Travel
GUIDEPOST will take yo far and wide through TRAVEL.
TAAL: THE CUTE LITTLE VOLCANO SHOWS ITS PHREATIC FANGS »
Taal Volcano, one of the world’s smallest active volcanoes, is also one of the deadliest. On 12 January, a sudden explosion of the volcano quickly escalated into Alert Level 4. Volcanic activities intensified as continuous eruption generated a tall 10 to 15 kilometers (6.2 to 9.3 mi) of steam-laden column, with frequent volcanic lightning that rained wet ashfall on as far north as the Metro Manila, even affecting Clark International Airport farther up north.
THE GIRALDA WAVED TO ME »
As the sun set, the lights that illuminate the Cathedral and the Giralda came on. The site took my breath away. It is hard to describe something so immense, so beautiful, so old, and so lovely in the setting sun. As I was watching the streetlights, I noticed the Giralda wave to me. Seville never ceases to amaze me.
THE BATTLE OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE »
Now that it’s Christmastime, there are “better” things to squabble about. Martinez Almeida warned that “the Christmas lights in Madrid will shine so bright you’ll be able to see them in Vigo.” Caballero shot back: “Don’t even dream of competing with me. New York tried and lost.”
A GUIDEPOST REPRINT: “HUNTING IN SPAIN”, 31 OCTOBER 1969 »
As the leaves change color and fall to the ground, a great many men in Spain, as in almost every country in the world, get their guns out of the closets and head for the fields and forests. The hunting season has arrived. It is recommended that foreigners hunting in Spain either make as complete arrangements as possible before going to any of the hunting areas, or arrange a hunting party with some Spanish friend who knows what would be necessary. One other thing, the normal and natural courtesies existing in the rest of the world apply equally in Spain. Observe the legal requirements and the general customs, and you will really have a HAPPY HUNTING!
BOTIN: TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT BUT IT’S THE OLDEST AND ONE OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD! »
The Guinness World Records deems it the oldest restaurant in the world. Some dispute the title, claiming other restaurants have been there longer. But Jose “Pepe” Gonzalez, one of the proprietors of the fabled restaurant, does not mind. He credits its success to the quality of the food, the service and the ambiance. The bottom line, really, is that Sobrino de Botín is a formidable mix of great food, good vibes and a most fascinating history. The result is a much-deserved global fame that Pepe, a consummate restaurateur, seems to take in his stride.
NEW YORK: A TREAT FOR MOVIE BUFFS »
The fifth annual Ecuadorian Film Festival is on from October 18 to 20 in New York. It’s a lively festival that always surprises, what with its riveting themes. Some of the films have already won Latin American film awards. All are in Spanish with English subtitles. This year’s festival will have two venues: The Queens Museum and the Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen in Brooklyn. The Queens location is excellent because it also offers a walk through Flushing Meadow park if you choose to get there by the famed 7 train. The multi-faceted Bushwick, Brooklyn location, in an old factory building, is an experience in itself.
A SECOND OPINON: GETTING TO THE SEASHORE! »
Being able to actually touch the ocean is a wonderful thing when you live inland. I hope you were able to do it this summer, and if not, plan for next year!
THE WORLD’S BEST COUNTRY TO VISIT IS NONE OTHER THAN SPAIN, SO SAYS THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM! »
WEF: “The popularity of Spain, which has claimed the top spot in the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index since 2015, is bolstered by a world-class ranking in natural and cultural resources – from its vibrant cities to sunny beaches, and a diverse cultural programme that spans medieval festivals to contemporary art. Infrastructure is another important measure of a country’s travel competitiveness, and on these criteria Spain rates highly.”
FACTSHEET ABOUT THE ISLAND TRUMP COVETED »
Sermiligaaq settlement near the Sermilik Fjord
GREENLAND FACTSHEET
1. GREENLAND (Kalaallit Nunaat in Greenlandic; Grønland in Danish):
NASA: Landsat Illustrates Five Decades of Change to Greenland Glaciers »
Unusually warm air temperatures this summer have caused record melt across Greenland. Approximately 90 percent of the surface of Greenland’s ice sheet melted at some point between July 30 and Aug. 2, during which time an estimated 55 billion tons of ice melted into the ocean, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
