Starting in 1996, Alexa Internet has been donating their crawl data to the Internet Archive. Flowing in every day, these data are added to the Wayback Machine after an embargo period.
Adil Najam, founding editor of the All Things Pakistan blog, was driving back from the airport in Islamabad when he noticed a banner welcoming Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek to the capital city. A kind notion, for sure, but there's one problem: whoever created the banner used a "check" flag instead of a Czech flag.
"I rushed back to see if I would figure out who was responsible for this little gaffe and maybe alert them to the mistake before the Czech PM arrived," writes Adil. "Unfortunately, it turned out that the Czech PM was already here."
Adil's theory -- and I tend to agree with him -- is the person responsible for designing the banner mistakenly Google'd "check flag" instead of "Czech flag".
From Karachi, Pakistan to Koh Samui, Thailand to Chelewah, Washington people are celebrating the earth this weekend. Yep, Earth Day is April 22. You can plant trees, clean up a beach, go to a lecture, canoe, pet animals, hike, dance, sing, participate in a 5-K run and eat Earth Day fare at an Earth Day fair somewhere on the planet. The calendar page of the website Envirolink: The Online Environment Community lists scads of possibilities.
Each link goes to a link that links to each event's website for more information. This is a place you can spend a lot of time just to see what people who are environmentally conscience are up to. Here's one event that caught my attention. John Muir's Birthday Hike is taking place near Madison, Wisconsin. Muir was the founder of the Sierra Club and his boyhood home is part of the John Muir Memorial County Park. This event includes talks about Muir and his writing. Plus, there is a hike and a tour of the house he grew up in.
To find an Earth Day event near you, check out the Earth Day website. It looks like you can type in where you live and events near you will pop up. If you're wondering what started Earth Day, here is an overview.
Also, stay tuned for Gadling's April 22 posts when Gadling writers' pay homage to Earth Day with their special brand of posts and whatnot.
Of course, you probably don't think of these places as vacation destinations, unless you're a whacked-out Robert Young Pelton. However, employees of governments, oil and mining industries, and telecom industries are increasingly being dispatched to these locations. If you work for one of those groups, be certain to ask about insurance, hazard pay -- and a bodyguard.
Interestingly, the piece argues that the world is NOT getting more dangerous right now. Rather, globalization and the attendant "shrinking" of the planet is largely responsible for making the world APPEAR more dangerous now than before. Whether or not you agree with that assertion, the article is interesting, and the gallery is frightening.
Danyal handicrafts is comprised of members of the Solangi family. Together, they make "electrical operated functional cultural models," which are doll-like, mini-robots that help demonstrate and explain the culture of the Sindhi people, who are found in Pakistan and India.
These "cultural models" are amazingly lifelike and can be positioned in culturally-relevant settings. As for the "electrical" part? The models move! Danyal has some super-short videos of, for example, a woman preparing a meal, a man throwing a clay pot, and another man, um, relaxing.
While I'm not sure these are going to be the hot new toy for Christmas this year, it's interesting to remember that not every culture thinks Barbie is representative of its people.
On second thought, what culture does think Barbie is representative of its people?
This is a recent photo of a resort area called Nathiagali, in northern Pakistan. The picture reveals the reality: lush evergreen forests, high mountains (8200 ft, where this photo was taken). While the photo may not be like some of the super artsy items we've thrown on these pages, I got this from a friend who is an embassy worker in Pakistan. The photo is here because it's a glimpse of a world that we hear a lot about (mostly bad, unfortunately), but about which we, as Westerners, know almost nothing. (To plan your trip, start here. For more photos, try here.) Thanks, Suzi!
Namira Salim is not an astronaut. She does music, art, sculpture and is a peace activist, but among all this she will become the first Pakistani woman to tour outer space. In 2008 she will set out with Virgin Galactic (sister company to Virgin Atlantic) as one of the good will ambassadors for the company. The lucky woman was chosen as a member of Virgin Galactic Founders Club out of some 40,000 registrants. I'm not sure who the other lucky space travelers will be as the story as featured on South Asia Biz only mentions Ms. Salim.
Now this isn't to take any attention off of Namira Salim, but I do art, like music and consider myself a highly peaceful person and I'd like to go to space. You know, I'm just saying this in the event that Sir Richard Branson is reading right now. It never hurts to have alternates and I wonder if they have a blogger in their far-out crew? You know, I'm just going to open this whole thing up for anyone with some extra cash to burn and not just Mr. Branson - be the first to help send a real travel blogger into space. That would be me, Adrienne Wilson of course. Pretty please.
I've used climbing K2, the second highest mountain on Earth, as a conversation starter before, but it won't keep me from using it again. After you see today's word from one of the lesser spoken languages of Pakistan you'll understand why.
Khowar is classified as a Dardic language and is spoken by some 400,000 people in Northwest Pakistan. If you're going over to the country try learning Urdu first. Online sources for Khowar are scarce.
Urdu is the official language of Pakistan, spoken by some 61 million natives and 104 million total. The language falls under the Indo-Aryan family, developed under Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. From my own Persian studies I've noticed several closely related if not exact same word. Unless someone out there has a few recommendations on learning Urdu on the web other than what is provided here, this could be a small challenge. For some basics on the script and general background info visit UK India. Otherwise I'd say it's time to head over to My Language Exchange to find some native speakers looking to swap your lingo knowledge for theirs. Click here for a pretty good blog on a world of Urdu topics.
Here's something to spend just a few moments checking out. On August 7th, Amnesty International held a global vigil for ceasefire in the Lebanon/Israel conflict. The gallery showcases how members and supporters from over 30 countries came together to show their solidarity for victims and survivors of both sides. Quite moving in a way - it includes shots of people covered in banners, sprawled out in streets, and candles spelling out "ceasefire" in Arabic from Beirut. Take a look at how folks in Paris, Pakistan and Santiago demonstrated their cry for peace and ceasefire.
For the herds of you heading over to Pakistan next month - just thought to point out the 57th celebration of independence from British rule occurring on August 14. Anyone with a Lonely Planet guide is probably well aware and ready to party like a local, but just thought I'd throw it out there along with the word for today.
Urdu is the official language of the country, spoken by some 61 million natives and 104 million total. The language falls under the Indo-Aryan family, developed under Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. From my own Persian studies I've noticed several closely related if not exact same word. Unless someone out there has a few recommendations on learning Urdu on the web other than what is provided here, this could be a small challenge. For some basics on the script and general background info visit UK India. Otherwise I'd say it's time to head over to My Language Exchange to find some native speakers looking to swap your lingo knowledge for theirs. Click here for a pretty good blog on a world of Urdu topics.
Every once in a while it's nice to remind ourselves about places that may not be on the top of our travel lists, but we forget exist or never knew existed. As I've been sharing some upcoming travel plans with people it's suddenly starting to strike a nerve how much of the population is unaware of other smaller countries or entire regions to boot! On a recent trip into a book store for some quick guide book hunting my conversation with the clerk went something like this:
"Excuse me, do you happen to have any travel guides on Central Asia or Tajikistan," I said.
The clerk scratches his head and replies, "Hmm... Why no, no one goes there."
"But you're missing a HUGE chunk of the world and I'm going," I responded.
An older gent with his head tucked in an Eyewitness Travel Guide for France looks up in curiosity. "Then you're probably the only one going then," he concluded.
"Thanks, I'll look online," I said.
After this conversation at the bookstore I have found myself being questioned as to why I'd want to go any placed that ended in -stan or where the heck Tajikistan is, but the better question will always be, why not?! Anyhow, I didn't start all this to moan and groan. Instead I just wanted to provide a quick Central Asia refresher. Wikipedia is one of the best places to start for the basics which I'll just throw out right here/right now. Central Asia is comprised of the following: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, western China, northeast Iran, Afghanistan, western Pakistan, and central-east Russia south of the Taiga.
The borders of Central Asia have been defined a number of ways, but in one of the broader cases this is probably your best bet. There - I feel much better now. If you've got some Central Asia travel experiences to share please feel to tell all. For those who hadn't a clue before, I hope this provides a small amount of insight.
The Kite Flying Festival in Lahore, Pakistan has gained much international attention lately due to Khalid Hosseini's bestselling novel The Kite Runner. Unfortunately, it has also received too much attention in Pakistan as well, according to Sam Knight of The Times (UK).
In his wonderfully penned essay, Knight tells us that the annual festival (known as Basant) isn't a bunch of kids merrily lofting kites into the air, but rather a cutthroat competition in which kite flyers use their kite strings to sever the strings of other kites and send them tumbling back down to earth. Over the years, however, competitors have engaged in an increasingly dangerous arms race in which kite strings are now coated in crushed glass, acid, or slivers of sharp metal. As kites are downed, these treacherous strings dangle from trees and electrical lines, often snagging passersby and motorcyclists. Last year 24 people died from injuries sustained from these so-called death strings.
As if this wasn't bad enough, corporate sponsors have stepped in to hijack the event, contributing to a growing atmosphere of drinking, partying, and profiteering that has raised the ire of local devout Muslims.
Faced with such growing concerns, Pakistan actually banned kite flying last December. This naturally resulted in protests and a rash of illegal kites taking to the air. A ban was also put in place for the Lahore festival which was to take place earlier this month at the beginning of Spring. As Knight reports, however, the ban was openly defied throughout Lahore despite legions of police confiscating kites and arresting many of those who dared send their creations aloft.
Adventure skiing usually involves steep slopes and challenging terrain, not armed soldiers and disputed
territories. Yet, this is exactly what journalist Tam Leach potentially faced when he traveled to one of the more dangerous places on this
planet, Kashmir, to do a little skiing.
Skiing is certainly not the first thing you think of when you hear the word Kashmir. Some think of sweaters,
others think of Led Zeppelin. I think about the six backpackers kidnapped a few years ago, a couple of which
ended up beheaded.
Kashmir, however, is so much more than this. Located in the Himalayas between India and Pakistan (and thus
the root of the armed conflict over the region) Kashmir is beautiful, mystic country that becomes covered in snow
during wintertime. It is also home to the world’s highest gondola at 13,400ft.
Leach discovers phenomenal skiing here at a resort called Gulmarg. I’m not a huge skier myself, but his
description of the slopes and conditions are enough to make me travel half way around the world to engage in a little
adventure skiing. Leach falls in love with the place, yearning after his return home for “the powder, for
the starry Himalayan skies, for the sensation of skiing close to the top of the world.” But it is not just
the skiing. Unlike most ski holidays, he actually has a deeply cultural experience interacting with the
natives. His greatest desire is to simply return and drink tea with them once again.
Adventure and Pakistan are synonymous. Period. I'm not the only one who feels this way. A visit to the country is an undertaking several will think about and few will dare pursue. Many of you in some point in time have probably dreamed of climbing K2, the second highest mountain in the world while others wishing only to go only to experience the country's film industry, Lollywood. Pakistan ain't all mountains and happy-go-lucky sing-song films though, the northern part of the country is known for a portion of the famed Silk Route, Gandhara heritage, and ancient civilizations. On the other hand communal violence and the media's look at Islamic fundamentalism keeps even the most adventurous travelers wandering. Whatever your reasons, mentioning Pakistan to the lesser explored family members will probably raise an eyebrow or two.
Chances are Grandma, Aunt Edna and Uncle Bob will all try to talk you out of your Pakistan endeavor. If you're lucky they'll make a little travel kit, pat you on the back, and send you packing without the worry and concern. Who likes going on a trip knowing dear old mom's poor heart might under go cardiac arrest because you've gone off braving the world in some of the most 'khatarnak' or dangerous locales? Show them how carefully planned your travel itinerary is and woo them with a few Urdu phrases before you go.
Urdu is the official language of the country, spoken by some 61 million natives and 104 million total. The language falls under the Indo-Aryan family, developed under Persian, Turish, and Arabic. From my own Persian studies I've noticed several closely related if not exact same word. Unless someone out there has a few recommendations on learning Urdu on the web other than what is provided here, this could be a small challenge. For some basics on the script and general background info visit UK India. Otherwise I'd say it's time to head over to My Language Exchange to find some native speakers looking to swap your lingo knowledge for theirs. Click here for a pretty good blog on a world of Urdu topics.