A roundup of the good, the bad and the bizarre from the world’s best travel media
One of the things you’ll notice the first time you set foot outside the United States is that we don’t have a monopoly on graffiti. This is especially true in Europe, where it seems at times that this nocturnal underground subculture has left the Old World awash in spray paint.
You could start a pretty heated argument, especially among cops, over which European country has been most affected — or afflicted — by this. Absent compelling evidence to the contrary, at least for the moment, my vote goes to Italy.
As you travel up and down the Italian “boot,” it seems as if almost any vertical surface not deemed holy by the Catholic Church has been been “tagged” — and I mean tagged bigtime. I came across the image at right sprayed across one of those steel roll-up doors at a small shop on the island of Dorsoduro in Venice.
Then again, we’re not just talking about simple, if often cryptic, spray-painting of letters, names, words or epithets. Some of these could legitimately be termed works of art, and that’s an idea that seems to have caught on.
What had been underground seems to be furiously going mainstream. These days, Europe especially seems to be embracing the idea that “if you can’t beat ‘em, gentrify ‘em.” Young people who but a few years ago would’ve been labeled vandals and subject to arrest are now not only being referred to as “street artists,” but are putting on public exhibits, with the blessings of — and even arrangement by — civic leaders.
This spring, there were organized exhibits of street art in Italy, as the New York Times reported.
I guess it’s only fair. Artists have been doing their thing on the surface of Italian streets for centuries. Art students in Florence and elsewhere re-create Italian master works across cobbled thoroughfares, and the only ones who even take notice anymore are fascinated tourists, who watch, photograph and video them doing it.
And of course, there are tons of websites and blogs on the Internet, as well as videos on YouTube, dedicated to showing off their handiwork.
In truth, the idea of graffiti, whether as art or political or cultural expression, has spread across the globe — so much so that it wouldn’t be too hard for a student of art, sociology or political science to design a graffiti-themed journey to virtually any part of the world.
Just leave your spray cans at home.
And now, this week’s Digest:
from Smarter Travel
These days, cruising doesn’t have to be about 24/7 eating and drinking. If you’re trying to get fit, or want to stay that way, there are plenty of cruise ships out there for you.
from SmarterTravel
The DOT is cracking down on airlines guilty of long tarmac delays with fines. The airlines’ response: Cancel the flight altogether rather than pay up, or get their scheduling act together.
AFRICA
from The Independent (London, UK)
If you’re heading down to South Africa for this year’s FIFA World Cup, you’ve got a lot to look forward to — including hotel rooms that have been marked up 300 percent.
from Beat the Brochure
The good news: Virgin Atlantic news new flights three times a week to Ghana. The bad news (if you’re in the States): You’ll have to fly to London to catch one.
AMERICAS
from Fodors
Want a taste of France — literally — along with the rest of the culinary world, but without having to wade through jet lag, volcanic ash and airline strikes? Then head on up to Canada for a gastronomy crawl through Montreal. You won’t even need a car.
from USAToday
America’s best beach is in: California, Florida, Hawaii…New York? Are these guys serious? Yes, they are.
ASIA/PACIFIC
from OfficialWire (London, UK)
Recession or not, Westerners are still flocking to Asian boutique hospitals. The medical tourism business is still booming.
EUROPE
from Frommer’s Budget Travel
When in Rome, eat like a Roman.
from The Times (London, UK)
Britain’s Lake District is green, serene village England at its most picturesque — and you can tour it by train. I am so there.
MIDDLE EAST
from the Honolulu Advertiser
Syria. Six months ago, it was on a State Department terror watch list. Today, it’s a tourist attraction.
