Luggage and Passenger Space

You will have to keep in mind the number of passengers you’ll have with you, the amount of luggage they will be carrying and the conditions of the roads you plan to navigate and park on. Many roads in Europe are extremely narrow, so if you have more than 5 passengers, you may want to rent a second car as opposed to renting a single vehicle that can accommodate everyone; this provides more luggage space anyway. If you or anyone in your travel party is especially tall or plentiful, take time to consider that European vehicle models tend to be a bit more compact. Refer to the pictogram on the right when deciding which car you need for the amount of luggage you have. There is also another tool (see above) that will aid you in determining how many people you can comfortably fit into each car class, ranging from 2 to 9 passengers.

Car Rental MPG

For citizens of Canada or the US, purchasing fuel in Europe can seem daunting; especially when the prices are almost twice what they are at home. Luckily enough, the fuel efficiency standards in Europe are much more stringent then they are in North America. As demonstrated by the graph below, even large 7 and 9 passenger vehicles have reasonable fuel efficiency. So when choosing which car class is best for you, keep in mind that most vehicles are comparable in gasoline usage.

Rental Car Insurance

Whenever you rent a car, you have to provide insurance against collision and theft. There are 3 options for providing coverage: 1.) you can contact your credit card company to see if they offer coverage at a discounted rate. 2.) You may purchase insurance directly from a supplier or travel broker. 3.) Or you may have the entire value of the vehicle held on your credit card as collateral.

Excluding the third option, in most cases there will be a deducible in lieu of the insurance. A deductible is the amount of money that you must pay before the insurance kicks in. Think of it as co-pay. For example, if your rental car gets stolen, and you’ve purchased theft insurance with a deducible of €1000EUR, you must pay €1000EUR before the insurance company covers the rest of the cost. The deductible is always held on your credit card until the car is returned without incident. Sometimes credit card companies offer a zero deducible to their clients, although you will have to specifically inquire. At most locations, the car supplier will offer an option to reduce or eliminate the deductible by charging a daily fee. By doing so, you are purchasing additional insurance and little to nothing will be held on your card.

There are circumstances when there is no option to provide your own insurance, such as for car rentals in Italy, where you have to take the insurance provided by the supplier. For car rentals in Ireland, only certain credit cards will cover you (e.g. MasterCard World Card.) Always check with your credit card company, travel agent, broker, and/or supplier to get more specific information about insurance policies in the country (or countries) you plan to visit.

Additional Insurances (included in most rates, with or without collision and theft)

3rd Party Liability (which covers anyone or anything outside of the vehicle)

Fire Insurance

Extra Non-Required Insurances (fees are usually applicable)

Personal Accident Insurance (which covers anyone and sometimes personal effects inside of the vehicle)

Personal Effects (just for your belongings)

Windscreen, Undercarriage, and Roof Coverage

Once you’ve considered all of these factors and followed up by getting specific information from your travel agent, broker, and supplier, you are ready to book a rental car. Check out http://www.autoeurope.ca for more details and the industry’s best rates for car rentals all over the world.

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Spring is a joyful time emphasized by birth, rebirth, and warmer weather. It also marks the beginning of the agricultural year. Nations and communities throughout the world honor this special time by celebrating and observing the bounty that is spring. The following are 5 different observances during the spring months:

Spring Equinox at the Kukulcan Pyramid (Chichen Itza, Mexico)

Throughout the year people from all over the world come to the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza; it has always been known as an enigmatic place shrouded in mystery and folklore. The events during the Spring Equinox are most likely responsible for the city’s mystical reputation. At approximately 4pm on the first day of spring, the afternoon sun shines upon the Kukulcan Pyramid in such a way that it reveals a golden, feather serpent (seen at 0:14 in the video above). The serpent that appears is said to be the revelation of the god Kukulcan of whom the pyramid is dedicated. It is thought to be an honor to behold this glowing, winged snake. Visitors with a car rental in Mexico have the freedom to avoid the crowds by heading out a day before or a day after the equinox as Kukulcan reveals himself on those days as well.

The Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan, Thailand)

Each month on the full moon, thousands of people gather on the small coastal island of Koh Pangan in southern Thailand. The parties that happen in April and May are especially exciting as it is a time to bring in the warm season with a bang. World renowned DJs spin some of the hottest music on the techno scene as party-goers paint their bodies and garnish themselves with glow sticks. Among the array of activities in which you can engage, flaming limbo and jumping through fiery hoops are especially exhilarating. The warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand are yet another perk of the Full Moon Party as people wade among the crashing waves well into the night.

Spring Equinox at the Temple of the Seven Dolls (Dziblichanltun, Mexico)

The Mayan’s advanced knowledge of numbers and stars influenced their monuments and architecture. The ancient civilization of Dziblichanltun is yet another fascinating place on the Yucatan Peninsula where you can see more of what the Mayans have left behind. Once buried under an ancient pyramid, the Temple of the Seven Dolls was not discovered until the above structure eroded away to nothing. During the eighth century AD, locals unearthed the temple and blessed it with the burial of seven clay dolls. Though it was highly regarded among natives for centuries, it wasn’t until the 20th century when archeologist noted that on the first dawn preceding the spring equinox, the sun shines directly through the hollowed center of the mysterious monument. Today, crowds gather each year to bear witness to this special and curious ruin.

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (Seoul, Korea)

There are only a few days during spring when the Seoul’s 1,700 King cherry trees erupt into full blossom. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival marks this very special occasion as the city of awakens from its winter slumber. Over 90,000 plants and flowers are in bloom along the shores of the Hangang River, setting a beautiful springtime scene as festival-goers enjoy the season’s mild weather. Hundreds of vendors set-up shop along Yeouiseo-ro Street, offering everything from paintings to authentic Korean street food. Art exhibitions, street performers, and formal concerts create a colorful atmosphere as visitors stroll along the riverside promenades and sidewalk gardens.

Songkran Festival (Thailand)

The highly anticipated Songkran Festival is the most widely celebrated festival in Thailand. Traditionally, Songkran marks the New Year, a time to bless your family and neighbors by sprinkling water onto their hands as well as onto pictures and depictions of Buddha. Times have changed. Instead of engaging in a little harmless sprinkling, entire communities burst into uninhibited frenzies of water throwing. Pails, squirt guns, and anything that holds water can, and will be used to indiscriminately dowse people in the streets. Colorful costumes, water spewing elephants, and lively music set a playful scene as festival-goers saturate their loved ones as well as those whom they do not know.

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The music of every culture includes a vast amount of unique sounds. The particular tones and chords within each style are achieved by implementing equally as unique instruments. Percussion, strings, woodwinds, and horns are only among the general classifications of instruments. As new digital and improvised inventions emerge, the scope of what is possible seems endless. The following are a few common and/or curious music tools found throughout the world:

Glass Armonica

The Glass Armonica was invented by Benjamin Franklin after he attended a concert where two performers employed wine glasses as their main mode of music making. The two men filled the glasses with water and spread them out over a large table; Franklin thought their methods to be extremely inefficient. One night, burning the midnight oil, the inventor put his famous mind to use and pondered ways to make the process more streamline. His wife was woken early that morning only to be deceived that she had died and gone to heaven. Apparently the haunting resonance that defines the Glass Armonica made her think that she was ascending into the great beyond.

The following years proved to be a popular time for the fascinating contraption that Franklin invented. He traveled with it, eventually crossing paths with Mozart and Beethoven who were among the first to write original scores for the new medium.

Learn more about Franklin’s legacy after booking your car rental in Philadelphia.

Sitar

The historical origins of the sitar are unknown and commonly under speculation. It was in the Middle Ages when the implement was first mentioned in text. Soon spreading to music communities throughout the East and Middle East, it began to gain traction as a main stream medium. The extremely unique sound of the sitar wasn’t known in the West until the 20th century. Pandit Ravi Shankar was among the first to introduce the sitar to the American public. The Beatles furthered its popularity through songs such as With or Without You. Today, the sitar is still a popular instrument in Asia, Europe, and America.

Contrabass-Flute

Most people have never heard of the contrabass-flute. It is one of the scarcest members of the flute family. As with a lot of classical instruments, the flute comes in a number of different sizes to produce notes in higher or lower octaves. Performing in different frequencies and tones, each member of the family provides a unique sound. Although it can be played in the classical sense, it is often used to beat-box or to create other contemporary rhythms and sounds.

Conga (formally, Tumbadora)

Some of the most famous moments for the conga drum were when Desi Arnaz performed Babaloo on the set of I Love Lucy (as seen above). The conga is traditionally a Cuban instrument, but its roots are in Central Africa, where it was once constructed by stretching hide over a hallow log. Drumming traditions were brought to Cuba during the era of slave trade. Cuban settlers then picked up the method of drum making as communities integrated. The conga drum has evolved to define the rumba as well as provide a key element in salsa, meringue, and even reggae music.

Talk Box

The talk box is not so much an instrument itself as it is to be used in conjunction with other instruments, like the guitar or keyboard. By attaching a long tube to a speaker, performers are able to direct the sound of their instrument in to their oral cavities where they bend the different tones by moving their mouths. Made popular by the legendary music of Peter Frampton, the device took-off and eventually made it into disco, rap, and hip hop communities throughout North America. Through its very unconventional and slightly awkward, the Talk Box plays a major role in the history of popular music.

Sea Organ

The Sea Organ is a very fascinating unmanned instrument that is controlled by the ebb and flow of the Adriatic Sea. Located in Zadar, Croatia, the Sea Organ is the only one of its kind. It was an experimental effort with some surprising results. The inventors installed tubes that stretch from the risers between a set of marble stairs to the water below. As tides change, the depth of the water does as well. It is through this mechanism that air is forced upward or downward to create the haunting, yet harmonious fluting which characterizes the Sea Organ.

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Throughout human existence, civilizations and communities have formed distinct rhythms and songs to which they dance in an even more unique manner.  The following are different styles of this most primitive mode of human expression, as it continues to have influence beyond political and linguistic boundaries.  To better enjoy the essence of each dance, press play before reading each paragraph:

Raqs Sharqi (Belly Dancing)

Made popular in the West during the 1940s, Raqs Sharqi (rocks SHARK-ee) is a traditional dance practiced originally in Egypt. There, it is seen as a poor way to making a living and most dancers are looked down upon. Despite such a reputation, Raq Sharqi has continued to make a great influence all over the world, as it’s commonly seen in burlesque shows as well as night clubs throughout the Middle East. The video above features Nagwa Fouad, one of the women responsible for bringing the art form to North America where the term “belly dancing” was coined.

Krumping

Krumping emerged from urban areas in the United States and then spread to Hip-Hop communities throughout the world. The style of dance is both highly expressive and improvisational. Used as a way to absolve anger and unrest, Krumping originally served as a peaceful alterative to those who might otherwise become gang-affiliated. Implementing elements of pop-lock (the dance style through which “the Robot” transpired), dancers move their arms, legs, chest, and feet in a powerful and spirited manner.

Buchaechum (Korean Fan Dance)

The groups of women who perform Buchaechum are supposed to represent the movement of flowers in the wind and the fluttering of butterflies, as well as the undulating tides of the ocean. While dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean garb), dancers express stylistic components that are deeply rooted in shamanic traditions (rituals, beliefs, practices of the Korean people). The usage of fans with pink peonies painted on them also characterizes much of the court entertainment seen under the Joseon Dynasty, though the true origins of the dance are unknown.

Gumboot

Gumboot is a dance style from South Africa that was created by black miners. During the years when racial segregation was prevalent in South Africa, black people were restricted to service and labor jobs. Because drumming was also looked down upon, miners started to use their boots as well as tin cans and bottles to make rhythmic expressions as they worked. Gumboot now represents its own genre of traditional South African dance. Performers dress-up in knee-high rubber boots (sometimes with bells) as well as construction hats, tank tops, and jump suits. People who tour the countryside in their car rental in South Africa have a good chance of seeing Gumboot street performers.

Flamenco

Flamenco comes from Andalusia in southern Spain. It is not just a dancing style; Flamenco is also a musical genre. The movements that characterize both the music and the dance are moody – intense at one moment then somber the next (as seen around minute one of the above video). Always accompanied by classical guitarists and singers who also clap, Flamenco dancers embody the music and represent the emotions therein.

The Dance of a Thousand Hands

Though this dance is not an authentic traditional dance, I couldn’t leave it out. Beautifully choreographed by Zhang Jigang, the Dance of a Thousand Hands tells the story of Bodhisattva, a proto-Buddha. As legend dictates, she cannot become a true Buddha as her Earthly convictions bind her to the mortal world. She vowed that if there is still a single tear left in the world, she will not become Buddha. The dancers in this video are all deaf and being lead by instructors at each corner of the stage.

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Cantu a tenore (Italy)

Throat Singing (Mongolia)

Collegiate-A cappella (US)

Yodeling (Central Alps)

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In 1912, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” became the second black man to graduate from Harvard University with a Ph.D. During his time at the institution he learned a lot about North American history, but noticed there was a clear omission of black contributions.  Since slavery had been common place prior to the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 (UK) and Emancipation Proclamation 1863 (US) , black people were continually deprived of social status. Moreover, black families lost most, if not all of their heritage and family history as relatives were sold separately into the slave market.

Dr. Woodson was so compelled by the lack of black history throughout North America; he founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and the Journal of Negro History both which remain active to this day under the name the Association for the Study of African American Life. In 1926, Dr. Woodson declared the first annual Negro History Week during the second week of February to correspond with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.  African-Canadians, mostly those who worked on the railroad in Toronto, began to celebrate the occasion in the 1950′s.  The evolution that transpired from Dr. Woodson’s efforts came to a head in the 60’s during the Civil Rights Movement.

Champions of the revolution such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lead national grassroots organizations that demanded change. They rebuked the status quo at the time which dictated that blacks and whites were “separate, but equal.” On August 28, 1969 around 250,000 people converged on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. (the largest in history) to stand up for equality and demand equal rights for everyone.

Government and law enforcement officials inferred that the protest (known as the March on Washington) was going to turn violent; much to their surprise, it did not. The assemblage of people not only remained peaceful, but chanted as they thrust signs in the air, showing their solidarity. Marching from Washington Monument, the group gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to hear speeches. The last person to address the crowd was Rev. Dr. King who abandoned his prepared text and went on to make what is known today as the “I Have a Dream” speech (a portion of which can be seen in the video below).

African-Candians and African-Americans continued to embrace their history into 1976, when the entire month of February was designated Black History Month; this was twenty-six years after Dr. Carter Woodson’s death. Today, Black History Month is a time to remember and commemorate the struggles and triumphs of black people. It’s a history that not only affects black people in Canada and the United State, but the world as a whole.   Come to Washington, D.C. in your car rental to see the newly revealed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial and learn more about how Black History affects everyone, aye.

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Raining Fish

Just a few days ago, residents of Loreto, Philippines were stunned when they saw fish falling from the sky during a torrential downpour. The fish, thought to be mudfish fingerlings, were strewn all over the town. Some people even thought that it was an omen from God. Government officials in the Philippines have yet to make a statement, though NASA officials spoke on the issue, stating that it was ‘natural occurrence.’

A natural occurrence, you ask? Yes, there have been multiple occasions when fish have rained down onto community. So is true with frogs, toads, jelly fish, worms, and salamanders. There are a number of theories as to how these animals fell from the sky. One hypothesis suggests that a waterspout, swirling over open water, sucked the creatures up and carried them over dry land.

Fish have also been known to be frozen upon inspection, something that could imply they were in a storm cloud. Nevertheless, if such a theory was true, how come only one species of animal is found during each occurrence? This is a question scientist have yet to answer, proving that there is no concrete explanation.

The Northern Lights a.k.a. Aurora Borealis

Usually seen in the polar regions of the world, the Northern Lights have been capturing the attention of humans for thousands of years. The first record of the Northern Lights dates back around 30,000 years, when one of our Cro-Magnon ancestors painted images on the walls of a cave in what is now Southern France.

Throughout history, the lights have been subject to Inuit, Eskimo, and even Viking folklore. Some Eskimo tribes believe that the flashing colours come from torches held by victims of violent death, illuminating the path for newcomers into the afterlife. Some people believe that by whistling you can bring the lights closer, allowing you to whisper messages to the dead. There was even one man who thought that the green and blue lights were cast from a distant unfrozen sea. He subsequently spent his life looking for such a body of water, to no avail.

It wasn’t until 1490 when the Northern Lights were first referred to in print. In the following centuries, there was no mention or record of the phenomenon. Coincidentally, during that same period no sunspots (a magnetic disruption on the surface of the sun) were seen either. In the 1700s, sightings started to be reported again and scientists scrambled for an explanation. Our modern understanding came to be, as scientist started to use the name Aurora Borealis.

They theorized that the lights seen in the sky were magnetically charged particles thrown by solar wind, hitting the earth’s magnetic field and thus, flaring in a colourful display. To this day, experts hold true to this belief and have actually found evidence to back it up. Though this theory has substantial scientific corroboration, many people around the world still employ ancient folklore and spirituality to determine what they see in the sky.  Book a car rental in Norway and ask a local what he or she thinks causes the dancing green flares in the sky.

Red Rains in Kerala

In July 2001, the residents of Kerala, India were shocked when red rain fell from the sky. The downpours continued for 2 months, leaving some locals frightened for what it could mean. Fearing for the coming of Kali Yuga (a sort of “Hindu Dark Ages”), villagers questioned whether it was a warning from God. In many places, the red colour of the rain was extremely intense. “It was as red as blood,” some locals stated.

Government reports were issued claiming that the phenomenon was a direct result of red dust blowing over from Africa. Unaffected by the reports, Dr. Godfrey Lewis, a physicist wanted to investigate himself. Upon analyzing multiple samples, he determined that the particles in the water were not dust, and that they where in fact cells. Such a finding would suggest that the particles came from something alive and if you ask Dr. Lewis, he’d tell you they were extraterrestrial.

His research continues to this day as experts from all over the world make their hypotheses. One researcher’s studies found that there were traces of DNA, though it was inconclusive. Others have suggested that the cells in the rain were a result of a meteor shower striking a flock of bats. Either way, none of the findings have been widely accepted as the red rains of Kerala continue to be a mystery.

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When I go camping, my first goal is to be prepared for whatever nature might throw at me, and secondly, I try to travel light. These goals seem to be incompatible, but there are options to satisfy both. The following are a few essentials needed for packing a light load that suits your basic needs:

Shelter

Unless you know of a lean-to or cabin along the way, you’ll obviously need to bring a tent on your trip. Bring a tent appropriately suited to your needs. Ask yourself questions like: How many people are coming? (You can find tents for one person, or up to ten.)   What time of year is it? (Depending on where you plan to hike, you may need a tent that allows more or less air in.)

I find the Fast Stash tent by MRS to be the most practical; it sleeps two comfortably and it can be adjusted to the weather. There is also an awning under which you will find enough room to cook in the unfortunate event of rain or snow. The tent is lightweight and you can also use your trekking poles as supports, cutting a little more weight off your back.

Water

Food and water are going to be among the heaviest items in your pack, but are both requirements for staying energized while hiking. If camping with other people, I suggest having each person carry what they will need. 2-4 quarts of water is the perfect amount initially, though if you’re going on a multi day trip, you’ll want to bring a water purifier or germicidal tablets. To carry water, I always use an over the shoulder canteen to keep my pack as light as possible. (Remember to try at all costs to find moving water as opposed to a stagnant pool… parasites will always louse-up a camping trip.)

Food

Though granola and dried fruit are delicious while on the trail, they are not exactly what you would call a hardy meal (something I need after exploring the great unknown.) Depending on how long your camping trip is, taking frozen meat is always an option, at least for the first day. It stays frozen for a while if it’s well-insulated and satisfies the hunger of a tired hiker. I also suggest taking an egg carrier. With this device you can carry eggs without the risk of breaking them; either cook them hard boiled or keep them raw. Eggs can stay unrefrigerated for a while, and if you question their freshness you can always try to float them in water. If they float throw them out, if they sink, they’re good to go.

Tools

Everyone has heard the old adage “use the right tool for the job” and while camping, the phrase couldn’t be truer. Improvised tools worked great for our Paleolithic ancestors; but when I try to hone a piece of rock to use as a cutting device, I end up bruised and/or bleeding (this is why you should always bring a First Aid Kit). I always carry a multi-tool, some rope, extra tent stakes, a lighter and matches, as well as a compass and map, if available. These items are essential in the case of an emergency.

Hiking Boots

Your entire hike can be ruined if you hit the trails in ill-fitting or low quality footwear (believe me, I’ve done it!) You need a boot that will keep you dry, provide you with adequate support, and not weigh you down. You will also need extra socks! There are plenty of options out there depending on your budget. As a Mainer, I prefer LL Bean’s Waterproof Trail Model Hikers; the high-top design provides protection from ankle rolls and the middle-of-the-road price is always appreciated. They are especially light-weight to “boot.”

Cooking System

With a Jetboil Premium Cooking System you don’t have carry a cumbersome stove with a heavy fuel tank or trudge around looking for dry wood and kindling; neither do you have to wield a heavy hatchet. Amazingly, the higher-end versions of this revolutionary product can weigh less than .25 kg, much to the relief of your back and knees. All things considered, my favorite part is that you can leave nature the way you found it. Prices on their website range from $69.95 to $199.99 USD.

Sleeping Bag

Traditional sleeping bags can weight up to 5 pounds. They also tend to be big and bulky, something that makes the task packing much more difficult. An ultra-light sleeping bag can be rolled up to reach dimensions of 6” x 12” and they often weigh between .6 and 1.0 kg. Prices can vary drastically depending on your preferences and temperature requirements. More affordable bags can begin at $40 and others can reach $350 USD. As far as a sleeping pad, it’s up to you; I just fluff-up the leaves under the tent.

Hiking and camping can be unpredictable, so make sure you stay safe and prepared.  Taking a car rental with you will allow for a quick getaway, if needed. Never take to the woods without telling someone where you are going, and always stay on the trail. Be responsible and don’t leave anything behind; “leave nature the way you found it” is my motto. Remember, aside from all the boring safety tips, having fun is of the utmost importance!

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Frye’s Leap, Raymond, Maine

“I am quite the vision, my lithe ginger form sparkling in the sun as I brave certain death with panache and bravado.”

– Dave Zwickerhill

Here in New England we are blessed to have beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains among scattered lakes, rivers, and ponds. These features can be attributed to giant prehistoric glaciers that scraped most of the land down to bedrock. There are numerous waterfalls and swimming holes, as well as abandoned quarries that await the extreme adventurer. Done usually in one’s youth, cliff jumping is a popular pastime here in the Northeast, despite the clear risk involved. In an effort to combat the winter blues, I thought it would be nice to have a glimpse into what summer looks like in New England. The following are a few of the most popular locations where people take these “leaps of faith.”

Fitzwilliam Quarries (New Hampshire)

Fitzwilliam Quarries is located in southern New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border. It is the perfect place for people of all abilities to go cliff jumping due to its staircase like appearance with ledges ranging from 10 to 40 feet. The water below is spring fed which gives it a bluish hue, and there is no risk of hitting bottom as it is 40 feet deep.

Salmon Falls (Maine)

Salmon Falls is very popular swimming area in southern Maine, along the Saco River. On either side of the river, there are a number of ledges and rope swings off from which people jump during the summer months; people even leap from the bridge along Route 202 (not permitted by law). Although the water is deep enough, some rope swings and ledges are so high that a miscalculation would be dire.

Red Rock State Park (Vermont)

Located in Burlington, Vermont on the rocky shores of Lake Champlain, the Red Rock State Park attracts extreme cliff jumpers from all around. Some of these cliffs reach heights upward of 70 feet and will delight the avid thrill seeker. Unlike more beginner-friendly destinations, the only people you will see jumping from these cliffs are diehard adrenaline junkies.

Though it is a thrilling experience, jumping from cliffs is about as advisable as it sounds. There is a serious risk for injury, and in some cases death; it is done at one’s own risk and should not be entered into lightly, if at all. This blogs intention is to highlight cliff jumping, not endorse it. So next time you book a car rental in Boston, or a car rental in Burlington be sure to observe these high-flying New Englanders from a safe distance.

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Since the beginning of the first millennium, Jemaa el Fnaa in Marrakech, Morocco has provided the community with food, entertainment, necessities and more. Today, it is renowned as one of the busiest and most colorful market places in the world. Everyday following the call to prayer, hundreds of merchants gather to peddle their wares. Visitors should be prepared for high-pressure sales tactics as the practice is one of the markets defining characteristics. You can find items ranging from kebabs, furniture, clothes, souvenir baubles, and much more. Throughout the day, Chleuh boys dance for the crowd in female attire; if girls were to dance it would be thought of as improper. Snake charmers wow onlookers as little children showcase their pet Barbary macaques, a native species of ape. From dusk until dawn this expansive market place bustles with the sounds of music heard amidst the solicitations of clever salesmen. In an effort to combat commercial and industrial exploitation, UNESCO enacted the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity project, a programme that protects the essence and charm of this important market.

Marche des Ferishes (Togo)

A trip to the Marche des Ferishes (or the Fetish Market) in Lome, Togo is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who visit. A somewhat disturbing sight to a Westerner, native people regard the market as no less than a local pharmacy. Selling the extremities, hides, bones, and teeth of multiple species of animal, it is the market’s purpose to provide ingredients for healing remedies and rituals. In this part of the world, Voodoo and Juju are often given the same merit as western medicine. In an interview with BBC News, a spiritual healer named Joseph said, “When someone has a serious sickness and the hospital cannot help, they come here to the fetish market.” He goes on to explain how he makes a specific healing treatment for those who are sick by grinding up animal heads with herbs. He then places the concoction over a fire and rubs the charred remains into three incisions which he would make on a patients back or chest. Though the items in the market may seem gruesome, the healers that use them seem to have pure intentions and wish only to serve their community.

Brimfield Antiques Show (USA)

In September of 1959, almost 70 antiques dealers gathered on a field in the small town of Brimfield, Massachusetts. Today, it’s known as the Brimfield Antiques Show and it has grown to over 5,000 exhibitionists. The show is spread out over 100 acres, attracting 1 million collectors from all corners of the globe. Each May, July, and September people converge on what is sometimes referred to as the “Antiques Capital of the World.” You can find anything from estate jewelry, rare furniture, glassware, and vintage appliances, as well as many other objects you didn’t know you needed. For first time visitors, the energy is almost palpable. The population of the Brimfield grows exponentially during the show and takes on a culture and ambiance of its own. As it takes place in rural Massachusetts, a car rental in Boston is the best way to get to the Brimfield Antiques Show and to explore historic New England. For bargain hunters and antique fanatics, this is a must-do!

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