The esteemed, Mr. Musselwhite opened the show to thunderous applause, sat down and picked up his guitar… that’s right, not his legendary harmonica, but his guitar. He proceeded to explain although he was raised at the foot of Furry Lewis and Will Shade his six-string expectations were severely dampened upon his arrival in Chicago. After witnessing the skills of Earl Hooker, Robert Nighthawk and dozens of others, Charlie says he gladly returned to his love of the harmonica. The audience erupted in laughter.

Musselwhite’s solo set on guitar was amazingly stark, raw and beautiful. Charlie is one of the few remaining musicians that actually played and studied with the aforementioned guitarists along with Muddy and the Wolf and John Lee Hooker… his 500 new friends on this night seemed to be in full agreement. He would be called back later in the evening to play harp with the Blind Boys and again the house became electrified.

The Blind Boys of Alabama are truly legendary and have taken Gospel harmonies to unimaginable heights in the 84 years since their formation. Backed by a rock solid rhythm section, the current lineup includes Ricky McKinnie, Jimmy Carter, the Rev. Julius Love, Sterling Glass, Joey Williams, Paul Beasley, Peter Levin and Stephen Raynard Ladson.

The longest surviving member of the Blind Boys; Jimmy Carter now in his 90s, let me know “the
Blind Boys started at the Talledega Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Alabama. We all
went to school together and we had a glee club there. We picked out the five best voices and
formed the group.”

Do you remember your first performance? “Yes, we started off in schools and churches and little auditoriums and branched out.”

By branching out Mr. Carter means to say multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards, Five Grammies, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, appearances at the White House under three different administrations and a catalogue of music dating back more than seven decades.

Back when you started singing together, blues music and gospel music were different ends of the spectrum. But now the music gets everybody on their feet! “That’s because the blues crowd hadn’t really heard it. Gospel back in that time was really limited, the market for gospel wasn’t as good as it is now. People didn’t have a chance to hear it.”

After witnessing first hand, many of your shows over the years, I think we’re hearing you now! You play all types of venues, don’t you? “We do festivals, oh yeah, we do nightclubs, concerts.” (laughing) “It’s fantastic, and we were glad to do that. That’s what motivates us…the people!”

Do you remember when you first worked with Charlie Musselwhite? “Oh yeah, we cut a record with him. ‘Standing by the Bedside of a Neighbor’ we cut that with him. He requested that of us and we were glad to do it.”

Looking back, you’ve performed with so many different artists…”Well, the Soul Stirrers that was another popular quartet but now, people like Etta James and B.B. King.”

In the past few decades, that list of collaborators continues to diversify and grow; Jamey Johnson, Bela Fleck, Willie Nelson, Marc Cohn, David Lindley, Peter Gabriel, Ben Harper, Taj Mahal…it just doesn’t stop. . “That’s right, because when gospel first came out, like I said before, it was limited to mostly the black circuit. But now, the white people have discovered it and they love it. They love it and it’s a shame it took so long for them to hear it.”

I think you’re finally getting the recognition that you deserve. “Well, I think so. I’m proud of it. I don’t know whether we deserve it or not” (laughing) “but I’m glad we’re getting it anyway.” (laughing).

The show on this night was awe-inspiring, from ‘People Get Ready’ and their memorable
version of ‘Amazing Grace’ to the grand finale where Mr. Carter was shepherded off the stage
still singing, down into an overjoyed and enthusiastic crowd. Everyone in the concert hall was on
their feet, those nearest the elder statesman reaching out to brush his arm or pat his shoulder. It
was truly a collective embrace from everyone in attendance and an evening not soon forgotten.

The Blind Boys of Alabama are on tour right now so don’t miss the opportunity to get your spirits lifted. Check out their website Shows — Blind Boys of Alabama for performances in your area. And Charlie Musselwhite has a new solo project out as well. It’s called ‘Mississippi Son’ and it too, is other-worldly. Say Hallelujah!

The post Inspiring the World – The Blind Boys of Alabama With special guest – Charlie Musselwhite appeared first on Traveling Archive.

1. Question: Why do you enjoy going to the beach?

Answer:

Visiting the beach has always been a social hour for me with close friends. (It has also been a test of how fair skinned people can outmaneuver sunburn. 🙂 )

2. Question: What is your favorite beach?

Answer:

Dauphin Island, Alabama. This hidden gem is a remote out-of-the-way location, has very limited services and not as heavily populated as other Gulf Coast beaches. To be an adventurer, I believe the best time to visit is off season when it is  quiet, peaceful, less people and a great chance to meet locals or fishermen strolling the beach. There are only a few tall condos unlike other gulf coast beaches, but you can find a few smaller condos or house rentals along the coast line to snuggle into and enjoy the incredible ocean view from your own balcony. A sunny off-season day will show you plenty of spring and fall migrating birds or watch the comical local gulls, plovers, pelicans and porpoises.

3. Question: What’s something interesting about this beach?

Answer:

This beach area is a great “home base” to explore so much in the area! Walk or picnic along the miles of shoreline with beautiful rolling dunes. The local Native Tribes of Seminoles, Creek and Choctaw used this traditional area during the Mississippian period, 1100-1550, to collect oysters and shellfish. These early Native Americans discarded their oyster and clam shells into “mounds” that still exist today and can be viewed at The Indian Mount Park, also called Shell Mount Park, on the north side of the Island. These mounds were listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Also nearby, discover  historical Fort Gaines and Sand Point Lighthouse (decommissioned), or drive to the City of Mobile’s many incredible attractions and boat cruises.

The post Three Things About a Favorite Beach Destination appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down a white supremacist rally in Alabama.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

MORE Dog Quotations

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Norwegian Wood,’ what exactly is Norwegian Wood?

Scroll down for the answer

7 Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Courtesy Caroline Costellos

Be the best-dressed (and most comfortable) person in the cabin with our guide to in-flight apparel.

MORE

7 Common Travel Crises and How to Conquer Them

Courtesy Denise Caiazzo, Travel Planners International

Travel advisors are well-equipped to handle just about anything travel-related. Give them a destination, a budget, and a few key interests, and they can whip up an entirely personalized itinerary that will make a client feel over-the-moon, as they make their travel dreams come true.

But what happens when an unforeseen travel nightmare occurs? We’re talking, “I can’t find my passport and I leave for my trip in a week!” or “Surprise, a bad storm hit, and all flights are canceled.”

MORE

10 Crazy Las Vegas Tours Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

Courtesy

ed**********@sm***********.com

You know about the celebrity chef restaurants, world-class residencies, and high-limit tables in Las Vegas. But there’s another side of Sin City just begging to be explored. On your next trip to this neon-draped desert city, check out these unique Las Vegas tours that’ll have you rethinking what a weekend in Vegas really means.

MORE

The Best Navigation Tools to Keep You on Track on a Car Trip, Here or Abroad

Courtesy Catharine Hamm, L.A. Times

MORE

7 Travel Gadgets You Don’t Need & What to Buy Instead

Courtesy Nevin Spearman‎

There are all sorts of gadgets out there that promise to make traveling easier but often fall short. Some are cheaply made and fall apart after one trip. Others are just impractical, a realization that only comes after lugging them around the globe. Below are some of the not-so-great travel gadgets we’ve either purchased ourselves or have spotted in the wild, and the handy alternatives that you may find more useful.

MORE

France’s Fascinating ‘Wine Treatment’

Courtesy Melissa Banigan

In Strasbourg’s Hôpital civil, a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape would be prescribed for bloating, while a Côtes de Provence rosé was used to treat obesity.

MORE

5 Dangerous Hotel Habits You Can Break Today

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Many travelers believe their hotel rooms to be one of the safest places they can find while abroad. The hotel room becomes an immediate home away from home, giving travelers license to drop their guard as if they were in their own bedrooms. However, what they don’t realize is danger always lurks right around the corner — even in hotel rooms around the world.

MORE

Why Adventure Travel Professionals Must Care About Overtourism

Overtourism has become a buzzword of sorts in the travel and tourism industry, but understanding its complexities is the first step in addressing it. We recently shared insights about what exactly overtourism is and why it is a growing phenomenon in our professional sector. To further the discussion about how to tackle this challenge, we want to share our thoughts about why everyone working in the adventure travel industry must be proactive in preventing its further growth.

MORE

National Enquirer Theme Park Opens

National Enquirer Live! has opened in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Among the exhibits is a re-creation of the 1997 fatal car crash of Diana, Princess of Wales. Another National Enquirer Live! is coming to Branson, Mo., in late June. And no, we’re not kidding… PS, remind me to miss it.

MORE

Alabama Voted As The State Americans Would Least Like To Fly To

Courtesy 10 Yetis Digital

New research has found that Alabama is the state Americans would like to fly to the least, with 35% of Americans saying they wouldn’t fly there, with Nevada and New York making up the rest of the top three. California, Hawaii and Vermont were voted most desirable.

MORE

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

MORE

 

“Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art”

By John Keats

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—
No—yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever—or else swoon to death.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Behind the Bucket List: What Americans Really Want in Travel

Courtesy Tours.com

What do Americans want when it comes to Bucket List travel? A group from Provisional Living wanted to find out not only what’s on those lists, but why and how they got there. What they found was pretty revealing.

MORE

Are Airlines Tracking Your Flight Searches (and Raising Prices)?

Courtesy Caroline Morse Teel

Ms. Caroline Morse Teel, Senior Editor of SmarterTravel, investigates whether or not searching for airfare makes the price go up. Also: perfume on a plane, tipping when gratuities are included, who can sit in an exit row, and more.

MORE

Overtourism is a Problem; Here’s What We Can Do

Courtesy Milena Nikolova, ATTA

By now, it should be crystal clear that a major issue plaguing the travel and tourism industry is overtourism. Still unsure what overtourism really means and who it concerns? We recently explained the concept in detail and unpacked why every single person and entity working in the adventure travel industry needs to be aware of and care about overtourism.

MORE

These US States are the Most Fun ⁠– And the Least ⁠– According to WalletHub

Courtesy WalletHub

The measure of “fun” is subjective. But that doesn’t stop us from trying. To that end, WalletHub recently released its 2019 ranking of most fun states in America.

MORE

10 Safety Mistakes Women Shouldn’t Make When Traveling Alone

Courtesy  Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Solo travel can be exhilarating, freeing, and helpful in learning new things about yourself. But solo travelers, especially females, can also be more vulnerable while alone on the road. We spoke to some solo women travel experts who shared their top safety mistakes to avoid when traveling alone.

MORE

Chinese Tourism to US Declines For First Time in 15 Years

Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office found travel from China to the U.S. fell 5.7 percent in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. It marked the first time since 2003 that Chinese travel to the U.S. slipped from the year prior, The Associated Press reported.

MORE

Customer Satisfaction in Airline Travel

A combination of newer planes, better ticket value, and improved customer touchpoints have driven overall satisfaction with airlines to its highest point in history.

Following are some of the key findings of the 2019 study:

MORE

Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff

Courtesy Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Nothing sours a trip like having your belongings stolen by a pickpocket. But chances are, if you travel frequently — or just happen to be unlucky — a sticky-fingered stranger will one day secretly separate you from your stuff. Since traveling sans cash, credit cards, and other valuables isn’t an option for most of us, I’ve rounded up a passel of pickpocket-proof clothing and accessories that’ll make you less of a target for thieves.

MORE

Close Encounters of the Near-Death Kind

Courtesy Richard Collett

It was a hot, humid day in Manila, and I was sat on the rooftop of my hotel, five floors high, working on my laptop and enjoying the occasional sea breeze that flew in from the bay.

MORE

The NOAA Marine Debris Program

Earth Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean good habits have to go away too! You can keep up the momentum, reduce your waste footprint, and do good for our planet, no matter where you are.

MORE

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Norwegian Wood,’ what exactly is Norwegian Wood?

Answer: An inexpensive pine wood from Norway, popular in the 1960s.

The post Behind the Bucket List, Beatle Beat appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ who is John singing to?

Scroll down for the answer

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down a white supremacist rally in Idaho.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

MORE Dog Quotations

France’s Fascinating ‘Wine Treatment’

Courtesy Melissa Banigan

In Strasbourg’s Hôpital civil, a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape would be prescribed for bloating, while a Côtes de Provence rosé was used to treat obesity.

MORE

Puerto Rico Tops the List Of Most Popular Flight Destinations From the USA

New data obtained by a flight-comparison site has revealed the most popular flight destinations searched for from the USA, with the San Juan Luis Muñoz Marin Airport in Puerto Rico emerging as the most popular destination for 2019.

MORE

Chicago Summer Festivals: The Ultimate Guide

In Chicago, fest season is the best season. The city’s social calendar is packed with street fairs, music festivals, pop-up markets, outdoor concerts, food fests, and more all summer long. Don’t miss a beat with this handy guide that covers the best Chicago fests happening each month. Start making your weekend plans now.

MORE

Best Obscure French Gastronomic Restaurants

Courtesy  Anthony Peregrine, The Telegraph

Here are six slightly obscure French destinations with a surprising number of gastronomic restaurants.

MORE

5 Dangerous Hotel Habits You Can Break Today

Courtesy Joe Cortez

Many travelers believe their hotel rooms to be one of the safest places they can find while abroad. The hotel room becomes an immediate home away from home, giving travelers license to drop their guard as if they were in their own bedrooms. However, what they don’t realize is danger always lurks right around the corner — even in hotel rooms around the world.

MORE

Why Adventure Travel Professionals Must Care About Overtourism

Overtourism has become a buzzword of sorts in the travel and tourism industry, but understanding its complexities is the first step in addressing it. We recently shared insights about what exactly overtourism is and why it is a growing phenomenon in our professional sector. To further the discussion about how to tackle this challenge, we want to share our thoughts about why everyone working in the adventure travel industry must be proactive in preventing its further growth.

MORE

The NOAA Marine Debris Program

Earth Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean good habits have to go away too! You can keep up the momentum, reduce your waste footprint, and do good for our planet, no matter where you are.

MORE

Alabama Voted As The State Americans Would Least Like To Fly To

Courtesy 10 Yetis Digital

New research has found that Alabama is the state Americans would like to fly to the least, with 35% of Americans saying they wouldn’t fly there, with Nevada and New York making up the rest of the top three. California, Hawaii and Vermont were voted most desirable.

MORE

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘Don’t Let Me Down,’ who is John singing to?

Answer: Yoko Ono, natch’.

 

“Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art”

By John Keats

Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art—
Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
Like nature’s patient, sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
Of pure ablution round earth’s human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask
Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—
No—yet still stedfast, still unchangeable,
Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever—or else swoon to death.

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

10 Safety Mistakes Women Shouldn’t Make When Traveling Alone

Courtesy  Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel

Solo travel can be exhilarating, freeing, and helpful in learning new things about yourself. But solo travelers, especially females, can also be more vulnerable while alone on the road. We spoke to some solo women travel experts who shared their top safety mistakes to avoid when traveling alone.

MORE

Chinese Tourism to US Declines For First Time in 15 Years

Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office found travel from China to the U.S. fell 5.7 percent in 2018 to 2.9 million visitors. It marked the first time since 2003 that Chinese travel to the U.S. slipped from the year prior, The Associated Press reported.

MORE

Customer Satisfaction in Airline Travel

A combination of newer planes, better ticket value, and improved customer touchpoints have driven overall satisfaction with airlines to its highest point in history.

Following are some of the key findings of the 2019 study:

MORE

Pickpocket-Proof Clothing: 10 Garments to Protect Your Stuff

Courtesy Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Nothing sours a trip like having your belongings stolen by a pickpocket. But chances are, if you travel frequently — or just happen to be unlucky — a sticky-fingered stranger will one day secretly separate you from your stuff. Since traveling sans cash, credit cards, and other valuables isn’t an option for most of us, I’ve rounded up a passel of pickpocket-proof clothing and accessories that’ll make you less of a target for thieves.

MORE

Close Encounters of the Near-Death Kind

Courtesy Richard Collett

It was a hot, humid day in Manila, and I was sat on the rooftop of my hotel, five floors high, working on my laptop and enjoying the occasional sea breeze that flew in from the bay.

MORE

National Enquirer Theme Park Opens

National Enquirer Live! has opened in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Among the exhibits is a re-creation of the 1997 fatal car crash of Diana, Princess of Wales. Another National Enquirer Live! is coming to Branson, Mo., in late June. And no, we’re not kidding… PS, remind me to miss it.

MORE

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

MORE

The One Country Where Anthony Bourdain Refused to Film an Episode

Courtesy, Marissa Laliberte, Reader’s Digest

The late Anthony Bourdain was world-famous for breaking down barriers to other countries’ cuisines, showing the world why you shouldn’t fear the unfamiliar. He rarely shied away from any crazy food choices (he once ate a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam), but he did refuse to visit one surprising country. You’ll be surprised by the answer.

MORE

The post French Wine Treatment, Women Traveling Solo appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Random Acts of Canine Kindness

Cedric the Dog takes a well-deserved break after an ill fated attempt to shut down an illegal puppy mill in Idaho.

You want a friend in Washington? Get a dog. – Harry S. Truman

MORE Dog Quotations

New Billion Dollar Cruise Ship to Dubai in Anti-Pirate ‘Safe Haven’ Lockdown

Courtesy Logistics Middle East Staff

Lights out after dark, curtains and shutters closed, exterior decks restricted and armed security guards patrolling the ship – how brand new $960-million Spectrum of the Seas mega cruise ship is protecting itself against pirates on the way from Europe to the Middle East.

MORE

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘A Day in the Life’ John sings ‘I saw a film today, oh boy.’ Name the film.

Scroll down for the answer

Alabama Voted As The State Americans Would Least Like To Fly To

Courtesy 10 Yetis Digital

New research has found that Alabama is the state Americans would like to fly to the least, with 35% of Americans saying they wouldn’t fly there, with Nevada and New York making up the rest of the top three. California, Hawaii and Vermont were voted most desirable.

MORE

Spain May Officially Say Goodbye to Siesta Hour

For travelers, the implications are varied — but significant.

By Nikki Ekstein, Travel+Leisure

Just as nap pods are becoming a thing in the American workplace, Spain is calling a quits to its famous siesta hour. According to a flurry of news reporting coming out of Europe, the country’s Prime Minister has proposed legislation that will nix the daytime break for once and for all. What does it mean for travelers? A few things, actually.

MORE

The One Country Where Anthony Bourdain Refused to Film an Episode

Courtesy, Marissa Laliberte, Reader’s Digest

The late Anthony Bourdain was world-famous for breaking down barriers to other countries’ cuisines, showing the world why you shouldn’t fear the unfamiliar. He rarely shied away from any crazy food choices (he once ate a still-beating cobra heart in Vietnam), but he did refuse to visit one surprising country. You’ll be surprised by the answer.

MORE

Spring into Summer with Dignity Travel

Dignity Travel is committed to providing easy and accessible international tours for people who have difficulties walking or use a wheelchair. Our tours and services are designed to provide unique experiences while also delivering accessible accommodations, transportation and sightseeing opportunities. Our intimate group tours make sure that you have a worry-free travel experience, presented in a dignified, fun and adventurous manner. Our groups are hosted by one or more of our staff members and individual travel companions. There is always a host to assure your travel arrangements go as planned, provide a push of your wheelchair or assist you with any other needs you might have.

MORE

Incredible Story of Only Man to Survive Titanic Disaster AND the Sinking of the Lusitania

Courtesy Ed Riley for Mailonline

A family has revealed the incredible story of the only sailor to survive the Titanic and the Lusitania disasters. George Beauchamp is the sole person to escape with his life from the two worst maritime disasters of the 20th century, according to relatives. Nearly 75 years ago, he revealed this startling line to his family:  “I’ve had enough of large ships.”

MORE

Cultural Mistakes to Avoid Traveling Abroad

Tipping, touching, and pointing can get travelers in trouble very quickly

Courtesy Joe Cortez

One of the biggest mistakes rookie travelers make is assuming that cultural norms around the world are very much aligned with their home country. As a result, new adventurers often end up in trouble with the locals simply due to the fact that they did not understand that a simple gesture – like a handshake, a tip, or even pointing – is looked down upon.

MORE

How to Do Laundry on Vacation (No Laundromat Required)

Courtesy: Caroline Morse Teel

If you want to travel light and still be clean, you should know how to do laundry on vacation. But no one wants to spend precious travel time at a laundromat or pay exorbitant fees for hotel laundry service. Here are some quick, easy, and cheap ways to wash your clothes while traveling.

MORE

This Top-Rated North Carolina Restaurant is Actually at a Gas Station

Courtesy Catherine Smith

People rarely rave about the meals they eat at gas stations, but that is not the case in Franklin, North Carolina. Hungry diners – locals and tourists alike – happily line up in the Hot Spot gas station parking lot, waiting for a table at Caffe Rel, a European bistro offering a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.

MORE

10 Walking Mistakes You May be Making

Courtesy Wendy Bumgardner

Walking is great exercise: It’s easy on joints and doesn’t require special gear or a gym membership. There’s more to an effective walking workout than simply putting one foot in front of the other though. Learn how to correct these common trip-ups.

MORE

15 Surprising Things TSA Allows Past Airport Checkpoints

By Benet Wilson

Some items — like guns (real or replica), large scissors and flammable liquids — are never allowed. But the agency continues to make changes when it comes to what can get past the checkpoint.

Below are 15 surprise items you can actually take past the checkpoint. But in case you still have questions, you can take a photo of the item and send it to either AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or via Twitter. Staff are online with answers from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET during the week and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays

MORE

 

Hitchhiker

By Jack Kerouac

‘Tryna get to sunny Californy’ –
Boom. It’s the awful raincoat
making me look like a self-defeated self-murdering imaginary gangster, an idiot in a rueful coat, how can they understand my damp packs – my mud packs –
„Look John, a hitchhiker’
„He looks like he’s got a gun underneath that I. R. A. coat’
‘Look Fred, that man by the road’ „Some sexfiend got in print in 1938 in Sex Magazine’ –
„You found his blue corpse in a greenshade edition, with axe blots’ 

Send Deb your favorite travel poems

Beast From the East: Indian Soldiers Reckon They’ve Found Yeti Footprints

Courtesy Devjyot Ghoshal

Mountaineers from the Indian army on a expedition in Nepal have found mysterious large footprints in the snow that they think belong to the Yeti, or the abominable snowman, the military said on Tuesday. Largely regarded by the scientific community as a myth, the Yeti is part of Nepali folklore and is said to live high in the snow-capped Himalayas.

MORE

How to Travel the World for Free

How to Become a World Traveler for Next to Nothing

Courtesy Stacy Fisher

Being able to travel the world for free might sound like an unreachable dream, but you can make it a reality if you know where to look. These are practical ways on how to travel the world for free, or at least next to nothing. They include getting a job overseas, volunteering, and spending some time with the locals. Some require some education or experience but most opportunities are open to anyone who’s looking for an adventure.

MORE

The NOAA Marine Debris Program

Earth Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean good habits have to go away too! You can keep up the momentum, reduce your waste footprint, and do good for our planet, no matter where you are.

MORE

Leadership Lessons from Wild Rice

Dr. Kathleen Allen

In my last blog What if Leadership Exists in Abundance, I invited people to imagine an abundance instead of scarcity of leadership. If we believed leadership could occur throughout our organizations and communities, would we have higher expectations of our leaders? If there were plenty of good leaders to choose from, would we stop following leaders if they didn’t live up to the expectations of serving the organization and communities above their own interest?

MORE

An Overview of the Lines

Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families

Courtesy Gene Sloan, The Points Guy

You might assume Disney is the Hercules of family cruising — the all-powerful competitor with no rival. But in the cruise world Disney is still somewhat of a niche player. With just four ships compared to the 52 operated by family cruise giants Carnival and Royal Caribbean, Disney is like the cruising equivalent of Olaf from “Frozen” — a bit secondary to the plot, if still much beloved. In terms of passenger capacity, Disney is barely a tenth the size of Royal Caribbean alone, and it doesn’t offer nearly as diverse an array of home ports and itineraries.

MORE

How to Complain Effectively at a Hotel

Courtesy Charlyn Keating

Demand satisfaction when you have a valid complaint

MORE

Costa Expands Food Donation Program with Costa Fortuna

Surplus food not served aboard the ships is collected and distributed to local organizations that support people in need. Launched in Savona on July 22, 2017, the project currently operates in Italy, in the ports of Savona, Civitavecchia, Bari and Palermo, and has been exported as an Italian “best practice” to France and Spain, in Marseilles and Barcelona and, since last December, in Guadeloupe and Martinique as well, according to a prepared statement.

MORE

Nude Resort Etiquette Rules You Need to Know

Courtesy Patricia Magaña

Aside from a few key considerations, nude resort etiquette is general resort etiquette. There’s also the fact that most everyone is naked. Skip the potential awkwardness at a clothing-optional experience and go with an open mind, plus these helpful tips.

Dont’ stare

Nude resort newbies may experience initial shock at the sight of a sea of nakedness. It’s fine to look. What is not OK, however, is to stare. You’ll quickly get the hang of it, but if you’re not used to engaging in eye-contact and conversation with someone who’s totally exposed, wear sunglasses whenever appropriate.

MORE

Burping Is Good Manners & 25 Other Global Etiquette Surprises

Courtesy The Daily Meal Staff

In Italy, Never Order A Cappuccino After A Meal

When you’re dining the Italian way, be sure to order an espresso or a coffee after a meal. Do not order a cappuccino, as Italians believe milk beverages slow down digestion.

Inuit Tribes: Passing Gas

You’re probably not visiting any Inuit tribes soon, but it’s interesting to know that this culture shows appreciation through… flatulence? Yup, a good meal is praised by letting one rip afterward.

MORE Global Etiquette Surprises

Beatle Beat Trivia Answers

Question: In the Lennon/McCartney composition, ‘A Day in the Life’ John sings ‘I saw a film today, oh boy.’ Name the film.

Answer: Richard Lester’s ‘How I Won the War,’ which featured Lennon in a dramatic role. It was his third film with Lester. The other two: ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ and ‘Help!’

The post Yeti, Anthony Bourdain, Dubai Pirates appeared first on Traveling Archive.

But first, some background. Known affectionately as the Ultimate Foodfight, the WFC is the largest culinary competition on the planet. The event brought together over 1500 chefs from 42 states and 13 countries preparing almost 6000 dishes in 10 categories – Steak, Sandwiches, Chicken, Barbecue, Chile, Burgers, Seafood, bacon, Dessert and Chef (a sort of testing opportunity for potential new categories) – hoping to share in over $350,000, the largest prize purse in the Food Sport industry. They take that “sports” metaphor seriously – lots of sporting references get bandied about.

First, the important stuff: a judging lesson. Absorb the dish; become one with it so that you can digest it on multiple levels. Okay, he didn’t really say that but it was the message. Eat with your eyes first: it’s important for the dish to be visually appealing, which can range from enh to I can’t wait to eat it. In short, for taste – a 1 – you’re spitting it out in a napkin; 10 – you’d drive 100 miles to eat it! 5 is fast food – and at WFC, the caliber is so high, most of your scores should be between 8 and 10. A 7 would imply a bad day. But the tricky one is execution: does the dish do what the chef promises? Can you taste the main ingredient and the “infused” one (a euphemism for the sponsor’s food item that has to be included)? Do all the ingredients work well together? And so we became Certified Food Judges and I found the whole prospect terrifying!

And the process? Picture the Food Network on steroids! In the opening rounds, dozens of competing teams in a category have an hour+ to prepare their dishes in the tented “Kitchen Arena.” From these, 10 teams in each category move on, from which a winner emerges $10,000 richer. That’s where my Certified Judge expertise was tested.

The Kitchen Arena bursts with so many sounds, smells, sights, steam, sauces, spices, seasonings – and oh yes, sweat! Some of the competitors are calm – most of them are frantic. And some, despite the intensity of their endeavors, actually found the time to call me over for a taste – and then glowed with satisfaction as my taste buds exploded in appreciation. So I just tasted a sample of pork and bacon and cheese in a tortilla and my eyes glazed over in ecstasy. Yup, best thing I’ve ever tasted. Others around me noted they didn’t taste the jalapeño or the tequila – apparently a necessity – although I’m ready to give the chef $10,000 on the spot. And once again, I figure I’m the wrong person for this job.

After the frenetic prep time, there’s a 10-minute “turn-in” window, as the chefs race to get their dishes to the front table (one large main dish, upon which “appearance” is judged; and multiple “samples” to be tasted by the judges). The cry goes out. “One minute, 15 seconds; you should be walking to the turn-in table.” People running down the aisles – gingerly – with platters of food and culinary destiny hanging in the balance. Incredibly anxiety-provoking even for the onlookers.

Meanwhile, a new set of chefs are now at their stands cutting, carving, chopping, mincing, slicing, dicing, stirring, sampling, to get ready for the next round. So competitive – defending champions get knocked out – first-time entrants prevail. The 37 different versions of a burger boggle the mind – looking all dressed up for a special occasion – which it indeed is! Layers of bacon, of course, and cheese and tomatoes and onions and mushrooms and foie gras – yes, foie gras and chili and tomato jam and sausage and fried oysters and fried eggs and pineapple and jalapenos and gravies galore plus a variety of buns, including a pair of grilled cheese sandwiches on either side of the alleged burger. One tray boasted steak knives stuck in each bun. Cameras everywhere on auto-pilot.

Back to the floor to watch the dessert competitors: stirring, basting, scraping, slurping, sautéing, baking, grating, whirring, mixing… Always, perpetual motion in a well-orchestrated symphony of mayhem. Again, the inevitable countdown – six minutes and only one tray has been turned in – the tension mounts – as platter after platter overflowing with incredible creations rush to get to the main table without destroying the edible masterpieces. It’s as exciting as a super bowl game – and then the dreaded extra point needed to win bounces off the goal post. So yes, it happens. One chef reaches the table a second late and is disqualified. A year or more of preparation and planning, not to mention the recent hours of slaving over the stove, undone by a second delay. It was heart-breaking, even for me!

And finally, the moment of truth. I’m judging the 10 finalists in the bacon category. I remind myself not to compare the dishes to each other or to any childhood memory I may have. Does it look like my dream bacon dish? Does the taste make me want to eat it forever? Can I detect the infusion of Red Gold Tomatoes with Green Chilis? I have no time to bemoan my sense of inadequacy. I simply revel in my bacon immersion as 10 huge platters of unidentifiable bacon dishes are placed in front of me. Okay, there’s Bacon and Tomato Trio, Savory Bacon Bread Pudding Soufflé with Tomato Choron (I have no idea what that is), Acorn Squash stuffed with Bacon and Fresh Veggies, Pan Seared Salmon with Puttanesco Sauce (see choron reference) with bacon lardon, basil and fennel, but I can hardly distinguish one from the other.

I feel frantic as I taste one and then another and then back to the first and on to the tenth, barely coming up for air. Definitely gives whole new meaning to the term feeding frenzy. I mark random though hopefully meaningful numbers between 8 and 10 on my score card. I’ve never eaten so much so fast and but surprisingly wasn’t yet tired of bacon. My favorite dish? A scrumptious pink-and-white icing-topped Bacon Cupcake, which I gave 10 for appearance, 10 for taste but only an 8 for execution. I didn’t taste any chili tomatoes and hated having to mark it down. Maybe I should have chosen the dessert category…  For more information, visit worldfoodchampionships.com

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