World Hum’s Most Read: May 10-16

What We Loved This Week: ‘The Zen of Bobby V,’ ‘When the Levees Broke’ and Arriving With Our Baggage

How Bad is the Violence in Mexico?

Tony Horwitz Blogs From the Road

Tony Horwitz: Rediscovering the New World

Ben Keene talks to the author of the new book “A Voyage Long and Strange” about travel, American myths and the importance of visiting places where “history happened”

In Patagonia, In Patagonia

Tim Patterson packs his fleece and long underwear, and enters the Twilight Zone where corporate branding meets the multilayered reality of place. 

Should I Quit Law School so I can Travel the World?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

‘The Worst Guidebook Writer Ever’?

Lonely Planet author Robert Reid reviews Thomas Kohnstamm’s “Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?” and weighs in on the controversy surrounding it

Have a Hockey Night in Canada

From Montreal to Sault Ste. Marie, the sport is the country’s greatest passion. Eva Holland explains where to go to indulge—and who you need to know.

Promised Land Closed

And other odd and unlikely signs from around the world. Aficionado Doug Lansky, editor of the book “Signspotting,” recounts his 10 favorites.

10 Sizzling Hot Travel Tips From Sir Francis Bacon

Rolf Potts repackages the 17th century philosopher’s ‘Of Travel’ essay in the manner of a 21st century magazine feature

Japan’s Latest Budget Accommodation: Internet Cafes

I’ve spent two nights at Internet cafes. The first was a great experience, at a branch of Manboo Internet & Comic Cafe in Shinjuku, after missing the night’s last train. For about 1800 yen I got a small, private, dimly-lit room with relatively comfortable reclining chair, Internet, TV and headphones; outside the door were walls of manga and an included drink bar. The place also had a shower room, with towels for rent and toiletries for sale. Based on that experience, I tried to stay at an Internet cafe instead of trying to find a hotel after a late-running event in Yokohama. Bad choice; it was one big brightly-lit room filled with long tables where you sat in a regular chair at a carrel. That was one rugged night. I wouldn’t hesitate to crash at a Manboo (http://manboo.co.jp/) again, but anyplace else, would need to get a look at the interior first.

Thanks for the report, Ardith!

yikes, with Tokyo and most cities hotel prices in Japan, it’s really not a bad idea for foreign budget travellers too.

Great suggestion for travellers just looking for a quick nap and daily city hopping.

That’s a good option if you are only in Japan on a stop-over and are on a tight budget.

I have personally spent all nighters at internet cafes in London to save staying in hostels/hotels.

Easyinternetcafe (of the same easy brand as easyjet) used to have a branch cafe opposite London Victoria Station. You could buy a ticket at midnight for one pound and use it until 7 or 8 in the morning. Flourescent lights and uncomfortable chairs meant sleeping wasn’t an option, but it was a good way to clear out the inboxes and surf the net without time constraints. In the morning you emerge bleary eyed to catch a train/bus at London Victoria.

seo is the field in which people are earning really very good through using internet!

I never heard before that mat to sleep and allow showers in any Internet cafes, I’m very un-happy, its total mis-use of Technology. I don’t see any business ethics