
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Destination of the Week...
When most people think of Egypt they think of pyramids and deserts- not picturesque coral reefs under clear blue waters. That is why Ras Abu Galum will change the way you think of Egypt. Established in 1992, Abu Galum is a 400 square kilometer (154 square miles) nature reserve on the East coast of south Sinai. It is home to protected coral reefs and mangroves that are filled with beautiful flora, including 44 plant species unique to the Gulf of Aqaba, and exotic wildlife. From ibex and foxes, to hyenas and dangerous snakes like Vipers and Black Cobras, any traveler is sure to discover something exciting. Abu Galum’s granite mountains end abruptly on the narrow coastal plain where you can find fresh water springs and coastal sand dunes, fronted by rich coral reef shelves and underwater canyons that offer outstanding snorkeling and diving. Many travelers book a Jeep Safari tour that also includes a trip to the Blue Hole in Sinai, a shoreline camel ride, and lunch hosted by the Bedouins, but some budget travelers decide to navigate on their own and save a few bucks, which also allows for a flexible schedule. Most backpackers take the camel/walking trail from Dahab, which is a long walk, but probably the best option, or you can make your way on the roads from Nuweiba. If you visit Abu Galum on your own and are too tired to make the trip back to Sinai, or wherever you departed from, you can negotiate a price to hire one of the nearby Bedouin huts. The huts usually offer no more than a mattress and shelter, but in the evening you’ll be able to stroll along the beach and stare into the star-filled sky. Make sure you look down from the bright moon though, because the sand is home to crabs, prawns and other sea creatures, so you’ll want to watch your step! No matter how your find you way to Ras Abu Galum, or how long you stay, you’ll never forget it!Photo of the Day...
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Dirty Little Secrets...

Chipa Guazu
12 ears of Fresh Corn
4 Eggs
1 Stick of Butter
1 Onion (Sliced long)
1 10oz package of Swiss Cheese
Flour and Salt
Directions:
Shuck corn. Pour corn and 4 eggs into blender and mix well. Sprinkle flour in bottom of deep baking dish. Then pour in corn mixture. Add butter, 1 tablespoon of salt, sliced onion and cheese (cut into pieces). Place in oven at 350 degrees until top is brown.
*Photo from flickr.com/photos/marytoad
*Recipe from sites.google.com/site/fitzfamilynet
Have your own Food Find to share? Let us know and we'll post it for everyone to see!
Photo of the Day...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
FRANCIS BACON is a DIRTY HIPPIE
Photo of the Day...
Monday, July 26, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Hostel of the Week...

THE ORBIT HOSTEL & HOTEL in Los Angeles, California is a hip accommodation spot for budget travelers and backpackers. Located smack dab in the heart of West Hollywood, the Orbit Hostel is near all the major attractions of the city. With its ultra modern decor, bright colors, swanky common rooms, and Melrose Avenue location, the Orbit Hostel will make you feel like you are a part of the Hollywood scene. If you are in Los Angeles to party like a rock star, the Orbit is the place for you. This hostel can hook you up with special access to some of the best clubs the city of Angels has to offer. Some of the hostel's other features include free bbq's, discounted tours, and a California cafe with healthy, hearty, and most importantly, cheap cuisine. Dorms and private rooms are available and prices vary according to the season. Having lived in Los Angeles I can report there are not many hostels in town, and The Orbit is the best we've got.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Saturday, July 24, 2010
FROM OUR READERS
Photo of the Day...
Friday, July 23, 2010
Destination of the Week...
For today’s Destination of the Week, I felt it was time to share one of my favorite non-secret secrets from the road. Morro do São Paulo, Brazil is one of my favorite places on earth. Known also as simply “Morro”, this former pirate haven can be found 169 miles (272km) off the coast from Salvador, Bahia. This tropical paradise has not just one perfect beach, but four distinctly different ones, from First Beach to Fourth Beach, and several around the other side of the island. Cheap prices, warm locals, great food, snorkeling, a zipline, and an island-wide party in a new location every single night, will certainly keep you busy. During the perfect days, most people relax and play beach games on Second Beach, where many of the food stands and bars can be found, but no matter which beach you’re on, you’re never more than a short walk to the others. Once the sunbathing crowds (which begin to double in December) head inside to clean up for a night out, the locals transform the soft sand; nearly every ten feet you will find a Caipirinha (a Brazilian drink made from cachaça) stand, each with an exotic fruit display trying to outdo the next. Accommodation on Morro ranges from a campsite in the main town, to luxury resorts along Fourth Beach. In my opinion, the most backpacker-friendly place to call home is the Black & White Hostel on Third Beach. You’ll be able to spot it by the black and white checkered floor out front. Regardless of where you stay, don’t bring too much luggage because the only taxis you’ll find on Morro will be wheel barrels, pushed by strong Brazilian men who make it look easy. Cars are not allowed on the island. In fact, the only motorized transportation you’ll spot will be the occasional tractor. If you don’t feel like walking, get on a horse as the locals do. Internet is also hard to come by on the island but it doesn’t matter because you won’t want to spend your time anywhere but in the warm blue water.Photo of the Day...
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Dirty Little Secrets...
Although found on nearly every dessert menu in South Africa, Malva Pudding actually comes from the Dutch, so I’m crediting this “Food Find” to The Netherlands. Malva Pudding (some know it also as “De Wet Pudding”) is a sweet pudding that is best served hot with custard, ice cream, or a sauce made from cream and sugar (Malva Pudding sauce). Some people even like to serve it with dolce de leche, poached apricots on top, and sometimes the extra Malva Pudding sauce on the side. It’s really a matter of personal taste. “Pudding” in this case refers to the English sort, as this dessert is more of a spongy cake with a caramelized texture. Sounds good already, doesn’t it!? The cake is rich and moist, and simply wonderful. There are a few variants of the pudding too, like Tipsy Tart, which has brandy in it, or Cape Brandy Pudding, which has both brandy and dates. Any version will surely satisfy your sweet tooth, but Malva is the classic of the bunch. There are many theories as to why this pudding is called “Malva,” but one that I found plausible is that the name “Malva” comes from Malvacea, or Malvasia (a.k.a. “malmsey”) wine from Madeira. The pudding and dessert wine used to be served together after meals in and around Cape Town. Malva Pudding has become so popular that it can now be bought, already made, in some shops around the world, and reheated before serving. Although, I personally feel that fresh is always better, so try out the easy recipe below and be sure to make enough, because you’ll definitely want more!
Malva Pudding Ingredients
1 cup of milk
1 cup of (light) brown sugar
3 teaspoons of apricot jam
1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
1 teaspoon of vinegar
1 cup of plain white flour
1 egg
4 teaspoons of butter
Malva Pudding Sauce
1 cup whipping cream (not whipped)
6 ounces butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup hot water
To make Malva Pudding, first beat the egg and brown sugar together until the mixture is thick and light, then stir in the apricot jam.
Sift the flour and bicarbonate of soda together.
Melt butter and vinegar together and then add the milk.
Add the sifted dry ingredients to egg mixture alternating with milk mixture.
Pour batter into greased oven-proof dish. Bake at 180 C for about 30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
For the Sauce: Melt together the ingredients for the sauce and pour over the pudding as it comes out of the oven.
*Photo from justeasyrecipes.co.za
*Recipe from chirundu.com
Want to share any foods you've discovered? Contact Dirty Hippies and we'll post it here!
Photo of the Day...
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Written for the Road...

Tuesday, July 20, 2010
LIN YUTANG is a DIRTY HIPPIE
Photo of the Day...
Monday, July 19, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Hostel of the Week...

Sunday, July 18, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Saturday, July 17, 2010
FROM OUR READERS
Friday, July 16, 2010
Destination of the Week...

August is right around the corner, so it’s about time we brought up Malmo, Sweden. Known also as “The City of Parks”, Malmo is a great place to stop for anyone visiting the Northern Euorope. Adjacent to the Baltic Sea, Malmo has picturesque scenery and architecture, and is famous for many reasons. One reason being that Malmo has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Sweden, and is therefore a great destination for any food lover. This port city has beautiful architecture scattered throughout, from both ancient and modern times. Malmöhus Castle houses special collections all year round, for exhibition, and is the oldest remaining castle in all of Scandinavia. A visit here will take you back the 15th Century, where as a visit to the Turning Torso building will flash you forward to 2005. Its entire construction twists 90 degrees and is considered to be the most exciting building in Northern Europe, and to some, the whole world. Malmo also offers world-class skate parks and some of the best arenas in Europe, which are great for sporting events or shows. Speaking of shows, Malmo is most famous for The Malmo Festival. Every year during the second half of August, the Malmo Festival attracts over 1.5 million visitors, making it one of the largest festivals in the world. It is for people of any age, from children to grandparents, and is filled with concerts (from Hip-Hop to Opera), theatrical performances, film screenings, sports activities, markets, art exhibits, international foods, and so much more. The best part of all is that it’s FREE! What budget traveler doesn’t love a chance to experience new and exciting cultural events, free of charge! This year the festival will be held August 20th through the 27th, so if you plan to head to Malmo then, make sure you book accommodations in advance, and enjoy the week of endless fun!
Being on the water, having two international airports, and being only 30 minutes from the center of Copenhagen, Denmark, makes Malmo easy to get to from anywhere in the world. Whether you choose to travel by boat, train, plane, or car, you’ll likely have more than one option.
Click here for Sweden visitor information!
Use our helpful links to plan your trip to Malmo!
Been to Malmo or want to go? Leave a COMMENT and share your thoughts!
Photo of the Day...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Dirty Little Secrets...
In honor of winning the World Cup, this week’s Food Find goes to Spain! Tortilla Española is a traditional Spanish dish that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a tapa. It is served hot, cold, or at room temperature. Basically, it’s acceptable to eat however you want, whenever you want, which, once you taste it, could be quite often. When eaten as a meal, it is traditionally served with a mixed salad and some fresh crusty bread. My personal favorite is a freshly made tortilla that has been cooled off to room temperature. In Spain, you’ll find this dish on every tapas menu you see, and if you don’t you should probably go somewhere else! Many people confuse the tortilla, also known as tortilla de patatas, with the Italian frittata, but the two are not the same. The Spanish tortilla is cooked only in a pan on the stovetop, not baked in the oven. The tortilla de patatas is also much different than the Mexican tortilla, which is in an entirely different category of food! The tortilla española is quite thick (about an inch) and consists mostly of potatoes that have been thinly sliced and cooked in oil. The entire thing is bound together by egg and flavored with onion, salt and pepper, and is gently fried on both sides, until brown and crisp. It is moist, but not wet, on the inside, and holds together well, but is not rubbery. It is traditionally served in slices, or wedges, like a pie. A properly made tortilla is not only delicious, but quite satisfying too, and a great food to eat or make on the cheap, since it originated from the poor. It’s also a fun dish because you can adapt the ingredients to your liking. Popular additions are ham, spinach, and green and red bell pepper. If you can’t make it to Spain anytime soon, just try out the below recipe. No matter what you put in it or when or how you eat it, the tortilla española is a great way for the budget traveler to enjoy a delicious taste of Spain!
Tortilla Española
1 cup olive oil
four large potatoes (peel and cut into small pieces about 2mm thick)
salt to taste
one large onion, thinly sliced
four large eggs
Some people add thin slices of red pepper together with the onion.
Heat the oil in a 9-inch skillet, add potato pieces, one slice at a time so that they don't stick. Alternate layers of potato and onion. COOK slowly, medium flame. DO NOT FRY!! Turn occasionally until potatoes are tender, but NOT brown. They must be loose, not "in a cake".
Beat eggs in a large bowl with a fork. Salt to taste. Drain potatoes. Add potatoes to beaten eggs, pressing them so that eggs cover them completely. Let sit for 15 minutes. Heat 2 tbsps of the oil in large skillet. Add potato-egg mixture, spreading quickly. Lower the heat to medium-high. Shake pan to prevent sticking (crucial step!!) When potatoes start to brown, put a plate on top skillet and flip to cook other side, adding another tbsp of oil. Brown on the other side. Can flip three or four times for better cooking.
*Photo from farm3.static.flickr.com
*Recipe from Dean Derhak at www.xmission.com/~dderhak/recipes.html
Enjoying our "Food Finds"? Leave a COMMENT and let us know!
Photo of the Day...
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Written For The Road...

Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Monday, July 12, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Hostel of the Week...

Sunday, July 11, 2010
Photo of the Day...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Just a Thought...
Photo of the Day...
Friday, July 9, 2010
Destination of the Week...
If canyoning, paragliding, rafting, viewing one of the world’s seven wonders, scuba diving, shopping, soaking in mud baths, snorkeling in caves, or exploring ancient ruins sounds like fun to you, then head to Dalyan, Turkey, where you can find all of these things, and more on a cheap budget. Dalyan offers a resort-like atmosphere at a fraction of the price of comparable European destinations, and still has plenty of local charm and culture. You can find an inexpensive tour operator, private guide, or just go it alone, which is probably your best bet, but no matter how you find your way around, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy between your sunbathing sessions on the lovely, soft beaches. Efes may be a major tourist attraction for cruise ships, but for good reason; it is one of the official “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. If you enjoy historic sights, also check out the spectacular Kaunos Tombs, carved into the cliffs overlooking Dalyan. Adventure junkies should head to Ölüdeniz and go paragliding over the beautiful beaches, or, just 45 minutes outside Dalyan is Akköprü, where you can cool down with some awesome white water rafting. If you’re a nature lover, make your way to the world famous Turtle Beach and watch endangered Loggerhead Turtles nesting in the sand, as they have done for generations, or find your favorite type of scenery and throw on your trekking boots. Almost anyone enjoys the most famous attraction in Dalyan: The Mud Baths and thermal springs. Best reached by boat, the Dalyan Mud Baths will leave anyone’s skin looking younger and feeling soft as a baby’s bottom. After basking in the sun with your full-body mud mask, take a dip in the thermal baths, which are said to have healing properties for both the inside and outside of your body. In fact, the waters at the Sultaniye Spring have the second highest mineral content in the world. Dalyan has all the spoils any budget traveler is looking for, and then some, and it can all be found at affordable prices. Though Dalyan is beautiful year round, it is without a doubt a summer destination, and getting there is easy. Drive, take a bus, or fly from almost anywhere, via connecting flights from Istanbul.


























