June 25 is official ‘Bourdain Day’

June 25 is official ‘Bourdain Day’

Two longtime friends and colleagues of Anthony Bourdain have started a campaign to declare June 25 — Bourdain’s birthday — “Bourdain Day.” To honor and memorialize their late friend, who died last year on June 8, chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andres are encouraging Bourdain’s fans and friends to post their favorite memories using the #BourdainDay hashtag.


Ripert said, “June is a very important month. On June 25, we are all going to celebrate the birthday of our dear friend and beloved Anthony Bourdain.”





And “Bourdain Day” isn’t just a hashtag. The Culinary Institute of America has announced plans to introduce a new scholarship in honor of Bourdain, supporting travel-minded culinary students with an international culinary semester abroad.


Ripert and Andres also added tributes to Anthony Bourdain Remembered, a book memorializing Bourdain that debuted on May 28. It also includes words from Barack Obama, Ken Burns, Jill Filipovic, Questlove, and more.


The book’s description reads, “These remembrances give us a glimpse of Tony’s widespread impact through his political and social commitments; his dedication to travel and eating well (and widely); and his love of the written word, along with his deep compassion, open-mindedness, and interest in lives different from his own.”


We’re pretty confident that it won’t take too much encouraging for the #BourdainDay hashtag to spread like wildfire.

H/T: Food & Wine




The post Fellow chefs declare June 25 ‘Bourdain Day’ to honor their late friend appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/june-25-is-official-bourdain-day/

What to do in Khon Kaen, Thailand

What to do in Khon Kaen, Thailand

The country of Thailand says it received 38 million visitors in 2018, setting a new record for annual arrivals. That said, less-visited areas remain. One of those is Khon Kaen in the northwest, which is still a city that few Western tourists have explored. It appears, though, that the winds may be shifting.


Khon Kaen has experienced a plethora of new developments in the past few years and is poised to welcome all the foodies, shoppers, and nightlife hounds that flock to Thailand’s major cities — without, as of yet, all the crowds.


Khon Kaen is also a perfect weekend trip from Bangkok or Chiang Mai that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a culturally rich and friendly city, Khon Kaen is a must when you’re in Thailand. Here’s how to get the most out of your time.


Khon Kaen starts to welcome visitors.


Photo: apiguide/Shutterstock


Khon Kaen is located about 300 miles northeast of Bangkok. Air travel is the easiest way to get there, with flights from the capital to Khon Kaen as cheap as $35. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is only three hours away by car if your travels plan to take you further into Southeast Asia. A new light rail system will make arrival in Khon Kaen easier as well.


Downtown Khon Kaen’s recent surge of development makes it easier to find your footing as a visitor. Until a few years ago there were no luxury hotels or apartments, the airport only had two gates, and a menu in English was a hard thing to come by. Travelers found themselves relegated to a collection of hostels and guest houses, and as a result, the Bangkok crowds never spilled over.


But since the opening of CentralPlaza mall in 2015, the surrounding area has seen a boost in high-end lodging and apartment high rises. A wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops have also opened within walking distance of those hotels and the mall, creating a well-rounded circuit for locals and visitors that extends into the evening hours.


Khon Kaen has a nightlife that, while certainly no full moon party, offers a few clubs and lounges popular with university students and the younger crowd. Though the nightlife isn’t the same as in Bangkok or Pattaya, the vibe here feels more laid-back and genuine.


Khon Kaen throws the best Songkran in Thailand.


Photo: Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock


Anywhere in Thailand, Songkran is an experience like no other, but Khon Kaen takes it to a new level. The holiday, which commemorates the Thai New Year, is also known as the water festival — something you’ll learn quite literally and very quickly.


Songkran in Khon Kaen is a little different than in some of the larger cities, where you might feel a bit lost if you don’t know specifically where to go to celebrate. In Khon Kaen, it’s all concentrated primarily in two areas. In the surrounding areas of Central Plaza, the streets are shut down to accommodate multiple concerts and street vendors.


While the Central Plaza is worth a visit, the best way to experience Songkran here is to head to the streets surrounding the Wat Nong Wang temple along Klang Muang Road at night. You’ll find traffic backed up in every direction, so don’t plan to drive in with any efficiency, but what you want to do is to hitch a ride in the back of a truck or open tuk-tuk.


People pile into the back of trucks with trash cans full of water accompanied by squirt guns, which they liberally use to splash oncomers in every direction. You’ll creep along in your truck at a snail’s pace sharing drinks, dancing, and splashing everyone with water. It’s one giant party and everyone is in on the action, from little kids to the 80-year-old grandma.


The Wat Nong Wang temple is a sight even beyond Songkran, a stunning nine-story royal temple located on Klong Muang Road. You can climb to the top and experience 360-degree views of the city, seeing Buddhist art and murals as you walk up to each floor. On the first floor, you’ll see Thai art, various historical displays, and experience a little Thai culture as you watch others give gifts called alms to the monks. You can also purchase small boxes filled with gifts and have the monks bless you if you wish to partake.


Khon Kaen is a university town — with a strong coffee culture.



The growth of a strong coffee culture has accompanied the rapid development of Khon Kaen. You can find Starbucks and the popular Thai chain, Cafe Amazon, but a plethora of mom and pop coffee shops have also recently opened. Cafe GlomGlome, a trendy coffee shop which recently opened across from Khon Kaen University, offers a variety of sweets and food to accompany your coffee. Many of the university students head over to study or visit the fat cat that roams the cafe.


The university is also a destination in itself. Khon Kaen University is the heartbeat of the city and the first university established in northeastern Thailand. It’s regarded as one of the top universities in the country. The campus is gorgeous, set with a large lake out front and a running track containing various exercise equipment surrounding it, making for a great morning workout as its open to the public.


As you walk around the campus you’ll take in art, learn a little about Thai history, and be surrounded by lush green trees along the way. Khon Kaen University also has a variety of free events open to the public, such as concerts and charity events.


The night markets rival Thailand’s bigger cities.


Photo: sarawuth wannasathit/Shutterstock


Like other parts of southeast Asia, Khon Kaen has a variety of night markets both big and small. Ton Tann, only a few minutes away from CentralPlaza Mall, is the largest and most popular. What sets Ton Tann apart is the variety of vendors, ranging from the local guy selling fried ants to less challenging options like pork fried rice.


An array of other vendors at Ton Tann sell everything from clothing and souvenirs to local art. You’ll find local wares and souvenirs, rock yourself through a diverse crowd of shoppers and perusers, and try interesting new foods. This is the perfect place in town to get a broad overview of what night markets in Thailand are all about and satisfy both the adventurous and the reserved traveler in your group. On weekends, Ton Tann hosts live bands and other family-friendly events.


The night market near Kaen Nakhon Lake is another unique experience. Here you’ll find a variety of exotic fruits, live fish, and delicious coconut shakes. There aren’t many places to sit, so be prepared to take your food to go, but many people find a nice spot by the lake to enjoy their food and take in the scenery.


You can get homemade ice cream on a farm.



Situated about 45 minutes outside of Khon Kaen on the way to Udon Thani is Aura Farm. Here, you can have an experience with Thai animals that won’t affect your conscience or draw international scrutiny. A visit here is a great educational activity for kids who can learn about agriculture, including how to make cheese, milk, and ice cream. Kids can also hop aboard the old train display and try out the various swings situated throughout the farm.


Walk around and view the beautiful gardens before stopping into the restaurant and ice cream shop. The shop has a few unique flavors such as banana ice cream with chunks of cheese — another experience that you likely won’t find elsewhere.



The post Khon Kaen has all the charm of Thailand’s bigger cities — without the tourists appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/what-to-do-in-khon-kaen-thailand/

June 25 is official ‘Bourdain Day’

June 25 is official ‘Bourdain Day’

Two longtime friends and colleagues of Anthony Bourdain have started a campaign to declare June 25 — Bourdain’s birthday — “Bourdain Day.” To honor and memorialize their late friend, who died last year on June 8, chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andres are encouraging Bourdain’s fans and friends to post their favorite memories using the #BourdainDay hashtag.


Ripert said, “June is a very important month. On June 25, we are all going to celebrate the birthday of our dear friend and beloved Anthony Bourdain.”





And “Bourdain Day” isn’t just a hashtag. The Culinary Institute of America has announced plans to introduce a new scholarship in honor of Bourdain, supporting travel-minded culinary students with an international culinary semester abroad.


Ripert and Andres also added tributes to Anthony Bourdain Remembered, a book memorializing Bourdain that debuted on May 28. It also includes words from Barack Obama, Ken Burns, Jill Filipovic, Questlove, and more.


The book’s description reads, “These remembrances give us a glimpse of Tony’s widespread impact through his political and social commitments; his dedication to travel and eating well (and widely); and his love of the written word, along with his deep compassion, open-mindedness, and interest in lives different from his own.”


We’re pretty confident that it won’t take too much encouraging for the #BourdainDay hashtag to spread like wildfire.

H/T: Food & Wine




The post Fellow chefs declare June 25 ‘Bourdain Day’ to honor their late friend appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/june-25-is-official-bourdain-day/

What to do in Khon Kaen, Thailand

What to do in Khon Kaen, Thailand

The country of Thailand says it received 38 million visitors in 2018, setting a new record for annual arrivals. That said, less-visited areas remain. One of those is Khon Kaen in the northwest, which is still a city that few Western tourists have explored. It appears, though, that the winds may be shifting.


Khon Kaen has experienced a plethora of new developments in the past few years and is poised to welcome all the foodies, shoppers, and nightlife hounds that flock to Thailand’s major cities — without, as of yet, all the crowds.


Khon Kaen is also a perfect weekend trip from Bangkok or Chiang Mai that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for a culturally rich and friendly city, Khon Kaen is a must when you’re in Thailand. Here’s how to get the most out of your time.


Khon Kaen starts to welcome visitors.


Photo: apiguide/Shutterstock


Khon Kaen is located about 300 miles northeast of Bangkok. Air travel is the easiest way to get there, with flights from the capital to Khon Kaen as cheap as $35. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is only three hours away by car if your travels plan to take you further into Southeast Asia. A new light rail system will make arrival in Khon Kaen easier as well.


Downtown Khon Kaen’s recent surge of development makes it easier to find your footing as a visitor. Until a few years ago there were no luxury hotels or apartments, the airport only had two gates, and a menu in English was a hard thing to come by. Travelers found themselves relegated to a collection of hostels and guest houses, and as a result, the Bangkok crowds never spilled over.


But since the opening of CentralPlaza mall in 2015, the surrounding area has seen a boost in high-end lodging and apartment high rises. A wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops have also opened within walking distance of those hotels and the mall, creating a well-rounded circuit for locals and visitors that extends into the evening hours.


Khon Kaen has a nightlife that, while certainly no full moon party, offers a few clubs and lounges popular with university students and the younger crowd. Though the nightlife isn’t the same as in Bangkok or Pattaya, the vibe here feels more laid-back and genuine.


Khon Kaen throws the best Songkran in Thailand.


Photo: Dmitry Chulov/Shutterstock


Anywhere in Thailand, Songkran is an experience like no other, but Khon Kaen takes it to a new level. The holiday, which commemorates the Thai New Year, is also known as the water festival — something you’ll learn quite literally and very quickly.


Songkran in Khon Kaen is a little different than in some of the larger cities, where you might feel a bit lost if you don’t know specifically where to go to celebrate. In Khon Kaen, it’s all concentrated primarily in two areas. In the surrounding areas of Central Plaza, the streets are shut down to accommodate multiple concerts and street vendors.


While the Central Plaza is worth a visit, the best way to experience Songkran here is to head to the streets surrounding the Wat Nong Wang temple along Klang Muang Road at night. You’ll find traffic backed up in every direction, so don’t plan to drive in with any efficiency, but what you want to do is to hitch a ride in the back of a truck or open tuk-tuk.


People pile into the back of trucks with trash cans full of water accompanied by squirt guns, which they liberally use to splash oncomers in every direction. You’ll creep along in your truck at a snail’s pace sharing drinks, dancing, and splashing everyone with water. It’s one giant party and everyone is in on the action, from little kids to the 80-year-old grandma.


The Wat Nong Wang temple is a sight even beyond Songkran, a stunning nine-story royal temple located on Klong Muang Road. You can climb to the top and experience 360-degree views of the city, seeing Buddhist art and murals as you walk up to each floor. On the first floor, you’ll see Thai art, various historical displays, and experience a little Thai culture as you watch others give gifts called alms to the monks. You can also purchase small boxes filled with gifts and have the monks bless you if you wish to partake.


Khon Kaen is a university town — with a strong coffee culture.



The growth of a strong coffee culture has accompanied the rapid development of Khon Kaen. You can find Starbucks and the popular Thai chain, Cafe Amazon, but a plethora of mom and pop coffee shops have also recently opened. Cafe GlomGlome, a trendy coffee shop which recently opened across from Khon Kaen University, offers a variety of sweets and food to accompany your coffee. Many of the university students head over to study or visit the fat cat that roams the cafe.


The university is also a destination in itself. Khon Kaen University is the heartbeat of the city and the first university established in northeastern Thailand. It’s regarded as one of the top universities in the country. The campus is gorgeous, set with a large lake out front and a running track containing various exercise equipment surrounding it, making for a great morning workout as its open to the public.


As you walk around the campus you’ll take in art, learn a little about Thai history, and be surrounded by lush green trees along the way. Khon Kaen University also has a variety of free events open to the public, such as concerts and charity events.


The night markets rival Thailand’s bigger cities.


Photo: sarawuth wannasathit/Shutterstock


Like other parts of southeast Asia, Khon Kaen has a variety of night markets both big and small. Ton Tann, only a few minutes away from CentralPlaza Mall, is the largest and most popular. What sets Ton Tann apart is the variety of vendors, ranging from the local guy selling fried ants to less challenging options like pork fried rice.


An array of other vendors at Ton Tann sell everything from clothing and souvenirs to local art. You’ll find local wares and souvenirs, rock yourself through a diverse crowd of shoppers and perusers, and try interesting new foods. This is the perfect place in town to get a broad overview of what night markets in Thailand are all about and satisfy both the adventurous and the reserved traveler in your group. On weekends, Ton Tann hosts live bands and other family-friendly events.


The night market near Kaen Nakhon Lake is another unique experience. Here you’ll find a variety of exotic fruits, live fish, and delicious coconut shakes. There aren’t many places to sit, so be prepared to take your food to go, but many people find a nice spot by the lake to enjoy their food and take in the scenery.


You can get homemade ice cream on a farm.



Situated about 45 minutes outside of Khon Kaen on the way to Udon Thani is Aura Farm. Here, you can have an experience with Thai animals that won’t affect your conscience or draw international scrutiny. A visit here is a great educational activity for kids who can learn about agriculture, including how to make cheese, milk, and ice cream. Kids can also hop aboard the old train display and try out the various swings situated throughout the farm.


Walk around and view the beautiful gardens before stopping into the restaurant and ice cream shop. The shop has a few unique flavors such as banana ice cream with chunks of cheese — another experience that you likely won’t find elsewhere.



The post Khon Kaen has all the charm of Thailand’s bigger cities — without the tourists appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/what-to-do-in-khon-kaen-thailand/

Travelport Finally Goes Private This Week in $4.4 Billion Deal

Travelport Finally Goes Private This Week in $4.4 Billion Deal

Travelport CEO Gordon Wilson spoke at Skift Tech Forum in June 2018. The company is set to go private in a deal pending regulatory approval. Skift



Skift Take: By the end of this week, Travelport is expected to leave the public markets in a $4.4 billion leveraged buyout. After months of waiting, the company can finally move on to its next steps.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/travelport-finally-goes-private-this-week-in-4-4-billion-deal/

Accor Backs Chatbot Tech Builder Mindsay in $10 Million Funding Round

Accor Backs Chatbot Tech Builder Mindsay in $10 Million Funding Round

An airline passenger uses Iberia's customer service chatbot, Ibot, which is powered by Mindsay, a technology vendor that has raised a Series A round of funding. Iberia



Skift Take: The funding of French startup Mindsay may be small news. But interviews with its customers Iberia and CWT suggest that a second wave of chatbot technology has stopped frustrating travelers with as many misunderstandings as the earlier tech did. That's a big deal for the sector.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/accor-backs-chatbot-tech-builder-mindsay-in-10-million-funding-round/

Travelport Finally Goes Private This Week in $4.4 Billion Deal

Travelport Finally Goes Private This Week in $4.4 Billion Deal

Travelport CEO Gordon Wilson spoke at Skift Tech Forum in June 2018. The company is set to go private in a deal pending regulatory approval. Skift



Skift Take: By the end of this week, Travelport is expected to leave the public markets in a $4.4 billion leveraged buyout. After months of waiting, the company can finally move on to its next steps.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/travelport-finally-goes-private-this-week-in-4-4-billion-deal/

Accor Backs Chatbot Tech Builder Mindsay in $10 Million Funding Round

Accor Backs Chatbot Tech Builder Mindsay in $10 Million Funding Round

An airline passenger uses Iberia's customer service chatbot, Ibot, which is powered by Mindsay, a technology vendor that has raised a Series A round of funding. Iberia



Skift Take: The funding of French startup Mindsay may be small news. But interviews with its customers Iberia and CWT suggest that a second wave of chatbot technology has stopped frustrating travelers with as many misunderstandings as the earlier tech did. That's a big deal for the sector.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/accor-backs-chatbot-tech-builder-mindsay-in-10-million-funding-round/

Reasons to see Montevideo's Rambla

Reasons to see Montevideo's Rambla

Uruguay is an alluring land, tucked between Brazil’s southern wing and the northern hat of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An itty bitty South American country with an eclectic system of values and landscapes, Uruguay has a flirtatious affair with headlines, popping up in the news with celebrity sightings, LGBTQ support, and the recent legalization of marijuana. Today, there is a new rumor brewing. Whispers on the street hint that the capital city of Montevideo harbors the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.


Montevideo’s Rambla: nearly 14 miles of waterfront sidewalk


Photo: Don Mammoser/Shutterstock


What many would call a boardwalk or waterfront sidewalk is referred to as a rambla in Uruguay. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, rambla is an ancient Spanish word that refers to a dry river bed that’s used as a road, building on the Arabic word ramal, which means “sand.” While in some places, like Barcelona, the rambla doesn’t get too close to the sand — except where it ends near the waterfront — in Uruguay, a rambla runs along the shore. Every coastal city in Uruguay has its own rambla, but Montevideo’s version gives special reason to pause.



That’s because Montevideo’s Rambla recalls its antique roots, extending to Montevideo’s outstanding historical district. The historic district was once kept under a fortress behind a wall and gateway, known as the Puerta de la Ciudadela. The wall was built in 1741 to hide the city’s fortress, standing for 135 years until it was demolished in the 19th century.


Not only are the 300-year-old historic city and its rambling sidewalk being considered for UNESCO heritage status, but Montevideo’s Rambla is also being reviewed for whether or not it can be listed as the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.


Although the study hasn’t been verified, locals are quite insistent that the research is underway. The concept is quite plausible, considering that the Rambla measures in at 22.2 kilometers or 13.79 miles, which is far longer than other sidewalks that aim to claim the title. It’s nearly thrice the length of Bayshore Boulevard in Florida and seven times longer than the StrÃļget pedestrian street in Copenhagen.


Twenty-three sidewalks connected by a single boardwalk



The full expanse of the sidewalk was once called the Rambla Naciones Unidas — or “United Nations Rambla” — and many of the streets that slice through the city to meet the Rambla at the shore are named after the countries of the world. The Rambla is now divided into nine named sections and 23 segments, based on their proximity to neighborhoods, beaches, and other points of interest in Montevideo.


The pathway begins in the west along the Bay of Montevideo, curving along the coastline to meet up with the Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo’s historic old city. Then, it crosses into downtown areas known as Barrio Sur and Barrio Palermo, which rest along the massive, sea-like Rio de la Plata, the 140-mile-wide river that gushes towards the Atlantic Ocean.


The central sections of the Ramblas’ 14-mile expanse snake along Montevideo’s most popular beaches, hugging the residential neighborhoods of Parque RodÃģ, Punta Carretas, and Pocitos before continuing along the port to the Buceo and Malvín areas. The boardwalk ends in front of the most affluent neighborhoods of the eastside, known as Punta Gorda and Carrasco.


How to explore Montevideo’s Rambla



Montevideo is one of South America’s safest cities, making it a great place to walk. The epic convergence of the cityscapes and coastline is something best appreciated on foot; however, 14 miles might be a long way to go in one day.


It’s ideal to break it up into sections by visiting the bay and historic center, then the downtown areas, and finally the east side on different days. Some excellent hotels to choose from are Alma Historica Boutique Hotel in the historic center, the Smart Hotel in downtown, or the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrascox and Spa Hotel on the east side.


The Rambla runs alongside Montevideo’s main avenue, but as it’s a sidewalk elevated from the street, it’s exceptionally safe for strollers, bicycles, joggers, and walkers of all ages. Many parts are divided for walking or wheels, so the likelihood of clashing with faster-paced explorers is minimal. The full expanse is very well lit at night and monitored by police in the high season, plus it runs along busy areas like shopping centers, sports fields, skating rinks, workout centers, and more.


Another popular way to enjoy the Rambla is by renting a bicycle for the day. Rent from Orange Bike, which has a shop in the historic center, allowing you to start from the west and see everything all the way east. Orange Bike has a variety of bike options from beach cruisers to three-speed bikes and mountain bikes, plus baby seats and tandem attachments for kids. Bike helmets and locks are included while tour guides are optional. Many hotels in Montevideo are affiliated with Orange Bike, allowing guests to simply bring their bike to the lobby at the end of their ride.


Must-see sights on the longest sidewalk in the world



When it comes to things to do in Montevideo, the options are endless. From outstanding beaches to incredible museums, an unforgettable historic center to exemplary shopping malls, there is enough to explore to spend several weeks in the city.


Beyond the obvious, there are a couple of sites along the Rambla worth seeing. Start with the Montevideo sign, found in the Pocitos section, to take classic selfies above the city. Also, don’t miss the Punta Carretas Lighthouse on Punta Brava between Parque RodÃģ and Punta Carretas Shopping. Finally, keep an eye out for the Holocaust Memorial, the unusual Pittamiglio Castle, and the Maritime Museum of Montevideo — all located along what could very well soon be designated the longest sidewalk in the world.



The post Walking on the beachside Rambla in Montevideo, Uruguay, the longest sidewalk in the world appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/reasons-to-see-montevideos-rambla/

Overnight at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Overnight at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Sleeping over in an Australian zoo might sound like the beginning of a horror movie, ending with the innocent visitor being chased around by rogue snakes, but don’t let your imagination run wild. Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is offering a Wildlife Retreat, and in all likelihood, you’ll make it out in one piece. Starting in November, the retreat will allow visitors to have a sleepover at the zoo in one of five sustainable eco-pods while also learning about Australia’s conservation projects.


Once the zoo closes for the day, you will be taken on an exclusive guided tour for a behind-the-scenes view of koalas, platypuses, and sun bears, without the hassle of the crowds. You will then be able to enjoy a meal at the Me-gal restaurant, which serves dishes prepared with local ingredients. On the second day of the retreat, guests can partake in a variety of animal and cultural experiences emphasizing the country’s conservation efforts.


One of the retreat’s main goals, according to the website, is to “encourage people to spend time at the zoo learning about the unique connections between Indigenous Australians and the environment. The experience will include tours and talks that encourage engaging interactions with our native animals that will increase awareness about the threats these species face.”


Since the zoo is a nonprofit organization, all revenue generated by the retreat will contribute to the costs of conservation and breeding programs across Australia and overseas. For more information about the retreat, or to learn about pricing, email buildingbetterzoo@zoo.nsw.gov.au.



The post Spend the night in an eco-pod at this Australian zoo appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/overnight-at-sydneys-taronga-zoo/

Reasons to see Montevideo's Rambla

Reasons to see Montevideo's Rambla

Uruguay is an alluring land, tucked between Brazil’s southern wing and the northern hat of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An itty bitty South American country with an eclectic system of values and landscapes, Uruguay has a flirtatious affair with headlines, popping up in the news with celebrity sightings, LGBTQ support, and the recent legalization of marijuana. Today, there is a new rumor brewing. Whispers on the street hint that the capital city of Montevideo harbors the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.


Montevideo’s Rambla: nearly 14 miles of waterfront sidewalk


Photo: Don Mammoser/Shutterstock


What many would call a boardwalk or waterfront sidewalk is referred to as a rambla in Uruguay. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, rambla is an ancient Spanish word that refers to a dry river bed that’s used as a road, building on the Arabic word ramal, which means “sand.” While in some places, like Barcelona, the rambla doesn’t get too close to the sand — except where it ends near the waterfront — in Uruguay, a rambla runs along the shore. Every coastal city in Uruguay has its own rambla, but Montevideo’s version gives special reason to pause.



That’s because Montevideo’s Rambla recalls its antique roots, extending to Montevideo’s outstanding historical district. The historic district was once kept under a fortress behind a wall and gateway, known as the Puerta de la Ciudadela. The wall was built in 1741 to hide the city’s fortress, standing for 135 years until it was demolished in the 19th century.


Not only are the 300-year-old historic city and its rambling sidewalk being considered for UNESCO heritage status, but Montevideo’s Rambla is also being reviewed for whether or not it can be listed as the longest continuous sidewalk in the world.


Although the study hasn’t been verified, locals are quite insistent that the research is underway. The concept is quite plausible, considering that the Rambla measures in at 22.2 kilometers or 13.79 miles, which is far longer than other sidewalks that aim to claim the title. It’s nearly thrice the length of Bayshore Boulevard in Florida and seven times longer than the StrÃļget pedestrian street in Copenhagen.


Twenty-three sidewalks connected by a single boardwalk



The full expanse of the sidewalk was once called the Rambla Naciones Unidas — or “United Nations Rambla” — and many of the streets that slice through the city to meet the Rambla at the shore are named after the countries of the world. The Rambla is now divided into nine named sections and 23 segments, based on their proximity to neighborhoods, beaches, and other points of interest in Montevideo.


The pathway begins in the west along the Bay of Montevideo, curving along the coastline to meet up with the Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo’s historic old city. Then, it crosses into downtown areas known as Barrio Sur and Barrio Palermo, which rest along the massive, sea-like Rio de la Plata, the 140-mile-wide river that gushes towards the Atlantic Ocean.


The central sections of the Ramblas’ 14-mile expanse snake along Montevideo’s most popular beaches, hugging the residential neighborhoods of Parque RodÃģ, Punta Carretas, and Pocitos before continuing along the port to the Buceo and Malvín areas. The boardwalk ends in front of the most affluent neighborhoods of the eastside, known as Punta Gorda and Carrasco.


How to explore Montevideo’s Rambla



Montevideo is one of South America’s safest cities, making it a great place to walk. The epic convergence of the cityscapes and coastline is something best appreciated on foot; however, 14 miles might be a long way to go in one day.


It’s ideal to break it up into sections by visiting the bay and historic center, then the downtown areas, and finally the east side on different days. Some excellent hotels to choose from are Alma Historica Boutique Hotel in the historic center, the Smart Hotel in downtown, or the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrascox and Spa Hotel on the east side.


The Rambla runs alongside Montevideo’s main avenue, but as it’s a sidewalk elevated from the street, it’s exceptionally safe for strollers, bicycles, joggers, and walkers of all ages. Many parts are divided for walking or wheels, so the likelihood of clashing with faster-paced explorers is minimal. The full expanse is very well lit at night and monitored by police in the high season, plus it runs along busy areas like shopping centers, sports fields, skating rinks, workout centers, and more.


Another popular way to enjoy the Rambla is by renting a bicycle for the day. Rent from Orange Bike, which has a shop in the historic center, allowing you to start from the west and see everything all the way east. Orange Bike has a variety of bike options from beach cruisers to three-speed bikes and mountain bikes, plus baby seats and tandem attachments for kids. Bike helmets and locks are included while tour guides are optional. Many hotels in Montevideo are affiliated with Orange Bike, allowing guests to simply bring their bike to the lobby at the end of their ride.


Must-see sights on the longest sidewalk in the world



When it comes to things to do in Montevideo, the options are endless. From outstanding beaches to incredible museums, an unforgettable historic center to exemplary shopping malls, there is enough to explore to spend several weeks in the city.


Beyond the obvious, there are a couple of sites along the Rambla worth seeing. Start with the Montevideo sign, found in the Pocitos section, to take classic selfies above the city. Also, don’t miss the Punta Carretas Lighthouse on Punta Brava between Parque RodÃģ and Punta Carretas Shopping. Finally, keep an eye out for the Holocaust Memorial, the unusual Pittamiglio Castle, and the Maritime Museum of Montevideo — all located along what could very well soon be designated the longest sidewalk in the world.



The post Walking on the beachside Rambla in Montevideo, Uruguay, the longest sidewalk in the world appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/reasons-to-see-montevideos-rambla/

Overnight at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Overnight at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo

Sleeping over in an Australian zoo might sound like the beginning of a horror movie, ending with the innocent visitor being chased around by rogue snakes, but don’t let your imagination run wild. Sydney’s Taronga Zoo is offering a Wildlife Retreat, and in all likelihood, you’ll make it out in one piece. Starting in November, the retreat will allow visitors to have a sleepover at the zoo in one of five sustainable eco-pods while also learning about Australia’s conservation projects.


Once the zoo closes for the day, you will be taken on an exclusive guided tour for a behind-the-scenes view of koalas, platypuses, and sun bears, without the hassle of the crowds. You will then be able to enjoy a meal at the Me-gal restaurant, which serves dishes prepared with local ingredients. On the second day of the retreat, guests can partake in a variety of animal and cultural experiences emphasizing the country’s conservation efforts.


One of the retreat’s main goals, according to the website, is to “encourage people to spend time at the zoo learning about the unique connections between Indigenous Australians and the environment. The experience will include tours and talks that encourage engaging interactions with our native animals that will increase awareness about the threats these species face.”


Since the zoo is a nonprofit organization, all revenue generated by the retreat will contribute to the costs of conservation and breeding programs across Australia and overseas. For more information about the retreat, or to learn about pricing, email buildingbetterzoo@zoo.nsw.gov.au.



The post Spend the night in an eco-pod at this Australian zoo appeared first on Matador Network.


http://travel.atspace.co.uk/overnight-at-sydneys-taronga-zoo/

Samsonite Pivot 3 Piece Set - Luggage

Samsonite Pivot 3 Piece Set - Luggage
$199.99
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Memory Foam U Shaped Travel Pillow Neck Support Head Rest Airplane Cushion

Memory Foam U Shaped Travel Pillow Neck Support Head Rest Airplane Cushion
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Booking Site Ixigo’s Rail-First Strategy Propels Growth in India

Booking Site Ixigo’s Rail-First Strategy Propels Growth in India

An illustration of how consumers can use the Ixigo trains app to overlay a digital image and discover which train car their ticketed seat is in. Ixigo CEO Aloke Bajpai said the startup he co-founded is now achieving rapid growth. Ixigo



Skift Take: An exclusive first look at Ixigo's fiscal year financials reveals that the travel price-comparison startup is growing rapidly. Its story suggests how business models that originated in Western markets sometimes need to adapt to local needs to succeed in emerging markets.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/booking-site-ixigos-rail-first-strategy-propels-growth-in-india/

Samsonite Pivot 3 Piece Set - Luggage

Samsonite Pivot 3 Piece Set - Luggage
$199.99
End Date: Friday Jun-7-2019 21:32:11 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $199.99
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http://travel.atspace.co.uk/samsonite-pivot-3-piece-set-luggage/

Memory Foam U Shaped Travel Pillow Neck Support Head Rest Airplane Cushion

Memory Foam U Shaped Travel Pillow Neck Support Head Rest Airplane Cushion
$6.89
End Date: Friday Jun-21-2019 16:49:16 PDT
Buy It Now for only: $6.89
Buy It Now | Add to watch list
http://travel.atspace.co.uk/memory-foam-u-shaped-travel-pillow-neck-support-head-rest-airplane-cushion/

Booking Site Ixigo’s Rail-First Strategy Propels Growth in India

Booking Site Ixigo’s Rail-First Strategy Propels Growth in India

An illustration of how consumers can use the Ixigo trains app to overlay a digital image and discover which train car their ticketed seat is in. Ixigo CEO Aloke Bajpai said the startup he co-founded is now achieving rapid growth. Ixigo



Skift Take: An exclusive first look at Ixigo's fiscal year financials reveals that the travel price-comparison startup is growing rapidly. Its story suggests how business models that originated in Western markets sometimes need to adapt to local needs to succeed in emerging markets.

— Sean O'Neill

Read the Complete Story On Skift

http://travel.atspace.co.uk/booking-site-ixigos-rail-first-strategy-propels-growth-in-india/

What is Cartagena, Colombia, like

What is Cartagena, Colombia, like

I made it about 75 feet from my hotel before someone offered me cocaine.


“Italian food, fresh Italian food,” a bald man yelled at me from a storefront along Calle Larga. “You hungry? See the menu.” He pushed the menu in my face in case I was confused what Italian food was.


“I’m good,” I said politely as I tried to hurry past.


“You want coke?” he asked, like this was the obvious follow-up question to turning down questionable steak pizzaiola. “I got the good shit man, 97%. Puro!”


“Good on that too,” I said walking away.


“Best price you’re gonna find,” he yelled after me. “Half what you pay in America.”


In my first hour in Cartagena, I’d found cocaine before I could find bottled water.


Photo: Gary C. Tognoni/Shutterstock


My hotel was not in a bad neighborhood, either. Or even what we might euphemistically call “transitional.” I was at the Selina — a sort of high-end youth hostel/boutique hotel hybrid — settled in the Getsemani district just outside the old city. It’s a neighborhood full of street murals and small local restaurants where people who look like young locals fill the plazas and pizza joints on weekends. It’s the perfect place for a hotel like Selina with its rooftop yoga, kale smoothies, and multi-level coworking space. But still, apparently, very much the Cartagena everyone back in Miami had told me about.


For folks who live in South Florida, Cartagena is both closer and cheaper than Las Vegas, the weekend getaway of choice for a little “what happens here, stays here” action. My image of the place had been formed not by 1990s news reports but by stories like my friend who linked up with a bachelor party and found herself at a villa filled with tables of cocaine and naked prostitutes.


“I definitely made some very bad decisions in Cartagena,” she told me.


A different friend usually couldn’t leave his house for two or three days after Cartagena weekends.


It was Sin City, without the rules, at half the price.


For someone who’d never been to this colonial gem on the Caribbean coastline, it’s a confusing narrative. Travel publications paint it as a historic Latin American paradise, like Havana if anyone had bothered painting it since the ‘60s. A direct contrast to the uninhibited shitshow I’d heard about.


So I spent nearly a week in Cartagena figuring out which one was closer to the truth — and found Cartagena somehow manages to be both. It’s a place full of world-class cocktail bars and fine dining steakhouses, history and beach clubs and funky little arts districts. It’s cleaned up, yes. But it only takes 75 feet to know it’s still a place to do things you’ll never speak of back home.


A historic old city becomes one of the world’s best places.


Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock


If you’re not up on the history of Spanish colonialism, Cartagena de las Indias was settled by Spain in 1533, named to differentiate it from the Spanish city of the same name. The natives who fled during Spanish conquests left behind vast amounts of gold, which tempted pirates sailing in the area. After French Pirate Robert Baal successfully raided Cartagena, and Francis Drake followed with another invasion, Spain ordered protective walls built around the city. Between about 1600 and 1796, seven miles of walls were built around the city. Most remain standing.


Today, instead of guarding against pirates, the walls are a place to enjoy the Caribbean sunset with a cold drink. CafÃĐ del Mar is tourists’ preferred walltop bar, where you can sip a glass of rosÃĐ with views of the sparkling new Boca Grande skyline. El Baluarte San Francisco Javier, about 300 yards down the walls, is equally lovely with smaller crowds and live music.


Inside the walls of the old city, you’ll find the grandest example of Spanish colonial architecture in the Caribbean, where colorful buildings line narrow streets filled with grand homes and elaborate door knockers. The streets have a palpable, compacted energy that’s forced together over the slender cobblestone streets, reverberates off the stone walls, and explodes from the rooftops in the form of cocktail bars.


Photo: Alquímico/Facebook


Chief among them is Alquimico, a multi-level, chemistry-themed alcohol palace where you can sip on Painkillers in a pineapple or try original drinks named after different Colombian cities. Across the street on another rooftop, you’ll find live music on multiple levels at La Jugada Club House, where drinks are also expertly crafted. There’s also El Arsenal: The Rum Box and El Baron, two ground-level cocktail bars with drinks on par with anything in New York. And you can dance salsa until sunrise at CafÃĐ Havana.


If those spots are too upscale, drinking cheap in the old city is even easier. Hawkers with coolers will happily sell you cold cans of Aguila, the Colombian equivalent of PBR minus the hipster baggage, for $1. The old city might also have the highest concentration of souvenir refrigerator magnets of any place in the world. And in between cracking your beers and helping you find the perfect souvenir for your Aunt Cindy, many hawkers might also try and sell you cocaine.


All this is wrapped around centuries-old history, the likes of which are hard to find without crossing an ocean. Cartagena is home to some of the Americas’ most impressive cathedrals, like the iconic St. Catherine of Alexandria, the old city’s most noticeable landmark, or the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, also in the old city. Cartagena was also home to a tribunal for the Spanish Inquisition, whose former home is now the city’s history museum. Overlooking it all on a hilltop you’ll find the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a castle dating back to the 1500s. Above that on Cartagena’s highest point is the Convento de la Popa, a mountaintop monastery that’s been restored to its seventh-century glory.


Cartagena mixes the clean with the not-so-clean, and it works.


Photo: Inspired By Maps/Shutterstock


“What we really need is to cut down on the drugs and the prostitutes,” Selina’s General Manager Alejandro Salamanca tells me over dinner at Alma. The restaurant is an example of the city’s spectacular forays into fine dining, where a menu of fresh ceviches, beef carpaccio, and marmalade oxtail are served under giant wooden ceiling beams. It gives the feeling one might have had eating in the grand dining room at the Castillo San Felipe up the hill.


“Prostitution’s legal,” he continues while slicing into a sesame-crusted tuna steak, “but it’s not what we want people coming for.”


He reflects a point many people I spoke to about tourism in Cartagena made: The city knows it has an anything-goes reputation but hope people love it for other things.


After an elaborate, two-hour meal we head back out towards the main gates of the Old City into a plaza that smells a little like raw sewage.


“This is where all the prostitutes work,” my tour guide says as matter-of-factly as if she were telling me this was the best place to get bagels. The plaza is filled with bustling tourists and young women lounging in tight-fitting outfits. They make kissy faces at me and my friend.


“What’s that smell?” I ask the guide. She points to a narrow strip of concrete running down the street.


“That’s the sewers,” she says. “They had open sewers here, but they covered them up. But they still use them to this day.”


A street-level sewer seemed an odd place for a sex worker to set up shop; perhaps it was strategic, at the main entrance to the old city. Perhaps it was because people not looking for their services probably wouldn’t linger there long.


Photo: Jess Kraf/Shutterstock


But the plaza didn’t really seem to attract any kind of “element.” Sure, there were the standard older guys there looking for a vacation “distraction.” But they were interspersed with people selling ice cream, bottled water, and magnets, families coming back from dinner and cruise ship passengers on their way to grand cocktail bars. The vices of Cartagena seemed like just another thing for tourists to partake in. The city somehow is balancing clean and seedy on the same street corner without anyone batting a synthetic eyelash.


In a week in Cartagena, I didn’t find much more trouble than I would at home, though it was definitely there if I’d wanted it. As a destination, there’s plenty of relatively clean fun to be had; Cartagena’s a bonafide tourism economy now, which means you’ll find all the great food, bars, and only-in-this-city attractions you can safely put on Instagram.


But if you so desire, also plenty of stuff reserved for Snapchat.



The post Cartagena’s upscale scene is on the rise, but it still has a wild side appeared first on Matador Network.


https://travel.atspace.co.uk/what-is-cartagena-colombia-like/

SAP Concur to Help Businesses Sync Meeting Planning With Travel Expense Management

The IAEA 1568th Board of Governors meeting at the Agency headquarters in Vienna, Austria, in March 2021. Dean Calma / IAEA Skift Take: We...