Follow this photographic journey around the coast of Bonaire:

Bonaire beach and cacti [featured at top] 

Slavery is a common theme when studying the history of the Caribbean islands. Bonaire’s history is no different. The Spanish and the Dutch fought for years with the latter eventually gaining control of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. Africans and Indians were used as labor with slaves living in quarters that were too short to stand in.

Former slave houses of Bonaire

Historically, salt production was the main labor for enslaved inhabitants. The salt industry still exists today and the solar salt farms along the southern part of Bonaire are used mostly for the creation of industrial salt. More important for visitors, the salt flats are a beautiful addition to the local landscape.

Salt flats of Bonaire

Miles of beaches covered in coral are found near the salt flats. Few venture into the waters of this area for swimming and much of it is uninhabited outside of a variety of birds and marine life. A lighthouse and its abandoned keeper’s house are a nice find for photographers.

Lighthouse

If you’re visiting Bonaire for diving or other water-related activities, a trip along the coast is a worthwhile addition to your stay. It’s only a short drive from the resorts. That or a day trip to Washington Slagbaai National Park with its cacti, flamingos and a sandy beach is a must.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

This stay [press trip] to Bonaire was courtesy of Tourism Corporation Bonaire. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya 

While such a beautiful resort has everything you need for a short or lengthy stay in Mexico, there are also lots of activities for couples or families that are available off grounds. One that we sampled was swimming with dolphins. If you’re planning a trip to Playa Del Carmen, a stay at Grand Velas can be combined with this or other activities. See their dolphins package for more information.

We arrived at Dolphin Discovery on a cloudy day. Perfect afternoon for an excursion. The leader of the program was a man who clearly loved working with dolphins, Remón and Diana. The small group started with a dolphin kiss and handshake. The latter felt more like a dance.

After that introduction to Remón and Diana, each member of the group had an opportunity to swim with the two dolphins. The swim is exciting and quick. While you might have a few nerves as they take off, it is a safe experience that you’ll want to do again.

Dolphin Encounter

In addition to the dolphin swim, participants get to partake in some dolphin tricks including playing with a ball and a dolphin jump. We were also treated to holding a manatee and a brief swim near sting rays and sharks in a separate area. Be aware that cameras are not allowed. There will, however, be a photographer taking photos that will later be available for purchase.

The dolphin encounter involves quite a few activities and a significant time with the animals. It will be nice to get back to Grand Velas with their friendly and attentive service afterwards. A relaxing seat next to your suites’ private plunge pool or a drink at the swim-up pool bar is highly recommended.

Grand Velas Lunch 

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

This stay [press trip] at Grand Velas was courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Maya. The dolphin encounter was courtesy of Dolphin Discovery. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey around the ghats of Pushkar:

Steps of the Ghat

Sacred cows are seen throughout India including Pushkar. Whether it’s a rural area or walking down the streets of a major city cows are a permanent part of the landscape. Revered by followers of the Hindu faith, the animals are well fed by owners and local passers-by. People are often seen petting the gentle creatures [see photo below]. Do note that beef is not readily available in Hindu communities. Travelers can venture into the Muslim community for that. 

Local Cow

Before visiting the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake, indulge in some of the local street food. The cuisine uses a variety of spices and flavors that remains unmatched by other ethnic foods. After filling up, walk the streets of Pushkar which are filled with small shops that sell local products ranging from bracelets and clothing to the colorful powder used during festivals like Holi. That festival involves the throwing of colorful powder and water at friends and family.

Colored Powder 

The ghats of Pushkar are considered a holy place. Hindus use the steps to descend into the sacred waters of the lake. Each ghat has a unique feel to it ranging from a place of solitude to a more celebratory atmosphere. Foreigners are expected to remove their shoes when entering the ghat area.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

 ____________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey into the temple complex: 

Angkor Wat Tree Roots

Massive tree roots engulf many of the temple structures especially at Ta Prohm.  It is one of the most visually pleasing segments of Angkor.

Angkor Wat Tree Roots

The space is filled with lots of detailed figures. Many of them represent Hindu devatas [deities or celestial beings]. Along with that representation comes a variety of Hindu stories told through carvings in the stone. 

Buddhist statues demonstrate later influences at Angkor Wat. At the same time, scattered stones and partial structures show years of wear and tear at the grand temples.

For tourists visiting Angkor Wat, the temple complex has hundreds of structures over a considerable distance. Consider spending several days viewing them. Hiring a motorbike or renting a bicycle is a great way to get around.

Angkor Wat Carving

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

__________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Few experiences are as lovely as waking up to the sun’s rays shining on your face. It’s especially enjoyable when it happens over the balcony of your accommodations [The Phoenix Resort] in view of palm trees and the crystal clear waters of San Pedro, Belize. San Pedro, a hip town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye, has a range of activities and restaurants that will keep even the most seasoned travelers awed.

                                                       Sunrise                                                        

Swimming With Sharks

No trip to San Pedro would be complete without a visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserves and Shark Ray Alley. Depending on the location of your hotel, a simple walk along the white sand beaches of the town will lead you to a surplus of companies who specialize in diving and snorkeling trips. This included seeing sea turtles, barracudas, sharks and stingrays over the course of a forty-minute swim. For those who are interested in getting close to the wildlife, at the end of the expedition a local guide or local will hold onto sharks and stingrays for participants to pet.

Swimming With Sharks 

Streets of San Pedro

After filling much of the morning with swimming and sunning, it’s a smart move to navigate the shop-filled streets of San Pedro looking for lunch. Be sure to keep your wits about you during your walk as golf carts, which can be rented on the island, are often whizzing bye.

Our landing spot for the afternoon was Elvi’s Kitchen. The restaurant gives off the feeling of home both in its presentation and cuisine. Started by Elvi Staines and her family, the spot has become the most famous restaurant on the island. Patrons can select from a wide-range of fresh seafood, which is prepared with a local touch. On this day, the ceviche, conch and coconut curry shrimp were particularly memorable.

Parasailing

If you’re looking for some excitement after lunch, parasailing in the early evening will provide for a unique experience. Either in pairs or solo, Extreme Adventures will launch willing participants off their boats and over the waters of Belize connected to their parasailing gear. There is a slight adrenaline rush after lift off, but a relative calm sets in while looking over the blue waters and island formations off the coast of the Central American nation. The activity is also considered to be safe and people of various ages and abilities will be able to participate.  

The Phoenix Resort  [See also featured photo at the top] 

I was joined on the trip by travel writers: Melanie Waldman of Travels With Two, Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless, Kara Williams of The Vacation Gals and Kerrin Rousset of MyKugelhopf.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

This stay [press trip] to Belize was courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

1. Before Sunset [2004]

Director: Richard Linklater
Protagonists: Ethan Hawke [Jesse] and Julie Delpy [Celine]

Jesse: “What do you think were the chances of us ever meeting again?”

Celine: “After that December, I’d say almost zero. But we’re not real anyway, right? We’re just, uh, characters in that old lady’s dream.”

Ever meet the person of your dreams while traveling? Before Sunset sequel to Before Sunrise, is about the second meeting of Jesse and Celine. The two characters, initially, had a brief love affair after meeting on a train to Vienna, Austria. Nine years later, the two met again at Jesse’s book reading about the romance, at Shakespeare & Co in Paris. With just a few hours before Jesse’s plane leaves for the United States, Celine takes him on a stroll through Paris and a walk through memory lane. In addition to showing the beauty of Parisian life, Before Sunset delves into the ways in which the protagonists recall events along with the difference between the idealism of our 20’s and the realism of the next stage of life.

Each person we meet in life, traveling or otherwise, provides a piece of our life’s puzzle. As Celine says, “you can never replace anyone because everyone is made up of such beautiful specific details.”

Sacre Coeur

2. Amélie [2001]

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Protagonist: Audrey Tautou [Amélie]

Amélie: “I like to look for things no one else catches. I hate the way drivers never look at the road in old movies.”

It’s the details of Paris that make it such an alluring destination. Jeunet’s film provides a visual masterpiece with a focus on the musing of Amélie and her Montmartre neighborhood. A single waitress, Amélie spends her time attempting to help Parisians fix their lives. In the process, she realizes that it’s her own life that needs to be altered. Travelers will see a lot of themselves in Amélie’s character. They’ll also appreciate her father’s longing to travel along with her attempts to motivate him to follow through on the dream using a garden gnome.

3. The Dreamers [2003]

Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Protagonists: Michael Pitt [Matthew], Eva Green [Isabelle], and Louis Garrel [Theo]

Isabelle & Theo: “We accept you, one of us! One of us!”

The ultimate experience in traveling or living abroad is being accepted as part of the local community. In The Dreamers, Matthew manages to become part of an Parsian family. He originally went to the City of Light, as an American exchange student, with an obsessive love for the cinema. Set in the turbulent May 1968 Paris, Matthew befriends Isabelle and Theo. We learn that the two siblings are a little too close for comfort. Along the way, Bertolucci infuses the film with his love of Paris. His audience slowly falls in love with the city and cinema itself as the characters interminably refer to and act out great film scenes.

As Matthew states, “I saw a movie at the cinémathèque française [and] I thought, “only the French…only the French would house a cinema inside a palace.”

La Sorbonne

4. Breathless or À bout de soufflé [1960]

Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Protagonists: Jean-Paul Belmondo [Michel Poiccard] and Jean Seberg [Patricia Franchini]

Patricia: “I entered this world on the Champs-Elysees, 1959. La trottoir du Champs Elysees. And do you know what my very first words were? New York Herald Tribune! New York Herald Tribune!”

As with Matthew of The Dreamers, Patricia Franchini is an American studying in Paris in Breathless. A student of journalism at the Sorbonne, Patricia meets Michel. Michel is a young troublemaker who has an affinity for American cinema and petty theft. Along the way, Michel’s troubles escalate leading to the shooting of a police officer. He turns to the alluring Patricia to provide him with shelter during the storm.

Godard, one of the leading directors of the French New Wave of cinema, provides travelers with one of the great films set in Paris. It gives viewers a taste of Paris in its hectic and revolutionary days.

5. 2 Days in Paris [2007]

Director: Julie Delpy
Protagonists: Adam Goldberg [Jack] and Julie Delpy [Marion]

Jack: “Can I use this thermometer?” [thermometer in mouth]
Marion: “I usually don’t use this one in the mouth. I mean…”
Jack: “Oh, come on! What is wrong with you?”
Marion: “What? It’s a French thermometer.”

Julie Delpy [Marion] returns to direct and star in a tale of a New York-based French woman in love with an American [see Before Sunset]. Two Days in Paris chronicles the couples’ trip to Europe including their soujourn to France. Marion and Jack follow the trail of many travelers who take off, across the globe, in hopes of rekindling their relationships. Unfortunately for this couple, Paris is a tougher cultural experience than Jack can handle. Filled with humor and intellectual banter — 2 Days in Paris is a worth a watch.

6. Paris Je T’aime or Paris, I Love You [2007]

Directors: Twenty Different Individuals

Carol: “Sitting there, alone in a foreign country, far from my job and everyone I know, a feeling came over me. It was like remembering something I’d never known before or had always been waiting for, but I didn’t know what.”

Paris, Je T’Aime is a tribute to the City of Light. Twenty directors filmed segments of the movie detailing every aspect of Parisian life. This Ode to Paris delves into the human experience with a connection to their urban jungle. Though there are melancholy segments in the film, viewers walk away with a true feeling that Paris penetrates the core of its inhabitants and visitors. The film may be best for those returning from a trip to Paris. It stirs up all the small joys a traveler experiences in the city.

Arc de Triomphe 

7. Last Tango in Paris [1973]

Director: Bernardo Bertolucci
Protagonists: Marlon Brando [Paul] and Maria Schneider [Jeanne]

Paul: “I’m awfully sorry to intrude, but I was so struck with your beauty that I thought perhaps I could offer you a glass of champagne.” “Is this seat taken?”

Jeanne: “No.”

A controversial film starring Marlon Brando [Paul] playing an American expatriate in Paris. Paul is struggling to cope with the suicide of his wife. That episode fills the protagonist with grief and aggression. The outlet for his emotions is French woman named Jeanne. Paul proceed to be involved in an intimate relationship with Jeanne. The arrangement calls for no names to be exchanged. 

When Jeanne is finally ready to end the affair for a traditional marriage, Paul reveals his love for her: “you ran through Africa and Asia and Indonesia, and now I found you. And I love you. I want to know your name!” Jeanne responds with a simple, “Jeanne.”

Last Tango in Paris isn’t ideal for all travelers, but it’s a masterpiece in filmmaking and character studies.

8. Ratatouille [2007]

Co-Directors: Brad Bird and Jan Pinkava

Remy: “What are you eating?”
Emile: “I don’t really know. I think it was some sort of wrapper once.”
Remy: “What? No! You’re in Paris now, baby! My town! No brother of mine eats rejecta-menta in my town!”

Ratatouille is perfect for families traveling with young children. It’s also wonderful for adults who are passionate about French cuisine. It’s an animated tale that stars a rat named Remy. Remy has dreams of leaving the sewers of the city to become a well-respected chef in Paris. Putting his life on the line, Remy manages to win the hearts of the kitchen staff along with the members of the audience.

The film evokes a love for the underdog along with a feeling of passion for French delicacies. It also succeeds in reminding us of the magic of eating at the family table growing up. Don’t let the animation fool you. This story is human at its core.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

 Photos © Gennaro Salamone

____________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey featuring the Akha hill tribe transplanting rice: 

Khum Lanna 

We were set for a sunrise biking tour along the rural country road from San Kwang village to Phrao to visit the local markets. Leaving the charming Khum Lanna, we were met by steady rains that prevented a view of the sunrise. Despite that, the early showers on the emerald-green rice paddies provided a tranquil atmosphere for the sojourn.

Transplanting Rice 

We visited the local markets, stopping for tea and an interesting traditional drink that consisted mainly of raw eggs, before heading off to the area of the rice paddies where the Akha tribe was transplanting rice. Working in the rice paddies appeared to be labor intensive, but smiles were common among the local inhabitants. This work is essential to the economic success of Thailand, which is the world’s biggest rice exporter according to the Bangkok Post.

The highlight of the morning was an opportunity to join the Akha in the rice paddies for some hands-on learning. It’s one thing to observe the nature of the labor, but having your legs ankle deep in mud while bending to stick rice plants into the ground gives a new level of understanding. We were fortunate to have a guide who had relationships with the community. Sometimes, it’s worthwhile to forgo complete independence while traveling.

Traditional Cups

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

This stay [press trip] to Thailand was courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey through the lens of local New York photographer, James Maher.

This is a time-lapse exposure of a busy city crowd moving through Grand Central Station.  The effect was created completely in-camera. The woman seemed to be a lonely tourist waiting for someone to come rescue her.  She was so amazingly still that she looked afraid to even move. I never saw anyone come, and she soon walked off by herself.

Waiting in Grand Central Station, New York City

This is a photo that I’ve been wanting to take for a long time. It captures two New York City subway trains in motion. This image was also created completely in-camera at the 72nd Street station in 2010.

Subway Trains in Motion, 72nd Street, New York City 

This photo was taken from the top of my mother’s building on Broadway and 94th street on a hot summer night in June of 2007. Lightning was flashing all around the building and the wind was gusting hard. Soon after this photo, it started to pour and the lightning strikes got close enough that I thought it best to leave. Earlier in the day, it is believed that one of these strikes hit a substation in Queens and was the cause of a blackout in the Bronx and on the Upper East Side, which created a lot of chaos during the 90 degree weather.

Lightning over Manhattan, New York City

This photo was taken during the huge blizzard that hit the city in 2003. The snowstorm created such bad conditions that for much of the day I was completely lost in the park. At some point I found this bridge to seek refuge under. It didn’t take long before this couple came along with the same idea.

Couple in Snowstorm, Central Park, New York City

The Chrysler Building, in my opinion, is the most iconic building in the city. The Gargoyles are probably the most talked about aspect of this classic Art Deco building, but I much prefer the metal spire, which can often be seen glinting like a diamond in the hot sun, or glowing throughout the night.

Chrysler Building Spire, New York City

NYC Photos © James Maher

Featured Photo © Janne Rakkolainen

____________________________________________________________________________________
James Maher is a fine art street and studio photographer based in New York City.  James credits his inspiration for photography to his love for the city and its endless supply of personalities to capture and streets to explore. His New York photography consists of both scenic and architectural views of the city, as well as the close up daily life of the people on the streets.

The World’s Best Festivals & Parties

Visiting a country in the mist of a festival is a great way to meet locals, observe culture, and have a lot of fun. Rough Guide’s World Party website provides a comprehensive search function for the best festivals from across the globe. It allows visitors to explore in a variety of ways including by specific festival, month, country or theme [music, food, parades, drink, religion]. Have a week off in April? Try the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Headed to Spain this August? Visit Buñol on the last Wednesday of the month for La Tomatina.

Do note that festivals bring in lots of locals and tourists. Plan ahead for accommodations.

Roof Top @ Bangkok, Thailand

Throw a Dart at a World Map

That’s exactly what I did back in 1998. With so many great destinations, I was looking to select a place for a study abroad trip. A friend dared me to toss a dart at an oversized world map on the wall. A small hole in that friend’s wall resulted in a summer of study in the Czech Republic. Prague delivered a fascinating city along with informative courses in Central European politics, the Holocaust and Czech literature. The works of Milan Kundera were notable on that trip.

X [Formerly Twitter]

Searching for the latest hot spots or newly uncovered gems? X [formerly Twitter] has thousands of travel experts spreading their wisdom. It’s a unique opportunity to have a discussion with a travel blogger, innkeeper or travel-industry specialist within the context of a community discussion. Take in their tweets for ideas or send an @ message for a specific suggestion.

Follow me on X [Formerly Twitter] @GennaroSalamone. 

Huacachina. Peru

World Heritage List

The World Heritage list offers over 800 sites of natural or cultural value from around the world. Their committee looks to help preserve and promote places that exhibit human creative genius or natural wonders, especially ones with universal value for visitors. Italy has the highest number of sites recognized by the World Heritage Committee with over forty properties. The committee also has an inventory of places that are in danger including popular sites like the Galápagos Islands and Old City of Jerusalem. The Democratic Republic of the Congo leads the way with five endangered locations.

Let Your Travel Magazine or Blog Readers Decide

Though it’s an easier task for travel bloggers who already have an audience with an interest in the topic, any blogger has the ability to use their communication device to elicit suggestions. Have readers fill the comment section with submissions. Knowing that a few jokers will attempt to send the blogger off to the Gulag, take the ideas and narrow them to a few acceptable recommendations. Use the most popular entries to conduct a final poll. This will lead to a significant interest among readers in relation to the details in the forthcoming trip posts.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salmone

___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey into the home of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Buddhist Knot, Bodh Gaya 

Bodh Gaya is filled with Buddhist temples that were built by governments throughout Asia. Every nation with a significant Buddhist population has built their own temple to pay respect to the place of Buddha’s enlightenment.

Relaxing Monks

Buddhist monks from a variety of nations make the pilgrimage to the Mahabodhi Temple to meditate under the Bodhi tree. It’s a peaceful respite from the chaos of India’s urban areas.

All Buddhist traditions have Bhikkhuni [Buddhist Nuns]. While nuns take the same important vows, their position and stature within the Buddhist community is largely determined by their country.

The Bodhi Tree, Mahabodhi Temple 

The Bodhi tree at Mahabodhi Temple is an ancestor of the original tree that Siddhartha Guatama attained enlightenment under around 530 BCE. Visitors and monks alike wait for falling Bodhi leaves which symbolize good fortune.

Prayer Flags

Buddhist Emperor Asoka is considered the founder of the Mahabodhi Temple. It’s a brilliant architectural structure. The central tower rises to over 180 feet [55 meters]. Lucky prayer flags are seen throughout the complex.

Bodh Gaya is home to thousands of Buddha statues of various sizes. Each statue has a unique meaning in connection with the Buddha’s positioning and facial expression.

Buddhist chanting takes place regularly under the Bodhi tree. Pilgrims and tourists alike take in the beautiful rhythms of the chants. Many visitors and monks begin to pray at this moment.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Peruvians continue to proudly point out the remaining aspects of the culture including a durable Inca stone wall. Even today, Cusco has maintained a level of grandeur. That and its close proximity to Machu Picchu make Cusco one of the most popular cities for travelers to South American continent.

Follow this photographic journey through the historical capital of the Incas: 

Cusco Architecture 

The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is filled with beautiful architecture. This gathering place is the location of the city’s cathedral. As with most Peruvian cities, the influence of the Spanish Empire is visually apparent.

Catholicism has a substantial influence on local culture. Processions to honor patron saints or Jesus Christ are regular occurrences. These processions are a great way to observe locals spending time with their families. 

Procession in Cusco

Indigenous textile markets provide travelers with plenty of warm clothing options for the trip to Machu Picchu. Together with the textiles, Cusco has a sizable food market with fresh produce, cheeses and meats. It’s also a fun place to observe the haggling between locals.

Cusco’s architecture shows both Incan and Spanish influences. It is, perhaps, the best place in Peru to view this combination. A bonus to travelers is viewing the majestic hills around the city along with the stunning blue skies. Perfect for photographers.

As you sit in the Plaza de Armas, try to avoid overexertion and altitude sickness.

Sacred Mountains 

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

On arrival, several gentle giants standing near the river met our group of travel writers [and editors]. Among the elephants was a pregnant female who managed to carry two of us along the mountainous jungle scenery down the river. The secret to riding this particular elephant was to ensure that she was fed plenty of bananas. Be sure to put aside enough bananas for the entire trip, as her trunk will be jumping back to collect a reward every few steps.
 

Elephant Eating a Banana

Behind the pregnant giant was a 3-year old baby elephant that followed along for the journey sans passenger. He spent most of the trip using his trunk to throw dirt over his shoulder ensuring protection against the sun and insects. While the ride along the river was wonderful, the highlight of the day was bonding with the baby elephant at the end. I walked over to the receptive animal and proceeded to hug him. It’s not every day that you can connect with one of the largest land mammals.

Elephant Reaching for a Banana

There are several options that allow for a similar experience. Elephant Nature Park is one of the better choices with over thirty rescued elephants from infants to old-timers. They have everything from day trips to three-week long volunteer stays.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

This stay [press trip] to Thailand was courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The content and opinions in the article are those of the author.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Named after its founder, Jacques Torres, who grew up in a small town in the southern region of Provence, this chocolate shop tops the list. With four locations in the city, Jacques Torres manages to create chocolate that will triumph over your taste buds. For the ultimate experience — visit their Hudson Street location to witness chocolate being made from fresh beans. The entire place is enveloped by glass to allow patrons to watch the factory do its magic.

2. Martine’s Chocolates

Martine’s Chocolates creates a variety of fresh cream chocolates and truffles. Their delicacies are handmade right in front of their customers with the finest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut couverture chocolate, French butter and fresh American cream. Martine’s is, perhaps, the best place in the city to watch the chocolate-making process. Be sure to take out an order of your favorites in their signature pink boxes for a friend.

Neighborhood Building [NYC]

3. MarieBelle

MarieBelle doesn’t manufacture chocolate. They create works of art. The most aesthetically pleasing on the list, MarieBelle’s chocolates will satisfy all of your senses. Their traditional blue boxes are the perfect gift for a loved one. Each box is filled with a sampling of their finest work. MarieBelle also has entertainment on Wednesday nights. Visitors will enjoy Jazz In The Chocolate Factory at their Madison Avenue location.

4. Kee’s Chocolates

Founded by Kee Ling Tong, Kee’s Chocolates makes handmade bon-bons and hand-rolled confections. Their flavors have an international taste with imported yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France and saffron from Spain. This is the ideal stop for individuals who prefer the feel of Upstate New York shop over the glitz of La Maison or elegance of MarieBelle. Be sure to try the ultra-creamy truffles.

5. La Maison du Chocolat

La Maison du Chocolat built its reputation as one of the preeminent chocolatiers in France. It has extended that legacy to New York City. The most expensive chocolate on the list, La Maison creates mouthwatering ganaches, pralinés and a variety of fruited chocolates. Do note that it’s closer to an ultra-high-end boutique than a quaint shop.

Stained Glass at Neighborhood Church [NYC]

6. Mondel Homemade Chocolates

Mondel Homemade Chocolates has been a neighborhood favorite, near Columbia University, for over sixty years. Mondel’s was also the preferred shop of four-time Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn. It has a wide range of chocolates ranging from truffles and creams to cordials and break-up chocolate. Mondel also has a tasty selection of sugar-free chocolate.

7. Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Vosges turns out the best truffles in New York City. Created by Chicago’s Katrina Markoff, Vosges’ truffles will leave you feeling satiated. Visitors will try a range of exotic flavors including curry, Thai pandan leaves and wasabi in several of the chocolates. If you’re not living in Chicago or New York City, it’s possible to order these unique sweets over the Internet.

8. Evelyn’s Chocolates

Evelyn’s Chocolates has been satisfying customers for decades in the Financial District. Created by Evelyn Robb, this shop has hand-dipped chocolates and delectable confections. Understated in comparison to its competition for New York’s best, Evelyn’s maintains a homey feel. It will feel just like mom’s kitchen. Try the homemade Chunkys.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Travel Magazines With the Highest Circulation [United States]

1. National Geographic 4,493,024
2. Via Magazine [AAA] 2,740,435
3. AAA Living 2,469,830
4. AAA Going Places 2,404,121
5. Sunset 1,259,750
6. Where Magazine 1,191,152
7. Travel + Leisure 996,217
8. Midwest Living 989,424
9. National Geographic International 883,357
10. Condé Nast Traveler 810,713
11. National Geographic Traveler 742,575
12. Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel 680,097
13. Coastal Living 671,023

It’s surprising to see so many AAA publications on the list, but note that these often come with a membership to the American Automobile Association based on region. It’s also interesting that more than half the list focus on a specific area of the country rather than being national or international. Coastal Living and Midwest Living are two examples of that.

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

History
Venice, often called the most romantic city in the world, was one of the great powers during the eighteenth century. That era marked the zenith of the Carnival celebrations. Wealthy nobles, from across Europe, made their way to the canal-filled city to partake in the grandest party on the continent. With its tradition of masks and costumes, Venice Carnival was an opportunity to engage in the forbidden liberties of the time. Carnival, held in February, is a chance for travelers to participate in an extraordinary ritual.

Gondola 

Masks & Misbehavior
Venetians of various social classes used the festival to intermingle with those who were off limits in traditional society. Participants were able to engage in gambling, sexual favors or mocking of the powerful. Italian mascarei [craftsmen] created elegant masks that protected the identity of each reveller. It remains a booming industry with thousands of locals and tourists attending the Carnival every year. The masks for Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut were created by a local artisan.

Those attending the festivities will need to dress the part. No costume equals no fun. Consider buying either a bauta, moretta or larva [volto] mask. The bauta is the most widely-worn mask. Locals spend countless Euros for the mask, which covers the whole face with no mouth. It’s considered ideal for those who want to protect their identity. The moretta is an oval mask of black velvet that was usually worn by women visiting convents. It traditionally included a veil. A third historic mask to consider, larva, is mainly white. It’s worn with a tricorn and cloak.

Carnival Mask 

Happenings
Venice Carnival 2009 will be filled with parties, musical theater, gala dinners, and concerts. The Carnival opening will take place at the Luna Hotel Baglioni at 8:00pm [February 13]. It begins with a welcome cocktail consisting of Venetian Canapés and local drinks. The night also includes dancing and a comedy show. It runs 230,00 Euro per person [VAT and Wine from Canova Selection included]. For Carnival’s full schedule of events, review their website.

During the festivities, be sure to munch on many of the local delicacies. Veneto was the birthplace of tiramisu [below]. It’s a dessert created by dipping savoiardi [ladyfingers] into espresso and layering them with mascarpone cheese and zabaglione. Another option is dunking freshly-made biscuits [bussolai or baicoli] in Malvasia wine.

For lunch, consider a few local favorites including slices of Sopressa Vicentina with Asiago or Grana Padano cheese. Wash it down with the regional Soave wine. Dinner options are numerous as the city is filled with some of the best Northern Italian restaurants. Grand Canal Restaurant or Al Covo are the right choices for those looking for the best of the best.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Gondola Photo © Gennaro Salamone

Carnival Mask © Gianni

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

Follow Scott Ruddick’s tour of the Kabul street food scene:

To the outside world, Kabul has become synonymous with the strife and conflict afflicting the whole of Afghanistan. Yet beyond the headlines, the capital city is a vibrant community of three million people with a thriving street food scene.

The influx of foreigners and money since the fall of the Taliban has gradually transformed the Kabul restaurant landscape. Enterprising street chefs, tabang wallahs in the local parlance, serve up a variety of local cuisine.

Kabul Food Stall 

Kabul’s food stalls are unassuming. They are often no more than a tin roof held up by a rough-hewn wood timber frame covering a cooking area. Electrical connections to run refrigeration are nonexistent and supplies are kept in coolers, lugged back and forth from the homes of the stall staff every day.

The best stalls are found around Shahr-e Naw Park, a large park in central Kabul that is popular with the locals for pick-up soccer matches and Friday bird fights. The stalls are clustered together along the wide sidewalks. In keeping with the business model of successful street food vendors everywhere, each stall will specialize in one or two food types and build their business by offering a consistent, quality product at a reasonable price.

Mantu vendor and Kabob 

Each dish costs between 50 and 100 Afghanis [$1.25 and $2.50 USD]. Busy times are lunch, the main meal in Afghanistan, when office workers and laborers are on the prowl for a cheap meal, and again in late afternoon as workers head home, and stop to pick up takeout for the evening meal.

Kabul’s street food stalls are both a cheaper alternative to more expensive sit-down restaurants and a respite from the heavy fare of traditional Afghan household cooking. A typical Afghan meal is centered on rice. Qabeli Palau or basmati rice with chopped carrots and raisins and pieces of meat is often the centerpiece, served with flat bread. While a well-done palau is a wonderful meal, the sheer ubiquitousness of it drives Afghanis and ex pats when they have been in country long enough to seek out different fare. The tabang wallahs are only too pleased to fill this void in the Afghan diet.

Kabob is the preferred takeout food for Kabul’s denizens meaning open-air kabob shops are to be found in every part of Kabul. Kabobs consist of lightly seasoned mutton, lamb, beef or chicken skewered on rough iron spikes then broiled over glowing charcoal. The kabob meat is wrapped in naan, a leavened bread that is baked by being slapped against the inner wall of a clay oven, which is in turn wrapped in old newspaper. The experienced kabob eater knows that naan serves as both a plate and an accompaniment. The rough side of the bread is always placed facing up with the meat piled on top of it. Chunks of the bread are ripped off and used to scoop up the meat. A typical mid-sized kabob stall will serve 110 pounds of meat a week.

Boloni 

Other tabang wallahs serve up steaming plates of delicately spiced raviolis. Indigenous to northern Afghanistan, mantu [stuffed with minced meat] and ashok [filled with leeks] are steamed over large open-air pots and served with a tangy yogurt sauce.

Boloni or stuffed pancakes filled with either shaved potato and onion [sabzi] or squash [kadu] are deep-fried in bubbling cauldrons of oil.

The carb-heavy Afghan burger, a recent Kabul concoction, is a favorite with the city’s teenage boys. It is common to see groups of them gathered on street corners, devouring the local meal of a spiced ground beef patty with a smattering of onions, tomato, and lettuce that is wrapped in a pita-like bread along with a side of French fries jammed into the sides.

Shor nakhod or stewed chickpeas are served on large plates with an accompanying mint sauce, which serves as either an accompaniment or a stand-alone meal.

Doogh stall

Whatever your choice of entrée, wash it down with doogh, which is a carbonated yogurt drink seasoned with salt and mint.

A typical Afghan food stall will open late morning, and close around dusk Sunday to Thursday. This schedule is reversed during the religious month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. During this 30-day period, the stalls will open for iftar, the fast-breaking meal that takes place at sunset, and close at around sunrise, when the last meal before the dawn-induced fast begins.

Featured photo © Iain Cochrane

Article Photos © Scott Ruddick

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Scott Ruddick is an international development specialist and a freelance writer who focuses on the developing world. Learn more about Scott on his website.

Vang Vieng 

Vang Vieng is a standard stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia route. Though there is plenty of space for peaceful contemplation, the center of the town tends to be filled with young travelers enjoying re-runs of Friends and The Simpsons at the various restaurants. The diners often remove their shoes to sit cross-legged at tables encircled with couch-like seating.

That being said, the majority of the adventurers who enter the town are looking to break a sweat. Rock climbing, tubing and mountain biking are just the beginning of the early morning activities. The cost for 1-3 days of rock climbing depends upon the number of travelers in your group. For up-to-date rates, check out the rates of one the well-established shops. If that is too much activity or workout for your vacation, consider an inexpensive [$5-10 per hour] massage in the evenings.

Rock Climbing in Laos

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Staying with a local Romanian family will accentuate your experience. It will also provide you with a home-cooked breakfast. In the case of the young Swiss friend I met at Brenda’s, it also provided a new companion. As I left to hike thru scenic farms on the way to visiting Voronet Monastery [2.5 miles] and Humor Monastery [3.5 miles], Brenda’s mother requested — quietly — that I accompany her other guest, a young lady. That won’t happen at most hotels.

Gura Humorului 

Buses or taxis are available, in lieu of hiking, for travelers who prefer a more comfortable voyage. Be warned that it’s unlikely that a Romanian family will invite you to join them for a picnic by the river [see photo above] if bus transport is your choice.

The painted monasteries are the jewels of northeastern Romania. Their interior and exterior wall paintings feature frescoes of a variety of Biblical scenes including The Last Judgment. Voronet’s intense shades of blue and detailed imagery are pleasant to the eye. Humor is a smaller monastery with its own theme of frescoes adorning the interior and exterior walls. Its reddish-brown shades provide a contrast to the intense blue of Voronet. Each monastery was also fortified with walls to defend against the power of the Turkish Empire, which regularly invaded Romania in the centuries of their creation.

Monastery 

It’s recommended that you ask one of the local guides to gain a better understanding behind the meaning of the frescoes and scripture. The scenes are often self-explanatory, but there is a deeper and more significant message at each monastery. Additionally, there are areas of the frescoes that have faded over time. Only a professional will have the knowledge to fill in the missing pieces of the story. Consider bringing a prepared lunch to the monasteries too. The grounds are a comfortable place to relax for the afternoon.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Gura Humorului © Gennaro Salamone

Monastery © Gary Todd

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.

Follow this photographic journey about the Uros of Titicaca:

Lake Titicaca 

The floating islands are created from the totora reeds that grow naturally in the lake. These reeds are also used for meals, medicine and for building boats. The boats were traditionally used for transportation, fishing trips and defense. Carachi and catfish are two of the fish that have been caught for generations. Today, boats are often used for profit by locals who take travelers for a short journeys. 

Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca

The islands are filled with Uros children who are either wandering around or selling their family’s wares. You’ll find that all of the women are dressed in traditional clothing whereas a few of the men wear Western hats or pants. It’s also true that Uros women make most of the contact with tourists including providing information, selling goods and setting up arrangements for overnight stays.

Uros Woman

Only a few hundred Uros remain on the islands. Thousands of others have moved to the mainland. The Uros who remain on the island rely on a combination of traditional living and modern amenities. They have some electricity which powers their own radio station and a few hours of television per day. That being said, living on the island isn’t an easy life. Maintaining the totora reeds takes a lot of labor. The same is true of gathering food, educating children and dealing with the challenges to their way of life.

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.

Chandigarh Rock Garden 

For those making the journey, the garden has a maze-like path that features a multitude of creative figurines ranging from animals to human forms. You’ll witness tourists and locals alike marveling at the modern wonder that was developed by Chand. On most days, locals are seen picnicking or relaxing on the grounds [see below]. To have a particularly unique experience, ask the information desk if Chand is at the garden during your visit. If so, he’ll be more than happy to visit with travelers.

Chandigarh Couple

Toward the end of your walk, a lovely waterfall will appear with human figures atop it. This is a comfortable spot to relax for a few moments in shaded areas. Upon leaving the complex, it’s a short cycle rickshaw ride to the Open Hand Monument, which remains the official logo of the city.

After returning to the city-center, consider having dinner at Ghazal Restaurant. Ghazal has excellent service along with classic Indian dishes. For window-seating and extra attention from the staff arrive 15-20 minutes before traditional dinner is served.

If you’re unsure about making the trip to Chandigarh consider combining it with a journey to the hill station of Shimla. Kalka, the town where the toy train to Shimla originates, is only an hour from Chandigarh.

Shimla

Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.

Photos © Gennaro Salamone

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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.