Happy Fourth of July

World Hum’s Most Read: June 28-July 3

What We Loved This Week: Def Leppard in Greece, Austrian Competence and Freedom in Colombia

The LAX Theme Building, Then and Now

As a Woman, Can I Really Travel Without Much Fear for my Safety?

Vagabonding traveler Rolf Potts answers your questions about travel

Inside Slum Tourism

With mixed feelings, Rob Verger recently signed on for a tour of Rio de Janeiro’s favelas. He looks back on the experience—and the photos he was allowed to take.

Break Bread and Brie in France

Great cheese abounds in the land of Gaul, but dig in and you risk committing any number of faux pas. Terry Ward explains how to partake of the nation’s famed fromage with savoir faire.

10 Wanderlust-Inducing Summer Concerts

Call it world music or global pop or the sound of the world hum. Ben Keene reveals 10 acts on tour that are sure to transport you. Plus videos.

Bryan Mealer: ‘War and Deliverance in Congo’

The former AP correspondent traveled up the Congo River. Frank Bures asks the author of “All Things Must Fight to Live” about following in the wake of Joseph Conrad. 

A Journey Into ‘The Second World’

Some bureaucrats joke that they would never claim expertise about countries they had not at least flown over. In an excerpt from his new book, Parag Khanna argues that real global understanding can only come from serious 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

‘American Shaolin’: Interview with Matthew Polly

I just finished reading the book last night, and the good reviews are correct.  Polly’s humor, wit, insight, and bravery make this book a real gem.  I loved it.

...and thanks for the link, Michael!

You’re welcome, Justin. And, indeed, it’s a fine interview.

The book was great!  Very funny, educational and inspiring.  I could have married this man!!!

The most enjoyable, powerful, book of socially, historical truth I have every experienced. That is unless, Rich Man Poor Man was a true story! This book will take you to places you will not want to leave, until it is time for you to go {Grass hopper}! The ending was a powerfully look into the relativity of time! AWSOME narrative of a true adventure! UNBELIEVABLE! I am seriously contemplating on quitting my job, heading off on a path less traveled. I suppose for Matthew Polly, that has made all the difference! You fantastic son of a bitch (enviously speaking of course!)

loved the book i just have one question for matt. what happend to little tiger ??? thier was no mention of him in the reunion. i want to know what happend to that little madda fakkka.