Part 3: A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010

As I move through the list Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010 compiled by online travel magazine Off Track Planet, I hope looking back on GoNOMAD feature articles in this blog series are adding to their mission to inspire others to travel. By researching lists such as theirs, and stories like ours, travelers can create itineraries with informed decisions that lead to better travel experiences.

Next on the list is best art scene which was awarded to Barcelona, Spain. Anna Starostinetskaya writes "Gaudi’s trippy buildings are scattered throughout the city and the museum of Dali is only a 40 minute scenic train ride north to Figueras. If these guys don’t tickle you pickle, Barcelona is also packed with more thought-provoking graffiti than you can imagine, inspiring street performers and tons of off-beat artistic expressions."

GoNOMAD contributor, Lola Akinmade, supports this observation in her feature Tracing Gaudi around Barcelona. As she explores the city, she is surrounded by art and architecture inspired by or created by Antonio Gaudi.

"While many artists remain content displaying their masterpieces in galleries and museums, one of Spain’s most profilic and world renowned artists, Antonio Gaudí, made the entire city of Barcelona his living, breathing museum with instantly recognizable landmarks – series of twisting structures, colorful tiles and mosaics, and undulating patterns."

As for most remote, Off Track Planet selected Lamu, located off the coast of Kenya, and I believe it because GoNOMAD has no articles on file about it (and that says a lot). However, a past intern posted on Travel Reader a blog post about an article written elsewhere about Lamu, supporting the same idea of Off Track Planet that "In our world of “been there, done that”, very few places can still be considered “remote.”

I guess this means GoNOMAD will have to send one of their writers to Lamu to write a feature about it. Hint, hint :)

Continue on reading Part 4 A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010.

Part 2: A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010

Continuing on with the blog series looking at Off Track Planet's list of the Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010 , I hope to shed more light on the destinations selected this year by searching the GoNOMAD archives of feature stories.

The best backpacking beach destination according to their list is the San Blas Islands, Panama. According to the writer Anna Starostinetskaya, picking the perfect beach means having privacy. "Very few destinations can offer the seclusion from tourists necessary to have a perfect beachgoing experience. We think the San Blas Islands near the coast of Panama come the closest."

Associate editor of GoNOMAD, Stephen Hartshorne has the same idea in his feature Touring the Real Panama: Wildlife, Beaches, and Tribal Villages. Overall, he highlights the sites to see, and how to soak in the beauty and culture of Panama. When it comes to beaches, he too believes the San Blas Islands are the best in the world.

"The San Blas Islands -- 378 of them -- have been described as "a string of pearl coral atolls marching like emeralds to the horizon, surrounded by crystalline aquamarine water blending to bright blueberry."

They are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Yala, who run the islands as an autonomous province with little interference from the central government. They have maintained their style of dress, their legends and their dances; and they have avoided the pitfalls of tourism development."

He continues on to say "The San Blas islands, with their myriad coral reefs, offer some of the most beautiful beaches and the best snorkeling and diving in the world."

For sightseeing, Off Track Planet selected Italy. Since I've traveled to Sicily twice before, I can definitely vouch for this statement "From Sicily to Milan, ancient Roman ruins are sprawled out in this land of history for you to see. Every corner of Italy will have your camera in overdrive."

For my trips there I was studying photojournalism and was able to make a beautiful portfolio mostly in part due to the natural beauty of the country and it's people. Another former student, Jennifer Kim, who took the same class during a different year, also interned at GoNOMAD and wrote a feature article Benvenuto! Sicily's Warm, Friendly Welcome. Her diary entry style article portrays her excitement to be there, and her awe with the culture.

"The antique and novel appearance of the stores and owners themselves gave off an aura of character and old world tradition. Now, take a moment and imagine forty-five anxious Americans shuffling about in these small towns like paparazzi and reporters, intrigued with every miniscule thing.

Despite dire warnings from the guidebooks, our group experienced one magnificent gesture of hospitality after another during our eight-day stay."

Many other articles about Italy have been written for GoNOMAD, so it is easy to see, it is a favorite destination with plenty to write home about.

Continue reading this blog series in Part 3: A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010

A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010

In December, Off Track Planet created a list of the Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010 . This well thought out compilation is broken down into sections for what each destination is best for, including a small paragraph summing up why they've chosen these places. Below is the first blog of a mini blog series comparing their list to stories in the GoNOMAD.com's archives and to provide more information for those interested in learning more about these destinations.

The first on their list is Cambodia for being the cheapest destination. They state that "the most expensive thing you should encounter is the entrance fee to the Angkor Temples (about $20 per day). These ancient ruins are not to be missed and will be worth spending a few dollars on." In January, GoNOMAD contributor Bill Pfeffer, wrote Angkor Wat: Glorious and Inspiring, which wholly agrees with Off Track Planet's judgement.

Pfeffer describes his journey to Cambodia in detail from the visa process, monetary negotiations for transportation, and hotel accommodations. Then he delves into the description of the ruins including how to embrace or deter tourist traps. His artistic description paints a picture for readers and hopefully has inspired others to book a trip to see for themselves.

"The world’s largest religious monument, bearded lions safeguard your passage across the moat, with the causeway assembled like a jigsaw puzzle from irregular blocks of stone. As you enter the walled compound, iconic lotus spires soar in the distance as an elevated pavement invites you towards the inner sanctum. Intricate bas-relief carvings detail scenes from Hindu mythology, including the legendary ‘Churning of the Sea,’ polished smooth from the touch of strangers."

Next on the list is Reykjavik, Iceland for nightlife where Off Track Planet claim's "the nights are longer here which means the parties last and last." GoNOMAD contributor Sandy Fox also found this to be true in her Iceland round up Iceland Offers Nightlife, Deserts, Glaciers and a Lot More! Fox's feature gives a bigger picture of Iceland, from its history and culture, to dining, popular sites to see, and weather. She also dedicates a section of the feature to describe the night life alone.

"Partying can go on in these clubs or in the streets and homes until 7 a.m. the next morning. "It's a carnival-like atmosphere," says one resident. If you are an early riser and out by 10 a.m. the next day, chances are that no stores and very few restaurants will be open. If interested in a tour, most are in the late morning or early afternoon."

Continue reading part two of "A deeper look at Off Track Planet's Top 10 Backpacking Travel Destinations for 2010".

East African Safaris

As a photographer, going on a safari would be a perfect opportunity to build a breath taking portfolio with stunning natural images of animals and landscapes. However, in the article East African Safaris : A Unique Family Experience, Daryl Popper interviews a safari guide who is more invested in the experience rather than a pretty picture. The article starts off with this statement:

“We took the photos home in our cameras, but we took the people home in our hearts.”

Lynne Leakey, a Silver Badge Naturalist Guide with the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) is accustomed to hearing sentiments like these from visitors during the 30 years she has been escorting safaris throughout Africa.

“I do a lot of multi-generational tours,” Leakey says. “Just to see grandparents having time with their children and grandchildren without distractions, those things that keep families from interacting like IPods and cell phones, is very rewarding.

"I see families on these safaris when everything is put aside and time is given to evolve with each other and with the amazing animals as a background and just enjoy the fun of a safari.”

Popper then gives a break down of where to stay, what to do, and what to eat with other inspiring quotes from Leakey. Overall, the message is that taking a safari, even with children, is worth the life changing experience.

If it’s your first or your seventh trip to Africa, Leakey recommends you take part in this life-changing safari trip.

“People come back with a little more appreciation of our country,” she said. “Especially when young people get to see the contrast that safaris aren’t just a lot of fun; they’re a lot of personal development for all ages. People fortunate enough to live in a country with such abundance as the
U.S. often return with a greater sense of appreciation for what they take for granted and this makes for better future citizens.”

Though many people would love to take a safari, many people cannot afford them. In this blog post, Mike Sevlon writes tips on how to save money and get the most out of your trip. His biggest tip is to stay on a longer safari for two weeks rather than two days. With so many resources to choose from, researching can go a long way, and articles such as Popper's can be a great help.

Hill Tribes of Thailand

In 2005, I spent three months in Thailand teaching English and fell in love with the country. Now, whenever I read articles about Thailand I feel nostalgic and also connected to the writer and their feelings and experiences there as well. In Hangin' with the Hill Tribes in Northern Thailand, Terry Braverman discusses his experience traveling through different hill tribes, the people he meets along the way, and the differences between the tribes. I could relate to his experiences, but also felt this was a great educational article for people looking to travel there.

His introduction sums up the overall experience before breaking it down step by step.

"“Hello……hello….” The only English word most hill tribe people speak, it’s the initial greeting upon entering their villages, usually said to draw attention to the handcrafts for sale. The “I-sell-you-buy” association can be transcended in two ways. If you’re fluent in the universal languages of music, mime, and sound effects, it creates a connection beyond words.

Smiles, laughter, curiosity and engagement abound when I played harmonica, made faces, or imitated animal sounds in the village. Ultimately, a guide who has established relationships in the villages and is conversant in their languages will give you a PIN to access their world and withdraw cultural understanding, yielding a richer return on your experience."

Many other travel bloggers have written about Thailand as well, including a great summary of why you should go in the first place by one of my favorite travel bloggers Nomadic Matt. As well as many other places and activities to explore, hill tribes were among the short but concise summary.

Unfortunately, since 2005, when Braverman's article was written as well as when I was there, many hill tribes have become modernized by tourists. One blogger wonders if these visits have done more harm than good. Though I agree this is definitely a problem, I still believe as long as you respect their culture and encourage their original traditions, there is still a lot to learn from the many hill tribes of Thailand.

Queensland's 'Best Job in the World'

Back in July, GoNOMAD's Senior Travel Editor Kent E. St John posted"Three Queensland Islands" describing not only the beauty of these islands but also about a contest taking place during his stay.

"Upon arrival on Hamilton Island I was given a tour of a very special villa, one that will become home to the winner of the best travel marketing campaign ever launched.

To win, a one-minute video had to be submitted stating the reasons why the applicant would fit the bill as caretaker of the island. The response was enormous."

As an avid fan of traveling to islands, St. John finds plenty of entertaining things to do and interesting things to see such as getting a chance to hold a koala, beach hopping, and enjoying the comfortable resorts along the way. When the contest winner is chosen, he writes that the lucky man will have plenty to see and do as the island caretaker.

"The job is to spend six months based in a beautiful villa on Hamilton Island while exploring the rest of beautiful Queensland.

Blogs and accounts will be posted and the winner, Brit Ben Southall, will have his hands full.

Queensland has so much to explore. While I covered three islands, there are hundreds to see. Not to be missed are Queensland cities such as Cairns and Brisbane. In fact Queensland has jumped from my must-see list to the must-return one."

After reading about this exciting contest I decided to see for myself what Ben Southall has been up to and blogging about. Sure enough, as St. John expected, he has an extensive blog filled with all the activities and sights an adventerous traveler could look for. Now that it appears his time in Queensland is done, he has now expanded his blog to other adventures around the world. I must say, in my eyes, he really does have the best job!

A Muddy, Thrilling Buffalo Race

Suruchi Dumpawar describes an adrenaline escalating event in her article, “Kambala: Buffalo Racing In Muddy Waters.” Koti Chennaya Kambala, may seem like a messy, chaotic, unorganized event, but as Dumpawar states, it is a “highly professional affair.” This unique sport consists of two buffalo racing in muddy water along with sculpted brave men.

A man wearing a red turban and a matching lungi checks the buffaloes’ teeth with the air of a specialist. Checking for bad breadth? No. I later come to know that buffaloes are partitioned into different groups (small, medium and big I guess) according to the number of their fallen teeth. Ingenious, I must say!

The first buffalo pair looks every bit menacing their muscles taut, quivering with excitement and their noses flaring. Agitated by the incessant whipping and war cries of the lone rider (who is called Saarthi) behind them, they rush past us at maddening speed leaving a trail of water flying behind.

Some of the buffaloes cover the length of the track in a mere 10-15 seconds. I realize that running in water keeping pace with galloping buffaloes is no mean feat. Many a men fall in the slush, face down, unable to keep up with their more sturdy counterparts.

But some men make it look really easy and I secretly wish to run in the slush; the muddy water does look tempting in this scorching sun. Maybe I’ll do this in Kadri Kambala sometime where there are races for women and children too sans the buffaloes.
The bands are playing elaborately; the main event has started. The buffaloes are burlier now; they run even faster and splash more water in the process. I want to get some head-on shots of the buffaloes so we join the freelance photographer with his bazooka like lens, who is already standing at the finishing line.

This is as adventurous as it gets! I point my camera on the buffaloes till I feel they are at a safe distance and then scamper inside the crowd for protection.
In the middle of the track some markers are placed at the height of 6.5 and 7.5 feet respectively. The idea is that the splashing water should rise to this height. And for this the Saarthi has to stand on a plank attached to the buffaloes.

Re-Living Historical Train Rides

Train’ Shares Inc. is trying to re-establish the luxurious, enjoyable train rides that provided the most popular means of travel for a long time, and now is seen as just a distant memory. Jennifer Bellenoit writes about the throw-back travel expeditions in her article, ”Worth the Ride: Train'Shares Offers Luxury Train Travel.”

Train'Shares Inc is offering guests the same luxury travel and private rail cars that used to be reserved for only the wealthiest of Americans. The trains will begin running in 2010. The trips aren’t cheap, but they are a serious throwback to the grand old days of railroad travel. You'll feel like a robber baron in your own private car!

The train cars are part of Amtrak trains. They include “Train Sets” which are multiple cars traveling together that provide bedrooms, dining, lounge and bar facilities. Train Shares also provide “Private Cars” that include two or three bedrooms, dining and lounge facilities which operate as part of the Train Sets or just alone.

Guests have the option to take the “see America” vacations at a lower cost than most commercial luxury train vacations, while also having the option to exchange a Journey (train vacation) for a vacation at a wide selection of the world’s best resorts. You can even exchange them for a cruise.

Those who have a Train’Share and use a Private Car have the opportunity to choose the destinations and routes. Train’Share owners are allotted an enormous amount of power and opportunity in Train'Shares Inc. You can also become a member in the Train’Share Association which gives owners even more benefits such as train, rail and travel related items at discounted prices.

Guests will be spoiled rotten by the fine dining. With an impeccable staff, ready to meet every personalized need, you will be served the finest and healthiest North American cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. Guests even have the option to request special beverages before departure. The trains are usually open dining seating, or you can make a reservation. Lighter dining is available in lounge and bar areas.

There are currently nine active routes and 13 that are coming soon. One train vacation is often a week long. Similar to a cruise vacations, Train Shares offer “ports of call” which allow guests to disembark and explore the museums of Washington D.C or enjoy the vastness of the Grand Canyon.

Freedom in the Desert

Max Hartshorne goes on an adventure to the deserts in Iran on an excursion of freedom. In his article, “Iran: A Day of Freedom,” Max Hartshorne experiences women getting to let their hair down from their headscarves, hold hands with their boyfriends, making friends along the tour as they stop at mosques and dunes.

The desert means freedom, and an ability to get away from the oppressive heat of the religious regime, which since the 1979 revolution has imposed a strict dress code on all women over the age of 10.

But ‘politics’ as the people here call these rules, is not interesting to any Iranian under the age of 30. They don’t watch the Ayatollah on TV or care about the absurd statements uttered about Israel and lashing out at the US by President Ahmadinejad. They speak softly and wistfully about feeling oppressed but don’t talk about voting or doing anything to change the status quo.

“It’s all heading toward change,” said Etemadi, “the headscarves are moving further and further down.” In the smaller towns, no women wore anything but the chador, in Tehran, about half wore manteaus and most wore their headscarves far back. Eventually, things will be much different if trends continue.

After time for some desert photos, we got back in the old bus bound for a caravansary, a fortress built 400 years ago to protect the passing camel caravans moving goods along the Silk Road. Now abandoned, there are plans to turn this large and beautiful building into a hotel. For now, it’s a good base of operations to provide hot water for tea and as a picnicking spot for Iranian families out for the day.

After time for some desert photos, we got back in the old bus bound for a caravansary, a fortress built 400 years ago to protect the passing camel caravans moving goods along the Silk Road. Now abandoned, there are plans to turn this large and beautiful building into a hotel. For now, it’s a good base of operations to provide hot water for tea and as a picnicking spot for Iranian families out for the day.

Scrambling up the steep sandy face of the hilly dunes, some of us folded hands on our chests and rolled all the way down. Others set out to walk far out to the tops of the highest dune peaks. The light was perfect, that soft glow of a late fall afternoon, and we were glad we had brought along jackets to ward off the chill after sundown.

To the blasting beat, one by one men and woman got up to dance, swaying seductively and smiling, defying the rules against such ungodly pleasures. No one could stop us as we rolled along in the desert, no one could see what fun we were having as we let the music move us.

Age Doesn't Matter

Connie Maria Westergaard proves that age does not impact travelling. In her article, “Granny Goes to Greenland,” an 80 year old grandma finally gets to go on a trip to Greenland. She sees the lovely landscapes, sailing along icebergs, and dogsleding. Despite age you can enjoy all wonders of the world. Their Greenland vacation is displayed as fun, and relaxing, a great experience and wonderful sight.

However, due to the dry air it does not feel unpleasant. The sun is shining which makes the snow sparkle like a blanket of tiny little diamonds.

To our left is Ilulissat town, to our right are the mountains, and straight ahead out on the deep blue Disko Bay massive icebergs are floating around.

Grandma and I get ready for the ride of our lives, and an absolute ‘must do’ if you visit Greenland during Winter. Today we are going dogsleding.

Although it is a bumpy ride, it tickles your stomach when the sledge jumps over the big rocks. I must admit I am a little worried about Grandma, who is convinced she got the most speed-crazy driver of them all. We have to hold on tight in order not to fall off the sledge, and at times it gets rough. However, afterwards grandma has no regrets. That was an old dream come true back there, she says.

We are a modest company of 12 sailing out, and not much time passes before we literally bump into the first fragments of drifting ice.

Grandma and I are standing on the deck staring with disbelief up on the tall icebergs that surround us. Never before have we seen anything so magnificent and unspoiled as what is right in front of us.

A Spooky Trip to Jamaica

My friend has been really eager to vacation to Jamaica, so when I saw Connie Motz unique story of her trip to Jamaica I was very intrigued. Her vacation isn’t the typical story you hear from Jamaica, it’s not all about the locals or beaches, but instead, “Annie Palmer: The White Witch of Jamaica.” With the option of several excursions after their cruise ship landed in Jamaica, Connie and her mother decided to visit Rose Hall, where they learned of a unique history.

Rose Hall was nicknamed the ‘calendar house’ because it originally had 365 windows, 52 doors and 12 bedrooms.

After choking down a cup of Witches' Brew (a strong drink of rum with a little bit of pineapple juice), we were taken upstairs by a guide to begin our tour.

Although there are many versions of the story, it generally goes like this: Annie moved to Haiti with her parents when she was ten years old. Her parents died of yellow fever and she was adopted by her Haitian nanny, who was rumored to be a voodoo queen.

Annie was keen to learn and loved the results that her new-found magical abilities produced. Her voodoo practices grew as well did her desire for control.

But Annie Palmer was a hard woman to satisfy. Even though Rose Hall was a lucrative sugar plantation with an abundance of more than 2,000 slaves (which was considered a sign of great wealth), Annie still felt the need to turn to black magic voodoo practices as a means of manipulating those around her.

The story continues to say that Annie’s black magic powers continued to increase. Unfortunately for her, she murdered the intended son-in-law of her overseer, who was himself a practitioner of voodoo.

Through a combination of physical force and black magic, the overseeer was able to kill Annie in her bedroom, but he did not survive the battle.

Even in death her slaves were terrified the White Witch would use her powers from beyond the grave.

Visitors continue to hear voices, see bloodstains, hear footsteps, music and babies crying.

Many visitors discover unusual photographs after visiting – all reminders that the presence of Annie Palmer is still evident today.

RV-ing Around the World

Stephen Hartshorne sums up the new book by David Rich, “RV the World,” in his GoNOMAD.com “Tips on How to RV All Over the World.” David Rich’s experiences from travelling are vast and vary. From all of his experience, he decided to write a book to encourage others to travel and enjoy some of the wonders and more of traveling that he got to encompass.

He has pursued freelance travel writing and exotic travel for sixteen years, living so far in more than 140 countries. However, with 191 countries in the United Nations (and 202 at the Olympics) he’s barely halfway through the list. He says he has "sold everything" and is "classically homeless."

*Overlooking the phenomenal ruins of Ancient Petra, and definitely serene in remote Wadi Rum where Larry of Arabia hung out, both in Jordan,
*Watching a full eclipse of the moon atop an RV in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia,
*Surrounded by reindeer on lakes in Finland,
*On the waterfront in Stockholm, Sweden,

Anyone can enjoy such fun while seeing the entire world, all six drivable continents, at least those who buy the only book on the planet that describes how to purchase, sell and rent RVs most anywhere in the world, or ship them between continents, and precisely how much it costs.

RV the World illustrates the simplicity of international RVing, taking the reader along on the author’s three year RV expedition through all of Europe, Scandinavia, North Africa and the Middle East, describing the ins and outs of RVing all of South America, Australia and New Zealand plus private vehicular travel through most of Africa and Asia.

Action in Wales

I never thought about travelling to Wales, but after reading Steven Bochenek, ” Coasteering in Wales: It Only Sounds Dangerous If You’re Listening,” the constant thrills and unique experience they had made me very eager to visit. Again, he describes a trip not about just visiting man made monuments, but the rush of cliff jumping, white water rafting, etc.

Though physical, coasteering’s not overwhelming. If you can walk Disneyland or the Louvre for a morning, you can coasteer. (My 11 and 14-year old daughters loved it.) The experience should be on every thrill-seeker’s bucket list, right after driving the Welsh coastal roads. An adventure in itself.

Our party hiked, squidgily, downhill to the coast. Several times, Dean pointed out interesting birds and wildflowers. The sun came out. Pembrokeshire pamphlets love to boast that they’re Britain’s third sunniest spot. Not a headlining selling point.
Still, in our black, form-fitting wetsuits, it actually became hot, a rare experience in Wales. Minutes later, the Atlantic remedied that.

“Who wants to go first?” Dean asked. The path along the dramatic bluffs off the Pembrokeshire coast are dotted with simple graphic signs that show a silhouetted hiker plunging head-first amidst crumbling cliffs. No words, English or Welsh, are necessary.

Upon our arrival, we gingerly descended a cliff to a seven-foot jump towards the onrushing surf. I volunteered to go first.

You hit the water and suddenly you’re in a blender. We slammed into one another, like peas and carrots in a boiling pot of vegetable soup. The buoyant wetsuits were insulating and further buoyed by life preservers. So there was no chance of being sucked away by undertows.

The current dragged us, floating, into a tight circular inlet. Because of its wave action, this fascinating geographic formation was dubbed the Toilet. Like wind tunnels created between skyscrapers, heavy waves would squeeze into this cliff-bowl and instantly elevate all six of us.

Okinawa's Historical Fesitval

Michael Lynch gets to celebrate Shinugu Matsuri, a large festival on the small island of Okinawa. His article, “Shinugu Matsuri: A Little-Known Festival in Okinawa,” demonstrates the enjoyable atmosphere in the historical festival that takes place on the seventh month of the year every year.

In the bit of information I had compiled, so far, I determined that males only were allowed to participate in some rituals that take place during this festival. I had seen photos of the men coming off the mountains, covered in vegetation, but none of what takes place while they’re on the mountain.

Besides women being forbidden to climb the mountain, maybe cameras were forbidden, too. Though this festival is held every year, only every other year, men climb the mountains for a special ritual, this year being when it would take place (2009).

Before 10 am people started making the headwear men crown themselves with before heading up the mountain and a fellow named Daisuke Miwa taught us how the straw and red-flowered gadgets are made. I wound up wearing one the rest of the day. I thought the flowers smelled like berries, Rachel said the scent reminded her of something from a cat.

Between ten and eleven o’clock a woman 94 years of age conducted ritual prayers and made offerings, first inside the straw-roofed hut, then at several shrines in the surrounding area. Her exact status whether priestess or the village elder will remain a mystery until I return to the village again.

The groups of men, head to the beach, chanting along the way. They line the shore and kneel for a prayer facing the mountain and repeat the ritual facing the sea. That being done, everyone tosses the vegetation in a pile and takes a quick dip in the ocean.

The participants are all dressed in traditional banana-fiber woven clothing. Some of the members dance while beating small hand-held drums, others play three-stringed instruments called sanshin. Traditional local music is piped through a speaker system and spectators line the outsides of the field sitting on mats, sipping sake.

Poems on a Stroll in London

An interesting adventure through London, not visiting all the normal monuments, but walking along the river brought Margie Goldsmith in her article, “London Calling: The City of Immoral Rhymes,” to standing in history, meeting interesting locals, and learning lots of historical poems. Her stroll through London presents a new historical view of the great city.

As I stood back up from the railing, I realized I had been leaning on a small plaque that read: “William Wordsworth 1770-1850, Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, Sept. 1802.”
This city now doth, like a garment wear
The beauty of the morning silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;

Further on, a man and woman covered head to foot in silver and wearing Elizabethan dress stood motionless, pretending to be statues.The walkway continued through a little tunnel where a gaunt-looking man wearing a red artist’s cap, old red shirt and wrinkled rain jacket stood by a display of brightly colored envelopes spread out on a blanket.

“Feel free to look,” he said,
“Do you have a poem for a tourist?” I asked, half joking.
“I do!” he said, his face brightening. “I just wrote one for a special friend of mine.”

He stood up taller, took a deep breath and began to orate in a deep theatrical voice:
This is London calling –
To a beautiful Lady
of the New World
Our old sends greeting.
My poem tucked in my pocket, I continued along the bank of the Thames and suddenly there was the Globe Theatre: round, with white plaster walls and dark wooden beams, just the way I’d seen it in books, thatched roof and all.