How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization
Author: Franklin Foer
Who knew you could learn so much about globalization, economics and politics from soccer? Great read.
Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity
Author: Julia Cameron
One possible path to re-discovering the creativity you never knew you had.
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, New Edition
Author: Jared Diamond
An admirable crack at explaining why the world is the way it is by way of an anthropological macro-history. This book probably comes up the most in conversation as we travel.
The Cathedral Within: Transforming Your Life by Giving Something Back
Author: Bill Shore
Inspiring profiles of social entrepreneurs and projects we all can learn from and hopefully replicate to give back to community.
Playing the Enemy: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Made a Nation
Author: John Carlin
Although the storyline is built around the South African rugby team and the 1995 World Cup, this book is more about Nelson Mandela and how he was able to unite a divided country. Inspiring.
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown
Author: Paul Theroux
The author re-visits Africa and re-assesses the place he once knew... and judges it once and for all. Well written, poignant observations of the thumbprints left by career politicians, aid workers, and everyday people.
Outliers: The Story of Success
Author: Malcolm Gladwell
A look at the internal and external factors of how extraordinary people got to be, well, extraordinary. One of those books that challenges assumptions and makes you think differently.
Shantaram: A Novel
Author: Gregory David Roberts
Administering first aid in a Bombay slum, selling fake passports and running guns to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Technically a novel, but closely linked to the Author's own experiences. Fantastic read.
In case our Chinese market video turned your stomach, we offer something a bit more tasteful.
From the friendly Gansu bread man to the the giggling Qingdao dumpling ladies, China unfolds in a video montage of street food and kitchen scenes.
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January 19th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Eating local cuisine is just about my favorite part of international travel. Going local doesn’t always treat me well (i.e. salmonella from Mexico) but I love it nonetheless. I found the crepe maker in Beijing the most interesting clip. Such a pleasure to watch him skillfully smooth the batter. I rewound three times.
January 24th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
@Adam: Thanks. I’m with you. Food is the gateway to a culture, a window to the soul of a country. And street food is a great way to meet people.
Glad you enjoyed the clip.
July 10th, 2012 at 11:01 pm
I love Chinese Street food, but to be honest, Qingdao is probably the worst city in China I’ve been to for street food. If you go to China, you must try the following:
Re Gan Mian: Wuhan hot and dry noodles, amazing!
Cai Mo: Leek and Egg in a flat bread
Chou Tofu: Stinky Wuhan Tofu
Ji Dan he tofu pancake: eggs and tofu with this amazing chinese spice
Huo Guo: Chinese Hot Pot
But Make sure its hot, if its not flaming hot, it will give you the squits!
July 17th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
@Sammy: Qingdao wasn’t that bad (in our memory) when it came to street food, however much of it (at least in the winter) seemed confined to hot pot. Also, there are terrific dumpling shops.
Flaming hot…just made a note. Thanks for sharing your China eating experiences!