So far, 2012 has been a sad year for music fans. In March, we lost bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, then last month, Levon Helm from The Band passed away, and most recently, the great Donald “Duck” Dunn. We lost Whitney Houston, one of the world’s most powerful voices, and one fourth of the Monkees, Davey Jones. Sad as we may be, these amazing artists have left behind hours of music recorded all around the world so that we will always remember their great talent.

This month we lost Adam Yauch, aka MCA. Founding member of hip hop legends the Beastie Boys, Yauch was more than just an iconic voice. A devoted Buddhist and staunch activist, MCA was responsible for organizing one of the most influential series of festivals in recent years. The Tibetan Freedom Concert was held all over the world, starting in San Francisco in 1996 before moving onto New York City, Washington D.C., Amsterdam, Wisconsin, Sydney, Tokyo, and finally Taipei in 2003.

These festivals not only featured Yauch’s band, but a plethora of other impressive acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, blues legend John Lee Hooker, Bjork, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, A Tribe Called Quest, Sonic Youth, fellow activist Bono and his band U2, Radiohead, Pearl Jam, and R.E.M, just to name a few. These events also featured special and important speakers, including representatives of the Milarepa Fund, local liaisons of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and MCA himself. The first concert alone raised over $800,000 dollars to be donated to various Tibetan and social justice causes and organizations.

We may have lost Adam Yauch and too many other great musicians this year, but they have certainly left their mark on the places and people they visited in their lifetime.

Book a cheap car rental in Amsterdam, Sydney, or anywhere else in the world to see these places for yourself.

Depending on where we go or what we are doing, a lot of us indulge in way too much junk food during vacation. Luckily, summer is quickly approaching in most parts of the world, and this means farmer’s markets abound! Attending a market is the perfect way to enjoy fresh food while supporting the local economy of the city you are visiting. And don’t worry, you will still be able to satiate your sweet tooth at most of them, too.

Mercado De La Merced – Mexico City, Mexico

This south of the border market is nothing short of huge. Taking up more than four whole blocks, La Merced offers up treats from all over the country. Stuff yourself with regional fare, splurge on some delectable guavas, and lose yourself in the aroma of sweet Mexican vanilla. This is also the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two from local artists and crafters.

The English Market – Cork, Ireland

If you are a cheese connoisseur, then the English Market is the place to be. Not only will you have a wide variety of both cow and goat cheeses to choose from, you can sample other famous English and Irish cuisine, like boiled tripe and blood sausage. However, this market is not limited to just regional delicacies, and the rows and rows of Moroccan spices promise to entice your taste buds.

Saxe Breteuil – Paris, France

Saxe Breteuil is widely considered to be Paris’ most beautiful market. After strolling through rows of fresh baked breads, bright red, freshly picked strawberries and fragrant flowers with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower all the while, you will tend to agree. Rain or shine, this market takes place every Thursday and Saturday, and is the perfect location for sampling fresh produce and the baked good the French are so well known for.

Bolzano Market – Bolzano, Italy

One of the best things about the plethora of markets in Bolzano is they practically run year round. The scent of roasted chestnuts wafts throughout the city, enticing all who wander near the market. Once you are there, you will find the sweetest lemons, tomatoes warmed by the sun, local cheeses and cured meats, and this barely scratches the surface. Everyone knows that Italians know how to do food right!

Carmel Market – Tel Aviv, Israel

This is one of the most sought after locations in all of Israel. Its reputation precedes it, and the Carmel Market will not disappoint those who make the journey. The sheer number and variety of olives alone is reason enough to stop here, but you will also find juicy pears, plump tomatoes, freshly caught fish, and colorful flowers. You can also find a wide variety or wares, ranging from pottery to textiles, so you can bring home something to always remember your trip by.

Your palate and your wallet will be pleased when you book a cheap car rental in Israel, Italy, Ireland, France, or Mexico with Kemwel.

What are your plans for this upcoming weekend? Well, if you are in the Belfast area, you might want to check out the Festival of Fools. Starting on Thursday, May 3rd and carrying on well into Monday, May 7^th, this festival celebrates the best in street theatre and promises to entertain everyone who passes through.

The festivities begin at 6pm sharp in Saint Anne’s Square with over 65 performers engaging audiences with Journey to the Land of Giants. This over the top production combines live music and acrobatic stunts with the tales of both the Titanic and the Giant’s Causeway. Don’t be alarmed if you miss the weekend’s opening performance, because the show will go on again Friday, along with a number of other interesting acts.

Some of Friday’s highlights are scheduled to include Haggis and Charlie, a phenomenally funny juggling duo certain to amaze you and keep the whole family in stitches. If you haven’t gotten your fill of laughter, stick around for Mr. Smyth. This Canadian funny man delights Belfast locals and visitors alike with his twisted and bizarre puppet show.

Haggis and Charlie will also be performing on Saturday, alongside Mr. Smyth, but you can expect a few fresh faces as well. Like Two For Tea, a husband and wife duo that put on one heck of a magic show. You will also want to stick around for the Cat Choir. Trust us, this is nothing like the Cats of Broadway infamy, but these feisty felines have a song or two to offer captivated audiences. Charming Aussie performer Mooky Cornish will also be gracing the stage, showcasing her vast array of talents. With so much going on Saturday, you may have a hard time fitting it all in. Lucky for you, the evening wraps up with Encore in the Square, where you can catch a glimpse of all the day’s acts.

Spend Sunday taking in some of the amazing performances you may have missed on Saturday. Stop by to witness the eccentric Cirque de Sally, contortionist and hula-hoopist extraordinaire. You will also have another chance to view the fairly creepy Clayhead Show, in which one performer molds clay into different masks over his face.

Monday ends things with another round of weird and wonderful performances, as well as another Encore in the Square. Relive the whole weekend as your favorite artists take to the stage one last time before their final bow.

Book a cheap car rental in Belfast today, and let Kemwel put you in the middle of the action. For more information and photos, check out the festival’s official website!

In less than a week, May Day will be upon us. This celebration of spring and rebirth dates all the way back to pre-Christian times and is still an important tradition in many communities the world over. So pack up and jet set to one of these gorgeous locations and invoke the old ways!

Offenham, England

Offenham is home to the biggest of the six permanent maypoles remaining in England, so where better to partake in this iconic spring dance? While you are there you can also enjoy Morris dance and the crowning of the May Queen. This rural town has been celebrating May Day since medieval times, and maybe even longer!

Cerne Abbas, England

What sets this celebration apart from the others is instead of twirling around the may pole, dancers skip around the Cerne Giant. This fertility symbol carved into the hillside resembles a giant man in the nude, and he has been believed to assist childless couples in conceiving since ancient times.

Glen Rock, Pennsylvania

If you are planning on staying Stateside this spring, Glen Rock’s May Day Fairie Festival may be just what you are looking for. Three days of family friendly fun awaits you at Sproutwood Farm. Witness the crowning of not only the May Queen, but also the May King, Prince and Princess! Children will love the colorful costumes, entertainment and arts and crafts at this one of a kind celebration.

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edinburgh Fire Festival is one of the most popular Beltane celebrations in the world. It is hard not to get amped up with more than 300 performers riling up the crowds. As the sun goes down, attendees line up behind the newly crowned May Queen and make their way around Calton Hill before lighting the traditional bonfires to welcome the warmer months ahead.

Glastonbury, England

The whole entire community takes place in this Beltane celebration, which often lasts for days on end. Not only will you find parties, parades, and a plethora of activities for all ages, you can also take part in some old-timey Pagan rituals and ceremonies. This of course includes a skip around the maypole!

Book your cheap car rental in the UK, or anywhere else in the world, and experience the rites of May!

A big Thank You to Jentry Nielsen for submitting this guest blog to Kemwel! To find out how Jentry keeps in shape while globetrotting, read on!

With summer quickly approaching, many of us are going to start planning those summer vacations. It takes a lot of hard work to get swimsuit ready, so don’t let the prime time when you want to show off your body stop you from fitting in your workouts.

Many beach areas are prime locations to get workouts in. While vacations should be relaxing and fun, you don’t have to fall off your workout regimen.

Here are some tips to make sure you are sticking with your routine, even while traveling.

If possible, book a hotel with a gym- Many hotels now have gyms located on the premises for your convenience. Check online or call ahead to make sure the hotel you want to book has a fitness center with the equipment you are looking for. Many properties might only have the minimum, like one treadmill, but if you have weaker knees and prefer elliptical trainers, you may use this as an excuse to not workout while you are there.

Go swimming- Almost any hotel you run into is going to have a pool of some sort. If not, go swimming out in the ocean. Swimming is one of the best forms of cardio exercise one can get. Get out there and take a few laps for a good workout. If you are worried about others getting in your way, head out early in the morning before all the little ones arrive.

Play in the waves – Not only is swimming in the ocean great exercise, playing is a great workout as well. Who doesn’t love jumping up and down over the waves? This is a great form of plyometric exercise, which is proven to increase cardio burn.

Running or walking along the beach – Moving through the sand is a great workout. When you are running/walking on an uneven surface, it forces your body to work harder to stabilize itself, thus in turn, burning more calories.

Playing sand volleyball – This incorporates that uneven running surface and forces you to move around after the ball. Plus it’s fun being out in the sun, getting your tan on, and enjoying time with your friends.

Surfing – This is an excellent total body strength workout. You are using so many leg and core muscles to not only get your body up, but to keep yourself stabilized on the board.

Bike Ride- Many places along the beach let you rent bikes to ride along the coast. Bike riding maintains balance by using the core of muscles and the abdominal area, making for a great workout. This will also get you out to see more of the sights the town has to offer.

Workout on the beach – There is really no sense in hiding it. Stand on the beach and do your workout routine right there in the sunlight. You’ll get a great tan and have the added weight of the sand to increase your calorie burning even more.

Here are a few workouts you can do right on the beach with little to no equipment:

Stretch and start with a 5-10 minute warm-up jog on the beach

Two minutes of sit-ups
Two minutes of push-ups
Two minutes of jogging in place
Two minutes of knee highs
Two minutes of jumping rope
Two minutes of shadow boxing
Two minutes of jumping jacks
(Two minute rest and repeat once)

Finish off with a 5-10 minute cool down of light jogging and some stretching!

Or try this full body workout: This one does involve light weights; you can fill liter water bottles with sand instead.

Stretch and start with a 5-10 minute warm-up jog on the beach
repeat these 4 moves 3 times- resting 60 seconds between each set

Squat with a Dumbbell Upright Row (15 Reps)
Plank with Reverse Row (10 Reps)
Reverse Wood-Chop (16 Reps)
Burpees (10 Reps)

Finish off with a 5-10 minute cool down of light jogging and some stretching!

Working out on vacation can be fun. Involve those you are traveling with to make sure you don’t lose out on time with them as well. Don’t let your vacation time ruin all the hard work you’ve achieved thus far, causing you to pack on those long lost pounds.

If this guy can fit in exercising all over the world, you can fit in a little workout on the beach!

Author Bio: Jentry Nielsen is a college student, along with being a fitness and health nut who loves to travel. If you like this post, check her out on her blog at Such Good Exercise, Twitter, and Google+.

This coming Sunday, April 22, is international Earth Day. Some may argue that travel isn’t the greenest thing you can do on Earth Day, but then again, business and family may be calling us and we don’t have a choice. Here are some easy ways to green up your travel plans this weekend!

Packing and Flying

The heavier the load a plane carries, the more nasty emissions it lets off into the environment. What do you need all that stuff for anyway? By traveling light, not only are you adding less weight onto the plane, you are also saving yourself loads of money. It is getting more and more expensive to check bags these days, so just pack the essentials!

Choosing a Rental Car

When you book a cheap car rental from Kemwel, you can choose from our massive selection of fuel efficient vehicles anywhere in the world! From mini to economy class, and even luxury and beyond, Kemwel offers a large fleet featuring vehicles with some of the world’s best environmental, mileage, and safety ratings. Check out our offerings in Italy, France, the United Kingdom and beyond.

Book a Green Hotel

When you make a hotel booking with Excellent Hotels, you will have a wide variety of eco-friendly properties to choose from. Try the Melia in Barcelona, a certified Biosphere hotel offering up luxe amenities. Or maybe Amsterdam is more your speed. The Conservatorium Hotel is a one of a kind, Green Globe Certified, high-end property. No matter where you are traveling, take the time to research the location and you are certain to find hotels offering organic linens, locally grown and prepared cuisine, energy efficient accommodations, and a commitment to Mother Earth.

At the Hotel

Okay, so you have booked your hotel room at a green property, but that is just a start. There are so many things you can do to make your stay even more eco-friendly! For example, ask housekeeping to make your bed with the same sheets you are already using instead of putting on fresh ones every day. Hotels generate a ton of laundry, which uses up electricity and water. Do the same thing with your towels. You use them more than once at home, don’t you? And speaking of towels, keep your showers short! Also, be sure to unplug your in-room coffee pot after your morning brew and turn off the lights and television when you leave the room.

Buy Local

Does the location you are visiting have a local market? Chances are it does. Instead of browsing through endless aisles of overpriced groceries at some big chain, support the community you are visiting by purchasing your baked goods, produce, and souvenirs at the farmer’s market. A lot of cities also host arts and crafts bazaars where you can find all manners of goods.

Give Back

Want to do some good during your vacation time? Voluntourism is on the rise, and with programs like WWOOF leading the way, it’s easier than ever to find opportunities around the globe. Not only will you get your hands dirty on organic farms, help conserve rainforests and wetlands, and help build homes for those in need, you will also be able to see the world. A volunteer program is a vacation you can feel good about!

If you are looking for Earth Day events and celebrations while you are away, take a peek at the Earth Day Network’s International site.

Summer is quickly approaching, and you know what that means? Road trips! Here are a few awesome road trip movies you can watch to get yourself pumped for your summer adventures while you are waiting for that last bit of cold to fade away.

Easy Rider – Mexico and the United States
This 1969 classic stars Peter Fonda and the late, great Dennis Hopper as two hippie bikers who smuggle contraband across the Mexican border and into the United States. Along the way they bump into all sorts of interesting characters portrayed by an all star cast including Jack Nicholson, Phil Spector, and even Toni Basil (as in “Hey Mickey, you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind. Hey, Mickey!”) Wyatt, aka Captain America (played by Fonda) and Billy (Hopper) face a variety of obstacles on their way to Louisiana, and are judged as good-for-nothing long-hairs wherever they go. This leads to some surprisingly meaningful dialogue, much of which was improvised by the actors. Despite its tragic ending, you cannot help but be overcome by wanderlust after viewing this film. Plus, it offers up a spectacular road trip soundtrack which includes The Band, Steppenwolf, The Byrds, Jimi Hendrix, The Moody Blues, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan, just to name a few. Book a cheap car rental in Mexico for the first part of your journey, but please refrain from transporting illegal substances.

The Motorcycle Diaries – South America

This film based on Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s memoirs catapulted the dreamy Gael Garcia Bernal into international stardom. The Motorcycle Diaries tells the story of the young revolutionary’s trek across South America in what was part adventure and part coming of age. While still enrolled in medical school, Che and his friend Alberto Granado, the biochemist, head toward Peru to work in a leper colony. During their journey, they travel through Buenos Aries, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Columbia, Venezuela, and even Miami, discovering the Andes, the Amazon and the desert. The people they meet along the way greatly influence the story. The men meet miners forced to work in poor conditions, a couple who has lost everything they owned due solely to the fact that they were communists, and rural peoples living in extreme poverty. The world’s injustices ignite a spark in the young doctor, thus creating the Che Guevara the world would later come to know. Watching this film (or reading the book) may inspire you to explore the ever growing world of “voluntourism” and do some good while you’re abroad.

Lord of the Rings – New Zealand
Okay, so maybe this isn’t exactly a “road trip” movie, but they sure do embark on a mighty journey! Really, I look for any excuse to bring up Lord of the Rings, and New Zealand might possibly be the most beautiful place on the planet, so let me have this one, eh? With a cheap car rental in New Zealand, you will be able to follow in the steps of Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pip along both the north and south islands. A trek through the Waikato area is a must. These lush, rolling hills were transformed into the Shire, and as they are currently filming part two of The Hobbit, if you visit this year you will be able to see Hobbiton in full swing. While you are on the north island, you will also want to drive through Tongariro National Park, home to “Mount Doom.” Don’t worry, the park is not guarded by nasty Orcs, and as far as we know, they’re not forging any evil rings in the fires of Mount Ruapehu, the parks’ active volcano.

Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – United States
I must have watched this movie a million times or more growing up. Super team Tim Burton and Danny Elfman directed and scored this cult classic respectively. When Pee Wee’s bicycle is stolen, he seeks the help of Madame Ruby, a local psychic. She informs him that his bike is being kept in the basement of the Alamo. Thus begins his big adventure. When his bike doesn’t turn up in San Antonio, he seeks refuge in a local biker bar. Chances are, even if you haven’t seen this film, you know all about this scene, where Pee Wee’s dance to Tequila wins over the bar’s patrons. His new friends give him a motorcycle, which ends him up in the hospital pretty promptly. While he is there, he catches a glimpse of his bike on the television. Apparently it’s being used in a big Hollywood production, so off to California he goes. You will find yourself repeating some of the film’s best lines for the duration of your road trip. “And knitting… and knitting… and knitting.” “I know you are, but what am I?!” “Au Revoir, Simone!” and of course, “Tell ‘em Large Marge sent ya!” Oh, and don’t forget to throw The Champs’ Tequila on your road mix.

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – Australia
Hugo Weaving (Lord of the Rings, V for Vendetta), Guy Pearce (Momento, The King’s Speech) and Terence Stamp (Star Wars, Valkyrie) star as three drag queens who travel across the Outback in Priscilla (their tour bus) after Mitzi Del Bra (Weaving) is offered a show in the remote town of Alice Springs. Taking off from Sydney, the trio embarks on a journey that is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Of course, summer in the United States means its winter Down Under, but don’t let that keep you from booking your cheap car rental in Australia. Winter in Sydney isn’t nearly as chilly as say, the American northeast. You will still be able to comfortably travel by rental car or on foot and enjoy the desert, national parks, botanical gardens, and even harbor cruises.

These are just a few of the movies that are certain to give you the travel bug, so call Kemwel or book your cheap car rental online today!

Everybody knows about Stonehenge and Easter Island, the ancient monuments shrouded in legend and mystery that attract tourists like a moth to a flame. Well, we all love history, but if you want to avoid the large crowds, why not try a more modern attraction? There are infinite numbers of bizarre and interesting sites to see on your international travels, and we aren’t talking about the world’s biggest ball of yarn. Of course, art is subjective, but we think the following five sculptures are pretty darn cool and worth a look.

Hombre del Rio – Cordoba, Spain
This giant man has been soaking up the sun while lounging in the waters of the Guadalquivir River since 2006. It is said that the sculpture just mysteriously appeared one day, the government claiming to have never approved its placement. However, Rafael Cornjejo’s 16 foot sculpture weighing more than 4,000 pounds still sits in the river today, delighting every passerby.

Charles La Trobe – Melbourne, Australia
A lot of cities host monuments to their most famous residents, so what makes this statue of Charles La Trobe at La Trobe University so special? Well, it is upside down. The sculptor says this “embodies the notion that universities should turn ideas on their heads.” (La Trobe helped establish the University of Melbourne).

 

Le Pouce de Cesar – Paris, France
This statue of a giant thumb stands 12 meters high and is 4 meters wide. That is over 39×13 feet! It weighs in at a whopping 18 tonnes, more than 39,000 pounds. The statue was creates by Cesar Baldaccini, a world renowned French sculptor from Marseille (born to Italian parents, hence the name). You will find this massive phalange on Paris’ esplanade de La Defense.

The Virgin Mother – Manhattan, New York
A stroll through midtown will reveal a rather unique statue. A mother-to-be stands in all her glory, but she only has skin on half of her body. The other half is a colorful display of mixed metals revealing her skull, muscles, and the fetus she carries in her belly. Some people complain that the statue is a bit too gruesome for their tastes, but it is definitely interesting!

Space Cow – Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden is brimming with bizarre and interesting sculptures, but the space cow may be the most fun. Look up and you will find this guy suspended in mid-air, decked out in a full space suit complete with bubble helmet and oxygen tank. I wonder if cows enjoy Tang…

 

 

Kemwel offers cheap car rentals in Spain, Australia, France, Sweden, and all over the world. Book yours today! You never know what you might find.

If you read the Times, Huffington Post, or listen to NPR, you have probably seen or heard that chef extraordinaire, Rene Redzepi, is currently gracing the cover of Time Magazine (issue out today), along with the title “Locavore Hero.” No small feat for a man who dropped out of school at age fifteen and enrolled in his local culinary institute.

Today, Redzepi is repeatedly named “the world’s best chef,” and his Copenhagen eatery, Noma, (which has been awarded two Michelin stars) is touted by many to be “the world’s best restaurant.” People travel from all across the globe to sample Noma’s fare, and to hear the chef speak. From the Sydney Opera House to the prestigious halls of Connecticut’s famed Yale University, Redzepi’s lectures have become a huge draw for chefs, foodies, farmers, and environmentalists alike.

So what makes a chef so inspiring and unique? His philosophy, to start. He believes that “better meals” can help us create a “better world,” and he puts his money where his mouth is by supporting local farms and businesses, and focusing his cuisine on regional meats and produce instead of imported goods. He is also famous for his foraging, and it is not uncommon to be served wild duck or berries and herbs that have been scavenged from the Nordic countryside.

Working from scratch, Noma puts a modern spin on traditional Nordic cuisine. They do all their own drying, pickling and smoking, so you are guaranteed the freshest flavors. Enjoy white currant with douglas fir, cauliflower and pine, or wild duck with beets. These are just a few of the artistic offerings you will find. Even the building itself is an experience. Located in an 18th century warehouse, the restaurant has been beautifully renovated and overlooks the serene waters of the Nyhavn.

With all of this attention, folks are flocking to Noma to see what all the hubbub is about. With a cheap car rental in Copenhagen, you too can experience the epicurean creations of Time Magazine’s Locavore Hero. Just head over to Strandgade 93, 1401 Copenhagen K or check out Noma’s website for more information. Be sure to revisit our blog and tell us about your experience!

Bon Appétit!

Spring bound folks world wide know exactly what I’m talking about, and it is cause for celebration! If you are looking for a way to welcome the warm weather, try a trip to West Yorkshire, England on for size. Every year, folks from the village of Marsden put on quite the spectacle with their annual Cuckoo Day. Beginning on Friday, April 24th and continuing well into Saturday the 25th, the whole entire village participates in this festival.

Locals and visitors meet up on Friday evening and make the two mile trek to the birthplace of the Marsden Cuckoo where storyteller Peter Armitage will be waiting to share the tales’ origins. They say that early settlers realized that the first calls of the Cuckoo meant spring was on the way, and eager to make the season last all year round, they tried to trap the Cuckoo in Marsden by building giant walls. Obviously the Cuckoo was able to fly right over the walls and winter was inevitable. After Mr. Armitage shares the story, the Conservative Club will host an exhibit on the Life and Times of the village, followed by merry making at the Riverhead Brewery’s Folk Night. Enjoy a pint of the specially brewed “Ruffled Feathers” as you dance the night away to some of the finest local folk music the region has to offer

Saturday’s festivities begin with live music at the New Inn and other entertainment at the Marsden Mechanics. There will be a dance troupe, more storytelling (courtesy of Ms. Fiona Weir), belly dancers, and more. There are a ton of activities available for the wee ones, like face painting, crafts, and a “Find the Cuckoo’s Nest” scavenger hunt. The United Church will be providing refreshments and more live music, as will St. Bartholomew’s Church and Parochial Hall. If you missed the Life and Times exhibit the night before, the Conservative Club will be hosting another showing.

You will have plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air when you purchase tickets to the Duck Race or the Classic Motors show. Children and adults will be delighted by the Fiascos, a local group showing off their circus skills. The craft sale and farmer’s market at Marsden Traders has something for everyone, and don’t miss the cloggers over on Argyle Street. St. Bartholomew’s will also be hosting a church drive, if you are inclined to give back to this lively community. They will even have pony rides!

This is only scratching the surface. I didn’t even get to the giant Cuckoo float! So book your cheap car rental in England with Kemwel today and welcome spring the Marsden way!

All photos courtesy of the official Marsden Cuckoo Day Facebook page.