Feature photo by designCL. Photo above by darkpatator.

I’ve zoned out and my fellow “researchers” are waving away the final joint. They can’t handle anymore either. There are only so many joints you can smoke in a day.

I take out my notepad and we try to convey how we feel about this place. After a few long pauses, we give up, order a drink, and begin to roll another joint. I guess you can never smoke too many.

Matador sent me on assignment in Amsterdam (no expenses paid) to find the best coffee shops in the city. This marked my fourth trip to the city and I was only happy to oblige.

If you are looking for the best of the best, follow your nose to these places for the highest times in Amsterdam.

Author’s Note: Amsterdam recently banned smoking tobacco indoors. This has hurt many of the coffee shops since people in Europe smoke marijuana with tobacco.

A few coffee shops have set up separate areas where people are allowed to smoke inside. A few turn a blind eye to the ban. Most tell you to go outside and offer a herbal tobacco substitute. Ask before you light up.

Trinity

This coffee shop is out of the city center, making it a “locals only” spot. (I found it with the help of a local.) There’s a big bar with a great selection, much, much cheaper than the center. There’s also a few pool tables, a big screen TV, and a separate smoking room.

The staff is really friendly and the locals are intrigued as to how you found this place. The smoking ban hit this place hard so it’s not as packed as it used to be but it’s more relaxed than other places.

Photo by Cédric Puisney.

De Rokerij

This café is located on the way to Leidsplein and has a mystical ambiance, one long room with dark lights and darker walls with tribal designs for you to stare at all day.

The weed here is good but the place is better known for its atmosphere. You aren’t allowed to smoke tobacco and they offer an herbal substitute. The drinks here are also reasonably priced considering its location.

The Greenhouse

This coffee shop has three locations, the flagship located in the Red Light district. It’s one of the most famous in Amsterdam and the walls are adorned with photos of celebrities to prove it. Their weed constantly wins the Cannabis Cup (try the haze).

Cheap drinks help cushion the blow to your wallet. You can’t smoke inside but there are outdoor tables or you can use the free tobacco substitute they provide. The music is eclectic (I heard Pink Floyd and Snoop Dog in the same sitting) and the décor dark and relaxing. They even have a few coves in the wall to relax in.

Photo by Marilisa.

The Grasshopper

Located in between Damrak and the Red Light district, this coffeeshop wears multiple hats- it’s a bar, restaurant, and coffee shop. Head downstairs for the coffee shop.

They’ve created a separate smoking area down here so you can light up anything smokable. Tables are lined together in close quarters, making it easy to meet people. TVs run in the background and music plays over the speakers. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the weed is reasonably priced.

Hunter’s Café

Hunter’s has been one of my favorites since I started coming to Amsterdam.

Located right at the beginning of the Red Light district, this place is a little touristy, however, the black decor gives a nice lounge feel and there are ample chairs and couches to relax on.

Staff is really friendly and the prices are somewhat cheaper than other shops in the area. They make great shakes, too. There’s no tobacco allowed here, but you can use the substitute they offer. Just head up Warmastraat and look for the giant peeing dog.

Dolphins

Located right off Leidstraat near Liesplein, this coffee shop follows the ocean theme all the way. The walls are painted blue with various sea life images and “coral” is replicated to give this place a true underwater feeling.

Upstairs has the bar and a few tables. You can’t smoke tobacco up there, but head downstairs where the big comfy couches and TV welcome you with open arms. They also offer free wi-fi.

DampKring

This coffee shop was made famous by the movie “Ocean’s 12″ and has since seen a steady stream of people trying to pretend they’re Brad Pitt or George Clooney.

The shop has a wide open interior with orange painted walls. The various shades of orange are in different shapes to provide for the ultimate psychedelic experience.

Good drinks and good weed are served here at standard prices. The tables have patterns carved into them. They turn a blind eye to smoking inside-if they don’t see it, it’s not there. A lazy cat sits in the window all day to greet you as you come in.

Photo by adjustafresh.

No matter where you go, remember that these coffee shops all share similar characteristics. They have atmosphere, a friendly staff, couches, good drinks, and friendly stoners. Look for that and you’ll find the best coffee shop in Amsterdam.

community connection

Some of our community members who’ve lived in Amsterdam for extended periods have gotten over the coffee shops. Here’s one excellent article for those out there who’d like to check out other things while in Amsterdam: 10 Things to do in Amsterdam Besides Smoking Pot.

We’ve got all kind of travelers checking throughout Europe and the rest of the world, come, check in with us.

Belisama. Photo by Toby Keller.

This is especially manifest in the wonderfully strange and whimsical art installations that populate the playa.

(Those not familiar with the BM premise should check out The First-Timer’s Guide to Participating at Burning Man for an excellent overview.)

Although Burning Man was always predicated on art and participation, it wasn’t until 1995 that Larry Harvey began introducing yearly themes to give focus to the growing, and increasingly diverse community.

Since then, the scope of the art installations have only been limited by the creators’ imaginations (and budgets).

some of the more awe-inspiring and ambitious pieces on the playa in recent history

Uchronia, 2006. Photo by Splatworld.

Nick-named the Belgian Waffle, much to the irritation of the Belgian team that constructed it, Uchronia was nearly 200 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 50 feet tall, dominating the Black Rock City skyline.

Steampunk Tree House, 2007. Photo by Mayhem.

Pipes run throughout the metal tree and branches that release actual steam for a sauna-like effect, which was a solace against the cold Nevadan desert nights.

Temple of Hope, 2006. Photo by John Curley.

Since 2000, the Temples have been built and ceremoniously set aflame along with the Man, becoming an enduringly popular ritual at the festival. Mark Grieve’s interpretation in 2006, an elegant courtyard populated with massive stupas, took participants to an exotic land.

Big Rig Jig, 2007. Photo by Russ Atkinson.

Created from two oil rigs, the interior compartment of Big Rig Jig housed silk plant life as a contemplation of the indelible yet often-forgot ties between the industrial and organic world.

Serpent Mother, 2006. Photo by John Curley.

Ten tons and 168 feet long, this kinetic sculpture has an audience-controlled joy stick, which swivels the head and operates the 41 flamethrowers placed along the spine.

Homouroboros, 2007. Photo by affinity1.

A massive, interactive zoetrope, Homouroboros only comes to life when participants determine the source of power generation and the controls to its activation.

Big Round Cubatron, 2006. Photo by Sterling.

Created from over 6,000 color-dynamic lights arranged 8 feet high and 40 feet in diameter, Cubatron’s experience takes a decidedly psychedelic turn while under the influence of certain mind-expanding substances.

Temple of Forgiveness, 2007. Photo by Perfecto Insecto.

Encompassing almost 42,000 cubic feet, the open-air temple had four grand entrances that led to the central altar, which allowed energy to pass though, up, and out–a metaphor for the sense of lightness felt after the act of forgiveness and all negative emotions are finally released.

Crude Awakening, 2007. Photo by John Curley.

Stirring controversy for its ironic use of 900 gallons of jet fuel and 2,000 gallons of liquid propane to build the largest flame cannon in history, Crude Awakening transformed modern oil dependency into a violently primitive religion.

Hope Flower, 2005-2006. Photo by Smoobs.

Constructed from a 100 foot hydraulic man-lift, the Flower serenaded and interacted with participants and performance artists as it roamed around the playa.

Duel Nature, 2006. Photo by John Curley.

Meant to evoke the image of the DNA double helix, Kate Radenbush’s enormous 30-foot wide metal and red-mirror sculpture is a meditation on the nature of duality and the opposing forces within the very essence of the human condition.

I.T., 2006 Photo by msr.

Although reminiscent of the terrifying aliens of 50s sci-fi movies, I.T.’s creator only had benevolent intentions–the red spotlight eye merely tracks approaching visitors, unlike the vaporizing beams of the fictional space creatures, and an extension ladder allows participants to experience the sensation of being suspended 30 feet above the ground.

Temple of Stars, 2004. Photo by eddy13.

Nearly a quarter of a mile in length, this David Best sculpture consisted of a main 100 foot structure and a system of paths that connected to smaller temples along the cardinal points, not to mention bridges, fabricated gardens, and benches placed throughout for participants to reflect.

Feature photo by bdebaca. Photo above by heather.

Mexico City: It’s south of the border’s version of New York. The party starts late and ends early… the next day, that is. Here are our 10 current and perennial favorites in el D.F.

*All facts are accurate as of this posting. As always, check before you go!

10.Mama Rumba

The perennial favorite for live Cuban timba and salsa and 100% Latin music, including cumbia, Mama Rumba is so popular that as the night wears on it becomes impossible to walk—much less dance—in this tight, two-floor spot in the hot neighborhood of Colonia Roma.

If you decide to stay on the first floor with music, take care; when the crowd gets tight on the 2nd floor balcony, the possibility of a drink falling over the railing and onto your head is not at all remote. Skip the “famous” mojitos here, which are as overpriced as they are overly sweet. Best for the 20’s crowd.

Address: Queretaro #230 in Colonia Roma

$80 peso cover (approx. $8 USD).

9. Manguu

For what it’s worth, Manguu markets itself as a “Latin bar” and “minimalist lounge,” but the best thing to recommend it is its martini list; Manguu has one of the most creative—and affordable—drink lists in the city. The scene is laid back, good for small groups of friends, and perfect for before or after dinner drinks en route to somewhere else.

Address: Avenida de la Revolucion #1579, Colonia San Angel

No cover charge.

Photo by Haynes Photography.

8. Condesa df

Condesa df is a hip boutique hotel in the neighborhood of Condesa, and it’s best for a laid-back romantic evening. The rooftop bar offers an amazing panoramic view of the city at night, all from your cozy couple’s lounger, complete with a blanket and a warming heat lamp. The bar also serves sushi and Japanese-inspired small plates.

My favorite is the homemade Ramen noodle soup served with tempura. There’s a dimly lit bar in the interior patio, too; both bars have inventive drink lists.

Address: Avenida Veracruz #102, Colonia Condesa

No cover charge.

7. Casa Lamm

Casa Lamm is a lot of things to a lot of people—by day it’s a cultural center, but by night, it’s a bar and restaurant open to the public. A large and welcoming modern space, the bar has a good selection of drinks and cigars, and boasts live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, nights when few bars offer the same.

As with Manguu and Condesa df, Casa Lamm is a great place for drinks if you’re a 20 or 30 something hipster en route from one place to another.

Address: Avenida Alvaro Obregon #99, Colonia Roma

No cover charge.

6. La Nueva Flor del Son

You’d be likely to pass this unassuming bar-restaurant in the neighborhood of Colonia Roma without a second glance if you didn’t know it has some of the BEST live music in all of Mexico City. Although the drinks aren’t particularly good and are terribly overpriced, the music at La Nueva Flor del Son compensates for that, as does the attentive service. La Nueva Flor is famous for its Cuban music.

While it caters to a crowd of adults mainly 40 and over, don’t be fooled– the variety of musical groups is impressive and so is the dancing. If you want to have a true local experience, this is the place for you. Music starts early (5 PM) and keeps going until 1 or 2.

Address: Puebla #52, Colonia Roma

No cover, but three drink per person minimum.

5. El Rincon Cubano

Why so many Cuban places on this list? Because Chilangos (Mexico City residents) love Cuban music and Cuban dancing. El Rincon Cubano looks like it’s lived its glory days, but trust us, they’re not over yet. Don’t show up before 11:00 PM. Thursdays are 2 for 1 beer and mojito nights; Sunday evenings always find Cuban dancers showing off their moves.

Address: Insurgentes Sur #300

Cover: $70 pesos (approx. $7 USD) on Thursdays and Fridays; $50 pesos (approx. $5 USD) on Sundays.

4. Area

Like Condesa df, Area, is a rooftop hotel bar with stunning city views, great (if pricey) drinks, and a see-and-be-seen scene.

Address: Presidente Masaryk #201, Colonia Polanco

No cover.

3. La Casa de las Sirenas

146 different kinds of tequila. You’re in Mexico. Enough said.

Address: Guatemala #32, Centro Historico

No cover.

Photo by deeREK.

2. Cinnabar

Asia in Mexico City. Cinnabar offers drinks you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the city—lychee martinis, for one. The bar also serves fusion Vietnamese and Chinese food so you won’t go hungry.

Address: Nuevo Leon #67, Colonia Condesa

No cover.

1. El Comillo

A bar in my neighborhood where DJs spin everything from techno to acid and Latin jazz. El Colmillo looks like a house from the outside, so it’s easy to miss—but just look for the velvet rope and the beefy bouncer.

Address: Versalles #52, Colonia Reforma

Cover varies depending on the day.

Information Connection: Planning a trip to Mexico City? Check out Julie’s Green Guide to Mexico City and her Top 10 Tips for Navigating Benito Juarez International Airport. You can also check out her video of nightlife at one of the bars mentioned in this article–#6, La Nueva Flor del Son–on her website.

Chicago skyline reflected off the Bean / Photo by jswieringa. Feature photo by Pete Carr.

Something about the outline of a city against its clear, crisp sky stops us in our tracks and commands our attention.

How mesmerizing it is to gaze upon the contours of our structures as they stretch toward the clouds above. Each building rises higher than the next and stands as testament to human engineering and architectural advancements. Its shape reveals our history, our culture, our beliefs, our beauty to the infinite universe. How can we not stop and stare?

Below are staggeringly beautiful images where city meets sky all across the globe.

Miami, Florida, USA / Photo by vgm8383.

Bangkok, Thailand / Photo by Andrew Hux.

Vancouver, British Columbia / Photo by kennymatic.

Republic Plaza, Singapore / Photo by Singapor3.

Sydney, Australia / Photy by Maik Radke.

Shanghai, China / Photo by Molas.

London, England / Photo by vemma.

South Perth, Australia / Photo by Ole Reidar Johansen.

Cologne, Germany / Photo by JaBB.

Graz, Austria / Photo by dr.wiwo.

Boston, Massachusetts, USA / Photo by pxlpusher.

Hong Kong / Photo by wenzday01.

Detroit, Michigan / Photo by Sagittariuss.

Berlin, Germany / Photo by moonb00twalkerinthedark.

Venice, Italy / Photo by vgm8383.

New York, New York, USA / Photo by Fredo Alvarez.

Warsaw, Poland / Photo by Qba from Poland.

San Francisco, California, USA / Photo by David Paul Ohmer.

Feature photo by stereogab. Photo above by rob-sinclair

Before I started living abroad, I was never much of a partier. I was the guy you’d more than likely trust to see someone home safely rather than the one doing kegstands with the night sky beginning to wane.

But Japanese culture just has a way of sucking you in. All-you-can-drink (nomihoudai) deals across the country, salarymen setting the example of a work-hard, play-hard schedule, and the women… well, where else can you dance with them so freely?

During my time in Hiroshima, there was a club I had discovered on a recent excursion to the island of Kyushu, in the Tenjin district of Fukuoka. It was and is my favorite place for nightlife in Japan (yes, even considering the clubs in Tokyo, which are great, but usually just way too crowded).

But how to get there? Fukuoka is 210 kilometers from Hiroshima city, not exactly the easiest commute without a car… or is it?

With Japan’s extensive transportation system, I had absolutely no problems taking one of the last shinkansen Kodama trains at 10 PM Saturday, arriving at my desired nightlife spot just before midnight. Perfect time to hit the clubs, and relax with some late night ramen slurping at one of the many yatai.

. Hating it. Photo by perfectoinsecto

Around five in the morning–festivities dying down, telephone numbers secured in my pocket, skull moments away from feeling like it would split open and remind me of those numerous Mexicolas (tequila and Coke)–I had a problem: no hotel, no plans.

Kyushu, despite not being at the top of many tourists’ lists of places to go in Japan, is just an amazing place. Excellent hot springs, history (the bombing of Nagasaki, the last samurai in Kagoshima, a great reconstructed castle in Kumamoto ), and small towns l wanted to explore…

But the pain, the pain…the throbbing pain.

By using some of the techniques explained below, I was able to enjoy a full night of fun in Fukuoka, then catch the early train to various places for sightseeing the next morning, sans sleep and headache bearing down…

Which brings us to the point: How can you best take control of your hangover and enjoy what the road has to offer?

1. The Spiritual Approach

Pray your way through the pain? Hardly, or I would have said religious approach, and we’d probably see a plethora of barflies at confession Sunday morning, begging for relief.

No, in fact I’d recommend a type of meditation technique, one that will calm your pounding heart, compensate for sleep, and relax the part of your brain still functioning properly.

Use hot springs. Although a cold shower might be the standard remedy in many countries, I find that an hour or two in near-scalding water usually does the trick, by eliminating any physical discomfort, leaving your mind to meditate (perhaps enlightening yourself with a different use of your Saturday nights).

2. Playing on your Desire

Let’s assume for a moment that you enjoy spending time with a fair member of the opposite sex. Let’s also assume you are willing to make concessions for them, change your behavior, alter your habits, and especially stop complaining as much.

Whether you’ve been traveling and drinking with a companion for months, met him or her during your night of debauchery, or separated to explore the nightlife on your own terms but must reunite in the morning, he or she is the only excuse you need.

If you know, even in the back of that endorphin-filled brain, that there will be someone waiting for you refreshed or not, you’re that much more likely to crawl out of bed, lean your head against the shower wall as the water cascades across your face, then give that special someone a decent travel experience.

Photo by oskarlin

3. Universal Quickfix

We’ve all heard of those special home remedies for curing the effects of late nights. Aspirin, lots of water, coffee, eating certain foods before or after, certain fruit juices, sleep, exercise, B12 shots…

The consumer market has no shortage of “guaranteed” solutions either, but most of these remedies are not universal and don’t really eliminate all the side effects.

In Poland, I hear drinking pickle juice works rather well. It’s also not too bad if you like to win football games on a hot day.

In Ireland, I believe they used to bury people up to their necks in sand.

I propose an international method: Red Bull from Thailand, Coca Cola from America, and Ibuprofen. Works every time for a quickfix, but I’d only recommend it if you need to be up and about for a few hours; after that, you’ll come down rather hard.

4. The Medical Front

Photo by hangovercure

On the rare occasions med students can crawl away from their residencies and bounce around the globe, I wonder if they’re allowed to bring an IV (intravenous) kit through customs…

Most people are aware of the physiological changes that occur after a night of hard drinking: dehydration, lack of energy, headache, etc. And although some are left to the tried-and-sometimes-true methods stated in #4, those with medical training can hope for a better solution: an intravenous solution of dextrose, coupled with saline.

This rehydrates the body much faster than gulping glass after glass of water, and gives you the energy boost in your blood sugar.

Yet even this method is open to interpretation, the exact IV cocktail a matter of opinion and still subject to what the “patient” thinks is best. Here are some variations:

No matter what the formula, I think we can all agree: those with IV bags getting stopped at the border would be an interesting and embarrassing explanation.

5. No Money Back

Photo by vagabondish

Make a reservation with a non-refundable deposit for the next day. Naturally, I would usually avoid these kinds of bookings at all costs, whether you’re doing an organized tour, checking into a hotel, getting a massage, or catching the early flight, but throw cash into the equation, and the rules change.

Although making any plans for the day following a night of drinking is still a good idea to get you up and about, it doesn’t quite have the same effect as that when money is involved.

Even if you’re meeting other people, there’s always that part of your mind saying “well, I can always do it later, meet up with them later, reschedule, must sleep now…” as opposed to “damn, I already paid $100, better get moving!”

The pain is still there, but you clever people have found a way to work through it. As a famous American once said:

“…it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how [traveling] is done!”

Photo by Andrei Z. Feature photo by ImageMD.

You know about Art Basel and SCOPE, but some of the world’s best art fairs—and best art—can be found off these well-worn paths:

10. FEMACO

The Feria Mexico Arte Contemporaneo just celebrated its fifth year. A walk through the 2008 event, held at the spacious Centro Banamex in Mexico City, confirmed that the Mexican art scene embraces a vision much larger than its admirable tradition of mural art, exemplified by Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Jose Clemente Orozco, and its propensity for self-inspection, a la Frida Kahlo.

In fact, the FEMACO fair is notable precisely for the fact that its exhibitors include not only the most respected Mexican galleries and the artists they represent, but also a surprising number of European galleries, particularly from Scandinavian countries.

Photo by Nahkahousu

FEMACO is truly an international art fair, and a visit to this fair can easily be extended into a longer vacation that immerses you in Mexico City’s rich tradition of artistic activity, as well as its bustling contemporary scene. Mexico City is my part-time home, so if you do visit next year’s FEMACO, be sure to check out my Green Guide to Mexico City and the Top 5 Ways to Experience Mexico City Like a Local.

9. CIRCA Art Fair

CIRCA has been incorrectly dubbed as the Caribbean’s first international art fair, which overlooks the fact that Havana has long sponsored a biennial that is respected around the world, but no matter: CIRCA is a highly respectable art fair entering its third year, and each year has been better than the one before.

What makes the CIRCA Art Fair a must-visit on the international art fair circuit is the fact that both gallery owners and artists are accessible to new and established collectors alike. The fair gets bonus points because of its strategic location: a new convention center placed at the crossroads between historic Old San Juan and the popular nightlife and beach destination, Condado.

Having called San Juan home for two and a half years, I know the area well. Check out my Green Guide to Puerto Rico and Top 10 Experiences in Puerto Rico Guide.

Photo by Naligum.

8. ARTSingapore

While the Shanghai Art Fair might be bigger and more popular, ARTSingapore offers an interesting alternative in Asia for collectors and browsers.

First, the fair is held in October, whereas many other international fairs are held in the late spring or early summer, so ARTSingapore is a welcome addition to the fall fair schedule.

The other attractive aspect of the ARTSingapore fair is the diversity of its exhibitors. The 2008 exhibitor list includes at least 22 galleries from Korea, a country often excluded from other fairs, and additional participants from Israel, Australia, and Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, countries which also tend to be overlooked on the international art fair circuit.

Want some local news from Singapore? Contact Matador member Nora Dunn, whose current trip has her transiting through Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Photo by Hiromy

7. Affordable Art Fair

If you’re not in the market to buy an artwork with an inflated price tag, this is the art fair for you.

Held each June in New York City, the premise of the Affordable Art Fair is simple: attract a new generation of art collectors by introducing art work that can be bought within the limitations of almost any budget.

Pieces range in price from $100 to $10,000, but don’t think that the low prices mean substandard art work. With more than 70 galleries representing artists from North and South America, Asia, and Europe, you’ll certainly find a selection of art that doesn’t just fit your budget, but also aligns with your tastes.

While you’re in town, take advantage of your visit and see how many of The 10 Best Experiences in New York City. Period you can check off my list.

6. Joburg Art Fair

2008 was the inaugural year of this latest art fair in an already crowded international art fair schedule, but is poised to quickly become the “IT” destination for purchasing contemporary African art.

The fair also promises to be interesting to watch for the political issues it raises regarding the way Africa is represented and represents itself before the world, as well as economic issues.

Get insiders’ tips from our resident South Africa expert, Ethekwinigirl.

Photo by Matthias Contze.

5. Art Dubai

It’s not hard to believe that Dubai is the latest go-to destination for art collectors; after all, this is the “city built for tourism” as a “playpen for the rich.”

But even if you can’t afford a single piece at the Art Dubai fair, you’ll surely enjoy taking in views of some of the most exciting and edgy art in the world, from the ironic “Desperately Seeking Paradise,” a curated exhibit of work from Pakistani artists, to the Bidoun Lounge, a site-specific installation serving both as bar and theatre for the exhibition of video works from Middle Eastern artists.

Learn more about Dubai before you go from Matador member, Abha, who lived in Dubai and is our resident expert on the city.

4. Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair

Another young art fair, the DAAF also promises to be a hot fair within the next few years.

Held in Darwin City, Australia, the DAAF is smaller than most international art fairs in terms of the number of exhibitors it includes in its schedule, but it’s also much more intentional about who it includes and why: only artists, galleries, and community based arts centers who can verify the provenance of the art work as justly acquired from indigenous and Aboriginal peoples.

Many artists are on hand to talk about their work. The diversity of the work itself is another reason to recommend this fair: in addition to paintings on canvas, collectors can acquire bark paintings, timber and metal sculptures, didjeridus, fiber arts, and jewelry.

Get some travel tips from Australia experts and be sure to check out the blog of Matador’s Australian expat, croftyangel, who reports about life down under.

3. The Moscow World Fine Art Fair

It’s likely you won’t be able to purchase a piece at this fair unless your pockets are deep, but that’s part of the fun of this particular art fair.

Attracting the growing nouveau riche class of art collectors from Russia and Asia, the Moscow FAF is as much about people-watching as it is about analyzing art.

Beyond the social value of this art fair, it’s one of the few fairs that have such a broad scope of artistic genres and works from various periods, ranging from antiquity to the present.

The location is interesting, too: poised between the Kremlin and Red Square, the Moscow FAF is pure fun. Matador member ZTP Teo has lived in Moscow; hit him up for some local recommendations.

Photo by 101 Tokyo Contemporary Art Fair.

2. 101 Tokyo

Fresh from its wildly successful first year, the 101 Tokyo Art Fair has already outgrown its host space and will be expanding in 2009, including 60 national and international galleries.

The list of first year exhibitors proves that the 101 Tokyo organizers are clearly able to collect an impressive range of galleries and genres under a single roof; the 2009 fair promises to be even more exciting.

Contact Matador’s Tokyo expert, Masaya, if you plan to visit this fair.

1. Toronto International Art Fair

TAF nabs the number one spot on our list because its organizers clearly concern themselves with much more than just selling art; they organize the fair to stimulate conversation about art by introducing a series of special projects intended to engage both serious collectors and first-time browsers alike.

The vast majority of exhibitors are Canadian galleries, suggesting that TIAF sticks with what it knows best: its own country’s art. Finally, like ARTSingapore, TIAF is held in October, a strategically smart move that minimizes competition.

Check out Matador member Travelflare’s guide, 5 Reasons to Visit Toronto.

Community Connection

Want to find local art fairs in the US? Check out ArtFairCalendar. For a list of other arts fairs around the world, check out Art Fairs International.

The Vader Project is curated by Dov Kelemer and Sarah Jo Marks of DKE Toys. Kelemer and Marks gathered close to 100 of the hottest underground and pop surrealist painters, artists, and designers to participate.

Each artist was given a 1:1 scale authentic prop replica of the actual Darth Vader helmet used in the Star Wars films. Each helmet served as a blank canvas for each artist to paint, design, mash up, and customize.

All photos credit to “Star Wars Blog”

From TheVaderProject.com:

The Vader Project originally premiered at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles in May 2007. From there it traveled to Star Wars Celebration Europe in London in June 2007.

For more updates sign up at www.thevaderproject.com.

Last weekend, a small town of Pemberton, BC was host to one of the largest concerts in Canada’s history.

Over 40,000 people rocked out to the likes of Tom Petty, Coldplay, Jay-Z, and The Flaming Lips, along with over 100 other performers, at the first annual Pemberton Festival.

Myself and travel writer/host Robin Esrock were on the scene to capture the action.

Part I

Kicking off with a train ride on the Whistler Mountaineer, Robin Esrock (host of Word Travels) heads up to the first annual Pemberton Festival. Watch as Robin braves traffic woes, port ‘o toilets, and some excellent bands at BC’s largest rock concert ever. Part one features interviews with Grand Ole Party and Chromeo.

Part II

In Part Two, Robin interviews the bands Black Mountain, Low vs Diamond, and The Airborne Toxic Event. He also talks with music fans, panty vendors, asking what they liked the best and worst about the Pemberton Festival.

Did you attend Pemberton Fest? Share your experiences in the comments!