Guide to the New Gym Climber

Submitted by ctardi on 2006-06-06

This article is meant as a bit of a guide to the new gym climber, and answers some of the questions that I had throughout the beginning of my climbing career, which although it is still just starting out, will hopefully last for many more years. I have no qualifications, other than wanting to help out those who go though the same things that I have. I’ve been climbing just over two years, and only made about 20 trips outside, several hundred inside, and have been lucky enough to have many hours with a mentor that has been able to answer almost all of my questions.

I started climbing when I was invited to a birthday party several years ago. At this point, I was what would be referred to as an Unconscious Incompetent. This means that I was unaware that I would even need any skills to continue from there. It’s just pulling yourself up a wall, how hard could it be? Several years, and birthday parties, later, I saw an article in the local paper about a climbing gym having an open house, with climbing, and a B.B.Q. outside. Didn’t have anything else to do that day, the gym was only a 15 minute drive away, and I always wanted to get more into climbing, but never really knew how to get started, so didn’t pursue it.

Upon getting to the gym, I had a harness put on me and did a couple of climbs, even the ‘upside down one!’ This left me with the nagging question, how do you get more into this sport? And what in the world does a climbing team do? Why does the harness strap go through the buckle 3 times? What do all the key chains on the wall do? How about those silly looking things coming out of the floor? I signed up to an intro course / belay course, so I could learn to ‘hold the ropes’. Still at that point, I didn’t believe that there could be any more to it than running it through an upside down Easter basket, and pulling up the wall like a mad man.

The course only put even more questions in my head, but I didn’t want to take away from the other participant’s course, so I held on to them. I wanted to know what stuff was made of, how do you build your own wall, and if this had any relation to climbing outside. At this point, I was a Conscious Incompetent. I knew that there were many more skills that I would need before I could go further. I started climbing whenever I could, in order to build on the little skills that I had at this time, and to start seeking answers to the questions that I had burning in my head. I learned things like the key chains are really quick draws for lead climbing and the aluminum carabiners shouldn’t get dropped onto anything hard.

By this time, I was hanging around with the gym owner, who was great, able to answer all of my questions and told some great stories, as he had had a hand in developing one of the local outdoor climbing areas. About three months after I started climbing, I was getting to the Conscious Competent stage in my climbing. I thought I knew everything there was to know about climbing, although I was very wrong. My belaying, however, impressed someone, as I was asked to work for the gym. This was great for me, as I got to spend a lot of time with people, and educate them about our great sport.

I stayed in this stage for a while, but didn’t have anyone to tell me that I was in this stage, so may have given some dangerous advice, which is not something I recommend. The next step after this is to go on to the Unconscious Competent. I couldn’t tell you if I’m at this step yet, or if you are at this step yet, as this is where you don’t even have to think about what you are doing. This may be argued as where you may be very likely to make mistakes, but most of these can be avoided with buddy checks, and slowing everything down. I can think of 3 incidences in the past little while where a buddy check either saved from a potentially deadly mistake, or was not done and the people involved were lucky. One of these was my fault.

I was climbing with someone who had done it for much longer than I had, and they did not finish their knot. Luckily they were able to complete the climb, and lower without incident, but were rather shaken up. So, slow down, have fun, and keep your stick on the ice!

Picking up climbing - Part 3 : Basic Indoor and toproping skills.

Submitted by trevor on 2006-10-18

Now you've got a taste for climbing by developing your bouldering skills, it's time to start the 'real' work. The first climbing technique you'll have to master is toproping. Most climbers were introduced to climbing by toproping: it's a safe, easy and not too intimidating technique.

Only recently, most climbers learned their toproping skills on the rock. However, with the proliferation of indoor climbing gyms it's probably a good idea to start by taking a toproping course in your local climbing gym. Most climbing gyms offer basic instruction. There's a good list of gyms at indoorclimbing.com.

I'll give you a short overview of the technique and the climbing gear involved.

For basic indoor toproping you'll need the following gear: climbing shoes, a climbing harness, a pear-shaped locking carabiner, a belaying device, a chalk bag and some chalk. You can rent a harness, carabiner and belaying device in most of the gyms but in the long run it pays off to buy your own.

If you're starting out you shouldn't buy the most expensive shoes. With your current foot technique you'll end up trashing them in no time anyway. Buy your climbing shoes tight enough so your foot doesn't slip but not too tight. Leave the really tight shoes for the pros or SM-afficionados.

Make sure you buy a good pear-shaped locking carabiner (either screw-gate or locking-gate type). Don't ever use any other type of carabiner for belaying.

The belay device you choose depends on your taste and the kind of climbing you'll do. Over here in Europe, lots of us use a figure-eight device for its easy handling and because it can double up as a descender. If you decide to become an outdoor guru you're probably better off with an ATC-style device. There are also auto-blocking devices out there. These can be excellent for beginners as they will automatically block a fall if a beginner makes a belaying mistake. You shouldn't rely on this property though, making a habit of relying on the blocking properties of these devices is simply bad practise. It's important to learn to belay with a 'classic' device because one day or another you'll end up belaying a leader with a device you're not familiar with. The best approach is probably to try out different devices in a safe environment and then stick to the one you're most comfortable with. If you have to use another device one day you'll know how to handle it.

Choosing a climbing harness is a bit harder. You need to know a little more about your climbing style and your future projects. Trad, Alpine and Sport climbing all require different harness setups. You'll prefer the comfort of a well-padded harness on long climbs but may appreciate a lighter harness on pure sport climbs. Your safest bet is to test some for-rent harnesses and then buy a new model with the properties you like. As for shoes, go for comfort first. Always learn the proper buckling mechanism of your own and your partner's harness.

That's it for the gear, let's get on with the technique.

For toproping you'll need a climbing rope that's already run through a locking carabiner affixed to a solid anchor at the top. In a climbing gym these are built into the climbing wall. If you're climbing outside you'll have to rely on a more experienced climber to set you up. You'll have two ends of rope dangling down. The climber will tie into one end of the rope and the belayer will take up slack from the other end using his belaying device. When the climber reaches the top, the belayer will block the rope and let the climber lean back into the rope. The belayer will then slowly lower the climber as he 'walks' off the cliff backwards. I'll deliberately not go into more detail because you really will need to follow proper instruction. This is what you'll need to learn:

• Learn the knot(s).
• Learn to handle your harness AND your partner's harness
• Learn to handle your belaying equipment (carabiner, belay device, harness)
• Learn the belaying technique
• Learn the descending technique
• Learn how to walk down a cliff while being lowered.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always check each other before you climb. Belayer checks climber's knot and harness. Climber checks belayer's harness, carabiner (screwed shut!) and belaying device.
• Don't forget to screw your carabiner shut!
• Always double-up the buckle on your harness.
• If you don't feel safe, tell your partner.

I hope these tips will help you to become a safe climber. Next time, I'll tell you something more about leading.

Picking up climbing - Part 2 : Get Started Bouldering

Submitted by trevor on 2006-10-18

Probably the best way to start experiencing the thrills of moving over rock is to pick up bouldering. Boulderers climb short routes up to a height that is still safe to jump off from.

There are climbers out there who have devoted their life to this art and some of the hardest moves are closest to the ground. Recently there's been a renewal of interest in this form of climbing. You'll get all the fun of the climbing moves without the scary bits and the hassle of rope-handling and protection.

Bouldering can be practised both on real rock and indoor as most climbing gyms have a special boulder section. There are even bouldering-only gyms out there, but these are still rare.

Even though bouldering can be practised alone you shouldn't underestimate the importance of an experienced climbing partner. You'll not only pick up a better climbing technique, you'll also progress in a lot safer environment. In bouldering ankles and spines are top casualties. Without a good spotter to catch your fall you will get hurt some day.

Good spotting is the art of guiding the climber's fall rather than trying to catch him/her. If you're asked to spot someone, you should aim to guide the fall by taking the hips so he / she lands on both feet. If it's your first time, ask another climber to assist you.

Until you're an expert climber it's not a good idea to climb on your own, especially not on higher problems. (Called highball problems in boulderspeak.)

If you ever get in trouble up a rock and you need to jump off, remember that downclimbing is always the better option. Your ankles will thank you for it. And if you do have to jump, remember to bend your knees on impact.

What gear do you need to pick up bouldering?

The basic necessities to pick up bouldering include: a pair of climbing shoes, a chalk bag, some chalk (Magnesium Bicarbonate) and a rug or doormat to clean your shoes. An old toothbrush can come in handy too.

If you plan to make bouldering your new way of life, you want to consider buying a good crash pad. These mattresses aren't exactly cheap but they're a lot softer to fall on than sharp rock.

Though you can use sneakers to start out, it's not a very good idea. You won't learn the subtleties of footwork and frequently repeated rocks will suffer erosion from dirty or unadapted shoes.

Cleaning your shoes before you climb is important because you want to make sure that the special rubber on them will completely stick to the rock. For best effect, you can rub your toes until they make a squeaking noise... Or find a nice girl in leather to do exactly that for you... Oops, let's not stray off topic here...

Since your feet are your most important instrument for upward motion you want to put some care in choosing your shoes. Climbers tend to wear shoes a couple sizes smaller than their normal shoe size. It's probably not a good idea to kill your feet but your shoes should never feel loose. Take your time determining the size: cram your feet in the smallest shoes possible, then add some sizes until you feel comfortable. Remember that your feet should never slip inside your shoes.

If you climb a lot, your shoes will wear out easily. If it weren't for resoles I'd have to buy 4-5 pairs every year. A professional resoler at your local climbing shop will fix you up with a fresh slab of sticky rubber in no time. A lot cheaper than buying new ones.

Shoes cost between US$ 50 - 150. Some of the top brands include: La Sportiva, Five Ten and Boreal.

A chalk bag and some chalk (Magnesium Bi Carbonate, actually) will help you keep your hands dry. Most chalk bags come with a short belt and buckle to put around your waist.

No, that white stuff is not for sniffing: dip your hands in it and it will miraculously absorb your sweat. It will help you evoid the embarrassment of ungraciously greasing off the rock. Chalk also is a mild anaesthetic. If you have a small scab you can smear some clean chalk in it.

The single most important feature on a chalk bag is how it closes: you want a bag that can be thoroughly sealed off. Believe me: chalk can get messy. Even then, it's probably a good idea to have a ziplock-style plastic bag for transportation.

Chalk bags come in different sizes and this may seem more important than it looks. If you're planning to do lots of bouldering, you may want to opt for a chalk bucket: a massive container that's intended to stay on the ground.

At his point, it's probably a good idea to talk about some of the alternatives to chalk. Chalk stains the rock and chalk-caked holds are actually worse to hang on to. This is where the toothbrush comes in. Use it to clean chalky holds before and after you climb. The next one will thank you for it.

Finally, you'll need a small rag or doormat to clean your shoes if you're bouldering outdoors.

Total estimated cost is about US$ 150 - 200. Here are some online stores to shop around. Rei - Misty Mountain - Mgear.com

Picking up climbing - Part 1 : Introduction & Overview

Submitted by trevor on 2006-10-18 | Last Modified on 2007-09-17

So, you've seen the videos: Tom Cruise pulling off crazy unroped stuff on massive cathedrals of rock in MI2. Stallone showing off his bulk dangling on some razor-thin chunks of rock... You're stoked and want to give it a try... But...

Why the hell would you want to pick up climbing anyway? If it's to impress the chicks with those buffy pecs you'll be disapointed. There's lots of easier ways to work on those instead of groveling through gruesome bloody crack climbs. You'll occasionally rip up your hands and generally scab various body parts. Occasionally you'll scare the wits out of you. So why do people climb anyway? Not for the hardman image of pure force portrayed in the media.

Climbing is not all about strength anyway. Many a strong man has been humbled by the feminine graciousness and apparent ease of a woman moving over rock. Climbing is all about balance, knowing your body and being able to reposition it in space. It's about creativity, learning to adapt to what the rock has to offer. It's a whole-body exercise and though your upper body gets a fair share of grunt work, your legs and feet are your most important instrument for upward motion. It's about concentration and overcoming your fears for the void.

You don't need to be young or extremely fit to pick up climbing. Many people start later on in their life, and there are excellent climbers of all ages. I personally know some climbers well over fifty that still can compete with the young sharks.

For me personally it's all about discovering the natural world around and within you. Climbing will bring you to lots of lovely places and will definitely give you a unique perspective on the world below you. You'll learn a couple of things about yourself and the people you climb with.

Climbing is both an individualistic and social sport: when you're on the rock you can only count on your skills to get to the top. If you do fall however, you'll have to trust your climbing partner with your life. Beyond question. No mistakes allowed. This often makes for very strong bonds and relationships.

Learning to climb is very much like learning to ride a bike or ski down a snowy slope. You'll never forget the basic moves, but will need years of practise to perfect them.

Climbing styles come in many flavors. The basic games include: bouldering, indoor climbing, free rock climbing, trad rock climbing, solo climbing aid climbing, ice climbing and alpine climbing.

We'll handle bouldering next week, indoor climbing and toproping in week 3, basic free rock climbing in week 4 and advanced techniques such as trad, aid and alpine climbing in week 5.

This series of articles will pinpoint a couple of fundamental principles but was never meant to replace proper instruction. I simply hope to give you a taste of the sport and some guidelines to get you started. Make sure you learn from more experienced climbers or in a climbing school. Trust me, you'll love it.

Bouldering addicts climb short jumbles of rock, often only a couple of feet high. The key here is linking the moves: because of their short height bouldering problems tend to be fairly intense and technical. It's hundreds of feet of difficulty compressed into 5-10 moves. Unless you're climbing so-called highball problems you'll climb unroped and close enought to the ground to be safe to jump off from. During the nineties there's been a renewal of interest for this game. Thousands of bouldering areas have cropped up worldwide.

During the late eighties and early nineties climbing on plastic, aka indoor climbing became of fashion. Most competitions are on plastic nowadays. Indoor gyms are excellent places to learn rope handling techniques and to work on the basic moves. However, most of the diehard climbers agree that there's nothing like natural rock.

Free Climbing is the art of climbing a rock without using your equipment for upward motion. You can only use your arms, hands and other essential body parts to climb. The gear is used for protection only. This is where ethics come into play. A climb is said to be onsighted when a climber leads the climb for the first time without having watched other climbers do it and reaching the end without falling or pulling on gear. If you don't meet these criteria, you have to start over from the ground up to complete the climb.

In Trad Climbing, climbers use their own gear for protection whereas in free (aka sport) climbing pre-drilled bolts are clipped with carabiners. Trad climbers use friends, chocks, stoppers and other passive and active gear instead. These are devices of different shapes you can stick in cracks or holes for protection without damaging the rock. This is called clean climbing and is the only acceptable way of climbing in some areas. Due to the technicity of this kind of climbing it is mostly reserved for advanced climbers.

When Aid Climbing the above rules no longer apply. Because of the sheer difficulty of the rock pulling on gear is often the only way to get up. This kind of climbing involves staying on the rock for several days (Climbs called Big Walls.) and handling massive amounts of gear. It requires an extreme level of technical expertise and a certain sense for logistics. You'll have to haul your supplies up the cliff in special haul bags and sleep on the rock in hammocks or portaledges. For adventurous souls only.

Solo Climbing is certainly the most dangerous game and reserved for the truly skilled only. Since you're climbing without any kind of protection, falling is simply not an option. Most climbers do not climb unroped to satisfy their ego. Or at least, those who do don't last long. Solo climbing is all about knowing your own limits and trusting your good judgement. Only a select few choose to climb unprotected and if they do it's a very conscious choice. Do not try this at home...

Ice Climbers use ice axes to move up frozen waterfalls. Lately mixed climbing and drytooling has gained popularity. This involves climbing mixed faces of rock and ice requiring both excellent traditional rock climbing and technical ice climbing skills.

Finally there's Mountain Climbing and the alpine climbing games. This is where important natural elements come into play. Mountain climbing involves living on ice covered slopes for several days at the mercy of the weather, avalanches and more. A fundamental knowledge of the alpine environment and very advanced technical skills are required. As much adventure as sport, climbers face the inherent dangers because of the beauty of the places they climb in and the pure physical and emotional challenge in these climbs.

For all of these advanced types of climbing proper instruction is fundamental. Go find a local climbing club or school and learn from them. Good instruction will probably save your life some day. I hope I raised your appetite with this short introduction. Next week I'll get you started on your very first climbs.

An Adventurous Route for Backpacking South East Asia

An Adventurous Route for Backpacking South East Asia
By Parry Loeffler

The South East Asian region of the world - especially Thailand,
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos - has become increasingly popular as
a destination for those travelers seeking a more adventurous
holiday than can be had merely sipping fruity, ice-cold drinks at
your typical beach resort. However, an adventurous trip to these
developing countries raises many questions and one of the first
is what route to take, which I will try to answer in this
article.

Most people with enough time would like to get a taste for all
four that I’ve mentioned earlier, so I’ll concentrate on a route
that includes all of them. It would take about three months if
you spent a few days at each stop. Keep in mind that there
certainly are options available that would allow you to skip
countries or even shorten the trip to fit into a more constrained
timeline, but this should give you a good starting point for
further research.

As far as getting around, travel by public bus, train, and boat
is readily available and often full of adventure after all,
traveling with a busload of chickens or the occasional box of
frogs just adds to the fun, right? However, those looking for a
little more comfort will usually be able to find more upscale
options.

Many people that intend on doing a circuit though South East Asia
will fly into Bangkok since it is a major hub. Bangkok is also
rich with markets, temples, and plenty of fabulous food. Around
Bangkok, there are several options for some side trips which
allow you to get your feet wet. Kanchanaburi is a few hours away
and is the location of the infamous bridge over the River Kwai
and the Death Railway, the Erewan National Park, and the Three
Pagodas Pass near the Myanmar border. If you are not going to the
southern islands, but wouldn’t mind checking out the beach scene,
you could also take a few days and visit Ko Samet or Ko Chang
(less expensive) to get a taste of island life. Both are only a
few hours from Bangkok by bus.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Bangkok area, work your way
north to Chiang Mai. I like the train and it can be taken
overnight, for those low on time, or during the day for those
that wish to see some of the beautiful countryside. Chiang Mai is
much less hectic than Bangkok, has some opportunities for great
sight seeing, and also has a great cooking school! If you want to
check out some smaller towns in Thailand, you can do that from
Chiang Mai with a little add-on side trip. It’s a loop that goes
by public bus to the wonderful village of Pai which is set up in
the misty valleys that are laden with lush rice paddies, and then
continues by bus or boat to Mae Hong Son, then by bus back to
Chiang Mai.

In any case, from Chiang Mai, continue your journey north to
Chiang Rai and onwards to Chiang Khong, which is the jumping
point into your second country, Laos. You cross the Mekong River
with a short boat ride and enter Laos on the opposite bank at
Huay Xai. From there you immediately continue on to Luang Prabang
by slow boat or fast boat (latter not recommended, unless you
enjoy wearing a crash helmet), making an optional overnight stay
in the rustic village of Pacbeng.

After spending a few days in Luang Prabang you could do a side
trip up north, exploring the small northern villages of Laos for
a few days, or just head down to the chilled-out town of Vang
Vieng by bus or air. The road route to Vang Vieng is sometimes
the target of bandits, so be sure to check what recent activity
has been like, and then make your decision - but the safety
record of air travel may not be much more inspiring!

Vang Vieng is full of fun kayaking, biking and caving
opportunities, so you’ll want to plan for a few days there before
moving on to the capital city of Vientiane. It doesn’t seem too
exciting for a capital city, so I wouldn’t plan to spend too much
time there, other than to visit the strange, but interesting
Buddha Park.

Take the bus from Vientiane to Hanoi via the mountains and the
Cau Treo border crossing into Vietnam. Hanoi is a very
interesting place with lots to do and also offers a few
interesting side trips: Sapa is a beautiful village set in the
mountains, and Halong Bay, a Unesco World Heritage site, offers
amazing views of thousands of mountainous karsts jutting up from
the ocean waters.

In Hanoi, you can buy an “Open Tour" bus ticket that gets you all
the way south to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). It has a standard set of
stops, but allows you to purchase add-ons for a few dollars each,
two of which I highly recommend being Ninh Binh and Dalat. From
Hanoi, the first stop will indeed be Ninh Binh. Not a
particularly touristy town, but the launching point to visit the
spectacular Tam Coc park and/or the Cuc Phuong National Park.

From Ninh Binh, move to Hue for a day or two, then on to Hoi An
to check out the amazing tailors and beaches, then to Nha Trang
(a partying beach town that can be skipped if you wish), and then
on to your second add-on which is the mountain town of Dalat.
From Dalat, you can do another addon stop in Mui Ne which is very
quiet and good if you just want to relax and maybe poke around
the local market a little bit.

The last stop in Vietnam will be Ho Chi Minh which offers plenty
to see and do including a massage at the Vietnamese Traditional
Medicine Institute for a couple of dollars. From there, you can
cross into Cambodia in a couple ways. The first is a bus ride
through some beautiful country to Phnom Penh, and the second is a
boat tour through the Mekong Delta which also deposits you in
Phnom Penh. Be warned though: the roads in Cambodia are dirt and
very slow going, but the scenery is incredible if your backside
can take it.

Phnom Penh gets mixed reviews but does have a couple of must
visits before you continue: the Killing Fields and S-21. When you
do move on, you again have the choice of bus or boat up to Siem
Riep. I prefer the bus because of the fantastic views and the
insight into the lives of the country folk - trust me, you’ll
never forget it.

After spending some time gawking at the awesome ruins of Angkor
Wat at Siem Riep, you can fly or bus it back to Bangkok, once
again back where you started! Again, the bus is harsh, but worth
it to see Poipet (I’ll say it again: not to stay, but to see) and
the night-and-day change visible in a matter of a few meters when
you cross from the poverty of Cambodia into developing Thailand.

There you have it. That route can be done in 3 months if you
don’t choose every side trip mentioned (to do it all you’ll want
to add another couple of weeks). If you work it out, you’ll find
you can spend a few nights in each place, but don't make the
mistake of creating some sort of concrete itinerary. Just be
aware of your time, because you will want to spend lots of time
in some places, while spending little in others and you really
won’t know which until you get there. Be flexible within reason,
and remember: it’s all about having fun!

Once back in Bangkok, you now have the option to work your way
south to the islands, and perhaps, onward to other countries like
Malaysia and Indonesia, or perhaps they will have to wait until
your next trip, and yes, you will want to come back.

One of the next logical questions is: What is it like to travel
around these countries on a route like this? That’s precisely
the experience I detail in my book Rice Crust from the Bottom of
the Pot: A Journey Across South East Asia
(http://parryloeffler.com/ricecrust). It’s full of crazy
adventures, wonderful stories of my interactions with the locals,
and even a few recipes collected directly from their kitchens.

About the Author

Parry Loeffler is the author of Rice Crust from the Bottom of the
Pot: A Journey Across South East Asia
http://parryloeffler.com/ricecrust
Read it today… and get excited about your trip!

(end)

Common routes for backpacking through europe

One of the main attractions of backpacking is that there are no rules, no fixed routes. You can go where you'd like, stay as long as you are comfortable, and move on when you're done. With such a sense of freedom, however, there comes the question of exactly where you should go. There are so many options that it’s often hard to narrow it down to somewhere specific. But there are many common routes and itineraries for European backpackers, so if you're having trouble deciding the destination of your next backpacking trip, maybe these ideas can help you out.

Many backpackers choose to stick to one specific location or region in Europe. Because they may have limited transportation options (perhaps due to lack of funds) staying in one region can be a good choice for the budget-conscious traveler. Backpacking in a specific region cuts down on expensive train tickets and means you get to spend more of your time actually visiting places, instead of stuck on a bus. Here are some location-specific routes to take through Europe so you can enjoy the best of the region.

Scandinavia: A good choice for backpackers in the summer because of the long hours of daylight and the mild weather, Scandinavia may not be the best choice for a winter getaway. Many people visit from mainland Europe, starting in Copenhagen and moving up towards Gothenberg and Stockholm in Sweden. From Stockholm, a ferry transports passengers across the Baltic Sea to Helsinki, or travelers can go the opposite direction, heading across the country to the border of Norway to visit Oslo. For the more adventurous, however, ferries connect Helsinki with other Eastern European countries such as Estonia and Latvia.

Benelux: The region between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg is another hot backpackers’ destination, mainly because of its small size. It is very easy to get around these three countries, and there is a lot to see in all of them. Most people start in Amsterdam and then head South, perhaps stopping along the way at The Hague or Rotterdam to see another part of the Dutch landscape. They then make their way to Brussels, where the chocolate is exquisite. After a few days in Brussels enjoying the fried mussels and Belgian blonde beer, a visit to Luxembourg can round out the trip.

The Big Three: England, France, and Germany are three of the biggest countries in Europe and are probably the most popular tourist destinations on the continent. Many backpackers, especially those from the states, start their journey in London. A few days in the huge British city and a backpacker can hop a train across the “Chunnel” and wind up in Paris before they know it. With the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and more, there are plenty of things to see in Paris, and there are a ton of hostels and cheap hotels for any traveler's budget. Next, backpackers can either head North for the Benelux trip, Southeast to Switzerland, or head South to check out the warmth of Southern France. Many travelers also take the time to head into Germany, stopping in Frankfurt before visiting the beautiful capital Berlin, a favorite among backpackers and young travelers.

Iberian Peninsula: This is another favorite for backpackers because of the warm weather and nearly constant sunshine. From France, many backpackers head South, stopping in Marseilles or Toulouse. Ski fans can check out Andorra, where low prices on hotels and ski rentals make for an inexpensive weekend getaway. Travel on to Barcelona, which has an incredible nightlife, as well as history. From Barcelona, many travelers head to Madrid to check out the museums and art galleries in Spain's capital. Others take the long route along the coast, visiting such historical cities as Valencia, Malaga, and Seville before crossing the border into Portugal and visiting Lisbon.

Mengisi Konten Website atau Blog March 27th, 2009 Wahyu

Ketika Anda membuat sebuah website atau blog, maka yang harus dipikirkan adalah bagaimana mengisi konten dari website atau blog. Ada banyak cara tentang bagaimana konten website dibuat dan dikelola:

Self-generated content
Pengelolaan website dengan cara seperti ini akan memerlukan tenaga yang cukup besar, karena isi website dikelola oleh kita sendiri atau bisa juga dengan cara membayar pegawai untuk mengisi konten yang ada di website yang dibuat, sehingga untuk mengisi konten yang betul-betul asli (bukan hasil copy paste) akan memerlukan waktu dan pikiran. Semakin banyak content yang ingin dimasukkan, maka semakin banyak waktu dan tenaga yang diperlukan. Keunggulan dari cara ini adalah kita bisa mengatur aturan dan standar konten yang diisi ke dalam website.

Auto-generated content
Dengan cara ini maka content yang ada di blog akan otomatis diperbaharui oleh script-script tertentu yang dibuat khusus untuk membuat data-data yang biasanya disambungkan ke program afiliasi. Dengan cara ini pemilik website tidak perlu bersusah payah karena ribuan atau jutaan posting secara otomatis akan digenerate dan dientry oleh program. Namun cara seperti ini akan membuat website akan tampak janggal karena biasanya content yang dihasilkan oleh script komputer bersifat kaku sehingga terkadang kalau dibaca akan menjadi tidak nyambung. Cara-cara seperti ini sering digunakan oleh webmaster yang ikut program afiliasi agar mendapatkan keuntungan banyak dari iklan yang disisipkan ke dalam content. Cara seperti ini akan menyebabkan banyak data sampah di Internet.

User-generated content
Digg, Weblogs, Inc, Lintasberita, Kaskus, Youtube adalah jenis website yang content di dalamnya digenerate oleh user. User menjadi anggota dan menulis atau mengisi content di situ. Cara seperti ini lebih banyak berhasil, karena selain menghasilkan sebuah komunitas, hal ini boleh dikatakan sebagai “memperoleh artikel tanpa perlu membayar si penulis”, walaupun banyak juga penyedia layanan website yang memberikan fasilitas revenue sharing (bagi hasil) apabila artikel tertentu dilihat sebanyak sekian kali sehingga uang dari pengiklan dibagi antara pemilik website maupun penulis artikel, misalnya seperti Metacafe dan Youtube. Dengan cara seperti ini, kita cukup menyediakan tenaga untuk merawat CMS (Content Management System) dan melakukan pengawasan terhadap konten yang diposting.

Pemilihan cara-cara tersebut di atas saya kembalikan berdasarkan kebutuhan maupun tujuan dari pembuatan website. Namun alangkah senangnya saya apabila sebuah website diisi dengan konten original, bukan hasil copy-paste. Blog saya ini termasuk self-generated content karena website ini adalah tempat saya menulis ide atau tulisan berdasarkan apa yang melintas di otak say

about-all-hobby

here let share about our hobby such as Vacation, Traveler, Hacking, seksuality, wallpapper, mp3, music, movie, poem, poetry, article, bicycle, novel, manga, cartoon, and many moore.. hope yo'll enjoy this blog.