| RSS content published from: http://www.gadling.com |
| Norway world's best place to live Filed under: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Congo, Niger, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Nepal, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, United States, Australia
Joining Norway are Australia and Iceland, the latter of which was a hot location until a year ago, when the entire country got an International Monetary Fund package normally reserved for the third-est of third-world countries. Yet, even with the recession in mind, Iceland (a favorite destination of mine) is still far better than Niger, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone, which sit at the bottom of the list. Several other sub-Saharan African states also ranked toward the bottom because of ongoing war and the proliferation of HIV/AIDS. The spread is most evident in life expectancy, where a mailing address in Norway would add 30 years relative to Niger. In Niger, the current average life expectancy is 50. And, for every dollar that someone earns in Niger, the same person would pick up $85 in Norway. In Afghanistan, one can expect to live only 43.6 years. Money matters, still. Lichtenstein continues to boast the world's highest GDP per capital at $85,383. The 35,000 people who live there share the small principality with 15 banks and more than 100 wealth management companies. The Democratic Republic of Congo has the lowest income in the world: $298 per person per year. The top climbers on the list for 2007 were China, Iran and Nepal. Norway world's best place to live originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghanistan Peace day celebration gone wrong Filed under: Afghanistan, Video It is Friday afternoon again, so as most of you wind up the week in your office while trying to reach a new high score, or by thinking of ways to decorate your cubical, check out this funny video. Afghanistan Peace day celebration gone wrong originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghanistan creates first national park Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Asia, Afghanistan, Ecotourism  A few weeks back we mentioned that Afghanistan has been actively trying to build tourism in an attempt to bolster the country's economy, and we even mentioned that the Bamiyan Province in particular was at the forefront of this movement. Now, the country has taken another step in that region by designating a UNESCO World Heritage Site as nation's first national park. The new park is located around the Band-E-Amir, a chain of six lakes located in the Hindu Kush mountain range. The lakes are well known for their natural beauty, as they are surrounded by rocky peaks and the water is said to be deep blue in color and plunge to an unknown depth. They have attracted tourists for years, and were even scheduled to become a national park back in the 1960's, but due to political instability in the region, that plan was shelved, until now, when a $1 million grant from the U.S. helped to finalize the plans. Band-E-Amir is roughly 228-square miles in size, and remains quite remote. There are no paved roads in or out of the park, and few in the Bamiyan Province at all. But the seclusion of the region is part of its draw, with adventure travelers making the journey to visit a place that remains well off the beaten path, while offering access to stunningly beautiful scenery and great opportunities for trekking. Fortunately, Bamiyan Province also remains one of the most secure and safe places in the entire country. That security means that foreigners can travel throughout the area without fear, and seems more and more are taking advantage of that opportunity. Afghanistan creates first national park originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Tourism in Afghanistan Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Asia, Afghanistan  CNN has posted an interesting story about the Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan, which is opening up to outsiders and trying to generate tourist traffic despite the fact that the country is embroiled in conflict. The province first came to the attention of the international community back in 2001 when the Taliban made a very public display of destroying two huge statues of Buddha that had been in the region for more than 1500 years. Despite that shameful display, Bamiyan still has plenty of other archaeological treasures to share with visitors, such as a unique network of underground monasteries that run throughout the nearby hills. Despite the presence of the Taliban back in 2001, Bamiyan is now one of the safest parts of the country, and the infrastructure is being built for future tourism to the area, including hotels and tour operators. One of the big draws to the region is the stunning mountain scenery, which remains remote and mostly untouched by modern technology, and has the potential to be a major attraction to backpackers and trekkers from around the world. The article notes that tourism is a bright spot for the future of Afghanistan, and could eventually be a major source of revenue for the country. But for now, the ongoing conflict there makes it a destination for adventure travelers and danger seekers only. Tourism in Afghanistan originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghanistan, an accordion, 'Elvis' and Johnny Cash Filed under: Asia, Afghanistan Some people travel to shop in different stores, or to eat different food, or to drink different beers. Jeff White traveled to immerse himself in a different culture. He believed so strongly in immersion, in fact, that he moved to Germany to live and work. This post of Jeff's, republished in his honor, demonstrates Jeff's interest in immersion and passion for connecting with people while traveling. Thanks, Jeff, for reminding us of the most important reason for travel.Gregory Warner, a freelance foreign correspondent living in Afghanistan, is an avid accordion player, and he tries to use the instrument as a means to connect with the people he's covering. The way Afghans respond to his accordion music is somewhat unexpected and reveals some truths about the country's development during the last quarter century. What does Warner do when asked to perform at a concert and realizing he doesn't know any tunes by Afghanistan's own pop icon? Well, Johnny Cash to the rescue. Watch and see what I mean... (Thanks, Ed) Afghanistan, an accordion, 'Elvis' and Johnny Cash originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghanistan wants you, but you might want to wait Filed under: Asia, Afghanistan, News
In the Bamiyan region, which is not where the recent fighting involving U.S. soldiers took place, the locals are eager to transform their province into a destination for tourists interested in history. At present, 20 people are receiving customer service training to convey the marks of the past on this region to any guests who may be interested. And, it might actually be working. This year, more than 400 foreigners did visit the region (likely not including those in uniform), with airport and hotel reservations up more than 100 percent from 180 for the same period in 2008. If these sites are cleared of landmines by October, as expected, the draw could be even greater. Fortunately, there will be a pizza place ready to serve when the rush comes. Afghanistan wants you, but you might want to wait originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Five Destinations for the "Super-Adventurous" Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Asia, Europe, South America, Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Colombia, Middle East  The Wall Street Journal has put together a list of five travel destinations that they deem are for the "super-adventurous" amongst us. They label these places as scary, saying that most travelers wouldn't venture anywhere near them, but for the adventure traveler who has been everywhere and seen everything, they recommend these locales. The two scariest places on the list are Iraq and Afghanistan, thanks to the fact there are ongoing wars in both places. Iraq has just officially reopened for tourist traffic for the first time since 2003, with small tours visiting some of the historical sites throughout the country. Afghanistan, on the other hand, has generally remained open these past few years, although certain places remain safer than others. That country is lauded for its historical landmarks as well, although the more remote regions get a nod for scenic beauty too. Continue reading Five Destinations for the "Super-Adventurous" Five Destinations for the "Super-Adventurous" originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 May 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghan wildlife refuge: no hand grenade fishing Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Afghanistan, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism
Band-e-Amir, like the rest of Afghanistan, has had a rough run over the past 30 years. Let's face it: that's how long the country's been engaged in one war or another. The region's snow leopards fell victim to the conflict between Soviet troops and mujahideen in the 1980s. Of course, the great Buddha statues were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. The fighting is reportedly in other parts of the country, these days, which the locals will attract foreign visitors. The lakes are the major draw, assuming you're willing to subject yourself to a brutal daylong drive from Kabul. The destination may be billed as safe, but the journey certainly isn't. Head into Afghanistan at your own risk. For now, local merchants have their fingers crossed for Afghan tourists. Westerners, one would assume, would come much later. If you do throw caution to the wind, be sure to follow the rules. Fishing with hand grenades is no longer allowed. Afghan wildlife refuge: no hand grenade fishing originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| A dozen lucky people are going to Afghanistan! Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, Asia, Afghanistan
In case you didn't know, people are fighting over there. With guns and bombs and grenades and everything else they can find. In fact, a shipment of cigars for U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan was delayed because of the intensity of the fighting. Currently, 1,600 Polish troops are among the NATO forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. According to Marek Sliwka, owner of Logos Travel, security measures are being taken, including armed guards. The trip starts on May 2, but it could be scrapped if the fighting becomes too intense. Stops include Kabul, Herat, and the site of the two giant Buddha statues that were destroyed at the turn of the century. The Tora Bora caves were once considered a possibility, but this was cut from the itinerary for safety reasons.
A dozen lucky people are going to Afghanistan! originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Gadling Take FIVE Week of March - April 3 Filed under: Afghanistan, Israel, Peru
Here is a sampling of what has been true this week.
And here's one more. In case you missed this bit of news, our favorite pilot Kent Wien and his wife Linda won the Competitours race in Europe. Set up like an Amazing Race challenge, Competitours is offering a unique way to travel that Kent and Linda were happy to try. We're certainly proud!!! Gadling Take FIVE Week of March - April 3 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Afghanistan, an accordion, 'Elvis' and Johnny Cash Filed under: Asia, Afghanistan, Video Gregory Warner, a freelance foreign correspondent living in Afghanistan, is an avid accordion player, and he tries to use the instrument as a means to connect with the people he's covering. The way Afghans respond to his accordion music is somewhat unexpected and reveals some truths about the country's development during the last quarter century. What does Warner do when asked to perform at a concert and realizing he doesn't know any tunes by Afghanistan's own pop icon? Well, Johnny Cash to the rescue. Watch and see what I mean... (Thanks, Ed) Afghanistan, an accordion, 'Elvis' and Johnny Cash originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Destination on the Edge: Kabul Filed under: Hiking, Asia, Afghanistan, Hotels and Accommodations, News, Middle East
Let's be just a tad realistic: Afghanistan can be pretty hairy. While several flights land in Kabul every day, you need to be aware that you are flying into a war zone. There's no other way to describe it. Bullets are flying, and the government's control over what happens inside the country's borders is precarious at best. Pockets of lawlessness could bring your excursion to an unfortunate conclusion. Afghanistan, unsurprisingly, is on the list of countries that the U.S. State Department suggests you avoid-the Defense Department tells a different story, but that's only for people in uniform. If you are a true adrenaline junkie, however, who cannot be talked out of doing anything stupid, Kabul should hold the top spot on your list of places to visit. Airline access is uneven. In the past, Air India and Air Arabia have flown into this hot spot, but both have suspended travel to this destination, at least temporarily. For now, your best bet is Ariana Afghan Airlines, which services both Kabul and Kandahar from Moscow, India, Pakistan and much of the Middle East. Fares tend to be below $1,000, but remember that this is on top of another flight to your Ariana connection city. Other alternatives are limited.
Continue reading Destination on the Edge: Kabul Destination on the Edge: Kabul originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Cruise deal for US military folks: It's free Filed under: Activism, Business, Festivals and Events, Afghanistan, Iraq, United States, Budget Travel, News
Recognizing that people who are currently serving can't very well leave their posts at this moment--or even next month--or however long from now, the cruise line's offer is good through December 2010. There isn't a hitch at all, and the cruise, although just for a day, is one sweet deal. It departs at 7:45 AM and returns back to the dock at 10 PM. While on board, passengers get treated to a gourmet 7-course meal and all-you-can-eat buffets. Passengers also are treated to all the activities of a longer cruise whether they want to head to a casino, hang out by the pool, play organized games or attend a show. Also, because a sweet deal isn't really a sweet deal if there are hidden costs like: taxes, service charges and departure fees, those costs don't exist either. That means this cruise is totally, totally free. (Okay, if you gamble, you're on your own I would imagine.) The service member does not have to register him or herself either. A friend or family member can register that person. This means, if you have a military guy or gal in your life who fits the profile, you'll be able to give a gift that makes a person say, "Wow!" Once a person is registered for the cruise, on the day of departure, he or she needs to show up at the dock with the receipt, military ID and an official letter from his or her unit confirming dates of service. Reserved reservations are required. Personally, I think a one-day cruise is a perfect off because it ups the chance that someone can actually take the deal. For military families who want to head to Florida, there's plenty to do around Ft. Lauderdale while your loved one is having the chance to unwind and connect with people who have had similar experiences. To find out more info or make reservations, call 1-800-93-SHIPS or visit Discovery's web site at Have fun, and thanks. Cruise deal for US military folks: It's free originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Great American Road Trip: Travel books for the road-3 of 4: So Many Enemies, so Little Time Filed under: Activism, Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Stories, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Books
When I chose this book as one of my road trip to Montana books, the title caught my attention. As an American woman, also hooked on travel, I wanted to delve into someone else's experiences. What I found is a book that taught me much--always a delight when on the road. Excerpt: But as I trudged to school each day and ambled through the markets, I couldn't find the face of hatred. I saw worry that a flood of Afghan refugees might flee north, washing extremists across the border. I heard fear that homegrown fundamentalists might be emboldened by the fires lighting Manhattan's night. Mostly, I sensed the same resignation that had engulfed everyone I knew, all across the plane, that we were captives to forces we had not yet begun to dissect. Great American Road Trip: Travel books for the road-3 of 4: So Many Enemies, so Little Time originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Hulk Hogan, Osama Bin Laden and a pair of Red Wings Filed under: Arts and Culture, Gear, Stories, Asia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United States
Spurlock's interview comments about wresting reminded me of one of my husband's encounters with Tibetan monks in Nepal. The interviewer and Spurlock talked about how people everywhere, no matter which country, know that championship wrestling is serious business. My husband, who wrestled in high school, attracts wrestling type fans wherever he travels. As a rather large man with huge feet--size 14, he is unable to escape notice. People, particularly in countries like Vietnam, like to poke and prod him. Because he wears Red Wing work boots, his shoes gain notice. Fill one with cement and you'd have quite the doorstop. Even without the cement, it's a doorstop. Anyway, when we were in Nepal and stopped by a Tibetan monastery outside of Pokhara, like always, my husband left his shoes outside the door while we went inside. When he came out, he saw a group of monks gathered around his boots. One of the monks reached down to pick one up and seemed to be testing its weight, marveling. Another, who knew English, said, "Can we ask you a question?" My husband leaned in thinking he might learn a bit about enlightenment,"Yes?" He waited for the pearl. "Hulk Hogan? Is he real?" "Sure," said my husband, which produced a round of beaming smiles, nods and back slapping, as if my husband and Hulk are best buds. As for the pearl of wisdom? Here's what I think. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to please. Hulk Hogan, Osama Bin Laden and a pair of Red Wings originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Prince Harry withdrawn from Afghanistan, says "I don't like England much" Filed under: Afghanistan, United Kingdom, News
Prince Harry was not pleased with the news. When asked if he'd ever want to return to Afghanistan, he said, "I don't want to sit around in Windsor." He added: "I generally don't like England that much and, you know, it's nice to be away from all the press and the papers and all the general shite that they write." That's an attitude I can't help but love. More here. Prince Harry withdrawn from Afghanistan, says "I don't like England much" originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| World's oldest oil paintings found in Afghanistan Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Afghanistan  Forget Europe, the world's oldest oil painting was just recently found in the caves of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan. The Bamiyan Valley was originally famous for its 1,500 year old Buddha statues that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, but a team of scientists from the US, Japan and Europe declared this week that they some of the cave oil paintings date back to 650 A.D.The oil paintings have not fared well. Years of the severe Afghan natural environment as well as dynamite explosions from the Taliban have damaged the paintings. In attempting to preserve the intact portions, a team of researchers from the National Research for Cultural in Tokyo -- they were working under a Japanese/UNESCO Fun-in-Trust program -- discovered oily residues in a group of one of the wall paintings. Further research with different microscopic, x-ray and chemical tests showed that the paintings may have been made using poppy seed and walnut oils. The paintings are most likely the work of artists who once traveled the Silk Road, East and Central Asia's historic trade route, but the most important aspect about the discovery is that it reverses the standard assumption that oil painting originated in Europe. To learn more about the discovery go here. World's oldest oil paintings found in Afghanistan originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| A thousand splendid "truths" about Afghanistan Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, Afghanistan, Books
The conversation turned to whether or not it is a good idea for the "American masses" to get their ideas about what life in Afghanistan is like from fiction. Imagine what everyone in Afghanistan would think about the US if they only read, say, Toni Morrison's abuse-filled books. Yes, that type of abuse certainly exists here, but that's not all there is in the US. On one hand, Hosseini was born in Afghanistan and is clearly familiar with the life there. I don't doubt that the kind of abuse he describes so vividly in his books actually happens in Afghanistan. At the same time, the characters are fictional and the situations made up. Can people actually separate truth from fiction when it comes to Afghanistan, a country we know so little about?
A thousand splendid "truths" about Afghanistan originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 18 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| New, tasteful hit in China: Osama bin Laden-shaped candy Filed under: Asia, Afghanistan, China, United States
A friend sent me a link to Wired's defense blog. The author, Noah Shachtman, seems to know a thing or two about this topic. Sick of eating "baked scorpion on sticks" and "rat-shaped lollipops" in China, he is marveling over yet another culinary treat of Beijing: sugared Osama Bin Laden-shaped candies. Shachtman says that in Afghanistan, they sell "Super Osama bin Laden Kulfa Balls", or coconut candy manufactured in Pakistan and packaged in pink-and-purple boxes covered with images of bin Laden surrounded by tanks, cruise missiles, and jet fighters." Yum! While the world likes to get their daily dose of Osama orally, Americans clearly don't find this intimate enough. Here, you could buy "Al Qaeda condoms" and "bin Laden toilet paper". People are weird.
New, tasteful hit in China: Osama bin Laden-shaped candy originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
| Still no leads in case of kidnapped US aid worker, driver Filed under: Activism, Afghanistan, United States, News
This follows a string of abductions of foreigners and Afghans alike in the past few years, possibly spurred on by some governments' policies of paying ransoms to secure their citizens' release. The southern region of Afghanistan has "become increasingly dangerous," according to an ABC News story, "as the Taliban insurgency has spread throughout southern Afghanistan." The article continues: "Western civilians who operate there often travel with armed guards and extreme caution. The area is rife with Taliban militants and criminals linked to the country's booming opium poppy trade." The Afghan authorities suspect the work is either of the Taliban or an armed criminal gang, though they still have not heard any demands from the kidnappers.
Still no leads in case of kidnapped US aid worker, driver originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments |
I'm not sure if everybody wants to live in Norway, but it's certainly at the top of the global list. The 
A 
Bored with the usual travel fare? Get in touch with Poland-based Logos Travel, and you could 
Perhaps you noticed our annual 
While the wealthy winter on 
To thank the US military personnel who are currently serving in the military in Iraq or Afghanistan--or have served in these two countries this past year, 
#3. 
I heard part of an 
Though it's been kept a secret by the British media, Prince Harry has been 
This weekend, I was talking to some friends about the increasing popularity of all those fiction bestsellers from other countries, namely 
The things people make money on in this world are quite amazing. I especially wonder about the Osama-inspired merchandise that people seem to keep producing for some reason.
There are still no clues in the case of an American aid worker kidnapped Saturday in Kandahar,