Archive for November, 2009
Understanding the whirling dervishes
Whirling dervishes. The term is a familiar one to many people, but what exactly is a whirling dervish? That is, beyond some exotic Middle Eastern man who twirls round and round while dressed in a white robe and tall hat? Not many people know that the dance of a whirling dervish is actually a spiritual [...]
Food that is quintessentially American
Tomorrow is the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, and families from Maine to California will be sitting down for a traditional family meal of turkey, potatoes, stuffing, corn, cranberries, and other such food staples of this holiday. But this is an interesting time to take a look at other quintessentially American foods that have [...]
Using travel to develop character in your children
Traveling with children. It’s a nightmare scenario for some people, but for many others it’s a not-to-be-missed family activity and an indispensable tool for teaching children about life in the world. Rachel Denning just wrote a great article for Boots ‘n All about this topic.
It’s long been thought of as an activity that can’t be [...]
Is Venice dying?
It certainly seems that way to the Venetians who recently staged a mock funeral for their city. They were protesting the fact that the local population continues to shrink, while the cost of housing and the number of tourists continue to rise. A NY Times article reported on the event:
Part photo opportunity, part political theater, the [...]
Riel World photo – Kayan tribe, Thailand
Chang Mai, Thailand
A woman from the Kayan tribe (popularly known as the “Long Necks”). This is a Burmese tribe, some of whose members now live in northern Thailand. The females wear neck rings that push down the collar bone and gives the appearance of a long neck.
Fascinating local markets around the world
I love to wander through local markets in different countries. I enjoy the colors and smells and sounds, but most of all the window they provide into a different culture. The foods people eat, the products they shop for, the clothing they wear, the way they haggle (or don’t haggle) over prices. So I loved [...]
Bookstores can also be travel destinations
Yes, Borders or Barnes and Noble can be fine places to shop or hang out. But there is something to be said for the thrill of wandering the aisles of a bookstore with a truly distinctive feel and personality. Places that take on the character and personality of the city in which they’re located. That’s why some [...]
Movies and travel are a great mix
You’ve seen The Lord of the Rings and dreamed of traveling to New Zealand, where many of the amazingly beautiful scenes were filmed. You’ve sung along with Meryl Streep during Mamma Mia and wondered what achingly beautiful Greek island was the setting for that movie. Yes, movies can be a great boost to a region’s tourist industry, and a [...]
The (slowly) changing role of women in Saudi Arabia
National culture changes very slowly, but there is no doubt that it is something that constantly evolves. Sometimes in small ways over centuries, and sometimes in bigger ways over shorter periods of time. One example of this is the role of women in the Middle East, and particularly in the conservative nation of Saudi Arabia. [...]
Who needs oceans when there are so many great lakes?
Nearly everyone enjoys a trip to the ocean. The sound of the surf, the smell of the salt air, the view stretching out to the horizon. But the ocean isn’t the only place one can enjoy a water vacation. There are lakes, as well. And the Brilliant Trips website ran an interesting feature a while back on some of [...]
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Bob Riel is a writer and a traveler. Go here to read more about Bob, his work and the Travels in the Riel World blog.
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My travel memoir - Two Laps Around the World: Tales and Insights from a Life Sabbatical - is about two round-the-world journeys with my wife.
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