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destinations

Richmond, VA: History, Railroads and Whitewater

Richmond is a true city of the south: modern in every way yet mindful of its rich Civil War heritage. This medium-sized city has a surprising abundance of surprises. A vast array of parks, a thriving financial center, distinctive neighborhoods in full bloom and emerging, and, of course, enough history to make a Civil War re-enactor feel at home.
Eight major Civil War battles were fought within the city and in the surrounding countryside. The Hollywood Cemetery, perched high above the banks of the James River, holds the remains of Jefferson Davis and eight Confederate generals. Visiting Hollywood early one early chilly Sunday morning, we were greeted by 78-year-old Betty Allen, our guide. Betty knows this place intimately; she even pointed out where she will be buried some day. More than 1,800 Civil War combatants are buried in Hollywood. (Washington DC hotels). Continue story

Ethiopia: The Next Big Thing?

"Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. It's in Ethiopia too."

This occurred to me while I stared at Ethiopia's Tis Abay-- the Blue Nile Falls -- near Lake Tana's colorful monasteries and the Ethiopian source of the Nile. Most people think of pharaohs, pyramids, and feluccas when they think of the Nile, but the world's largest river starts in Uganda and Ethiopia then goes on to visit Sudan before reaching Egypt.
Tis Abay is the first site along Ethiopia's Historical Route, a loop that begins in Addis Ababa and goes through Bahir Dar, Gonder, Axum and Lalibela before returning to the capital. It's the only natural site along the route. Ethiopia, inaccurately renowned as a famine-stricken desert country, has massive green mountains, unique birds and animals, and stunning landscapes. But the monasteries of Bahir Dar's Lake Tana, the archeological sites at Axum, the stone-hewn churches of Lalibela, and the 17th-century castles of Gonder overshadow not just nature but also other stone churches, the hyena-feeding men of medieval Harar, the thriving Tigrayan capital of Mekele, the tribes of the Omo Valley, and the unlauded jewel in the crown -- the rich, undiluted Ethiopian culture. Continue story

The GoNOMAD Alternative Adventure Rolls on...

Japan: How Many Ways Can I You Say "Thank You?"
Japan is a land of contrasts. From modern, neon-lit cities to remote hillside temples, from groups of business-suitclad salarymen racing down crowded sidewalks to lone Geishas tiptoeing along lantern-lit alleys; from awe-inspiring mountains and clear rushing rivers to ruined monuments to atomic horrors, Japan beguiles, bemuses, inspires and arouses.
But, for all its fascinating history and modernity, most people don't think of Japan as a family or budget destination. True, Japan is expensive and will stretch your budget to the max. But for families, Japan can be a wonderful destination: it is clean, safe, interesting and surprisingly inviting. In fact, we discovered the country to be full of entertaining, educational and relaxing destinations and attractions where locals shower children with attention and gifts, and all for less than we anticipated in terms of cost. Continue story

features

Eating and Drinking in Ethiopia

Injera is the staple food of Ethiopia. It's flat, spongy, bread made from tef, a gluten-free grain found only in the African Horn. It serves as both plate and utensils, and is even shredded into some salads. It's the love-it-or-hate-it part of Ethiopian cuisine as its distinctive sourdough-like taste is not for everyone. Varying grades of tef make different grades of injera.
Pureed spiced vegetables, chicken drumsticks, hard-boiled eggs, and/or fried meats arrive in little piles on a wide pancake of injera. Diners are presented with another piece of injera, which they tear into small pieces (using their right hands only). The small pieces are used to consume the puddles of veggies ("wat") or piles of fried meat (sometimes "wat" or "tibs") on the plate of injera. Continue story

Jerusalem: Mama Told Me Not To Come
The city of Jerusalem is a time machine, at least the walled-in old city is. Orthodox Jews pass by on narrow winding alleys while from above Muslim calls to prayer float from needle-thin minarets. Stalls in ancient bazaars still sell relics to Christian pilgrims. The cobblestones are worn from thousands of years of daily repetition and the sandstone buildings reflect narrow bright sunlight beams that filter past close knit dwellings. Jerusalem is home to the world's largest monotheist religions--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. All have placed their stamp firmly on the city's soul. Continue story

lodgings

Caravaning Around the World
In Australia they call them the Grey Nomads; they're the retirees who sell their houses, spend the kids' inheritance on a caravan (trailer) or motorhome and then head off to explore the Outback. With a month's supply of meat packed into daily servings in the freezer, their favorite pewter wine goblets and deluxe folding chairs, they roam from one free roadside campsite to another, part of a community of travellers that shares travel stories, spectacular sunsets, laughs, and directions to the cheapest fuel.
They travel equipped with all the comforts of home: gas refrigerators, showers, comfy bedsoften a TV. And their adult kids are realising they're onto a good thing and throwing in their jobs, buying themselves a moveable home, and joining the Grey Caravan. So, just what is it that inspires people to travel in a home away from home? Continue story

travel desk

You can ask us travel questions and we'll find you the answers you need...some examples...

Dear GoNOMAD:
Hi, i read your article about teaching English in Valencia, Spain and it sounded great. I am interested in getting into the field of adult English teaching, do you know what is the most widely recognised qualification around the world for those who want to teach English. Your response would be appreciated--Kieran Blake (flights to Spain)
You will need to get a CELTA or TEFL teaching certificate. Visit this site to compare programs around the world. http://www.teflboard.org. You can also search for teaching jobs around the world at GoNOMAD's teaching jobs directory . Read more questions and answers

Market-New Travel Books We Recommend

First You Shave Your Head: A Pilgrimage to Korea's Buddhist Monasteries
Join Geri Larkin on a spiritual pilgrimage through the Buddhist monasteries of South Korea, a place many willnever travel. It is considered an honor to be invited into a world in which the culture has remained so unaffected in thousands of years. In fact, she was the first Western woman to be so honored.

Her personal odyssey of self-discovery is a hilarious and honest chronicle of her journey. As an ordained dharma teacher in Ann Arbor, Michigan Larkin brings an enlightened, yet virgin approach to the life lessons of Buddhism. Continue story

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