The best countries for food Food and travel go together like planes and airports. No matter where you go you'll have little trouble finding at least one culinary experience that will help you understand the local culture. In some countries the food is the highlight, drawing many a foodie to its borders, like a moth to a flame. 1. Image by jaaron Standing at the crossroads of India, China and Oceania, Thai cuisine is like a best-of of all three’s techniques and ingredients. 2. Image by Klearchos Kapoutsis From olives to octopus, the true taste of Greece depends on fresh, unadulterated staples. 3. From back-alley dumpling shops to four-star banquet halls, China has one of the world’s finest palates. 4. Image by Sunfox From cheese and champagne to snails and baguettes, the French are famous for their foodstuffs. 5. Image by scaredy_kat Best in Barcelona, Catalan cooking is racking up the accolades from gourmands around the globe. 6. Image by chargrillkiller Would you like some magic-realism with that enchilada? 7. 8. 9.
Listen to the Meditation Oasis Podcast Our podcast features guided meditations, instructions for meditation, and music for meditation. You can listen to it at iTunes or by clicking on the links below. Episodes are listed from the oldest to the most recent. Have an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or Android Smartphone? The Meditation Oasis Podcast App (from Wizzard Media) is the ideal way to listen to the podcast and get the most out of it. Our Smartphone Apps - If you enjoy our meditations, you may want to purchase some of our apps. Podcast Copyright 2006-2013 Mary and Richard Maddux. #1 – Relaxation Break: Guided Meditation with Music – Nov. 7, 2006. 7 mins. #2 – Body Awareness Meditation – Nov. 14, 2006. 22 min. #3 – Breath Awareness Meditation – Dec. 5, 2006. 9 min. #4 – Stillness in the Breath Meditation – Jan. 3, 2007. 12 min. #5 – Simply Being – Jan. 19, 2007. 8 min. #6 – Music for Meditation & Relaxation – Feb. 2, 2007. 31 min. #7 – Emotional Ease – Mar. 6, 2007. 13 min. #8 – Going Deep Within – Apr. 6, 2007. 10 min.
The 10 best treks in the world These 10 classic treks are for serious walkers. All of them require a sturdy pair of lungs, fit legs and a good amount of preparation. However, if you choose to go on any of these trails then you will be rewarded with experiences that last a lifetime. In no particular order: 1. Image by Jean-Baptiste Bellet This demanding 15- day (168km, 104mi) slog through Corsica is legendary for the diversity of landscapes it traverses. 2. Image by funkz This 33km (20mi) ancient trail was laid by the Incas and is currently traversed by thousands each year. 3. Image by Crazy Joe Devola ‘The land of the Dogon people’ is one of Africa’s most breathtaking regions. 4. Image by lampertron Reaching a height of 5,545m (18,193ft) at Kala Pattar, this three-week trek is extremely popular with those who want to be able to say, ‘I’ve been to the base of the world’s highest mountain’. 5. Image by Chandramohan Burly V Fewer folk trek on the Indian side of the world’s greatest mountain range. 6. Image by brewbooks 7. 8.
The Six Element practice Bodhipaksa Updated: March 1, 2013 The Six Element practice The Six Element practice is a profound contemplation on interconnectedness, impermanence, and insubstantiality. It’s one of the most significant insight practices to be found in the Pali canon, and it’s described in great detail in the 140th sutta of the Middle Length Sayings as well as being given a more cursory treatment elsewhere. In this practice we reflect in turn on the elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space, and Consciousness, noting how each is an ever-changing process rather than a static thing to which we can cling. Reading through this article — which is more or less how I lead the practice, give or take the odd bit of commentary — will give you no more than a faint flavor of the practice. Before you begin Usually I begin by spending a few minutes cultivating lovingkindness before launching into the practice. Then I’ll wish myself well by repeating phrases such as “May I be well. Comments
How to Travel Around the World for $418. “I have to tell you sir, this is easily the most ridiculous itinerary I’ve ever put together,” said the American Airlines operator the other night as I finalized plans for a worldwide adventure that would make Marco Polo blush. “Welp, that makes two of us!” I replied. And just like that, I had committed myself to almost nine months of international travel. Yes, that picture above is my actual itinerary. Beginning this January, I’ll start an epic journey that will take me across four continents, through at least nine countries, and into more than fifteen cities. Oh, and all of these flights are costing me a grand total of $418.36. Warning: I’m totally going to geek out on travel-hacking with this post, so if you have no interest in learning how to travel the world and visit awesome places for dirt cheap, check back in on Monday. This post is also quite lengthy at over 2500 words: grab some coffee, get comfortable, and let me show you how deep the rabbit hole of travel hacking goes. -Steve
Mantak Chia, Universal Tao Center at Tao Garden Health Resort, Health Spa with Healthy Environment How to Start a Blog - A Complete Guide to Setting up a Blog Backpacker: How to travel the World Guidebook How to Travel Full-Time for $17,000 a Year (or Less!) Wise Bread Picks For the last five years, I've been traveling the world full-time, and for less money than I've ever spent (and I'd wager less money than most people would spend) to live in one place. My worldly possessions fit into one bag (just larger than carry-on size) and a backpack containing my laptop and computer gear. This small entourage (weighing less than 45 pounds in total) comes with me as I wander around the world, sometimes quickly, but mostly slowly. In 2011 alone, I traversed 13 countries and over 45,360 miles. Sounds pretty expensive, huh? What if I told you it wasn't? Believe it. How to Keep Your Travel Costs Low Of course, I could travel for way more than $17,000/year. Here are a few of my secrets. Don't Pay for Accommodations In the entire year of 2011, I paid $173 for accommodation. Work-Trade/Volunteer There are lots of creative opportunities to work in trade for your accommodation (and sometimes food) and enjoy a more immersive travel experience. Hospitality Exchange
What's Dave Doing? - Living the travel dream