Approach Guides :: Online World Travel Guide Books

Maya Cosmology: The Ceremonial Serpent Bar as Symbol

ApproachGuides — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:40:34 +0000

Ceremonial bars — also known as serpent bars — are a common symbol in the Maya world and often depicted being wielded by rulers on stelae. They are typically employed when stelae were constructed to depict a period ending event. The bar typically ends in two open serpent mouths, from which gods emerge; the serpent [...]

Best NYC Wine Bars for TBEX Meetups

ApproachGuides — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 03:49:17 +0000

Approach Guides wants to welcome all travel bloggers that are attending TBEX ’10 to our home city of New York! Although we will miss seeing you this year (we are in Mexico writing a guide on Mayan architecture); we want to welcome you with a list of our favorite NYC wine bars for meeting up [...]

How to Read a Japanese Kaiseki Menu

ApproachGuides — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:31:31 +0000

During our first visit to Japan, we were overwhelmed (in a good way!) by the traditions of the local culture. The culture of food, especially, had so many rules, courses, and new types of dishes to experiment with that we can see how first-time travelers may be overwhelmed. We attempt to demystify Japanese food, specifically [...]

What to Buy in Spain: A Consumer's Guide to Jamon Iberico & Jamon Serrano

ApproachGuides — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:07:27 +0000

Whenever we visit Spain, we seek out one of the country’s most famous delicacies: Jamón Ibérico de Bellota – a seriously delicious, acorn-fed, salt-cured ham. The taste of the jamon is one of the most distinctive tastes in the world – nutty, rich, slightly sweet and savory. Once you have had it, you will never [...]

What to Buy in Spain: A Consumer’s Guide to Jamon Iberico & Jamon Serrano

ApproachGuides — Wed, 19 May 2010 04:07:27 +0000

Mosaics in Venice's St Mark's: Lesser-Known Facts

ApproachGuides — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:16:23 +0000

Everyone knows about the exceptional mosaics at St Mark’s cathedral in Venice, however, there are still a few tricks to visiting that can really make your visit more enjoyable and thought-provoking. What time to visit. Try to visit from 11:30 AM TO 12:30 PM. During this time, the church turns on all of the interior [...]

Mosaics in Venice’s St Mark’s: Lesser-Known Facts

ApproachGuides — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:16:23 +0000

Top Three Tips for Staying Sane While on the Road

ApproachGuides — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:20:20 +0000

After spending four years on the road, we found three key things that greatly enhanced our travel experience and helped us stay sane while traveling for long periods of time. Here are our tips: Exercise. Exercise is key to minimizing jet lag, recharging after touring for long hours, and recovering from an evening out. We [...]

Travel to Turkey: A Recommended Reading List

ApproachGuides — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:06:13 +0000

There are several books that we recommend for an upcoming trip to Turkey. We try to give readers a selection of books that give the story behind Turkey’s history and focus on it’s powerful political and religious past, its architectural contributions and delicious food. A Short History of Byzantium by John Julius Norwich Of all [...]

Boutique Hotel and Art Gallery in Dubai, UAE

ApproachGuides — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:14:51 +0000

Although the majority of buildings in Dubai are brand new, there are a few areas, such as the area of Bastakiya, that pay homage to the city’s architectural heritage. Bastakiya, located near the creek, is the oldest neighborhood in Dubai. Its maze of narrow streets and alleys boasts beautifully restored traditional homes, some of which [...]