Lance Updates Us on His Status

Lance Armstrong released a video earlier this evening giving cycling fans an update on his progress. He underwent surgery yesterday to repair his collarbone, which he broke a few days back racing in the Vuelta in Spain.

In the video below, Lance indicates that the collarbone was more damaged than was first thought, and that he's in a bit of uncharted territory here. He's never really suffered a major injury in his career, so at this point, it's unclear when he'll be back. How soon, and how well, the bone heals will determine how quickly he can get back on the bike, and get ready for his next race. The Giro is now in doubt, and his preparations for Le Tour will also be effected.

Exclusive Post-Op Interview with Lance -- powered by http://www.livestrong.com

Shopping Spree in tour VietNam Travel

Need to find that flawless gift or blessing? Our aides know all the best shopping locales in the city! We will take you to both the most well known and most well concealed markets. Our aides can likewise help you arrange to get the best cost. This visit will effectively pay for itself!

Ben Thanh is the biggest market in Saigon, yet it not so much the best place to discover the best arrangements. Did you realize that numerous sellers in Ben Thanh check up their costs 100% or more in light of the fact that they realize that most voyagers have no clue what the "genuine" cost is? Presently that there are some "settled value" regions in Ben Thanh, its not as terrible as it once might have been, however for most things you ought to still can anticipate in any event a half markdown. The Saigon Tax Center and Saigon Square 1 & 2 has a large portion of the same things as Ben Thanh yet with to a lesser extent a markup. Continuously arrange!! It's normal! For surprisingly better arrangements, let our aides take you to the "true" Vietnamese markets. They aren't as cleaned up for visitors as the famous markets in District 1, yet this is the place you will truly spare gobs of cash.

Related post: Vietnam travel deals

Need the best fabric at the most minimal cost? We'll take you to a road in Cholon where you will have the capacity to discover practically any sort of fabric you could request. Need to discover a decent tailor? Give us a chance to acquaint you with the impressive tailors we utilize ourselves. Searching for a decent handcrafted guitar at a mind blowing cost? We'll drive you to luthier road where you can request an uniquely designed guitar intended to your details. Whatever you require, our aides can help you discover and show signs of improvement cost than you envisioned conceivable!

The Shopping Spree Tour is 3 hours in length, on the other hand you can develop it for $15/for every individual for every extra hour. We suggest booking the "Shopping Spree" visit in the morning when its not as hot.

Things to see and do Vietnam

The shorelines of Vietnam are sublime. Nha Trang is the ideal consolidation of a long sandy shoreline for unwinding days under the palm trees and a town with restaurants and bars to pass the moderate nights. Pontoon outings take you out to close-by islands and jumpers can investigate the adjacent coral reefs. On the other hand, attempt Vung Tau, southeast of Ho Chi Minh City for some heavenly snorkeling around the a lot of people seaward islands or head east of Phan Thiet to the sand rises of Mui Ne, which extend for miles. Unwind on the white-sand shorelines or have a go at large portions of the water brandishes on offer.

Take off to Tay Ninh to view the bright midday administration of the charming Cao Dai group held in an expansive sanctuary just about Disney-esque in style. The supporters wear red, blue and yellow robes and serenade to the backup of a conventional ensemble. On the way, scramble through the passages at Cu Chi, from where the Viet Cong effectively dispatched assaults against US constrains.

Related post: Vietnam travel

Focal Highlands 

Dalat is the extent that most individuals go into the Central Highlands yet head further into the mountains for dazzling perspectives and waterfalls. You are guaranteed of a warm welcome in Buon Ma Thuot, an espresso developing locale and home to the Montagnards. The Ho Chi Minh trail is effectively arrived at from Kontum.

Take in the nuances of Vietnamese cookery at a class in old Hoi An. Submerge into the rushing about of the business to purchase procurements before withdrawing to the cool of the kitchen. The best piece of the day – you get to consume what you have helped get ready!

Dalat 

To escape the high temperature of the fields, head for Dalat, a previous pioneer slope station, reminiscent of a French town, with blurred, exquisite estates suggestive of an alternate time. Homesteaders from Saigon headed to its cool climes and in addition the ruler and his escort. The sentimental lakes and snow capped view are magnets for Vietnamese honeymooners.

Indeed it is touristy, and in the event that you take a pontoon trek you'll be among a flotilla of many old changed over trashes, yet Halong Bay still stays a standout amongst the most amazing sights on the planet. Take the chance to obtain a kayak (all pontoons ought to do this) and oar through the limestone karsts significantly ascending out of the ocean. Then again use the night on one of those throws out and investigate the caverns concealed profound in the islands, pass coasting towns and around evening time appreciate a sundowner on the top deck and pay special mind to falling stars.

Hanoi 

Hanoi is a city of appears differently in relation to the wide, verdant roads lined by wonderful provincial structures in the French quarter, the maze of thin boulevards of the Old Quarter and the peaceful lakes. Wherever you are, the foundation commotion is the buzzing of the motorbikes that swarm the lanes of the capital.

An outing on the Reunification Express is an unquestionable requirement. Nonetheless, the trains in the middle of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are absolutely not express. It can take somewhere around 30 and 40 hours to go between the two urban areas so best to do one segment just. Famous is the 18-hour travel in the middle of Hanoi and Hue.

Trekking 

There are many long separation climbing trails around the nation, and a noteworthy framework for guests needing guided trekking visits. Head south from Hanoi into Cuc Phuong National Park, a wild of woods secured limestone mountains which ascend from the green rice paddies, home to numerous uncommon species and the primate salvage focus. Go through the night with a family from the Muong slope tribe in their customary stilthouse.

Sparkling high rises sit side by side with feeble structures and disintegrating pilgrim houses. Ministers pass exclusive auto showrooms gathering charity and stroll along sun-prepared roads packed with blaring motorbikes. The Saigon River is always crossed by little vessels and ships weaving through bigger pontoons.

See a portion of the Vietnam War locates by strolling piece of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, utilized as supply courses by the North Vietnamese amid the war. You can't neglect to be charmed by the system of passages uncovered by the Viet Cong from which they propelled consistent assaults on the US drives. For a taste of life underground scramble through one of the tight shafts, extraordinarily extended for Western guests.

Wander the restricted avenues with their minor shop houses, unwind in a riverside bar and flavor delectable nearby dishes. This is the spot to purchase keepsakes, silk things, T-shirts and earthenware production. Whatever you do verify you treat yourself by having garments made at one of the numerous tailors.

Hué 

The previous supreme city of Hue is packed with magnificent sights. The Imperial Citadel, experiencing the assaults and war and the tropical climate, is gradually being carefully redesigned; riverside is the Thien Mu pagoda where amateur friars look bashfully at the guests; and the mausoleums of the Emperors, every interesting in style.

Meet local people 

The most ideal approach to meet local people is to draw up a low plastic seat in the asphalt bar request some brew, request new peanuts and quails eggs and talk to local people. Indeed with a dialect obstruction, you'll be ringing glasses long into the night.

Investigate the watery universe of the Mekong Delta where channels of the may Mekong Delta bungle the area and give a fruitful spot to develop unlimited swathes of rice and tree grown foods. Find riverine towns, skimming markets and little riverside businesses and use the night in a homestay with a cultivating crew.

Motorbiking 

It is getting to be progressively prominent to contract an engine bicycle - constantly a Russian made 125cc Minsk - and ride it from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Filled with assorted types of dangers, not slightest the immeasurable measure of bicycles in the urban communities, it is by and by an invigorating approach to see the nation.

Waterway markets 

The stream showcases on the Mekong Delta are an unmissable sight. Life here is overwhelmed by the relentless Mekong and

Cycling: Tyler Hamilton Tests Positive, Retires!

A surprising story from the world of cycling today, as American Tyler Hamilton has tested positive for a banned substance for the second time, and has announced his retirement from the sport. VeloNews is reporting that the national road champion was using an herbal supplement to treat his clinically diagnosed depression, and the banned substance was found in that over the counter supplement.

The 38-year old Hamilton says that he was first diagnosed with depression back in 2003, and that other members of his family suffer with the same affliction. He had been using clinically prescribed drugs to treat the depression, but switch to herbal remedies, one of which contained DHEA, a banned steroid. The cyclist indicated that he knew he was taking a banned substance, but was desperate for relief.

Rather than deal with another suspension, his second for a banned substance, or face a lifetime ban, Hamilton has decided to retire from the sport so that he can deal with his health issues more directly. Personally, I wish him the best of luck in working on these issues. It's a shame his career has to end with this shadow over his head, but it is more important for him to get healthy at this point. Good luck Tyler!

Thanks to the Outside Blog for the heads up on this one.

Toufic Beyhum | Mecca

Photo © Toufic Beyhum-All Rights Reserved

"...though neither Koran or Sultan enjoin the death of Jew or Christian intruding within the columns that note the sanctuary limits, nothing could save a European detected by the populace, or one who after pilgrimage declared himself an unbeliever."-A Personal Narrative of a Pilgrimage to Al-Medinah and Meccah (1855)-Richard Francis Burton

Mecca...or more accurately Makkah, is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and a site of his first revelation of the Qur'an. It is regarded as the holiest city in Islam, and a pilgrimage to it (the Haj) is obligatory for all Muslims physically and financially able to make the journey. Mecca is home to the Kaaba, Islam's holiest site as well as being the focal point of Muslim prayer.

Photographer Toufic Beyhum had the inside view to the holy site when he undertook his own pilgrimage. While photography inside the mosque enveloping the Kaaba is forbidden, he was able to enter the site with his camera, and photograph almost at will.

A rather journalistic article in The Daily Telegraph has more background information on his photo shoot, and it may come as a surprise to some of my readers that the inside of the holiest of Islam's religious sites is the only place in Saudi Arabia where sexes are allowed to mingle freely. Yes, women and men stand, walk, pray, circumambulate the Kaaba shoulder to shoulder...with none of this ridiculous strict segregation of sexes which is currently en vogue in Islamic countries.

I had the opportunity of visiting the Kaaba some years ago while on a business trip to Jeddah, and it left a deep impression on me as a place of piety and peace. At that time, the hideous newly built monstrosities surrounding the mosque hadn't been erected, and the Meccan skyline was still unmarred by the Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower, which is the tallest clock tower in the world.

According to the article, there’s a hotel nearby the mosque where rooms are $500 a night, along with a mall with a Starbucks and a Paris Hilton handbag shop.

Historically, it appears that in the 5th century, the Kaaba was a place of worship for the deities of Arabia's pagan tribes, and Mecca was an important trading destination of the caravans, carrying goods from Africa and the Far East passed through it including spices, leather, medicine, cloth, and so forth.

Toufic Beyhum was born in Beirut, and moved to London at a young age. He graduated from Art College and started a successful advertising career as an Art Director for multinational advertising agencies in New York, Dubai, London and Berlin. He exhibited his work in London, Berlin, Los Angeles and Dubai. He was featured in National Geographic Shot, The Independent, Esquire Russia, WIRED, BILD, Die Zeit, Der Tagesspiegel, Zeitung, Welt Am Sonntag, Complex art+design, Exberliner, Time Out Dubai, BMI and Emirates In-flight magazine.

Currently based in London, he's isworking on a film documentary called "After Tomorrow" filmed in Petra, Jordan.

Jeff Oatley Wins 2009 Iditarod Trail Invitational

While the Iditarod Sled Dog race got underway this past weekend, another Alaskan classic, the Iditarod Trail Invitational, also known as the "Idita-bike". This annual event has the competitors following the same trail as the mushers, but they race along on foot, mountain bikes or skis instead, and can tackle either a 350 mile course or the full 1100 miles of the Iditarod trail.

Mountain biker Jeff Oatley was the first to complete the 350 mile course, crossing the finish line on Saturday, with a time of 5 days, 19 hours and 34 mins. Tracey and Jay Petervary, who tied for second with a time of 6 days 5 hrs 28 min. You can check the full results on the leaderboard page, which has current standings for all who have finished, and for the few that will now continue on to Nome. Most of there racers will finish up in McGrath, the 350 mile point, but a handful, roughly three or four, will have a go at the full 1100 mile course. They are moving forward on skis or on foot, but none are continuing on their bikes.

In a related story, an Australian competing in the race, was rescued from the trail on Saturday after getting lost early last week. The 53 year-old went down the wrong trail last Tuesday, ended up breaking through ice on a river, and soaking himself, before managing to pull himself, and his bike from the water. Eventually he found a snow cave and holed up until he was rescued. Scary story with a good ending for once. He could have easily died of hypothermia out there in the wilderness.

Thanks to Andrew Felix who sent this story to me via Twitter.

Trip to Barcelona . The Modern Ancient Paradise.

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The following post is my entry for 'Traveling smart with Skyscanner' in participation with Indiblogger.

Skyscanner - http://www.skyscanner.co.in

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Isn't it wonderful to travel to a city that virtually gives you best of literally all the worlds. Barcelona , the city I'd love to travel in 2014, is in a league of its own when it comes to city-spirit and vibrancy. Rich history, modern infrastructure, fabulous food, sports, outdoor shopping markets and......wow that heavenly serene beach !

Barcelona personifies every traveler's dream, by its unlimited options to explore and re-explore.

Ever since my childhood, Olympics in Barcelona (1992) was one event that caught my fascination immensely. In fact, it was through the sports carnival, that I first learnt about the city. The cosmopolitan bustle and the zealous beaches with golden sands... Even in that dull TV box, what a city it looked! A paradise in all sense, through all the senses. Even in that summit coverage, I was in awe of the surreal beauty of this diverse city. Without an iota of exaggeration, Love got struck at the first sight. (The cupid being the television set ...)

Dull TV played the cupid for Barcelona

I still hold memories, that as a 10 year old school boy, how I used to spend hours in the library, trying to figure out that one book that could narrate the city, square by square, block by block. street through street.

Discovery of Spain - Oceanic route of library

Those days even a work in fiction with Barcelona's setting would glue me passionately. A good two decades later, I realize that even today that aspiration still perspires deep within the heart. When I look back, I enjoy the way I used to live and relive the quaint charm and magic of Barcelona just before the sleep, every night, for countless nights. The belief resonates with my dream that one day, I'll cross the famed Las Ramblas as the array of the trees on both the sides of the street would hug me and allow me to playfully meander and open-up in my own world. The stress would fly with the swirling of the leaves, and the heavy heart would melt with cone of the Ice-cream!

Las Remblas - Hug  to let Open up - http://pher.ch/photos/cities/barcelona/Barcelona,%20las%20Ramblas%201.jpg

Heavy heart melting in the Ice-cream conehttp://collegian.csufresno.edu/a/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/f_icecream.jpg

I'd enjoy the Spanish uniqueness by heading to La Boqueria to taste the delicacies of the...yummmmm.... divine Spanish cuisine. Happily relaxing alongside my Camelot on Sant Sebastia beach, I wish to bite the sandwich, wearing the weirdest Tee, or none, and read an unsung poem to leave it halfway incomplete. And then suddenly the sound of waves of Mediterranean Sea would rise across the golden yellow sands to narrate the remaining half. Or those eternally repeated tales, of the littoral glory it impregnates within.

Sant Sebastia beach - Impregnating tales - Littoral Glory
http://maninamsterdam.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/barcabeach.jpg

I'll fold the city-map deep in my pocket and find my inner happiness by getting lost in the beauty of the old streets of Barcelona. And then be stunned by the marvel of Barri Gotic or the Gothic Quarter. The heritage of the city and the manner it has been preserved manifests the glory of not only the city, but also its inhabitants. Basilica La Seu, supposedly built in 343AD, testifies the meticulousness of preservation by Spaniards through symbiosis of ancient and modern. It is commendable to read on the efforts and manner in which Barcelona has evolved itself, while still able to restore its history since ages. 'La Boqueria' would be a great way to feel the energy that makes the city, what it is. What a great way to catch a random conversation or two, in that historical local market and then thud down a few shots of Cappuchino down the throat to let it emanate some random conversations on its own. In the meantime the experience would let me touch the warmth and verve of the denizens.

Basilica La seu - Marvel of Heritage preservationhttp://www.travelsignposts.com/Spain/files/2010/08/La-Seu-Barcelona.jpg

La Boqueria - Lots of food for Lots of thoughts !http://www.prime-junta.net/gallery/galleries/barcelona/img/CRW_1824.jpg

While the ancient Art is ubiquitous in the city, Barcelona has a strong and emphatic symbolism of Art Nouveau or modern architecture too. Rebelion, Renaisance whatever one calls... that 'X' factor lives in the city through its distinct soul, contemporary and modern, at the same time. I'd love to see how Antoni Gaudi lives through his immortal creations like Casa Batlo or the famous Salamander and its inhabiting Park Guell. To rejuvenate I'll try Escalivada with some bouts of Mel i Mato under the bronze statue of Columbus, below the ambit of clean blue sky and wise white clouds.

Casa Batlo - Immortal creation of Antoni Gaudi

Escalivada - King of deliciousnesshttp://www.ocado.com/cmscontent/recipe_image_large/330166.jpg?IXyA

Divine Dessert - Mel-i-Matohttp://www.barcelonacitytours.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Mel-I-Mato.jpg

Columbus Statue

As a traveler, a single trip to Barcelona would definitely be inadequate, given what the city has to offer. Each trip would be drawing contours for the succeeding trips. A pride that none of the global cities can share with Barcelona. And 2014 would be a great time to make the first move. The city is as much outdoors, as between the walls. The sporty beaches and the Olympic stadia complement the world class museums and that unrivaled historical part of the city. In all ways, Barcelona is every traveler's imagination precipitating into realty. There is a lot to explore and what's better, there is a method  too for that in the city. An academic, leisure,  adventure, or all of them in a single trip........Barcelona's gamut is huge! Being one of the most frequented cities in the world I'd also have the chance to interact with diverse people, meet different cultures and in turn widen my horizon.

Olympic Stadium
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Estadi_Ol%C3%ADmpic_Llu%C3%ADs_Companys_-_Barcelona,_Spain_-_Jan_2007.jpg

 The Spanish cuisine, like me, attracts millions across the world. The uncomplicated mouth-watering delicacies would certainly make me say 'Buen Provecho'! And if that comes with the liberal dose of liveliness and warmth of Spaniards then that's opera to the soul. Enjoying the Spanish snack, watching my favorite team FC Barca in action would take the definition of adventure and estrogen to a next level altogether. For me it truly holds the punchline 'Mes que un Club'(More than just a club). Watching Messi in live action would be more than a treat for eyes , for it'd be a feast for consciousness.

FC's Logo

***And here's my plan for traveling smart :***

The way to travel smart is to save money, without compromising comfort, reducing stress points to the minimal. Get the right airline deal and well...... the trip begins with a bang. To do away with the fallacy of missing out on the best fare, I'd use none other than Skyscanner website, . By using the comparative results I'll be rest assured of finding the best price for the airline ticket. Its benchmark research reports would also help me in all the facets of trip, taking care of the finer and larger aspects, alike.

There were several experiences when I've repented of missing out on the best deals on the Hotels. Sometimes those complementary pick-ups or the last minute upgrades, with Skyscanner, I'd travel smart by getting the best price and the deal on the hotels too.

Skyscanner - My friend in traveling Smart

Skyscanner's advantage of comparing the historical price and patterns would help me in selecting the right time for travel and just the right hotel to fit my budget. If that comes with the added flexibility of car-hiring that Skyscanner provides, well I'm sure my journey would not be good, it would simply be great !

Traveling Barcelona in 2014 would be my dream and planning my travel with Skyscanner would make my dream come true, smartly.

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Disclaimer : I've never ever been to Barcelona or Spain in my lifetime.

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This entry won a prize in the contest , Traveling smart with Skyscanner.

When To Travel To Vietnam

The atmosphere in Vietnam can be separated into three separate zones - North Vietnam, Central Vietnam, and South Vietnam. The atmosphere in North Vietnam damp and subtropical, while South Vietnam delights in a tropical atmosphere lasting through the year.

Focal Vietnam lies some place in the middle. As Vietnam is a long, contract nation atmosphere conditions fluctuate extensively, with temperatures extending somewhere around 20 and 35 degrees.

In Central and Southern Vietnam, there are a few tropical islands and in addition the calm terrain shoreline at Mui Ne. Atmosphere in Vietnam will clearly be of more essentialness to you amid your stay on the shoreline, so it bodes well for arrangement your excursion considering the shoreline climate. Here are some helpful pointers:

You can expect substantial storms in the months of October, November and December, in spite of the fact that there are a lot of sunny interims.

Phu Quoc Island and Mui Ne have great shoreline climate in October, November and December. On the off chance that you are wanting to stay in these shoreline resorts amid your Vietnam occasion, its best to maintain a strategic distance from the months of July and August, when substantial downpour is more probable.

A shrewd man once let me know that there is no such thing as awful climate simply terrible apparel, and generally I think this rings genuine. As long you come readied to experience the infrequent storm, a lively night, and hot sunny days you can travel practically at whatever time in Vietnam.

See more: Vietnam travel deal

As Vietnam compasses three atmospheres from north to south you ought to be fortunate enough to experience a few diverse sorts of climate, which will include an entire new point of view the nation. In case you're taking a Vietnam visit that incorporates outside exercises, the neighborhood aides will attempt and adjust your system to stay away from any evening showers.

A large portion of our occasions in Vietnam run during the time paying little mind to climate. In the event that you end up in the midst of a tropical deluge, you can just withdraw to your home or neighborhood bar and watch Mother Nature in activity with a mixed drink under control.

Phong Nga Ke Bang National Park in VietNam travel

Much sooner than Phong Nha-Ke Bang (additionally spelled Phong Nga-Ke Bang) National Park started to be, the Champa individuals were utilizing its gives in for different purposes. The Champa were individuals of aged Cambodia and Vietnam who controlled the greater part of southern and focal Vietnam from the seventh century through the mid-nineteenth century. Cutting out engravings on steles and sacrificial tables inside the caverns, the Champa left their imprint in the sublime holes numerous years before present day Vietnamese and British researchers would start to investigate the hollows. Later investigations found Neolithic hatchet heads in the zone, demonstrating that utilization of the hollows go back even before the time of the Champa individuals.

There is no exaggerating the wonderfulness of the collapses Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. The recreation center was made to ensure the world's two biggest karst, or limestone, areas. Inside the limestone geology are in excess of 126 km of hole frameworks, with in excess of 300 caverns and (caves will be surrenders that have been occupied or utilized by people). For anybody going by Vietnam with the smallest enthusiasm toward holes, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park is an absolute necessity see objective.

See more: Vietnam travel

The cavern from which the recreation center takes its name is Phong Nha hole, which is considered by numerous to be the best collapse the world. At 7,729 meters in length, with 14 caves and a 13,969 meter-long underground stream, Phong Nha hollow has been a site of secret and wonderment for locals and guests apparently equivalent for quite a long time. With towering roofs that can achieve 40 meters over the water level and rock creations that energize the creative energy, Phong Nha is interested in visitors up to 1,500 meters.

Child Doong Cave 

Child Doong hole isn't new, however it is newfound. In 1991, a nearby man discovered the cavern without precedent for cutting edge memory, however sadly he couldn't recall how to get there until January 2008. The man helped British researchers to discover the hole mouth, and they have been investigating it after. Child Doong hollow is at present the biggest known collapse the world. Lamentably, because of unstable conditions inside the cavern, it is not yet open to sightseers. Later on, assuredly guests will have the capacity to get a sight of the huge hollow; the greatest chamber is in excess of five kilometers in length, 150 meters wide, and 200 meters high.

Made a huge number of years prior, the stalactites and stalagmites inside Tien Son wander aimlessly into children's story shapes. Tien Son is found right alongside Phong Nha, making it simple for guests to investigate both hollows.

As though the marvelous hollows at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park weren't sufficient, the recreation center is likewise an incredible spot for mountain climbing, trekking, and eco-voyages through the encompassing Ke Bang Forest. With forcefully inclining mountains arriving at statures of in excess of 1,000 meters, you don't need to be a spelunker to discover a testing undertaking at Phong Nha-Ke Bang.

There's a touch of something for each guest of each age at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. For any individual who revels in the outside and common ponders, this park ought to make it onto your Vietnam agenda.

Christian Bobst | Meskel in Lalibela

Photo © Christian Bobst-All Rights Reserved

Meskel is an annual religious holiday in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Helena (Saint Helena) in the fourth century. It  is celebrated for two days beginning September 26th, and commemorates the legend that in the year 326, Queen Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the cross upon which Christ was crucified.

It is in Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's most religious towns, that Christian Bobst photographed the ceremonies and rituals observing this fascinating religious festival. During the ceremony, a priest rubs the pilgrims with the holy Lalibela Cross to heal diseases or drive out devils of the bodies of the believers. The Lalibela Cross is thought to date to the 12th century and is considered one of Ethiopia's most precious religious and historical heirlooms.

Christian tells me he used two Fuji X-T1 camera bodies and prime lenses between 14mm to 35mm, as well as using the cameras' wi-fi capabilities to capture high angle shots. He also appreciated the lightness in weight,  smaller size and the retro look of the Fujis.

He also tells me that during the ceremony, one of the pilgrims saw the pictures on the screen of Christian's iPhone while taking the high angle shots on the X-T1 he had perched on a monopod. The pilgrim liked the photographs so much that he persuaded the presiding priest to allow Christian to photograph right in the center of the crowd.

Christian Bobst is a Swiss documentary photographer who originally studied graphic design. For almost 15 years, he worked for advertising agencies like Young & Rubicam/Switzerland and Jung von Matt/Germany as an Art- and Creative Director, before deciding to move on into documentary photography in 2010.  He now works as a freelance photographer, and is a member of 13 Photo in Zürich.

The Rest of Everest Episode 103: A River Runs Through It

Another excellent new episode of The Rest of Everest with Josh Butson and Ben Clark joining Jon Miller to continue telling us all about their adventures on Annapurna IV, where they hope to not only summit, but also make the first descent on skis as well.

When the video opens, we join the guys, along with the third member of the third member of their team, Tim Clarke, in base camp. This episode is called A River Runs Through It, and we soon learn why, as a series of small trenches dug through BC and into the main tent itself, allowed for the free flowing of water thanks to the spring melt off, to make it's way down the mountain.

We continue to get a look at life in base camp for the team, as they prepare their gear for their assault on the mountain and share their thoughts on the climb ahead. The team is in good spirits as they discuss the challenges of high altitude climbing, with Ben talking about getting in the right frame of mind and having his body move and breathe on the mountain.

THe last six or seven minutes of the episode gives us great shots of the mountain and shows the team as they set off for their first acclimatization climb on Annaurna IV. It also gives us our first look at how they use their skis to help them climb as they "skin up" the slopes through deep snow. The video of the mountain itself looks great, and we can now expect to get into the meat of the climb.

Next week we'll get to see the process of establishing high camps on the mountain, which should be very interesting for those of us who follow these big climbs.

Mui Ne - Phan Thiet

Mui Ne holds a great deal of memories for me as it is the ideal break from Saigon when the activity and the clamor all gets an excessive amount of - if it was simply a smidgen closer! 

A wonderful shoreline with an always becoming piece of resorts covering the coast, Mui Ne strikes a decent harmony between having sufficient stimulations to support a long weekend and being stuffed. The lodgings lie between the ocean and the street, with numerous restaurants lining the inverse side of the street. 

Luckily most of the resorts are low climb and overall secured by a lot of rich green foilage - most have made a decent attempt to make alluring arrangements around their cottages, and the result is that from the shoreline there is not without a doubt confirmation of the blasting development in inns - regardless it figures out how to look disengaged and quiet, without a cement obstruct in sight. 

Mui Ne - Phan Thiet

It has an extensive variety of restaurants, with the neighborhood shacks giving a percentage of the freshest, least expensive and tastiest fish you will discover in Vietnam, and a lot of people high-class restaurants offering first rate Italian, European, Indian and Thai cooking styles. 

There's a lot of bars as well, and hot rivalry implies you can regularly discover two mixed drinks for $2 around dusk - an immaculate approach to end a dazzling day. Some, in the same way as Jibes and Wax bar, are decently associated with the watersports group and regularly run huge shoreline parties on Saturday nights. The nature of music being played is by all accounts on the up as well and it is one of the few spots I have seen expats disregard their cool and have a decent move. 

There are watersports abundantly as Mui Ne has reliably great winds, and it has turned into the kite surfing capital of Vietnam. There's a lot of windsurfing as well, and for the less courageous of us it implies a lot of visual amusement as you watch individuals flying 20-30 ft into the air while tasting a cool mixed drink and appreciating the breeze. 

No excursion to Mui Ne is finished without an outing to the sanddunes, where adolescent youngsters with remarkable English abilities sway you to slide down the hills at incredible speed on plastic mats - its extraordinary fun however bear in mind to tip the children - the angling town of Mui Ne is extremely denied. 

There's likewise a sandstone "ravine" at the once again of the rises to investigate, a 'pixie stream' to find and some wild, confined shorelines in the event that you drive up past Mui Ne to the headland, where you can see the angler conquering the waves in their corracles.

Related link: Travel Vietnam

Climbing The Atlas Mountains

The TImes Online posted a story a few days back about trekking the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and more specifically a winter climb up Mount Toubkal, a 4167m (13,671 feet) peak that is the tallest in Northern Africa.

The story opens by saying that most climbers going to Africa head to Kilimanjaro to claim the highest peak on the continent, but there are other mountains that are more technically demanding, and far less crowded. Enter Toubkal, a mountain that offers spectacular views of the Atlas Range, the Sahara Desert, and even the Atlantic Ocean. During the winter months, Toubkal requires the use of crampons and ice axes, although once acquainted with those tools, an experienced and conditioned trekker should be able to challenge the summit. All told, the winter climb takes about four days, depending on conditions on the mountain.

The Atlas Mountains have gained an excellent reputation for themselves as a great place for hikers of various skill levels. There are guided treks that pass through villages and offer up some great scenery, and there are more serious ones like this climb that focus on reaching the summit of a peak or two. For anyone interested in going to Morocco, these treks offer the opportunity to explore the remote countryside while still mixing in some cultural experiences.

The article gives good information on when the best time to go is, as well as a link to the guide service they used on their climb. Looks like I have another trip to add to my list!

7 days - Discover South Vietnam

The Southern Part of Vietnam is a very surprising part of Vietnam. Given an alternate intriguing chance to encounter the liberal society which is demonstrated apparently through the idealistic way of life, vacationers will completely find numerous agreeable unique focuses.

The excursion from the airplane terminal to your inn will take pretty nearly thirty minutes and is a diverting background brimming with riotous movement and a huge number of motorbikes. Weighing in your lodging and revel in your extra time in the most energizing city in Vietnam

Related post: Vietnam travel

On entry you will be guided through the renowned shafts utilized by the comrade guerrillas amid the Vietnam War. The shaft system extends in excess of 250km and reaches out to three levels underground giving you a surprising knowledge into the hardships, strength, determination and dread of a guerrilla war. You will come back to your lodging at roughly 6.00pm.

The Mekong Delta is viewed as the rice dish of Viet Nam, creating frequently three yields of rice a year and a plenitude of new tropical tree grown foods, for example, longan, jackfruit, sapodilla and pineapple. The Mekong begin in Tibet and trips through seven nations before arriving at Viet Nam where it parts into nine tributaries and exhausts into the South China Sea.

Today, you will go by watercraft investigating the forceful Mekong, watching stream life and examining numerous neighborhood luxuries, including the elephant ear fish, for lunch. Go on wide and restricted tributaries, visit plantations and neighborhood produce ranches. After an unwinding and liberal day come back to Saigon around 4:30pm.

After breakfast, your auto will lift you up and exchange to Mui Ne inside a couple of hours. Weighing in your lodging and revel in your extra time here.

You can invest your time alongside the shoreline to delight in the sun-ocean sand and stunning views in Mui Ne.

Viviana Peretti | Happy Pride

Photo © Viviana Peretti-All Rights Reserved

I was out of town so this was the second time in a row that I've missed photographing the annual New York City's Gay Pride parade. The neighborhood I live in witnesses the end of the parade, and the cornucopia of characters who participate in it, as well as those who come to watch it, provide incredible images to those photographers who prefer to shun the parade itself, and congregate in the West Village for more close and personal street photography...as I did in 2012.

That said, I'm glad to have seen Viviana Peretti's Happy Pride iPhone photographs of the event, which are much more personal than those I've seen so far of the event.

For those who don't know, June was chosen as LGBT Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Inn riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the impact LGBT people have had in the world. The Stonewall is a gay bar at 43 Christopher Street in New York City, and is traditionally where the parade comes to its end.

Viviana Peretti is an Italian freelance photographer based in New York where in 2010 she graduated in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the International Center of Photography (ICP).

In 2000, after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Anthropology from the University of Rome, she moved to Colombia where she specialized in photojournalism and spent nine years working as a freelance photographer.

Viviana has received fellowships and awards from the International Center of Photography, the Joannie M. Chen Fund in New York, CNN, the Fondation Bruni-Sarkozy in France, FotoVisura, the University of Salamanca, the Spanish Embassy in Colombia, the Photo Museum in Bogota, and the Colombian Ministry of Culture. In 2010 she has been selected for the Eddie Adams Workshop, Barnstorm XXIII. In 2013-2014 Viviana has been an Artist-in-Residence at L’École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie (ENSP) in Arles, France.

Her work has been published in a number of international media outlets including The New York Times, Newsweek, BBC, CNN, L'Oeil de la Photographie, New York Magazine, Le Journal de la Photographie, and L'Espresso.

Primal Quest News: 2008 DVD now available and Twitter Feed!

A few tidbits on Primal Quest to mention while I'm still working on catching up this week. First, the Primal Quest 2008 DVD is now available to order on the PQ website. The DVD contains 4 episodes, each 26 minutes in length, covering the entire race as it went down last summer in Big Sky Country. The film crew that covered the race is amongst the best in the world at covering adventure sports, and they've worked on projects such as the Eco-Challenge, Survivor, The Deadliest Catch, and more. The DVD can be ordered from the PQ Store by clicking here. I got my copy last night, but haven't had a chance to watch it yet, but may go for a Primal Quest watch party with friends this weekend.

Yesterday we also posted a story that was put together by the folks out in South Dakota that re-affirms that adventure racing, and Primal Quest, are not just for men. Fans of the sport already know that some of the best racers are women, but the article does a great job of highlighting that for new fans of the sport as well.

Finally, PQ has had a Twitter feed for some time, but it has mostly gone quiet in recent months, but I'm going to change that, and start using it as a tool. If you're interested, you can follow the feed by clicking here. And my friends who knew about my reluctance to use Twitter can now continue to laugh at me once again.

NG Adventure Blog Interviews Ed Viesturs

The National Geographic Adventure blog has posted an excellent interview with Ed Viesturs, who recently announced his return to Everest, officially coming out of his retirement from climbing 8000m peaks.

Ed was lured out of retirement by Eddie Bauer, who is launching a new line of outdoor gear called First Ascent, a move back to the company's roots, which were once entrenched in outdoor adventures.

In the interview, Viesturs talks about emphasizing teamwork in mountaineering, and beyond, his thoughts on the current economic recession, and assessing risk, both on the mountain and in business. He doesn't talk much about the specifics of his expedition to Everest, which will mark his 11th time on the mountain, where he'll be going for his 7th summit.

Ed will be climbing with an exceptional team this time around. He'll be joined by Dave Hahn, who has ten successful trips up the Big Hill, giving him the most summits of any non-Sherpa mountaineer. Peter Whittaker, the son of the famous climber Lou Whittaker, and owner of Rainier Mountain Guide, will also be on the expedition, along with Melissa Arnot, Seth Waterfall, and Chad Peele, making this an all-star affair.

Obviously this expedition is going to get a lot of media attention. Afterall, Viesturs is probably the highest profile American mountaineer. He's the only American to top out on all 14 of the 8000m peaks, and he's done so without oxygen. I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about this one in the press, and from Eddie Bauer in the weeks ahead. Ed and the team will head to Kathmandu on March 25th.

Paddler Circumnavigates The Falkland Islands

Kayaker Marcus Demuth of New York City, became the first person to completely circumnavigate the Falkland Islands, finishing up the 615 mile paddle in 22-days on the open water.

According to Paddling Life, before Damuth's successful attempt, three other similar attempts failed. Two British special forces teams and an American team all tried to the journey, but each of those teams failed in no small part thanks to the crazy, unpredictable weather in the region. The Falklands sit less than 600 miles north of Antarctica, and 300 miles east of Cape Horn, which means cold, powerful, sustained winds buffet the islands.

The unpredictable weather in the Southern Ocean isn't the only thing that Damuth had to contend with on his journey. He also had to navigate through mine fields. Some of the waters surrounding the Falklands still have left over mines from the Falklands War back in the early 80's, and Marcus was forced to navigate using two maps at times. One of those maps was a nautical chart showing the way, and the other was a map of the location of the mines provided by one of the British teams that had previously made the attempt.

You can read more about the Falklands Circumnavigation at Demuth's website, where he has more stories from his days out on the water and plenty of photos too. Great story, and very cool expedition. Congratulations to Marcus for his successful journey.

Thaipusam | Yeo Kai Wen

Here's an interesting and compelling photo essay on Thaipusam, the Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community during January or February. It's mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Myanmar.

This particular series of monochrome photographs were made during Thaipusam at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple in Singapore, by Yeo Kai Wen and was featured by Exposure.

It's unusual to see Thaipusam photographs in black and white as it's a colorful festival, with devotees shaving their heads and undertaking a pilgrimage along a set route while carrying out various acts of devotion, which may include self-mortification by piercing the skin, tongue or cheeks with skewers.

The photographer, Yeo Kai Wen graduated from the School of Film and Media Studies with a Diploma in Mass Communications in 2009, and is now specializing in documentary production, print and photojournalism.

Exposure is a storytelling platform specifically created for photo sets which are described as 'narratives'. It appears to have an extremely simple and easy to use editor that lets you drag and drop photos into your browser, and then add headers, body text and captions between photos. The posts feature full-bleed images and imaginative fonts and white space. Three Exposure posts are free, but for unlimited posting, custom domains, password-protected posts, and more, one has to shell out either $5 or $10/month, depending on the package chosen.

Himalaya Spring 2009 Update:

We're just days away from climbers descending on Kathmandu, and in this eleventh hour they are no doubt hurriedly packing and picking up last minute supplies. Meanwhile, in the Nepal, another ritual of spring seems to be taking place, as the Maoist once again are disrupting travel in the country.

According to ExWeb, who posted their own Himalaya wrap-up today, unrest and general strikes in certain areas of Nepal, from Maoist rebels no less, are already having an impact on the region. It seems Nives Meroi and her husband Romano Benet have been forced to change their plans thanks to the protests. The duo had been planning on heading to Kangchenjunga, one of the three remaining 8000m peaks left for them to conquer, but apparently, Nives and Romano sent their BC team on ahead to begin preparing their campsite, and they were detained by the rebels and turned back. Looking to avoid conflict, the Italian climbers elected to switch mountains and head to Annapurna instead. Nives still needs a summit on Annapurna in her quest to become the first woman to summit all 14 8000m peaks. At the moment they are in Kathmandu, where they report a severe shortage of water and power, but they'll head to the Annapurna region by the end of the week, where they'll await their team and gear.

Also heading to Annapurna is Valeri Bavanov and climbing partner Victor Afanasief. They are also in KTM at the moment, and while they're all set to leave, and expected to be gone by now, they're having problems finding any porters to hire. Apparently a number of porters were expected in the city by now, coming from villages in the countryside, but they've also been delayed by the Maoist strikes. Valeri and Victor feel confident however that they will find the porters they need soon, and will head for the mountain, where they intend to climb the West Face this spring.

It looks like not everyone has given up on the North Side, as ExWeb is also reporting that a combined team of Indian and Tibetan climbers have been issued a permit to scale the mountain from that side. With the borders still closed, it remains to be seen if the Indian climbers will receive access, but perhaps they will get special dispensation due to the nature of their climb. Eight members of the team also intend to ski down from the summit following their successful climb. Considering how quiet the North will be this year, it is going to take a lot of work to fix the lines.

Billi Bierling, who will be climbing Everest with Himex this year, lives and works in Kathmandu, where she reports that there was finally some rain over the weekend, helping to bring down the amount of smog and dust in the air. That should help make it a bit easier for all the travelers who will be headed to the city soon, although if the water shortages are as bad as they seem, anyone heading there soon should be prepared for the worst.

Last week I briefly mentioned Lori Schneider, the woman who suffers with MS, but still has her sights set on an Everest summit this year. If successful, she'll also have bagged all of the Seven Summits as well. Today, Alan Arnette has posted a great interview with this very inspirational climber to his Everest 2009 page. Scroll down further and you'll find a letter to Alan from Ang Tshering Sherpa, founder of Asian Trekking, who has some interesting things to say about what's happening on Everest this spring, including the Eco Everest expedition that will be working hard to clean up the mountain.

Continue scrolling even further on Alan's page, and you'll find that we already know when Summit Day will be this year. According to Scott Parazynski, whose gone into orbit five times on the space shuttle, we can expect to see the first teams on top of Everest on May 14th. Of course, that's just his best guesstimate, and one that he's using on his schedule, but it's the best we've got right now. The fact that it's more than a month and a half away, and there are dozens of factors that will play into which date is actually picked, shouldn't matter at all. ;)

To everyone headed to the Himalaya this week. Have fun, travel safe, and drop by the Rum Doodle for me. :)