Posted Thursday, August 30, 2007, 11:09 PM by Lonely Planet
We're only halfway through the festival and (even by Burning Man standards) two very unusual things have happened.
There's a full lunar eclipse - which pushes Black Rock City to even greater gimp-mask-and-Dayglo-wearing extremes and someone prematurely sets the Burning Man on fire!
I hear the news from a naked, glitter-painted lady drifting past my tent. A press release at Media Mecca, a hub for dusty journalists in need of a Hunter S Thompson cocktail, reveals that the arsonist is in custody and the Man will be rebuilt.
As the singed skeleton of the sculpture is removed, the festival neon artist speeds to Reno and the outside world to buy materials.
I checked out the Man a few hours before the premature burning. There was a quasi-religious atmosphere there, with burners quietly circling and touching the wooden trunks at its base.
This arson attack is obviously big news for the community - the Black Rock Beacon even manages a special 'the Man's bacon gets cooked' issue. However, life on the playa continues as abnormal, with plenty of other idols for the neon-lit floats to buzz between...
James is at Burning Man researching for a Lonely Planet book on worldwide festivals; this is the third post in a series. Check out the previous posts here.
You can see more of Jonathan Clark's photographs at www.art-clark.com.
Labels: Breaking travel news, Burning Man, Nevada, The Americas
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Hearing we were first-time burners, the guys at the gate made us do press-ups and roll through the dust, like military recruits. Then, we had to bang a gong and yell, 'I am no longer a virgin!'
When the initiation was over, I noticed two Nevada state troopers looking darkly on from their truck. One thing that phases outsiders about Burning Man is just how seriously the folks at this desert festival take their theatrical, carnivalistic freakery.
As well as remembering survivalist supplies like vinegar, (which stops your feet drying and cracking on the salt pan) burners arrive laden with material for performances and installations.
The first person we met was a character called Dead Letter Y, a guy from Oregon in a pink furry hat. He handed us some spray-painted envelopes and explained Pirate Mail. If you want to contact someone here, pop a note into an envelope, write a description of them - anything but their address - and hand it to another burner. If it doesn't reach them by the end of the festival, there's always next year.
In return, my friend took a Polaroid shot of Dead Letter and gave him the photo. Our first Burning Man transaction was complete.
One of my favourite performances on the playa, where the cracked terrain is dotted with towering sculptures and naked cyclists, was the Boardroom Take-over Posse. With completely straight faces, they sat in the 100-degree-farenheit heat talking into chunky phones and punching fat calculators in their suits and slick hair. The illusion of being on Wall Street was shattered only by a bottle of whisky sitting on the table and the laughter of people taking rides in a giant metal dragonfly nearby...
James Bainbridge is at Burning Man researching for a Lonely Planet book on worldwide festivals; check out the next in his series of blogs from the festival here soon. You can see more of Jonathan Clark's photographs at www.art-clark.com.
Labels: Burning Man, Nevada, The Americas
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Posted Monday, August 27, 2007, 5:00 PM by Lonely Planet
We've just left Reno for the final leg of our drive to the Burning Man Festival. Our 'last supper' was Boomerang Shrimp at the Outback Steakhouse. The cheap flicker of Terrible's Railway Casino and its neon neighbours is behind us, and the Great Black Rock desert, in front.
From now on, basic survival is the mission as for the next seven days, 45,000 hardy party animals will converge on the playa, a salt pan so broad it supposedly shows the curve of the earth's surface.
All day on Hwy 80 from San Francisco we scanned for fellow 'burners'. As well as the distinctive Burning Man symbol and a giant, fluffy purple dinosaur protruding from one trailer, bikes are a sure give-away. The festival is 5km across, arranged in a semi-circle with the iconic Man towering at its centre.
Two $50 cycles jostle for space in our PT Cruiser along with 30 gallons of water, plastic goggles, paper sanding masks, a space suit, assorted wigs, dayglo necklaces, water pistols and prism viewers. The plastic trinkets will be as vital as our gazebo in a temporary city where only coffee and ice are for sale and everything else must be exchanged.
As soon as we leave Hwy 80, we join a 100km queue for the festival. A Burning Man virgin, my excitement and nervousness are both mounting. After an hour, the playa appears in the distance, the green neon Man just discernible through a windstorm whipping up thick clouds of dust...
James is at Burning Man researching for a Lonely Planet book on worldwide festivals; check out the next in his series of blogs from the festival here soon. You can see more of Jonathan Clark's photographs at www.art-clark.com.
Labels: Burning Man, Festivals and events, Nevada, The Americas
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Posted Wednesday, August 22, 2007, 9:05 PM by Lonely Planet
New Zealand ski season somewhat lame. Or is it? You can judge for yourself with comparative reports from Australian and New Zealand snow fields...
But perception counts more than measurements in my book and with Australia going virtually snow-less last year, many Aussies (myself included) decided early this year to cross the Tasman chasing the pow-pow we so rudely missed out on in 2006.
Then what happens? The heavens open up over Australia depositing the white stuff in masses - of course. I develop selective hearing when word starts trickling in from our eighth state that there is no snow this season - of course.
And of course, those who had decided to stay behind were very, very happy with themselves indeed.
So while they were playing in the snow at Hotham, I was playing Frisbee golf in the rain in Queenstown. Which wasn't altogether too bad - with an activity for every possible climactic condition, I know I'd much rather get caught out in Queenstown than Hotham on a warm, wet day.
Australia might squeeze all of September into its official season this year, while NZ could struggle to make theirs stretch through October (which they normally do). Anyone got some tips to get the most out of what's left?
Labels: Asia and Pacific, skiing, snow
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Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007, 6:44 AM by Lonely Planet
London's Heathrow Airport isn't having the best of summers. Packed with Brits seeking getaways from the non-existent 'summer', the Grand Old Dame of UK airports is bursting at the seams. But while frequent travellers, harassed by long security queues and record numbers, can't wait for Terminal Five to open to relieve some pressure, crowds of a different type have been making plenty of headlines over the past couple of weeks.
Ear-bashed local residents at the Europe's biggest airport teamed up with eco-campaigners to set up a two week camp on the edge of Heathrow. The Camp for Climate Action promised "Eight days of low-impact living, debates, learning skills, and high-impact direct action tackling the root causes of climate change" as well as protests against further expansion of Heathrow. This included occupying a field near the airport as a demonstration in sustainable living and staging sit-down protests at the offices of Heathrow's owner, BAA. Protestors blockaded airfrieghted cargo warehouses and scuffled with police who prevented them taking their protests further. Generally, they made a right old nuisance of themselves.
While The Camp didn't affect passengers, it worked the UK media into a right old rumpus during the summer 'silly season' - which was arguably the protests main aim. Whether it makes anyone reconsider their flying habits remains to be seen. More than anything else, it appears to have focussed attention on the crumbling infrastructure at Europe's most important air travel gateway. And the long-term impact of passengers taking their custom elsewhere will hurt the UK travel industry more than any eco-protestors hogging the headlines.
Keep an eye on lonelyplanet.com for a more in-depth analysis of Heathrow in a few weeks time.
Tom Hall
Labels: Airports, Britain, Europe, Sustainable and responsible tourism
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Posted Sunday, August 19, 2007, 11:56 PM by Lonely Planet
For the most up to date information on the earthquake in Peru head to the Thorn Tree or visit Andean Travel Web.
Mike Weston, editor of Andean Travel Web reports:
"Peru was struck by an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale on the evening of 15 August 2007. The places most affected by the earthquake are Ica, Pisco, Paracas, and Chincha which lie more than 150km to the south east of Lima. More than 500 people have been reported dead and one thousand five hundred injured in the province of Ica. No tourists have been reported dead or injured. A state of emergency has been declared in this area.
Although buildings shook violently in Lima there was very little damage. A minor tremor was felt in Cusco but there was no damage to buildings or infrastructure and all services to Machu Picchu are running as normal. Nasca, although fairly close to Ica, sustained very little damage and flights over the Nasca Lines have now restarted. Flights between all major cities are running as scheduled. The section of the Pan American Highway connecting Nasca to Lima has now reopened to very limited traffic (emergency and aid vehicles) although it is highly recommended that visitors avoid taking buses along this route and fly between Arequipa and Lima or between Cusco and Lima.
Visitors should cancel any immediate plans to visit Ica, Paracas and the Ballestas islands. Phone lines are still very busy throughout Peru so patience is required when calling Peru."
Labels: Breaking travel news, The Americas
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At the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, orphaned, injured and neglected elephants find a rehabilitative home. The founder of the park, Sangduen (Lek) Chailert, along with a band of employees and volunteers nurse elephants back to full strength and provide a sanctuary for their future welfare.
Brienne Walsh recently spent two weeks volunteering at the Park and said of her experience:
"It's truly the most special and moving place that I've ever been. It has a spiritual quality which I think is rare and unique.
It's an amazing volunteer experience, because each person is able to care for the elephant in a way that isn't possible in zoos or amusement parks. They are invited to bathe and feed the elephants individually. One group, before I came, invented a bed for an elephant who had a damaged hip, and could not lie down. It was truly wonderful to see the way that the elephant slept comfortably after they designed a proper place for her to sleep.
The elephants live in a free-range environment, and natural social behavior is encouraged. All proceeds from tourism are invested back into the park to enable the staff to care for the elephants. The volunteer program, which requires a one-week minimum stay, keeps the camp running, but it is also possible to do overnight stays and day trips to the Park.
The tourism market in Thailand, can foster violent and severe handling of elephants - only a very small percentage of elephants live free of chains and brutal treatment that often leaves the elephants lame and blind. The Elephant Nature Foundation is one of the only places in Thailand where these gentle, intelligent creatures can roam free and live in their natural habitat."
Brienne Walsh and photographer Gregory Colbert exhibit more images from the Elephant Nature Park on their website.
To volunteer at the park or for more information visit the Elephant Nature Park website.
Share your volunteering experience by commenting on our blog.
Labels: Asia and Pacific, Elephants, Sustainable and responsible tourism, Thailand, Volunteer
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Posted Thursday, August 16, 2007, 5:42 PM by Lonely Planet
Pisco, south of Peru's capital, Lima, is best known to travellers as a base from which to visit the Islas Ballestas, which lie off the coast. But this week an earthquake has rocked the port town and surrounds leaving hundreds dead. With aftershocks still registering yesterday news of damage came from Ica, Chincha and even Lima.
Travellers in the area should check local media reports and see what the community has to say on the Thorn Tree.
Labels: Earthquake, Peru, The Americas
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Posted Monday, August 13, 2007, 6:01 PM by Lonely Planet
The reclusive British sun has (finally) got his hat on and Lonely Planet is coming out to play! We're pulling on our Wellington boots, smothering ourselves in sunscreen and taking our love of travel out to a festival near you. We've got ourselves a tent full of inspiring Bluelist themed games, freebies and competitions and we'd love it if you'd join us for a refreshment or two.
Whilst you're in our tent, you could challenge your friends to a game of Travel Intelligence - if you're curious you'll just have to come along and find out - or chat to one of the Lonely Planet staffers on hand about your favourite places in the world, write your own Bluelist of recommended travel, chill out and flick through our books or get a sneak preview of some of the fantastic images from the forthcoming Bluelist book.
Here's where we're rocking up to. If you're heading to any of these events, come and say hello!
ArtsFest 2008, Birmingham
15-16th Sept
Truck Festival, Oxfordshire
22nd-23rd Sept
Further events to be confirmed - watch this space!
Louise MacDonald
Labels: Europe, Festivals and events
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Posted Sunday, August 12, 2007, 9:14 PM by Lonely Planet
Only five months old and ready to charge, the Lao Elephants are the first Aussie Rules club to hit the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Kicking around Vientiane's National Stadium every Sunday at 5pm and at the Sandpit on Wednesday's at 8pm, the Elephants are a motley crew of 10 to 15 players from Laos, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Norway and the UK. Sharing a love for this uniquely Australian code of football, a game some have described as 'the bastard child of basketball and rugby', the team is even designing its own jumper.
"...goals include designing the perfect jumper that truly reflects the club's heritage and represents the pride of the nation. Presently the idea is to have a pink background with a grey elephant on the front. This design is unlikely to clash with the jumpers of other clubs," organiser Marty Sharples told worldfootynews.com
The Elephants are planning their debut international match against neighbours the Vietnam Swans later this year. The Swans played host to a few of the Elephants last month with seven Lao players joining the Vietnam team for the Asian Championships.
If you're living in or passing through Vientiane feel free to drop in on a training session (followed by a Beer Lao booze up) or email Marty at martysharples@hotmail.com
Picture caption: Matt Hegarty (Japan honorary Elephants member), Alex 'Ronnie' Barker, Mick 'Aker' Hassett, David's 'Pretty' Kamp, Marty 'Richo' Sharples
Labels: Asia and Pacific, Travelsnitch, Volunteer
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Posted Monday, August 06, 2007, 9:38 PM by Lonely Planet
Baywatch it isn't, but when the Lonely Planet Oakland crew are after some Californian sea-side action they head to Santa Cruz with its 26 miles of coastline and a few David Hasselhoff-worthy beaches, craggy coves, an off-leash dog beach, some primo surf spots and big sandy stretches where your kids will have a blast.
Every beach has its own personality, but here are some of our favourites:
Main Beach - This is the scene, with a huge stretch of sand, shops, volleyball and swarms of people. Parking is metered and tough, but you'll find a spot on Front St at Pacific Ave. Even better, cross the river, park up on East Cliff Drive (ECD) and walk across the Lost Boys trestle to the beach and Boardwalk.
Cowell Beach - Best for beginner surfers, just west of the wharf.
Its Beach (West Cliff Drive) - The only official off-leash beach for dogs (before 10am and after 4pm, but everyone cheats) is just west of the lighthouse. The field across the street is another good romping ground (same hours).
Natural Bridges (WCD) - A family favorite with lots of sand, tidepools and Monarch butterflies (in winter). Day use is $6, free if you park on the street.
Twin Lakes (ECD) - Big beach with a lagoon, good for kids.
26th Ave/Moran Lake County Park (ECD) - A surfer fave (good beach break) and good all-around spot with a metered parking lot and bathroom.
Capitola - To the east, this town has a warm beach, with gentle waves for the kiddies and easy access to shops, restaurants and bathrooms. Parking can be a nightmare, but there's a free summer shuttle from a well-signed parking lot off Bay Ave.
New Brighton - Farther east, this long, quiet stretch of sand is ace for running and camping.
- Suki Gear
Labels: The Americas
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Posted Thursday, August 02, 2007, 5:51 PM by Lonely Planet
I never listen to the touts in Khan al-Khalili, but I did turn around when someone said, 'Looking for something? I can show you - I was in the Lonely Planet guide.'
Fatih Abd al-Zahir - who didn't realise he was introducing himself to a Lonely Planet writer - had his photo in the 2nd edition of Lonely Planet Egypt & the Sudan, published in 1990, and he has been befriending tourists ever since. A literal hole in the wall, what he calls his 'museum' holds a few dusty objects; more numerous are the photos and business cards from everyone who's squeezed in to chat and sip tea. Any visit requires a look at his dog-eared copy of the guidebook.
Unlike younger, pushier touts, Fatih, born in 1940, seems genuinely interested in 'helping people as friends,' as he puts it. In good English learned purely from TV, he dispenses stories and shopping tips (he used to do inlay work, before his eyes got bad).
Before I left, I added my card to the collection and took his photo. Here he is, 'in Lonely Planet' again, but in a different format:
If you see Fatih, say hello, and tell him you saw his picture here.
- Zora O'Neill is updating Lonely Planet Egypt, and meeting some very interesting people while she's at it.
Labels: Africa, Egypt
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Posted Wednesday, August 01, 2007, 6:32 PM by Lonely Planet
People often cite education and understanding amongst their reasons for travel. Sometimes this means accepting the hard truth that not everyone lives the way they do. It also highlights the importance of optimism and an eagerness to address the imbalance. As a result many travellers find volunteering an important and rewarding experience.
Tom Spurling gives us some background on the Amazwi School of Media Arts where he is volunteering.
"According to a survey conducted by the Media Monitoring Project, in 2005, only 26% of news coverage in South Africa focused on women. Furthermore, the huge majority of this coverage presented women in reference to their families, or as unfortunate victims of crime. This in a country with a nearly 52% female population highlights a discrepancy in gender representation. The old boy's club, it seems, has only changed colour.
Similarly disheartening is the way in which gender stereotypes are upheld by South Africa's influential tabloid press. For every story of witchcraft and fraud, it seems there are two dealing with sexual assault. 'There is a lot of media reporting on rape,' states the Media Monitoring Project report, Who makes the news?, 'but it tends to victimize women or keep them silenced.' The report continues that, on 16 February 2005, a prominent soccer star was charged with raping an underage girl. The married celebrity denied the charge, but much of the media attention was on his celebrity status, rather than the allegations themselves. Likewise, a study in the Rhodes Journalism Review found that 'South Africa's women journalists not only face a glass ceiling, but indeed one made of concrete.'
In light of South African women's mirepresentation in the media, the role of Amazwi, which mean 'voices' in Zulu, is political as much as social. Rural stories struggle to be told in South Africa, as journalists must give precedence to the stories that affect their readers' lives. As scores of men rush for the cities to find employment, many women are left behind, and life goes on unreported.
Yet here in the poor northern province of Limpopo, where news is usually bad, the women of Amazwi are blessed with an added responsibility. Rather than merely entertain the urban middle-classes with the oddities of the outback, they must bring everyday life to the breakfast table of the communities in which they live. It's a tough job, but there's no need to hurry. It's slow news that sometimes burns brightest."
Read more about Tom's experience here.
Share your volunteering experience or for more information on volunteering click here.
Labels: Africa, Sustainable and responsible tourism, Volunteer
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