Seven (or So) Blogs for Seven Continents

Wait, seven continents? Surely there aren't bloggers in Antarctica. Actually, yes, there are; even in the coldest, driest, windiest continent on Earth people find time to blog. This section explores what these crazy penguins are doing way, way down amid the icebergs. The other six continents also have their share of prolific, opinionated bloggers, which we examine further in this section.

But first, some sites deserve special mention for going beyond the occasional travel blog. Here's one:

Ultimate Journey

http://www.ultimatejourney.com/

Originally planned as a 15-month drive around the world, Erin and Chris's impressive trip grew to a four-year journey. After fifty countries and 100,000+ miles on two motorcycles, they returned home to New York City and wrote a book.

Antarctica

Antarctica Blog

http://tblogs.bootsnall.com/luke/

"High season" in Antarctica is November, when the temperature actually goes above freezing. These cooks spend the busy season at McMurdo Station feeding scientists from around the world. Watch them gear up for season 20052006.

Guillaume Dargaud

http://www.gdargaud.net/Antarctica/index.html

A funny, rambling look at life on the French base Dumont d'Urville, one of the few bases open during Antarctic winters. Fabulous photos provide a vivid account of life in the middle of nowhere.

Big Dead Place

http://www.bigdeadplace.com/index.html

This blog chronicles life in McMurdo Station, the United States's research "city" on the Ross Ice Shelf. This funny site that is quite bloggish pulls no punches regarding life on the white continent. A brutal illustration of the Antarctic addiction.

Africa

Vagabonding

http://www.vagabonding.com/index.html

Mike Pugh's journey to East Africa in 2002-2003 is chronicled on this beautifully designed site. Although the experience harks to the earliest twenty-first century (okay, a few years ago), it provides numerous recommendations for the hardy African traveler.

This Is Zimbabwe

http://www.sokwanele.com/blog/blog.html

Not a travel blog but an update on life in Zimbabwe. Includes a Flickr.com photostream on Mugabe's "Operation Drive Out Trash," which destroyed the homes of thousands of poor Zimbabweans. Covers news on recent political developments in the country.

Notebook: Africa

http://blogs.csmonitor.com/notebook_africa/

The Christian Science Monitor's "off-deadline" venue for Africa-based correspondents to talk about the news behind the newsfor example, the trip to a major conference, which gives you a glimpse of life in Africa.

A Taste of Africa

http://insidesomaliland.blogtales.com/

Part of the Catholic Institute for International Relations, Yvette Lopez's blog of development work in Somaliland provides a view of the Horn of Africa that few have ever seen. This blog is updated with commentary on life in this "rogue state" that actually has a government (unlike lawless Somalia).

Field Notes from Madagascar

http://bob-horowitz.com/

An aid worker continues his work in the Malagasy Republic. His posts explain how difficult the weather can be on any aid work; the photos show you how beautiful the country is.

South America

Mantruc.com

http://www.mantruc.com/author/

An information architect/professor returns to Chile from various stints in the United States.

Narratives in Media and eCommunication

http://carnivalesque.blogspot.com/

A Norwegian professor's blog about Argentina focuses on software and festivals on opposite sides of the planet. Offers an academic and interesting look at life in Argentina.

Ed's Gone South

http://www.edsgonesouth.com/blog/

Ed's lengthy journey through South America on a motorcycle gives readers plenty of ideas that before were only dreams (see Figure 10.2). Did you need a little reminder of what's possible if you disappear for a year? Here is how Ed puts it:

"Traveling on a motorcycle through unknown lands and cultures is both exhilarating and terrifying, to be honest. What if I break down? What if I fall? But after 14 months of seeing South America on two wheels, I can honestly say that the benefits far outweigh the risks. Never in my life was I so independent and so flexible. The access that you have to the sites off the gringo trailthe towns, pueblos, and natural areas other travelers will have to only read aboutis unmatched. The only problem is that it's not like you ever get it 'out of your system.' Returning home to a nine-to-fiver just doesn't cut it after living on the road for a year. That's why the next trip is already in the works."

Exhibit 10.2. Ed's motorcycle journey through South America; here in the Valle de La Luna in Northern Chile.

Venezuela News and Views

http://daniel-venezuela.blogspot.com/

Offers a political portal and porthole view of life in Venezuela under Chavez.

Expat Argentina

http://expat-argentina.blogspot.com/

Provides news for expatriates living in Argentina.

Asia

Asia Pundit

http://www.asiapundit.com/

A massive, multiauthor focus on Asian economies and trends. The blog roll alone points to about everything cool in Asia. An excellent Asian blog resource.

Jenny and Eli's Travel Blog

http://www.asiandiaries.com/

Follow Jenny and Eli as they travel through China, India, Malaysia, and points unknown in Southeast Asia (SEA as the travelers say). Includes hundreds of photos from each country.

Simon's World

http://simonworld.mu.nu/

Documents life in Hong Kong for an Aussie who comments on developments in China and the city. He has an amazing ability to pick out interesting articles and get them posted quickly.

China Blog List

http://www.sinosplice.com/cbl/

Lists hundreds of blogs related to China. Most are outdated or haven't seen a post in months, but this is an excellent resource for finding officially banned and allowed blog sites. Some blogs, which are written by people in China, are banned by the government. Censorship is alive and well in China, but at least they admit to it.

China Blog | China Snippets

http://www.chinasnippets.com/

A daily look at life in China with a focus on business and trends.

Japan Bloggers

http://www.japanbloggers.com/

A web ring of blogs related to life in Japan. Some sites are in Japanese. A good directory of Japanese blogs.

Mahmood's Den

http://www.mahmood.tv/index.php/frontpage/

A blogger out of Bahrain comments on censorship, oil, and world affairs from a Muslim point of view. Enlightening reading.

Sushicam

http://www.sushicam.com/

Jeff Laitila, an American from Japan, moved to Japan with his wife and has been impressed ever since. This active blog offers plenty of photographs of Japanese life and life-styles.

Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan

http://www.fccj.or.jp/modules/wfsection/index.php

Web log page for correspondents who are members of the FCCJ. Not updated that often, but a good resource for people seeking columnists who cover Japan.

Down the Road

http://www.downtheroad.org/

Tim and Cindie's bicycle journey across every continent started in 2002. They are now in Asia and have been updating their massive site regularly with photos and stories. A great site for traveling cyclists.

Tips for Travelers to Russia

http://russia.blog-city.com/

News about Russia and former Soviet states with tips for business travelers, backpackers, and those seeking visas.

Turkish Torque

http://tork.blogspot.com/

Politics and life in the most Western (in every sense of the word) Muslim country in Asia. Excellent commentary on Turkish politics and public opinion.

Europe

Algarve Beach Life Diaries

http://algarvebeaches.blogspot.com/

A Brit provides a wealth of tips and tourist tricks for the Algarve region in Portugal. This popular British holiday destination has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world; Jennifer's blog provides daily ideas for trips and low-cost touring.

Arthur's Seat

http://arthursseat.blogs.com/

Chronicles life in Scotland by this Edinburgh-based bookworm commenting on Scottish politics, literature, and lots of food.

A Fistful of Euros

http://fistfulofeuros.net/

Finance, economics, politics, and just cool news are the focus of this multiauthor, educated blog. Includes EU-related foreign affairs as well. A great resource for those focused on economics within Europe and with other countries.

How To Learn Swedish in 1,000 Difficult Lessons

http://www.francisstrand.blogspot.com/

An American magazine editor shares observations about life in Sweden. Interested in learning how the Swedish think? Find out here.

No Parasan

http://no-pasaran.blogspot.com/

A pro-United States look at French culture by a middle-right right-winger trapped in France. Good starting point for Americans wondering how the French think.

Blogging Brits

http://www.ringsurf.com/netring?ring=blogging_brits;action=list

Home page of the massive blog ring for all British blog sites. This is a good jumping off point for those interested in British opinion. Click the Random link to surf to a random Brit blog.

London Blog

http://www.londonblog.com/

Happenings about town: sports, politics, and odd news from this amazing city.

Baltic Blog

http://www.balticblog.blogspot.com/

Life in Talinn, the capital of Estonia, is presented with daily posts on this active blog. Includes news and gossip about all the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) after 10 years of independence.

Moscow Graffiti

http://moscowgraffiti.blogspot.com/

Remember those awesome Cold War posters that promoted Stalinism and everything collective? The movement died, but the artists didn't. Check out this illustrative blog, which captures everything on the street.

e-nough

http://www.e-nough.hmdnsgroup.com/

An American in France dukes it out with her co-blogger from France. A good-looking site with a lot of spirit and commentary on New America and Old Europe.

North America

Did you know that more than 14,000 blogs (and growing) call the United States home? This section includes blogs from the Caribbean, which, as you know, is technically not part of mainland North America but is considered part of the continent.

The Daily Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/

One of the most visited blogs on the Net from this Bay Area attorney/exsoldier.

Never Neutral

http://neverneutral.blogspot.com/

A trilingual artist in Mexico City gives us poetry, art, and coverage of hip events in Distrito Federale (D.F.).

America Blog

http://americablog.blogspot.com/

A somewhat centrist view of American events on a grand scale. This massively visited and prolific site chronicles America's daily absurdities. Every post has at least 30 comments; some have more than 100. Heavy foot traffic blog.

If you are planning to travel to several cities in the United States, check out the nationwide network of city blogs affiliated with Gothamist.com. Each blog is named for its own city with "ist" or "st" as a suffix :

Austinist

http://www.austinist.com

A blog about Austin, TX, this site features information on what's happening around town, special columns, and news-related items.

Bostonist

http://www.bostonist.com

A blog about Boston, MA, this site offers information on special events and happenings in Beantown.

Chicagoist

http://www.chicagoist.com

A blog about the country's second windy city (first being Buffalo <shiver>), this site features updates on the endless events around the loop and beyond.

DCist

http://www.dcist.com

A blog about Washington, DC, this site features information on what's happening in the nation's capital.

Gothamist

http://www.gothamist.com

A blog about the original Big AppleNew York City, NYthis site features information on events uptown, downtown, and all points midtown.

LAist

http://www.laist.com

Go native. Get the inside dope that only natives know and keep from the tourists by visiting this blog. The site reveals restaurant reviews, upcoming events, and opinion on what's happening locally around the City of Angels.

Phillyist

http://www.phillyist.com/

A blog about Philadelphia, PA, this site features info on what's happening around town, special columns and news-related items.

SFist

http://www.sfist.com

A blog about San Francisco, CA, this site features info on what's happening around town, special columns and news-related items.

Seattlest

http://www.seattlest.com/

What's happening in the Northwest? Check out this site, which is everything Seattle, including gossip, news, and events.

The Gothamist network includes city blogs outside the United States, too:

Londonist

http://www.londonist.com

Can the entire city of London fit in one blog? Londonist takes its best shot with a sizable staff writing about news, events, restaurants, bars, and anything that could elicit the famous dry Brit humor.

Parisist

http://www.parisist.com

The only Gothamist site that is not in English, Parisist provides everyone in the capital city with events, special columns, and news-related items.

Torontoist

http://www.torontoist.com/

A blog about New York run by the Swiss (Toronto), this site features information on what's happening around town, special columns, and news-related items.

Shanghaiist

http://www.shanghaiist.com/

A blog about Shanghai, People's Republic of China, this site features info on what's happening around town, special columns, and news-related items.

Overcaffeinated

http://overcaffeinated.net/

Gorgeous blog from a comic-loving overworked webmaster in Guadalajara.

BritCat in the USA

http://britcat-in-usa.blogspot.com/

An expatriate, former parliamentary candidate tries to make sense of it all: it being the United States. Excellent centrist opinions and views on America's foreign policy.

On the Edge

http://thenatureofmind.typepad.com/on_the_edge/

Life in Bucerias, Mexico, a small town on Banderas Bay near Puerto Vallarta is much more laid back than in the touristy city to the south. This blog includes observations of an American expat who lives there.

American Fury

http://americanfuture.net/

Amazingly accessible to both sides of the politico-coin, this site discusses recent events in American politics and geopolitics.

Bracuta

http://bracuta.blogspot.com/

This web log poster in the Dominican Republic comments (in Spanish and English) on life down the beach from Florida.

Fafblog

http://fafblog.blogspot.com/

A busy, critical view of current national news and events. Funny and tongue-in-cheek in places, but mostly just outrageous.

Cold Fury

http://www.coldfury.com/index.php/

A middle-of-the-road rant on news items around the country.

Elkit in Wonderland

http://elkit.blogs.com/elkit/

A German expat in Silicon Valley tried to go home, but couldn't. This blog chronicles life in the South Bay by a Internet addict.

Belly Button Window

http://www.bellybuttonwindow.com/

An American expatriate blogs about his own country. What? Yeah, it's weird, but when you're the son of world travelers, sometimes you can't help where you were born. An amusing site that comments on the American experience.

The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler

http://www.nicedoggie.net/

Decidedly right-wing blog of all the news that the liberal media sees fit to print. Vast blog roll and following for this site.

Travel Writers

http://travelwriters.blogspot.com/

A San Franciscan who has written a number of international travel books comments on other travel writers and, of course, traveling. A great resource for aspiring travel writers.

Mad Minerva

http://madminerva.blog-city.com/

Daily observations of American news by a grad student who apparently finished her dissertation. News and commentary about world events, too.

Australia and New Zealand

Chrenkoff

http://chrenkoff.blogspot.com/

A right-wing "geo-con's" view of Australian and world politics. Constant posts and updates await the reader.

It's a Matter of Opinion

http://www.observationdeck.org/weblogs/index.php

Multiauthor site that comments on the Australian experience. Politics, humor, and occasional rantings generate a lot of commentary among readers. Voted one of the best blogs of 2004.

Reasons You Will Hate Me

http://reasonsyouwillhateme.blogspot.com/

Crazed commentary on Australian news and politics by a TV writer in Melbourne.

A Yobbo's View

http://gravett.org/yobbo/

The best blog from Western Australia. How Yobbo or any bloggers tolerate an openly hostile government toward anything Net-related is beyond this author.

Whacking Day

http://www.whackingday.com/

A busy site by this Canberra-based, motorcycle riding, political commentator.

Whale Oil Beef Hooked

http://whaleoil.blogspot.com/

Printing all the news that the news won't print. Including perspectives on New Zealand politics and other items less unusual. A funny site with a taste of Kiwi humoror humour rather....

Kiwi Pundit

http://kearney.blogspot.com/

Life in New Zealand, including the humorous side of government policies (yes, they can be amusing) and economics. Why are Kiwis so obsessed with policy?

Troppo Armadillo

http://troppoarmadillo.ubersportingpundit.com/

Middle-of-the-road commentary from this Northern Territories Ozzie. Excellent site for educated, Ozzie thinking. No knee-jerkers here!

Margo Kingston's Webdiary

http://margokingston.typepad.com/

As a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald, Margo Kingston created her "public diary" and "community journalism" experiment back in 2001, way before blogs hit the mainstream.

After Grog Blog

http://aftergrogblog.blogs.com/agb/

Got a translator? Travelers interested in learning "Aussie" before their visit could benefit from reading the sports views and crazy Oz news on this site. Definitely an Aussie-focused diatribe.

slattsnews

http://www.slattsnews.observationdeck.org/

Life in Western Victoria, Australia, can't be all bad, correct? This blogger has managed to encounter enough local yahoos to fill a daily post addiction. And you thought your city had all the idiots....