Ha! Now this is funny. As you surely know, I love to whine and complain about things I don’t like, including banal, regurgitative, one-upsman, and/or... »
Asia
The Around the World Dream Becomes a Reality (Soon)
Now this is exciting. We have a big new project that is going to keep us super busy (along with our paying jobs, volunteer activities, family obligations, soccer on the weekends, drinking red wine, and avoiding Facebook): Planning a year-long, around-the-world trip! Sadly, this trip is not for us, but it is for someone very... »
What Up, Buddhists?
This is interesting. Akon, no, not a city in Ohio, but a singer that some of those young whippersnappers seem to enjoy, was slated to have a concert in Sri Lanka, but, alas, no more. Apparently, much of the 70% Buddhist population was offended at one of Akon’s recent videos featuring a Buddhist statue behind... »
Saving Birds and Trees in Cambodia Through Ecotourism
We’re happy to report on this Phnom Phen Post story on how the village of Tmatboey in Cambodia is working with conservation groups to establish a model of ecotourism. Excerpts and some thoughts below: “As biodiversity in Southeast Asia suffers from an onslaught of habitat loss, climate change and overexploitation, a few organisations are determined... »
The Best Eco-Friendly Beach Destinations
With a record snowfall already in our little corner of the world and more than a month of winter to go, we can think only of the sun’s rays beating down on our bathing suited bodies. (Yes, a few more weeks on the elliptical will help that fantasy be a little more appealing.) Here... »
3 Reasons to Travel to Iran
Iran has been in the news a lot lately – for good reason. Another revolution could be coming, and long overdue. But regardless of the political situation in Iran, it deserves a travel look. There are some places of the world that one does not associate with tourism, socially conscious or not. For Americans, countries... »
Bulldozing Over Cultures in China
We’ve already been informed that The Mindful Tourist is one of the many websites blocked by the Chinese government (and quite frankly, we feel honored. Thanks, China!), and we don’t think our discussing the latest cultural catastrophe the Chinese are committing will make them change their minds. While we sit fretting over the new six-lane... »
New Zealand Supporting Ecotourism in Afghanistan
We’ve written about the Bamiyan Buddhas (also spelled Bamyan) before but here’s a very cool development. Last month, the government of New Zealand announced its intent to provide financial support in the amount of about $2 million over three years for ecotourism projects in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Province. “The ancient Bamyan Buddhas and the renowned Band-e... »
The Top Five Things I Didn’t Expect From China
We are very jazzed that Katie Lewis, the Nomadic Reporter, has written a guest post for the Mindful Tourist. Katie is currently living in China and has some HI-larious anecdotes and observations from her time there. We love how Katie takes the good with the bad and just lives. Read on: I arrived in China, bright-eyed... »
Karaoke Leading to Social Evils in Vietnam
Multiple Choice: What did the Chief of the Legal Department of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam say? A. “Ecstasy always goes with wine and music. If the government doesn’t ban dancing at karaoke establishments, karaoke rooms will be misused by ecstasy users” B. “In my opinion, karaoke is a cultural activity which is always... »
A Tourist’s Role in Archaeological Ethics
Remember the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan? This was in spring of 2001, before most people had heard of the Taliban. We remember it well and were horrified watching video of these incredibly amazing and larger-than-life sculptures that had stood for centuries being blown up by tanks and anti-aircraft weapons. This is... »
