Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Abu Dhabi: Desert Rose or Just Dust and Rocks?
Fifty years ago, Abu Dhabi was not much more than empty desert punctuated only by the occasional palm tree. Bedouin tribes still roamed, sustaining themselves by harvesting dates, pearls and fish. Then oil was discovered and everything changed. Ten years later, the United Arab Emirates was born, forged from seven territories – called emirates – including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
By Scott Snowden9 years ago in Wander
From Skidoo to Aguereberry
So after visiting Cerro Gordo we headed into Death Valley. Our first stop was at Father Crowley Point. The attraction here is the beautiful geological formations, their colors and the fact that the military practices in the canyon there. So much so that the canyon has been nicknamed the Star Wars Canyon. Unfortunately that day, because of the cloud cover, they weren't flying.
By Michele James9 years ago in Wander
Unofficial Japanese Calendar Anniversaries (Jan-Jun)
Everyone loves to celebrate something, and the Japanese are no different, but a few Japanese companies and organizations have taken this to a whole new level. In an effort to promote a product or event, they petition the Japan Anniversary Association for certification. Perhaps the most well-known of these in the West are White Day (3/14) and Pocky Day (11/11).
By Made in DNA9 years ago in Wander
Crime Times - Growing Up In Africa
When most people hear that I grew up in Africa, their mind immediately wanders to images of a little Tarzan-like bush child, roaming the dense African Savanna's and grasslands with a pet lion by my side. This might be a slightly exaggerated opinion, but I really have been asked, countless times by a very ignorant few, if I do indeed have a pet *insert wild animal here*, if I live in a mud hut and, quite shockingly, why am I not darker skinned?
By Jami Murphy9 years ago in Wander
Skiing the Slopes of Val d’Isère
Two of the top ski resorts in Europe are Val d’Isère and Tignes, in the French Alps located practically next door to each other. So close are they that many make their way over across the slopes to enjoy the other resort’s runs for a day.
By Scott Snowden9 years ago in Wander
Searching for the Old Star Wars Sets in Tunisia
In addition to being a favourite film location for the likes of George Lucas, much of Monty Python’s The Life of Brian was shot here, as was The English Patient. However, it’s easy to see why this eerie, otherworldly landscape with its unique architecture and bizarre buildings could capture the imagination of a director looking to depict an arid, alien planet.
By Scott Snowden9 years ago in Wander
Fire on the Mountain: The Appalachian Culture
By 1966 in the mountains of North Georgia, much of the old folk knowledge was disappearing. The culture of Appalachia was being replaced with fast food and discount stores. This was a culture of oral tradition rather than the written word. The older people of the region had pursued a way of life learned from their parents and not too changed in over a century. Young people had discovered Wal-Mart and McDonald. The times had changed and there was no longer a need for weavers, blacksmiths, carters and ham curers.
By Kathleen Walls9 years ago in Wander
The Truth About Traveling They Don't Want You to Know
I often talk to people, especially those who travel often or live abroad, about the research they conducted before making the decision to visit or relocate. The number one complaint everyone has is that very few people are willing to talk about the bad and the ugly. This is a valid point. In their defense, people who travel and/or relocate tend to be the optimistic sort and those who would share their experiences usually share their experiences because they are so positive. It’s hard to share the negative when you don’t see the negative. That being said, I’m going to see if I can tackle the subject.
By Suki Tranqille9 years ago in Wander
The Infamous Teakettle Junction and Lost Burro Mine
If you have ever driven the road from Scotty's Castle in Death Valley to The Racetrack, you will know what I mean when I say LONG DRIVE .........VERY LONG DRIVE! Because of the washboard we couldn't go over 10 mph. Of course, the shorter wheel based Jeeps were hauling ass and passing us. So do the math. It's 19 miles (give or take) from where the dirt starts to Teakettle Junction and then another 6 miles from there to the start of The Racetrack. It took hours and hours to get to Teakettle Junction. I'm not exaggerating..... Anyhow, Teakettle Junction is actually a landmark out in the desert, a waypoint for the lost, a beacon of hope........Okay, it's just a sign, and yes, teakettles hanging off said sign. I was impressed as to how many there were. I am thinking that they take them down every year because they were all from 2016. Nothing older than that.
By Michele James9 years ago in Wander
Are Travel Agents Still a Thing?
Travel agents have had a rough past decade. The emergence of countless different online travel services has allowed people from around the world to book their trips and accommodations online with the click of a mouse. The independence this has created for modern travelers and adventurous spirits has certainly been a welcome addition to the people looking for new and affordable options in their booking arrangements. Unfortunately for the industry that was built upon making travel happen, the need for travel agents in particular has plummeted as a result of these changes. While there is still a clear hole in the business community where travel agents once thrived, the opportunity to remain prevalent in contemporary times is not as bleak as it may seem. By reinventing themselves as professionals and embracing a series of new roles as facilitators for travelers around the world, travel agents may still be able to remain a “thing” even today. Check out some of the new ways that travel agents could not only survive but also potentially thrive below!
By Parag Patel9 years ago in Wander
