists or photographers looking to document the events, but seems an unusual choice for others. Of course, the tour group who visited Iraq had individuals with an inclination toward dangerous travel. Most of them also visited Afghanistan recently.

Would you visit Iraq or another war-torn country? Should tourists be allowed to visit the most dangerous countries in the world?

Read about a possible end to Cuba travel restrictions or about two nonprofit websites that help people from around the world.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

First Western Tourists Visit Iraq

Follow this photographic journey into the temple complex:

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Massive tree roots engulf many of the temple structures especially at Ta Prohm. That’s where scenes from Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider were filmed. It’s also one of the most visually pleasing segments of Angkor.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

The space is filled with lots of detailed figures. Many of them represent Hindu devatas (deities or celestial beings). Along with that representation comes a variety of Hindu stories told through carvings in the stone.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia © Gennaro Salamone

Buddhist statues demonstrate later influences at Angkor Wat. At the same time, scattered stones and partial structures show years of wear and tear at the grand temples.

For tourists visiting Angkor Wat, the temple complex has hundreds of structures over a considerable distance. Consider spending several days viewing them. Hiring a motorbike or renting a bicycle is a great way to get around.

View another photographic journey to Bodh Gaya, India.

 
___________________________________________________________________________________
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.

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Post from: Enduring Wanderlust

Angkor Wat Through The Lens