gdp's Comments

Matador Pulse : President of Guinea-Bissau Assassinated

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 05:57:37 +0000

This article sheds some more light on an assassination that has rocked the Portuguese-speaking world. Will some people mourn Nino Vieira? I'm sure. But there are also many that won't be losing much sleep over the death of what they consider to have been a very unpopular leader. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7918792.stm http://angonoticias.com/full_headlines_.php?id=22... (In portuguese) There is a saying in Portuguese and I'm sure other languages: Quem pelo ferro mata, pelo ferro morre. Roughly translated it means, those who kill by the sword, die by the sword. That seems to be the sentiment in various Portuguese speaking newsites around the web. Guinea Bissau is one of the world's failing states and unfortunately this death confirms it. Hopefully Guineans will be able to put this behind them and move on, but they definitely have their work cut out.

Matador Trips : Portugal: Exploring Beyond Lisbon and Algarve

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:40:27 +0000

Julie, the quintessential Portuguese read is "Os Lusíadas", written by Luis de Camões, Portugal’s greatest poet and one of its favorite citizens. It was written back in 1572 and glorifies Portugal's voyages of exploration. Another well known example of Portuguese literature is the novel "O Crime do Padre Amaro" by Eça de Queiroz. It has been made into a Mexican film starring Gael Garcia Bernal, and a Portuguese film which became its most successful yet (commercially). My favorite form of armchair travel is the musical variety, and I would recommend Madredeus. Check out the tracks "Haja o que Houver", "O Éclipse", and "Moro em Lisboa"

Matador Trips : Portugal: Exploring Beyond Lisbon and Algarve

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:32:21 +0000

Haha Ivana, I heard about Obama's choice as well, and I had to google it to know what a portuguese waterdog looks like. I haven't yet been to Sagres but my brother has and loved it, even though he doesn't surf.

Matador Trips : Portugal: Exploring Beyond Lisbon and Algarve

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:54:21 +0000

Many thanks for the feeback. Julie, I'm glad Sintra was such a good time for you, and am happy that you stayed at a pousada. Aren't they amazing?! Hal, please book the next available flight to Portugal, I dunno what you're waiting for either. And thanks for the luck because I really do think I need it! t3mujin, I actually visited Piodao when I was a child. It was breathtaking but I felt that I didn't fully appreciate it back then. We had lunch there and felt like we were in the world's most remote village. Thanks for the links man.

Matador Life : How to Get Started Managing and Investing Your Money Now

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:50:01 +0000

Timely advice William, especially since I have to finance my traveling addiction...

Matador Pulse : 6 Reasons Why the Michael Phelps' "Scandal" is Uniquely American

Sat, 14 Feb 2009 05:30:10 +0000

Haha the funny thing is, Phelps has actually been arrested before for drinking and driving, but no cared. But print a photo of him ripping a bong, and O MY GOD!!!!! HE GOT HIGH!!!!!! Drinking and driving kills people. Weed makes you eat cheerios. So basically, Kelloggs is saying, "Kids, its ok to drink and drive and maybe kill someone. BUT DONT YOU DARE SMOKE WEED..!

Matador Pulse : What's going on in... Juarez, Mexico?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:55:13 +0000

Maybe the article below is a sign that things might change for the better. I long for the day that the powers that be will realize that the war on drugs probably kill more people directly and indirectly that the actual drugs do. http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN...

Brave New Traveler : When Does Budget Travel Become Exploitation?

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:41:09 +0000

Good point. I think having an argument about whether or not taking a cab is ethical or makes you a lesser human being is absurd. I mean, really? Some of the most intriguing, informative, or just funny conversations I've had in another country have been with a cab driver. I love finding out where they're from, their craziest clients, how they got to where they are, etc. Some of them have great stories. What's the fuss?!

Travelers Notebook : How to Plan a Round-the-World Trip... in Slow Mo

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:06:57 +0000

Oh man. This is definitely something I want to try in my lifetime. Iv always been fascinated with the idea of traveling by ship, and have spent many an hour on the bus as well. Reading ideas like the ones presented here, and reading about people who are actually doing it, makes it more attainable and not just a fantasy. The thing is, I'm still a sucker for air travel. I love airports, airplane, the thrill of being airborne, the glamor of commercial airlines. I feel like it's the first contact you get with the culture of the place you are flying to. Security lines at airports don't phase me, and neither do my coach class seats. I guess I might be part of a dying breed..

Matador Nights : 10 Most Influential Musicians for Travelers over the Past Decade

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:55:36 +0000

Music and traveling go sooo well together. The right music at the appropriate place can definitely enhance the experience of any trip, and I think music is the most powerful window into a particular culture. For example, a trip to Portugal is only complete with listening to music from Madredeus. Iceland would only make sense with Sigur Ros. I have music from the majority of the artists in this article, but not from Bajofondo and Johansen. And as luck would have it, im studying abroad in Buenos Aires next semester. Jackpot. They were a great find. And David, you should check out Federico Aubele and Natalia Clavier, who are also Argentinian (and married) and signed to Thievery Corporation's Eighteenth St Lounge label. And since we are talking about Thievery, I think they are the ultimate global music ensemble. Their eclectic music encompass anything from bossa nova to afrobeat to jazz to funk to reggae...I feel like they would be the perfect fit for this article. They are phenomenal live as well, since they bring with them singers from all reaches of the globe.

Matador Pulse : How The US Prison System Has Become a Big Business

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:11:20 +0000

Sascha check this out... http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090213/od_uk_nm/ouko... Speechless.

Brave New Traveler : When Does Budget Travel Become Exploitation?

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:34:08 +0000

This is a great article Ernesto, for the simple reason that it forces people to think about the impact of (budget) travel in ways that they wouldn't before. I think traveling is one of the ultimate highs but just like everything in life, there are pros and cons to it. Not to veer too much off topic, but I just read this interesting article detailing how tourists are threatening the ecological livelihood of the Galapagos Islands. Some advocate people visiting it only once in a lifetime, while others argue that the tourism industry is what sustains the islands. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/459243... Does this mean you should never visit the Galapagos? No. But it does remind you of a very simple truth: for every action, there is a reaction. Even when that action is something as innocent as traveling the world.

Matador Pulse : What's Going on in... Madagascar?

Sat, 7 Feb 2009 22:08:19 +0000

Tim, I was just about to post BBC's version of the article above. I shudder whenever unarmed civilians start getting killed by police like that. It is a catalyst for more bloodshed, mass confusion, and eventually, war. I hope I am proved wrong.