Congratulations! + a Happy Video
Great work deserves recognition, so step forward Sammy K, Craig and Linda Martin, SoulTravelers3 and Sheila Beal! Congrats on your winning the Lonely Planet Travel Blog Awards 2009. Great job guys! Looking forward to participating next year and hopefully having a shot at the awards 
I also want to share about Far West China, a blog created by Josh Summers showcasing Xinjiang, the province located at far west China. Josh has kindly contributed an article showcasing the eerie Ghost City in Xinjiang, do check it out! And if you’re as intrigued as I am as to what other creepiness you can find in Xinjiang, go visit his blog!
Once again, we’re accepting submissions! Email me at nik(at)unearthingasia(dot)com.
From the Blog
For PhotoFriday goodness we go to Seoul, South Korea, and showcases the world’s longest and steepest wooden roller coaster, the T-Express.
Josh Summers from Far West China explored the eerie Ghost City at northern Xinjiang, a place that’s more than meets the eye!
Michelle continues her exploration of Saigon, this time towards the Mekong Delta, where she enjoyed the colorful floating market and a local specialty, the elephant ears fish!
From the Web
In comparison to these Mega and Giga Monster Coasters, the T-Express ride in Seoul pales in comparison.
Remember The Best Job in the World? It’s coming to a close soon. Congrats Clare Wang on winning the Wild-Card vote!
And finally, Matt goes around the world and does his funny little dance with people from all over the world! Such a happy video, and I absolutely LOVE the music!
It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
Despite risking the divided attention of my few readers, I can’t help but point to the recent happenings in the world of the EPL. You can say it’s a little personal. But hey! There is a lesson to be learned here, which applies to philosophy, which in turn applies to culture, and then to travel (Oh how I try!). That lesson? It’s not over till it’s over!
Well that’s that then, on to business. I’m very very pleased to share with you our newest contributor to the site, Andrew Hayes. That’s a beautiful site there Andy, and a great read as well. Welcome! We’ll be looking forward to your stories and musings!
I’ll take this chance as well to invite anybody who are interested in contributing, especially in regards to the Middle East, India, Nepal, Tibet, etc. We’re a little lacking in that area at the moment. Contact me at nik(at)unearthingasia(dot)com with your writing samples, compensation packages and short bio.
A debacle has been brewing in the blogosphere, one involving the Royal Caribbeans. It started small, but has drawn more and more momentum through the coming weeks. For the full coverage, check out these articles on Jaunted (twice), MSNBC (also twice), Tripso and many other blogs. This is the same Royal Caribbean that banned a passenger for life for complaining too much (even tho their complaints seemed very legitimate to me). A right royal mess it’s all becoming!
From the Blog
Our last week’s Photo Friday entry proved popular with the visitors, so we’ve decided to showcase another series of photos from New Zealand. Here are other highlights from that Port Hills Drive through scenic Christchurch.
Michelle has recently finished a quick 4 day trip through Saigon, and she shares her experiences during the first two days here and here. There will be more coming in the week, so look out for that!
From the Web
Christopher Elliott has been called one of the world’s leading travel experts. I don’t know and couldn’t care less about that, but I do enjoy his straight to-the-point talking in his blog.
Spotted by Locals is a blog where local netizens share their favorite hang-out places and the likes. Excellent idea! I shall propose an Asian section to that site.
And finally, some inspirational photography, less all this business talk and heavy reading makes us forget our aim – to inspire you to travel! Gorgeous!
