Off-Track Backpacking » festival

Canada’s Apple History

Nara — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 01:33:56 +0000

photo credit: ontarioplaques.com

Only a few more days to gear up for one of Canada’s most historic festivals. The apple festival. A community in northern Ontario called Iroquois is celebrating a piece of history that very few Canadians know about. It will be held on September 17th.
It’s a festival about celebrating a farmer who found the McIntosh Apple over 200 years ago. His name was John McIntosh, hence the apple name. He found an apple tree on his property near the St.Lawrence River. Later this apple became known as the McIntosh apple, since years later John established a business selling apples.
Now as for today the family in the fourth generation still celebrates this family and Canadian history. The actual festival will be held on his late property where the oldest known McIntosh apple tree once stood. It wasn’t until earlier this year when the tree died.
The festival will not only hold many historic items, but will also include many contests, a BBQ, music, apple cider and of course lots of apples . It is a well planned celebration, where many Canadians should experience, since it is apart of our history.

Jodhpur – the place to start backpacking in India

Nara — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:05:47 +0000

Jodhpur, better known as the Sun City of India. Jodhpur is the center of Rajasthan and located on the northeast part of India. It is said that this year, Jodhpur is the perfect place to start your India adventure. A few places to see are the Period Rooms and the ancient sword that is located in the well-known museum in Jodhpur. However, the most important sites to see within this city are the streets and buildings. The homes stand on a cliff throughout little squares that are designed with a washed out white and fading blue. Surrounding these home are Jodhpur ancient grey walls of the Mehrangarh Fort. So once you start walking within the street of this beautiful city, you will feel like going back in time.
For all those backpackers planning on going to this stunning city, I would recommend going between Oct 21st and November only because Rajasthan International Folk Festival starts. With over 200 people singing and international performing dancing throughout the streets this is one five day festival of culture, music, partying, and getting involved with the locals, you will not want to miss. Now what should you eat while you visit this city? Well the most popular choice would include Kachouri, which are small deep fried dumplings with a spicy bean filling inside. Plus they come with a side dish of a sweet tangy chutney. Many of the locals use very little water in all their meals, so the food can be a little thick, due to the use of lots of milk and butter. Yes, your diet will change from being healthy to very fatty!! But as far as drinks go, the locals love to use lime water, but only when the limes are freshly squeezed, better known as Nimbu Pani. So over all the drinks and the food will equal themselves out, but do be prepared for some fried food and lots of it.
Many backpackers have never heard of this city, but I strong recommend you checking it, since it is off – track compared to most cities and sites in India.

Upcoming Summer Festival Destinations

Nara — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 01:26:06 +0000

This post is for all those backpackers who aren’t planning a huge backpacking adventure this year. Take a quick peek at the music filled festivals below. So if you really want to party and have a good time, I say hit up at least one of these festivals!!

Coachella – California

Two days of sunshine, amazing sound, and living in your tent! The hippie chic festival is all about rock, style, and having a blast. This festival is April 16-18 near Palm Springs. So far the line up of performers are Jay-Z, David Guetta, Gossip, The dead Weather Phoenix, Gorilaz, and Vampire Weekend.

Rock in RIO – Lisbon

This festival goes between RIO to Madrid and now to Lisbon. It is held in Lisbon’s Bela Vista Park with many different stages throughout the park. There will be stages of electronic sounds, rock, and jam sessions. Plus the expected people to be there will be Miley Cyrus, and John Mayer. This festival is between May 21-27.

Glastonbury – United Kingdom

One of the most fashionable, and star- struck festivals to attend, this is one place to be this summer! Many stars such as Kate Moss, Lily Allen, and Jay-Z are regulars to this festival. However, you need to be ready for the rain and mud, since every year it seems to rain lots during this festival. This festival is taking place between June 23 – 27 and a few performers will be U2, Stevie Wonder, and Jack Johnson.

Roskilde – Denmark

During July 1-4 the Nordic Festival is a non-profit organization that will have all profits go to a great cause and free camping is included in the ticket. Plus the well know thing about this festival are the food stands. Suppose to be amazing. This festival is only 35 km outside of Copenhagen and so far Jack Johnson and Muse will be performering.

Benicassim – Spain

Between the most party cities of Barcelona and Valencia the pristine beaches turn into a major dance floors of Spain’s largest party festival of the year. So all day you soak up the sun, swim in the sea and party all night, so who wouldn’t want to attend this festival?

Why Backpack Easter Island?

Nara — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:25:19 +0000

Just off the coast of Chile, Easter Island is now becoming one of the more popular tourist locations in South America. It’s not only a stunning location to visit but the history behind the Island is very out of the ordinary. It holds one the worlds mysteries; 15 imposing figures that stare off into the distance. Over 1,000 years ago a few Polynesians canoed over to this remote island and created 900 long-faced statues called moais, which represented their ancestors. These statues were hauled for miles to stand on the beachfront of Tongariki. Now this is the more commonly known idea of how these statues got to this beach, but there are parts that still remain a mystery. Now not only does the history overwhelm us, but also the perfect weather this island has. It usually has highs around 30s and lows between 17-20 degrees. However, it can be a little windy, but over all the weather is sunny and perfect to hike around the island. Since there aren’t to many people on this island you can easily avoid the crowds. However, not during the two weeks Tapati celebrations, that happen during the festival season in February. On February 12 the entire island celebrates with parades, competitions, and historic traditions. This month is the busiest tourist time for the locals, due to this time of year being the summer months now. Now not only does Easter Island have a busy tourist month as of now, but a new resort has brightened a new shine for more tourists to visit. This new resort is made from LEED-certified nature materials that come from volcanic rock and black pine. This resort over looks the sea and is surrounded by ancient statues, but also keep in mind of the price. For us backpackers, it is a little over our budget-$180 a night. Yet, it is said in a few articles that this resort is a must see location. Another amazing thing about this island is the food. Most tourists know about the famous Chilean wine has to offer, but another favorite is the fish. Easter Island offers more than 100 fish species that are generally the islands daily catches. Now I know from backpacking Chile, that most backpackers only adventure the main land, but why not see something a little different about Chile. Easter Island is only a five hour flight from Santiago.