World Hum’s Most Read: May 3-9

What We Loved This Week: L.A. Mariachis, Taybeh Beer, Owen’s First Road Trip

So Long, Virtual Magic Kingdom

Paris Is ‘Still Paris’

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

Thomas Kohnstamm’s Lonely Planet: The Firestorm Around ‘Do Travel Writers Go to Hell?’

The author of a new book that purports to explore the underside of travel writing is taking a lot of hits. Frank Bures asks him about the controversy he’s stirred up and his take on the guidebook industry.

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

Why Am I Searching the World for Mexican Food?

I don’t know, Jim. I’m a Mex food addict, too. But Mr Brown sorta has a point.

Here in SoCal, I also seek out the classic barrio taco shops, where no Ingles is spoken, ranchera music blasts and the Coke bottles are hecho en Mexico. I ate Mexican food last night and will likely feast on it again tonight. I too have jonsed for carne asada like a heroin junkie. But I absolutely will not eat Mexican outside of North America. You’re asking for trouble if you do. But you seem to enjoy it. I understand.

As you said in your story, greasy Chinese food does seem to fly almost everywhere. I guess MSG is universal.

Mmmmmmm.... Mexican food! I just ate my first chapulines yesterday.

Mind you, I live in Mexico but I thoroughly enjoy the local concoctions when I am traveling. Viva la globalizacion!

TambourineMan, I can’t argue with your logic. Trouble, indeed. What can I say? I have a problem.

Chapulines, Ron? You are very brave. I’m impressed.

I’ve been getting yet more e-mail feedback on all this, which I’ll have to cover in another blog item. Clearly, this is an important topic and more needs to be said.

Mmmmm ... Mexican Food at the Channon Market, NSW, Australia
http://www.flickr.com/photos/planeta/388980864

jim, i’ve lived in france
for some years and the basic problem for a broad-band eater is that the frence, generally, only eat french cuisine. soy sauce has only recently come into use here and it is seen as “exotic” - 5euro ($7.5o) for the small kikoman table top size.
i am currently searching for a source of jalapeno and serano peppers. if you see any in a french market please let me know.
what was the date of your chron.article?  regards, pete