It’s been a while since we’ve had a guest a post, but when Mark got in touch we decided that time was over. Mark provides creative services across the board in the world of architecture, as well as harbouring a keen interest in travel photography. He sent us through a few pictures he’d taken and some snippets of text explaining the images. I’ve included three of my favourites below.

CANMORE, CANADA - Dog Sledding

Adreninlin was absolutely pumping through my body watching and waiting while the dogs were being prepared for myself to drive and naviagate the sled. Although I am a big dog lover, at first I was afraid to get close to them, as they were continuously barking and howling…all 80 of them!

Few minutes in I took the courage to give them a pat and discovered they are extremely gentle creatures. Once we were taught all the commands and safety rules we were off. Simply couldn’t fathom the amont of speed the sled picked up. This is truly one of the best ways to see the Canadian wilderness.

INSTANBUL, TURKEY - Blue Mosque

I’m going to admit I was a little nervous at first visiting a partly Islamic country, but that’s what travelling is about. Putting yourself out there for new experiences. The Turkish are extremely friendly people, especially towards Australians. Just loved the ‘lounge’ bars in the quarter.

A highlight of the city was meeting an Iranian who completely turned away from his Islamic beliefs then a young Englishman who had recently converted to Islam. Not knowing each other, they were having at least an hour long debate why Islam is the fastest and biggest growing Religions, for tomorrow’s world.

Istanbul is evidence that we can all get along no matter which background of beliefs. Especially hearing the calling of Islamic prayer time know as ‘Salat’ being delivered seven times a day, while the general population just gets along with their daily duties.

NEW YORK CITY, USA - Brooklyn Bridge

To many the Brooklyn Bridge is a symbol of one the greatest feats of engineering in the 19th century. The majestic beauty of the bridge also reminds us of the effort made by Italian, German, and Irish immigrants…what can be achieved putting our minds together. Walking over the bridge is just as spellbinding.

You get get in tough with Mark via his website BaldockCreative.

Continuing our Travel Tuesday feature of highlighting travel blogs we are today featuring Nomadic Matt.

Nomadic Matt is, as his blog states, about life untethered. He refers to himself as twenty-something vagabond, who has been on the road regularly since 2005,

“My original trip was supposed to last a year. I didn’t come home until 18 months later. Once back, I knew I couldn’t go back to my old life or a typical job - I wanted to travel more. Three months later, I was traveling again. I haven’t stopped since.”

His about page passes on more info on how he came to where he is now an also features interesting facts. Did you no Nomadic Matt once got lost in a jungle?

Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site contains tips, his blog, photos, videos and more all on where he’s been and what he’s done. You can find him on YouTube, Twitter @nomadicmatt, Facebook and FriendFeed. If you want to know insider knowledge about a specific destination, from hostels in NZ to learning to scuba-dive its likely Matt will be able to help you out.

Matt, on this fine Travel Tuesday, you’re our man.

Myself, Fran & Siobhan spent Saturday immersed in all things travel related at the Adventure Travel Show Live. After presenting to a diverse audience our STA Explorer programme and the World Traveller Internship (WTI) we had a few chats and gave out our goody bags to excited, budding nomads hoping to apply for the WTI and become STA Explorers.

After, Fran went and saw some of the talks and spread the STA travelbuzz word, whilst Siobhan and I went to check out the different travel stalls. First off was drinking Kava, the traditional Fijian drink, with Ben Keene from Tribe Wanted and Dylan (@travellingeditor). The Kava was mixed together by a very authentic looking Fijian and we all had to clap before we received our drink and then clap again after. It was hard to do so when we were almost gagging from the taste (think trees mixed with mud). However, after 3 cups of that and a very numb mouth, we set off giggling like school girls to chat to the STA Travel team who were all working hard giving out information on various deals and offers currently on while answering any questions people had about specific destinations.

We also spoke to the guy on the Mali counter, who taught us about classic Mali music before we made our way to the Healthy Travel talk with Jane Wilson. She taught us how to successfully remove a tick (grab it by the teeth and yank it out). The appropriate clothing to wear (tie trousers at the bottom over your boots to avoid bites and leeches). And how to get over a bout of diarrhea (LOTS of water and eat if you feel hungry).

From there we met Toni, our newest explorer, and we chatted all about her up coming travels. The previous evening had seen her meet a bunch of people to discuss her trip and she has already arranged to meet people while travelling and partake in a little couch-surfing!

All in all a great day!

We’ve got a new STA Explorer shaped duo documenting their travelling experiences - Mike and Michael, who despite travelling together will be blogging separately and going under the names Moscow Mike and Stranger in Moscow.

The travelling pair is beginning in Moscow (I can tell you’re surprised…) and heading from there to Mongolia >> China >> Vietnam >> Cambodia >> Laos >> Thailand and then… who knows? It’s exciting stuff.

They’re yet to set off but have their blogs in place – Manchester to Bejing and Manchester to Beijing and other musings. There is also a vimeo channel! I get excited when we have the potential for some serious vlogging. It’s currently a sort of Adam and Joe Show set-up (with Guinness), arguably less dynamic though (possibly the Guinness). But I for one can’t wait for more.

Finally then an official welcome to Mike and Michael as they step aboard the STA travelbuzz train, destination traveltastic.

*Update 08/02/2010*

We’ve just heard that Mike has had to pull out of the trip! Nooooo! Despite this sad news Michael is going it alone. It’ll be less Adam and Joe… more just Adam, but we don’t mind we’re just looking forward to seeing how the trip goes.

As he is no longer one half, Michael has changed his blog to work>travel>repeat… click through to see what he’s up to.

Just wanted to send out a reminder to all those with a love of travel and a desire to get away. The launch of STA Travel’s World Traveller Internship is happening on Tuesday 26th January in the STA Travel Victoria store from 7:30PM.

Two individuals will take up positions with the brand as a World Traveller Intern and go around the globe, adding their own insider knowledge to STA Travel’s expertise. If you reckon this could be you then pop down to the store on Tuesday night and hear straight from the horse’s mouth what you’re going to need to do to get the run on everyone else.

You can look at all the details on this wiki, as well as add you’re name to the list of attendees. We’ve also created a Spotify playlist for the night so we’ve all got something to dance the night away to, while making our way through the free food and drink. If you’re coming along then simply follow the link and add your own travelling tracks to the list.

Cam and I look forward to seeing you there!

When it comes to booking your trip, STA Explorer Tim (Gadget Boy Goes Global) took a slightly different slant than most.

His latest post on Random Projects is titled I made a book, which is exactly what he has done. The book is full of imagery from the time he spent travelling around Iceland and when describing the venture he is modest as ever,

“Just for me and family, but if anyone wants to take a look here it is (it’s a big’un though so might take a while to load). You can even buy it, but I wouldn’t suggest it unless you want to buy pics of me for some strange reason!”

I’ve had a look through The Physics of Outdoor Bean Cookery and Other Icelandic Images (that’s the title of Tim’s publication) and it is full of remarkable photographs. Producing a book in this way is an amazing way to keep a record of your travel and, maybe not an option while on the hoof, it is certainly a fantastic way to relive your adventure once you’ve returned. And the result is the ultimate coffee table accessory - a book about you!

If this is something you think you’d like to have a go at, then have a look at these applications and give it a go; Lulu, WeBook, Blurb and Qoop. Also get in touch with Tim either through Random Projects or his Twitter @timminter, I’m sure he’d be happy to offer you some tips.

All good things should have a launch party, and STA Travel’s World Traveller Internship is no different!

We’ve already given you a glimpse of what STA Travel’s World Traveller Internship is, but a quick recap can’t hurt. STA Travel is looking to fill two intern positions. They’ll be an application process that will be structured to allow you to stand out from the crowd. You’ll have to show off your love of travel and demonstrate that you have the inclination to bring something new and exciting to STA Travel’s expertise in the travel space to get ahead of the rest.

Interested? Then what better way to start your journey than attend the launch party…

It’s all happening at the STA Travel Store in Victoria London, TUESDAY 7:30PM 26th JANUARY, 2010.

Additionally to this there is a wiki for the event, where you can find out a little more, see who else is going along and add your own name to the list of attendees.

Besides the usual drinks and nibbles they’ll be a look at what the USA STA Travel interns got up to last year and a presentation about what the UK version is going to entail. We’ve also fired up Spotify to create a collaborative playlist for the evening’s musical accompaniment. The STA travelbuzz team has started things off with a selection based around jobs and travel. We’d love you to add your own tracks, whether following our thematic lead or including songs that are relevant to your own travelling adventures.

That’s about it for now, the event is an inclusive shindig so bring along pals and pass on the information to anyone who you feel would be interested. If you want to know more details, or are unsure about anything, then send us a message on Twitter @statravelbuzz #STAWTILaunch or drop us an email.

Hopefully we’ll see you there!