Making the Most of Moldova
October 22, 2008

We had a great time tippling on the North Island of New Zealand last week, so we just had to keep the fun flowing here at the 'Gator. Sure, we could go the easy route and hop the short flight to Australia, or follow the tourists to such overrun wine regions as Bordeaux or Cape Town. But we're always looking for new adventures in new places here at the 'Gator – even if we just wind up lost in the bottom of a bottle.

Getting lost, after all, is something we could get used to. Most of us probably couldn't find Moldova on, well, a map of Moldova. But this little republic remains one of the last hidden gems of the post-Soviet world. A country of striking churches, haunting monasteries, and beautiful, undiscovered valleys, it's one of the few former Soviet satellites to still be far off the tourist track.

And did we mention the wine? In a country not known for much – including its most famous pop export – Moldova's wineries are world-class. Take a stroll through 70 miles worth of wine-filled catacombs, visit the world's largest wine cellar, then stock up on some award-winning bottles at rock-bottom prices. It's something to tide you over for the long trip home. Oh, and don't worry about bringing along a designated driver:

The friendly locals are always happy to offer you a lift.

Bear Market Blues
October 14, 2008

Let's face it: it's been a tough week for all of us, and even here at the 'Gator, we're feeling the pinch. Don't get us wrong: we're not about to hang up our passport and pine for better times. But with markets plunging around the globe, we're probably not the only ones who could use a little pick-me-up.

In fact, we could use a drink. There's no better cure for those contagious market blues than a nice bottle of wine, so this week, we're heading straight to the source. The great thing about New Zealand's vineyards is that they provide the perfect place to escape the headlines. Whether you're taking a tasting tour at a "wine education center" or sampling some award-winning pinot noirs, you're guaranteed palate-pleasing tipples, tasty bites, and views that might tempt you to leave home – and your portfolio – far behind.

Still in the doldrums over the Dow? Nervous about the Nikkei? Go for a soak in a thermal spa to ease those anxieties, or take a bike tour of the lush, scenic vineyards to give your woes a work-out. Don't worry: whether you've had one too many or can't bear the bearish market, there's always a cure for what ails you.

Seoul Searching
October 7, 2008

From the wilds of Alaska to the desolate dunes of Mali, we've managed to get away from it all these past few weeks at the 'Gator. But with apologies to the grizzlies and camels who kept us company, a bit of human interaction goes an awfully long way. So this week we're ready to get back into the thick of things – and maybe do a bit of Seoul-searching along the way.

They say this much talked-about town is the new Tokyo, but Seoul's streets are a uniquely Korean creation. From the soaring skyscrapers of high-tech, hometown titans to the shopping malls crowded by local designers, Seoul's soul has its heart in the homeland. Even the city's latest luxury hotel gives an upmarket twist to Korea's traditional trappings – though funkier, Western-style digs abound around town, too.

Nowhere is this city's homespun spirit more apparent than on its dinner tables. Sure, if you're craving kimchi, you've come to the right place, but a creative culinary culture means you won't go hungry – or broke. From refined restaurants to noisy noodle shops where you can gulp kalguksu and munch mandoo, Korean kitchens have something for every taste and budget. Feeling adventurous? Check out our favorite food blogs to see what the locals are eating.

(It's okay: you don't have to try this at home.)