The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2010: Elite 8
After a very strong showing last week in the Best City To Visit Travel Tournament Sweet 16, the remaining Elite 8 are all European cities. (Istanbul is technically in Europe and Asia, but close enough.) New York put up a good fight against London and Paris continues to dominate but this week things get interesting. Vote for your favorite cities – Istanbul vs. Barcelona, Amsterdam vs. Venice, and two other match ups that will be decided this week. Voting ends this Friday March 19th at 12 noon US EST.
- Those of you reading through RSS or my daily email will need to click through to the site to vote.
The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2010 - Elite 8: Paris vs. Athens
- Paris, France (Rod) (86%, 117 Votes)
- Athens, Greece (Nisha) (14%, 19 Votes)
Total Voters: 136
Loading ...The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2010 - Elite 8: Istanbul vs Barcelona
- Istanbul, Turkey (Deniz) (51%, 100 Votes)
- Barcelona, Spain (Stephane) (49%, 95 Votes)
Total Voters: 195
Loading ...The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2010 - Elite 8: Amsterdam vs. Venice
- Venice, Italy (Anjuli) (78%, 108 Votes)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (JM Leon) (22%, 31 Votes)
Total Voters: 139
Loading ...The Best City To Visit Travel Tournament 2010 - Elite 8: Zermatt vs. London
- Zermatt, Switzerland (Jen) (71%, 97 Votes)
- London, England (Jack) (29%, 39 Votes)
Total Voters: 136
Loading ...You can take a look at the entire bracket so far below (or see the larger version).
The winner will be determined on Friday, April 2nd 2010. Missed this contest? I run a number of large and small contests throughout the year. Take a look at some previous competitions and prizes and find out about my next contest first by signing up to my bi-monthly newsletter.
[photo by: Kyle Slattery (top picture)]
Your Guide To Driving On The German Autobahn
Driving on the German freeway, better known as the autobahn, is an experience onto itself. While it is a practical way to get around Germany (even though the country has an excellent public rail system) it’s just fun to drive on. Contrary to what most people may think, the autobahn is an organized road that isn’t a lawless, dangerous, completely unlimited speed limit zone.
Some Ground Rules
For starters, the German autobahn has speed limits. Sections of the road have speed limits based on their proximity to exits and towns – when you get further away from these areas the speed limit restrictions are lifted. The sign that indicates this is gray, with 5 diagonal lines you can see in the picture right, and lets you know you can go as fast as traffic (or your car) allows.
That means you can really go as fast as you want and better be careful to get out of the way if someone wants to pass. On the German autobahn passing on the right is forbidden and people take these rules seriously. Cars from behind don’t slow down as the approach someone ahead if that person can move to the right. In many cases, if you don’t move over to the left you’re libel to get into a car accident.- Stopping is also not allowed on the autobahn and you should use your emergency blinkers to let others know traffic ahead is slowing down.
Despite the fact that there are no speed limits in sections of the autobahn, most people don’t drive as fast as they can. Most cars manufactured in Europe have smaller engines than you’ll find in the US, the official recommended autobahn speed is 130 kph (~80mph) and driving close to top speed burns fuel very quickly in a place where a liter is around $2.
Who’s Can Drive On The Autobahn Legally?
European Union citizens, and American citizens from [36 of the 50] states can drive with their license from home in Germany for up to one year. Technically you’re supposed to have a translation of the license with you but for basic traffic violations most police won’t scrutinize a license too thoroughly.
Go With The Flow
In many parts of the US, if you use your high beams to flash someone ahead of you they might simply slow down just to be a pain. On the German autobahn, this is a perfectly acceptable way to let someone going slower in front of you know you’re coming up and to get over. Cars don’t stick around in the left lane if there are others driving faster, like I mentioned above, it’s a good way to cause a major accident.
- That also means if someone flashes you, don’t take it personally, just move over and let the faster car go.
You should also use your signal blinkers whenever you change lanes, especially in speed limit free zones.
Scanned and Straight
Sections of the autobahn without speed restrictions are generally very straight with few slight curves and bends. To maintain their resilience, the roads are scanned up and down using a series of devices that look for any breaks, cracks, and debris in the roadway. Crews also drive up and down the road continuously and quickly close down lanes to remove any hazards.
- The Germans also don’t simply patch up cracks and potholes; they just replace the entire section of roadway when needed.
Don’t fear laying on the gas, the road won’t suddenly shift left or right and changes in the speed limit will indicate places where it’s safer to drive slower.
Give It A Shot
The German autobahn was created in the early 1910s and greatly expanded during the 30s to give unimpeded, fast access between different parts of the country.
- Between some cities it can actually be cheaper (and often easier) to rent a car and pay for a tank of gas rather than take the train.
- There are no tolls along the autobahn for cars.
It’s fun to legally go 240 kph (~150 mph) particularly if you’ve got the need, the need for speed. Motorcycle enthusiasts can also rent a bike, enjoy some of the smooth open roads, and take that one motorcycle road trip. If you do decide to take a car or bike out for a spin on the autobahn, aim to go on a Sunday, that’s when most trucks are restricted from using the autobahn, leaving more of the pavement for your enjoyment.
[photos by: Jingles The Pirate, Kiluka, mwboeckmann]
A Look Inside Copenhagen’s Autonomous Neighborhood Christiania
Within Denmark’s capital Copenhagen exists another world called Christiania. It’s a small area within the city that proclaimed its independence from the state in 1971, and an intriguing place to visit and experience. There are some ground rules and many questions that come up while walking around Christiania, and some residents will even warn you to avoid the place as I was right outside this Danish bakery. Despite its rough look around the edges, Christiania is one place you should visit if you’re ever in Copenhagen to catch a community making a rapid and often difficult transition.
What Is Christiania?
Christiania is a neighborhood within Copenhagen that is on the site of an old military base that was taken over by squatters in 1971. The residents then declared it a self-governing entity which has since existed in a tense relationship with the Danish government. Technically, Christiania is regarded more of as a commune that is under a set of special limited laws. Many visitors assume Christiania is a society that was founded by hippies, although its more complicated than that. It’s ideals are a culmination of leftist and anarchist principles (but that’s something of an oversimplification).
Some Ground Rules
When you first enter Christiania, you’ll notice colorful graffiti everywhere; painting the image of love, openness, and harmony. It’s important to note that taking pictures is forbidden in parts of Christiania but out here near the children’s park it’s OK (just ask people before you take pictures of them). There are a few other simple ground rules that are at the heart of Christiania:
- No guns.
- No violence.
- No stealing.
- No hard drugs.
There is also the informal rule of no running throughout Christiania – the act is associated with drugs raids which have become more frequent in Christiania during the past few years. Otherwise, you’re free to walk around the entrance area, around the homes, and enter some of the buildings. There is a museum here, although when I tried to visit, it was closed with only the lingering smell of marijuana in the hallway.
Beyond The No-Photo Zone
There is a stark contrast between the lighthearted design of the entrance and the dark colors beyond the no-photo (or pusher) zone. You’ll see signs everywhere warning you not to take pictures as drugs are being sold and smoked freely, although it is illegal in Denmark. This part of Christiania looks a bit more rundown and you’ll most certainly be greeted by suspicious eyes everywhere, the drug raids have taught the residents to be weary of new faces.
In contrast to the people huddled around fires burning in barrels, there are the occasional modern cafes like Cafe Nemoland next to lively bars. The normalcy in a place that doesn’t look or feel quite normal is fascinating to experience and witness, particularly as Danes from the outside walk to work or back home through the drug dealers in the neighborhood.
A World Of Contrasts and Clash
When talking to the residents of Christiania who’ve lived in the neighborhood for more than 15 years, you get a sense that some of the original ideals are being lost with a new generation more interested in drugs than community. Much of the dealing has been taken over by organized crime and subsequently the Danish government has taken notice. Drug raids are common and many government officials of late have based part of their campaigns on promises of ending Christiania’s loosely defined status.
Some of the old ideas and practices still keep the spirit alive; all decisions within the community must be decided by unanimous vote and all living spaces cost an equal amount regardless of size, but it’s hard to tell how long any of it will last. Provided you follow the rules and keep your camera away you can experience Christiania safely and decide for yourself.
[photos note: The top picture is of the entrance of Christiania, other others I took from around Copenhagen. I didn't take and decided not to post any other pictures of Christiania which you can easily find online.]
Racing From The UK To Mongolia For Charity With Abandon The Cube
Perpetual travelers, Lauren and Mike, who left their cubicles to travel the world are gearing up for their next adventure and looking for your help. They are participating in the Mongol Rally, a race from the UK to Mongolia to raise money for the country which was recently hit by a severe freeze. I spoke with Mike and Lauren (who chronicle their travels on their blog Abandon The Cube) about the Mercy Mongolia charity, the race, and how you can help out.
Why are you racing by car from London to (Ulaanbaatar), Mongolia?
We’re raising to raise money for charity, but also because its an amazing adventure on an uncommon route through countries we’ve been eager to visit and to help people we’ve come to love.
When is the race and approximately how long will it take you?
The rally launched July 24th, 2010 from London and will take between 4-6 weeks.
What is your planned route?
We’ll head from the UK, through France, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.
Is there any time to stop and visit any places along the way?
While we’re interested in getting to Mongolia and helping charity, we’re also all about the journey and we’ll be stopping along the way quite a bit. A massive detour to Romania to see Transylvania, for example.
How are you preparing for the race – any special training (i.e. learning about cars, first aid, etc.?)
We’re very busy trying to find sponsors to help fund this adventure and raise money for the charity, but in addition we’re stocking up on survival gear and (although its a bit pathetic training) we’re watching Bear Grylls on Man vs. Wild non-stop to learn emergency survival ideas. Learning about cars is a must, once we pick a vehicle we’ll spend time reading and trying to get hands-on experience with the make and model of car. And all free time is spent on the remaining two training bits – learning Russian and practicing my ukulele. (Interestingly, a team last year was denied entrance into a country and played their guitar for them and they were let in.) I’m hoping music really will heal all wounds and help us have a great trip, make friends and meet people, and ease through borders in style. This may be wishful or dreamy thinking, but its part of why this rally will be so much fun.
What is Mercy Mongolia?
Mercy Corps is a non-profit charitable organization that helps folks around the globe in high-risk areas for natural disasters and poverty. The Mongolia branch helps herders stay independent and helps them find markets, helps with early education in rural areas, and other programs that directly benefit Mongolians. Impressively, 90% of all donations to this charity go directly to help those in need with the remaining 10% for organizing, fund-raising, etc.
How can people reading help support you?
We’re trying to raise money for this noble charity, and folks can donate online directly on our website to Mercy Mongolia. The widget [right under this interview] links directly to a secure site so donating is safe and easy, and if people really want to help, they can also post the widget on their webpages, blogs, or send it to their friends.
We’re also looking for corporate sponsorship for our team to help fund our adventure from London to Mongolia by car. Donations to our team can also be made online via Paypal, 100% of that money goes to helping the team pay for transportation, visas, and registration fees; and our team is offering benefits to sponsors that are outlined in our website.
You can help Mercy Mongolia by making a contribution using the widget below or visit the Abandon The Cube donations page. Good luck in the rally Lauren and Mike!
