Matador Network's Blog, page 1051

Yayoi Kusama at NY Botanical Garden

Fans of Yayoi Kusama’s bright, surreal style need to mark their calendars for May 2 next year. The famous artist will be taking over the New York Botanical Garden for an exhibition that examines her fascination with nature, and it will feature a wide range of her works both new and familiar.

The space will be filled with her signature paintings, mirrored spaces, and organic sculptures, as well as her early botanical sketches, biomorphic collages, soft sculpture, and a horticultural showcase based on one of her paintings. There will also be an interactive greenhouse that will evolve and change its character throughout the course of the exhibition.

Photo: mujiri/Shutterstock

Carrie Rebora Barratt, CEO and president of the New York Botanical Garden, said in a news release, “In a lifetime of finding inspiration in nature and pushing against boundaries and biases, [Kudama] developed a unique lexicon for artistic expression. While these works appear as mostly abstract forms to viewers, they are manifestations of how she sees the universe, specifically the natural world.”

Indeed, the exhibition’s website describes the event as a “multisensory presentation… designed to capture and illuminate the artist’s profound engagement with nature throughout the changing seasons from spring through fall.”

Photo: Adam Rifi/Shutterstock

The exhibition will run from May 2 to November 1, 2020. But if you’re impatient, you can always catch her this November at New York City’s David Zwirner gallery, where she will display paintings, sculptures, and a new mirrored infinity room.

H/T: Lonely Planet

More like this: The 10 best pop culture exhibitions in the world

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Traditional Chinese Medicine items

Early in the morning in Hong Kong, shops along Wing Lok Street in the Western district crank open rusty gates. The shops all have one thing in common: strings of dried fish maw and dried seafood bundled together, covering the store fronts like curtains. Inside, the walls are lined with glass jars, each filled with dried herbs and animal parts. These are Traditional Chinese Medicine shops where locals come for home remedies, and visitors come to learn about the ingredients inside.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been a part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. The practice focuses on healing and restoring balance in the body. The earliest record of TCM is the Huangdi neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic), which dates back to the third century BCE. The concepts from this time still translate today. The herbal bible of TCM, the Compendium of Materia Medica, was written in the 1500s and lists over 1,800 ingredients ranging from the common to the obscure.

It’d take a lifetime to learn all of the ingredients, but these are some of the things you’re likely to see if you get a chance to visit a store in China.

Guīlínggāo, or tortoise shell jelly

Photo: L.F/Shutterstock

Turtles represent longevity in Chinese culture, and turtle shells are an important medicinal ingredient. Shells are harvested, boiled for hours, and then mixed with water and herbs. It’s all cooked down into a black, gelatin-like mixture said to improve skin complexions and lower cholesterol. The gelatin mixture is eaten as a jelly topped with sugar syrup or other sweet foods to mask the bitterness. You can find these ready-made jellies in herbal stores and supermarkets across Hong Kong and China.

Dōng chóng xià cǎo, or caterpillar fungus

Photo: ekapol sirachainan/Shutterstock

Caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) is a type of parasitic fungus that takes over the body of ghost moth larvae. It grows in the living larvae, eventually killing it and using its body for fuel to grow a short stalk. The fungus is found in the winter in the plateaus of Tibet and Northern China, where it’s hunted down by experienced collectors and sold for as much as $30,000 per kilogram. The fungus, no more than one inch long, is said to strengthen immunity and fight off cancer. You can find caterpillar fungus in soups, steamed eggs, and steamed vegetables served at high-end restaurants across the country.

Hai ma, or seahorse

Photo: Stephane Bidouze/Shutterstock

Dried seahorses are widely used in Chinese medicine, especially in Hong Kong and along the southern coast of China. It’s used in soups with boiled pears and apples as a remedy to soothe sore throats and coughs. It’s believed dried seahorses can treat kidney and respiratory diseases, but one of its most common uses is to improve blood flow in men as a natural sexual stimulant.

Wu gong, or centipedes

Photo: JUNOH/Shutterstock

Centipedes are believed to treat a number of conditions in TCM, including alleviating pain, easing headaches, and stopping seizures. These crawlies are boiled and dried in the sun in central and eastern China. They’re usually ground into a fine powder for easier consumption. The powder or whole centipedes are often cooked in soups or put in a bottle of alcohol along with scorpions and snakes.

Ge jie, or geckos

Photo: PratchayapornK/Shutterstock

Geckos, which resemble mythical dragons, hold a special place in traditional folklore. They’re a symbol of power and good luck in China. Geckos are also used in China as a medicinal ingredient that’s believed to nourish the kidneys and lungs. Locals macerate rice liquor with herbs and dried geckos and consume the spirit. In TCM stores, you’ll find geckos sun dried with the internal organs removed and the body flattened on a stick like a bat.

Hasma, or the fatty tissue of frogs

Photo: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock

Hasma is the dried fatty tissue found near the fallopian tubes of frogs, and it’s especially prevalent in the northeastern part of China. The fatty tissue is believed to treat stomach ulcers, improve skin complexions, and provide nutrients to a woman’s reproductive system. When soaked into water, hasma becomes gelatinous. The Chinese use hasma to make sweet soups with dried plums and longan. In the south, people cook hasma with coconut milk and plenty of sugar.

7. Ejiao, or donkey hide

Photo: XIE WENHUI/Shutterstock

Ejiao is pan fried and steamed donkey hide, and the black gelatin looks a bit like a piece of soft plastic. It’s believed to heal a number of diseases, including internal bleeding, anemia, and dizziness. To consume it, the gelatin is melted in hot water and mixed with honey as a healing drink. In central and eastern China, locals make rectangular candies with ejiao, almonds, sesame, and sugar.

More like this: Naxi cuisine is the Chinese food you’ve been missing out on

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Daffodil Hill closed

Owners of sunflower fields around the country aren’t the only ones sitting on their porch, chasing off Instagrammers with their broomsticks. McLaughlin’s Daffodil Hill just outside Sacramento, California, is now closing indefinitely to the public after 80 years due to the unmanageable influx of tourists. Parking, traffic, and environmental damage had all become major issues, causing the Ryan family — who has owned the farm for six generations — to announce the closure.

In a Facebook post, the family said, “This decision is the most difficult that we, as a family, have ever made. […] After the crush of visitors that descended upon our Hill this year, we came to realize that the limitation on the size of our parking areas and the inability of the local road infrastructure to handle the volume, created liability and safety concerns for everyone involved […] We have carefully examined numerous potential remedies to reduce traffic and visitors to try and keep the Hill open, including shuttles and reservations for attendance. However, in the end, we reached the same conclusion that the narrow roads and the Hill property infrastructure cannot be changed.”

With its massive blooms of nearly 300,000 daffodils, Daffodil Hill has always been a popular attraction. However, overcrowding issues were exacerbated this spring when visitors descended on the farm in droves, creating traffic jams along small country roads, parking illegally all over the place, and behaving unsafely.

The Ryan family concluded their announcement by thanking visitors for their support, and imploring people to “honor our ancestors by continuing to appreciate Mother Nature in all her glory whenever and wherever you can.”


More like this: The 11 most stunning flower fields in the US

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How to cook with a Dutch oven

Camping bonds people of all ages. Hours spent exploring creeks, setting up tents, and counting stars all create lasting memories. Whether it’s telling ghost stories or roasting marshmallows, time spent around the campfire causes emotions to run deep, and, believe it or not, one cooking device can further enhance those experiences: Dutch ovens (and no, not the kind you harass your bedmate with).

Dutch ovens were invented in the early 1700s, decades before the US was even an idea. In case you aren’t familiar, a Dutch oven is a deep, lidded pot made out of cast iron (or cast aluminum in some cases). At first glance, it may seem archaic, but incorporating one into your camping gear can ramp up your cuisine from hot dogs and s’mores (not that we don’t love those) to stews, casseroles, and cakes.

It’s easier than you think to cook high-quality meals with a Dutch oven over coals. I didn’t realize this style of meal prep was a possibility until I experienced cobbler, rolls, and bread pudding made in the open while camping at the annual Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive. I went over to talk with the woman who was cooking, and she was delighted to talk about this uncommon technique.

Terry Bell — who goes by The Dutch Diva due to her extensive knowledge of cooking in Dutch ovens — suggested that beginners start with making a simple, high moisture dish such as stew or soup. Once those recipes are perfected, you can move on to more difficult dishes, such as biscuits, casseroles, and cobblers, which are impressive menu items for a camping trip.

Photo: yoko13/Shutterstock

In addition to the wider array of foods you can make, another advantage of using a Dutch oven is that most of the labor can be done beforehand, leaving more time for you to take in the communal experience that is camping. With your ingredients already prepared in bags, “all you need to do is throw the ingredients into the oven, add your liquid, and start cooking,” Bell said. “Then you have some time to just sit around the fire and visit.”

Bell’s level of expertise comes with practice, and she wants to pass her skills on to others. Her love for this style of cooking has forged strong ties, which include friendships made at the annual Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive. On the drive, guests interacted with Bell as she provided fare for dinner, such as sourdough bread and carrot cake.

“I am passionate about sharing this Western art form,” Bell said. That led her to teach classes filled with ladies of all ages, and there are hopes the younger generation will foster the tradition of Dutch oven cooking. “Hopefully I can continue to share my passion and keep it alive,” she sad.

With the endless menu options and relationships built around campfires, we hope it will too.

Tips on how to cook with a Dutch oven while camping

Photo: Jed Packer/Shutterstock

The most efficient way to achieve the correct temperature for cooking with a Dutch oven is by using charcoal briquettes. Admittedly, Bell said this is the most intimidating and trickiest part of the process. Thankfully, most Dutch oven cookbooks have a chart to help calculate the number of briquettes to place on the top and bottom of the oven, depending on the size of the pot and the desired temperature.

If cookbooks aren’t your thing, there are phone apps to help determine the number of coals based on the size of the pot, cooking style (such as baking or roasting), and heating times. Take note, however, that the most successful method for Bell hasn’t necessarily been the number of briquettes. The secret is to make sure the coals are carefully spaced to create varying temperatures. Of course, practice makes perfect.

Another tip for success is to be careful about the number of briquettes you use. “People don’t realize how much heat is generated by each briquette,” Bell said. “I advise people to start slow with fewer briquettes because you can always add more if needed, but if you start with too much heat and burn the food, you can’t go back and ‘unburn’ it.”

There are situations, such as long trips, when taking charcoal to a campsite isn’t practical. Wood can be used, but it isn’t as reliable in regulating temperature. When using logs, Bell recommended checking the food more often and rotating the Dutch oven periodically to avoid hot spots.

How to season and clean your Dutch oven

When it comes to taking care of your Dutch oven, purchase a pre-seasoned one or season it yourself. Seasoning creates a non-stick coating on the surface of the cast iron, and it also helps prevent rusting. Bell advised that this can be accomplished by “putting a light coat of vegetable or canola oil inside the Dutch oven, placing it in your kitchen oven at around 300 degrees for about an hour, turning the oven off, and letting it sit in the warm oven.” That way the oil can soak into the cast iron and keep it from drying out.

Cleanup is of the utmost importance with cast iron, as moisture causes rust. Wash, dry, and air ovens out with the lids off until they’re completely dry. Bell also recommended storing your Dutch oven with a paper towel in between the lid and base to account for any moisture that may remain. If your oven rusts, don’t fret! A bit of fine steel wool and elbow grease will remove it. Just wash the oven and re-season it afterward. A well-maintained Dutch oven should last for life.

Camping equipment to buy before cooking on a Dutch oven

Photo: Russell Dickerson/Shutterstock

The first thing you’ll need, of course, is a Dutch oven. Look for a cast iron one that’s 12 inches deep. The Lodge Cast Iron Camp Dutch Oven is a good choice (prices range from $30 for a two quart to $90 for a six quart), while the budget-minded should look into Amazon’s pre-seasoned cast-iron Dutch oven, which is around $40 for a six quart. You’ll also need a lid lifter for lifting the lid to check on the food and also for carrying the pot when it’s hot. Don’t forget to find a fire-safe surface to cook on that is level, firm, and free of combustible materials such as sticks and pine needles.

When it comes to charcoal, you’ll need long-handled tongs for handling your briquettes and a charcoal chimney for starting the coals. Be sure to bring an ashcan to dispose of the ashes, as not all campsites provide one.

Optional supplies include a trivet, gloves that are heat-resistant, and bags for carrying your ovens.


More like this: How to go camping without fire when fire danger is high (and still have fun)

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Sustainable fishing in Alaska

Commercial fishing is a way of life in Alaska, and today is a great time to be a fisherman in the 49th state. The equipment is modern, the technology is cutting edge, and, most importantly, sustainable management is well established. While regions around the world often check the first two off on that list, it’s the sustainability part that other fishing communities can learn from.

“Nothing matters more,” says Linda Behnken, a halibut, sablefish, and salmon fisherman on the FV Woodstock (FV is the boating term for fishing vessel). “The ecosystem and the next generation of fishermen are counting on us to be good stewards.”

Behnken has been commercial fishing for the last 33 years (and her boys “have ‘worked’ with us since they were five months old,” she adds). She does it because she enjoys being on the ocean and so close to nature in its rawest form.

Commercial fishing is both a source of income and a way of life in Alaska. Many commercial fishing operations are multi-generational and family-run businesses where children grow up fishing with their parents and grandparents. Still, it’s big business. Commercial fishing is the largest private-sector employer in Alaska, according to Forrest Bowers, the division operations manager for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. There are some 60,000 jobs in Alaska related to commercial fishing, with seafood exports hitting around $3 billion annually. Around 60 percent of all fish from domestic fishing in the US is caught in Alaska.

Photo: MaxFX/Shutterstock

Commercial fishing is particularly important in smaller coastal communities where other sources of employment are limited. Dollars earned in the fishing industry are spent many times over in the local economy. This reliance on fishing makes sustainability all the more important.

Scott McAllister, the 64-year-old owner and skipper of the Southwest Alaska Seiner FV Owyhee, has been fishing his whole life. He’s been commercial fishing in Alaska for the last 46 years and tells me that, “making a life of fishing has been living a dream, and I’ll do it till I die.” Like the rest of the people involved in Alaska’s commercial fishing operations, sustainability is top of mind for McAllister.

“Alaskans invented the concept of sustainable fisheries management,” says McAllister. The fight for statehood was literally over the use and management of Alaska’s salmon fisheries, and once the deal was cut, sustainability was written into Alaska’s constitution. “Under state management, Alaska’s fisheries have flourished over time and are the pride of us fishermen, and all Alaskans.”

Alaska sustainably manages its fisheries through a combination of stock assessment, a regulated quota system, habitat protection, and strict enforcement. But that hasn’t always been the case.

Photo: CSNafzger/Shutterstock

Prior to statehood, Alaska’s fish were in trouble — especially salmon. Salmon made up 90 percent of commercial fishing value up through the 1950s. Yet starting in 1936, salmon runs steadily declined thanks to poor federal management of the territory and opening up salmon runs to international fishing operations. Leaders in the territory recognized this and added provisions in Alaska’s Constitution to conserve and rebuild Alaskan fisheries.

“Article 8 Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska directs that natural resources shall be managed for sustained yield, and this is the underpinning of all other Alaska fishery management regulations and policies,” Bowers says. Alaska’s fishery governance regulations are adopted through a public process involving fishermen, NGOs, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. “Using salmon as an example, we manage to achieve species and river-system-specific escapement goals (number of salmon spawning).”

Escapement goals are based on the carrying capacity of a particular river system or group of rivers and are established to maximize the number of salmon returning in future years. Fishing is regulated to ensure the escapement goals are met. This management process is detailed in Alaska’s Policy for the Management of Sustainable Salmon Fisheries, Policy for Statewide Salmon Escapement Goals, and numerous area-specific management plans. There are similar policies and regulations for other species like crab, groundfish, and herring.

When necessary, they close or restrict fisheries to rebuild weakened fish stocks. They also work with the Alaska legislature and Alaska Executive Branch leadership to ensure funding for sustainable fishery management is prioritized. While these restrictions limit the amount that fishermen can haul in, they’re vital for protecting the future of commercial fishing in the state.

Photo: dani shlom/Shutterstock

It’s hard to comprehend just how massive Alaska is. It’s twice as big as Texas and has over 33,900 miles of coastline. That’s a lot of area to protect wildlife.

“Flowing off its lands are an untold number of rivers and streams, and of all these fresh waterways, Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game have cataloged over 19,000 salmon rivers and streams,” Bowers says. “And they admit there may be many more.”

Many of Alaska’s shorelines and the waters running to them are so remote that there are streams that have never been cataloged for the salmon they may spawn.

Of course, nobody can control what goes on in the environment or in waters outside the jurisdiction of Alaska, both of which affect local fisheries, but they are required by law to manage for sustainability now and in the future. They support national initiatives promoting sustainable fishery management and oppose development harmful to fishery resources.

The already massive commercial fishing markets in Alaska are strong and expanding, and getting quality fish out of the water is job number one. The state’s fortunes hinge on the success of nature and how well Alaskan fishers, as stewards, manage and utilize Alaska’s seafood for now and into the future. This responsible management is something that fisheries elsewhere can respect and use as a model.

You can learn more about Alaska’s sustainability efforts through resources like the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.


More like this: How a guy who’d never caught a fish learned the beauty of the sport in the wilds of Alaska

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British Virgin Islands outdoors

Nobody goes to the British Virgin Islands to stay indoors. When you’re ensconced in islands of bright green mountains crashing into perfect azure waters, it’s like visiting an all-you-can-eat nature buffet. So you’ll want to stuff yourself full of it before getting back on your cruise ship, or on a plane back home.

The BVI is known worldwide for its white sandy beaches, like White Bay on Jost Van Dyke island and Smugglers Cove on the main island, Tortola. But beyond those, the islands have some lesser-known outdoor attractions that you absolutely must do while you’re there. Here are our picks for the top six.

1. Hike Gorda Peak National Park — Virgin Gorda

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

You might think going to the BVI to climb mountains would be a little like going to Nepal for a tan, but if you want to burn out your quads on the way to a spectacular view, the BVI has options. The best among them is Gorda Peak National Park, set smack in the middle of Virgin Gorda island. The park encompasses 254 acres, including the 1,370-foot summit at Gorda Peak.

The hike is about a half mile and won’t take you half an hour, but the view at the top is one of the best in the entire Caribbean, where on a clear day you can see out to the US Virgin Islands and beyond. You’ll climb through a sort of tropical desert, full of cacti, lizards, and several different orchids. We wouldn’t call it a strenuous hike, per se, but who really wants to have to earn anything on vacation anyway?

2. Hike to The Baths — Virgin Gorda

Photo: Guido Amrein Switzerland/Shutterstock

The BVI’s most recognizable natural landmark is the beaches at The Baths, giant boulders set next to swaying palm trees in a setting presumably ripped from a pirate movie. But laying out at The Baths is a small part of the experience, as stolling among the boulders through waist-deep water will have you basking in beams of sunlight in made-for-Instagram moments.

Getting to The Baths isn’t just a matter of pulling your car up either. It involves a fairly lengthy — though not that challenging — hike through tropical terrain, where you’ll encounter the occasional lizard and more than a few butterflies. Once at the beach, swim out to the outlying boulders and spend some time diving into the water. It’s as close to feeling like summer camp as you’ll get on a Caribbean vacation.

3. Snorkel in the bluest water — Virgin Gorda and the smaller islands

Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

Beyond it’s white sand, the BVI is known for blue water and the colorful fish in it. The Baths is also a popular snorkeling spot as the waters there are calm, clear, and shallow. You’ll find the best snorkeling, though, in the coves and beaches of the BVI’s smaller islands, where you’ve got fewer visitors and the reefs are more pristine.

You can check out the sea caves of Norman Island, rumored to have buried treasure, and swim with different varieties of angelfish at Angel Reef. Salt Island has the RMS Rhone shipwreck, along with the stingrays and sea turtles that populate the area. Peter Island and Ginger Island are also packed with bright coral, and you’ll see vibrant clownfish and parrot fish at Cooper Island.

4. Kiteboard through perfect seas — Anegada

Photo: Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing/Facebook

The British Virgin Islands aren’t a worldwide sailing destination because the people have an odd fascination with Sperrys. It’s because of the wind! And those same winds that make the islands a yachtsman’s paradise also make it ideal for kitesurfing. Outfits like Kitesurf BVI will give you lessons in the calmer bays of Anegada or take you on an all-day adventure out to more-challenging waters near Spit Cay or North South.

If you’ve never done it before, no worries. Plenty of lessons are available. Or if you’ve done this a time or two, you can rent gear and hit the turquoise waters yourself. You can even take an entire kitesurfing vacation at the Anegada Beach Club, where the in-house Tommy Gaunt Kitesurfing School has daily lessons and longer-term schools, so you can leave the BVI a full-fledged expert.

5. Surf at Josiah’s Bay — Tortola

Photo: lazyllama/Shutterstock

Perhaps the most unexpected outdoor feature in the BVI is its surfing. The Caribbean isn’t exactly known for its killer waves, but head to Josiah’s Bay on Tortola and you’ll find some pretty respectable breaks. Or at least breaks big enough to learn on. Surf School BVI offers lessons for everyone from beginners to experienced surfers, where you’ll learn to read the ocean from guys with names like Alex Dick-Read and Jackie Sparrow.

If you’re the type who wakes up at 5:00 AM, puts on a wetsuit, and surfs until breakfast, this might be a little easy for you. But if you are that type and ever wanted your kids to try and surf with you, this might be the ideal opportunity.

6. Zipline through tropical forests with views of the islands — Tortola

Photo:
Original Virgin Canopy Tour/Facebook

More than a simple zip-line through trees, Tortola’s Original Virgin Canopy Tour is a 90-minute treetop tour of the island, done from a spectacular vantage point. The tour sits high atop Johnson’s Ghut, overlooking Road Town Harbour, and was designed by Darren Hrenuik, who also designed the first canopy tours in Costa Rica.

You and your family will strap into low-speed zip-lines, scaling platforms high above the rainforest canopy. From there you’ll clip into line after line, traversing the hillside as you marvel at views of the azure water and green mountains below. It’s the perfect way to get the lay of the land without being stuck in a bus, but it still won’t wear out members of your group who might not be in top condition. Just be forewarned: On days when cruise ships are in port, lines here can get long.

7. Fish both inshore and offshore — Offshore and Anegada

Photo: David Xia/Shutterstock

The problem with fishing tales in 2019 is that we have ways of instantly proving how big that “monster” fish really was. In the BVI, though, no photoshop will be required as the waters are home to sport-size fish from marlin to wahoo to bluefin and yellowfin tuna.

Of course, for some people, spending the day on bumpy waters, catching more seasickness than fish, doesn’t sound like much of a vacation. The mangrove flats on Anegada make for a much calmer day of casting, and you can even try your hand at fly-fishing in some areas. You won’t be catching the monster marlin you would offshore, but you’ll still get plenty of kingfish, snapper, tarpon, and grouper, perfect for grilling up as a late lunch.


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Beyoncé Spirit video at Havasu Falls

Imagine spending all year planning a trip to the legendary Havasu Falls. Waking up early on the only day permits are sold, refreshing your browser for hours until you finally scored one, plunking down $500 for the minimum four days, and using a week’s worth of vacation to go there.

Then, when you finally show up, you’ve gotta sit there for five hours because Beyoncé wants to film a music video.

That’s what happened to a number of red-rock loving hikers recently, when Beyoncé Knowles-Carter decided they didn’t love Havasu like she loved Havasu, and made them all wait while she filmed a brief snippet for her new video for “Spirit,” a song off the new Lion King soundtrack, which she curated. (Beyoncé stars as Nala in the much-hyped CGI remake, which opened this Friday.)

The entertainer helicoptered into the falls that usually require a 10-mile hike to grab ten seconds of footage. To the 350 or so hikers who’d waited all year to see the falls, Beyoncé put her middle fingers up, put them hands high, waved it in their faces, and told them, boys, bye.

When TMZ shared footage of the filming, the Internet was mildly perturbed. One commenter on Facebook said, “It’s not fair for the people who worked so hard to get reservations, travel from all over the world to not be able to enjoy Havasu Falls for five hours.”

The Beyhive, of course, came to her rescue on Twitter with unverified stories of her and daughter Blue Ivy asking hikers for permission before ruining their vacation. No hikers corroborated the stories.

The video was also shot at Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona, and Horseman’s Center Park in Apple Valley, California. Neither of those places, however, limit passes to just over 300 per day.

Though the brief clip of the most-famous third of Destiny’s Child appears about a minute in the “Spirit” video — and lasts just longer than the other two’s solo careers — people with the falls on their bucket list are rightfully concerned that their chances of scoring a permit just got even lower. Not that Havasu was ever a hidden gem by any stretch, but this won’t make next year’s permit scramble easier for anyone.

One potential upside, though, is that her team may have paid to shoot on their land, which could, in turn, help the park in the long run. But then again, this is Beyoncé we’re talking about, and it’s just as possible the folks at the Havasupai Tribal Council (who had to approve the shoot) were simply thrilled for the falls to serve as the backdrop for Queen Bey.


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The post Beyoncé took over Havasu Falls for five hours to film her latest video, so now it’s going to be even harder to visit appeared first on Matador Network.

Rules for driving with cannabis

Say you’re in a state that allows recreational marijuana and you make a purchase from a recognized dispensary — better yet, you made the trip to one of the best cities for a recreational cannabis vacation. After dealing with exactly how to make your first recreational cannabis purchase, the first question you’re faced with is: How do I get all of these items I just legally purchased to a place where I can legally smoke it?

Traveling by car is usually the first option, but the rules about how you can transport your cannabis vary by state.

In most cases, marijuana is treated like alcohol. You can drive with it, but it better not be accessible to the driver and under no circumstances can the driver be high. Cannabis slows reaction time and can impair concentration and coordination. You wouldn’t drink and drive, so don’t get high and drive. All states include high driving as a DUI. Currently, the only sure way to test if a person is under the influence is through a blood test, and THC can remain in your system for weeks.

Plain and simple: Don’t consume cannabis and drive. You can, however, transport it safely. These are the laws you need to know about driving with cannabis in states with legal recreational marijuana;

Note: We’re not lawyers and this is not legal advice. Just be smart.

Alaska

Cannabis and smoking materials can be in the cabin of a vehicle in Alaska so long as the person is legally allowed to possess it. If pulled over, an officer has the right to spot the cannabis or paraphernalia and conduct a physical impairment test.

There’s no state law dictating how cannabis is supposed to be transported in a vehicle. In Anchorage, however, it’s supposed to be in an unopened sealed container in the trunk of the car or behind the last row of seats.

California

Cannabis travel regulations fall under Vehicle Code 23222(b), which is California’s open container law. It states that all cannabis (flower, edibles, concentrates, etc.) in a vehicle has to be in a sealed, unopened container. The safest bet is to put it in your trunk. If you’re cited with an open container violation you can receive a fine up to $100.

Colorado

Colorado is one of the few states with a set level of THC allowed for drivers (5 nanograms of THC per milliliter of blood). The state is just as strict on how it can be moved around.

Drivers and any passengers are prohibited from opening a cannabis product in the car. It’s a traffic offense if the product seal is broken, if you’re traveling with a container that has a partially consumed product, or if there’s evidence that it’s been used in the car. Traveling with a sealed product in the car is fine, but throw it in the trunk if not.

Illinois

As the newest state to legalize recreational cannabis, Illinois is still working out many of the details regarding use and transportation. According to the letter of the law legalizing recreational use, cannabis must be in a secured and sealed container that’s “reasonably inaccessible while the vehicle is moving.”

Maine

You can have up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis in the cabin of the car in Maine as long as it’s sealed in a child-proof container.

Massachusetts

All cannabis products must be in a closed container in the trunk or in a locked glove compartment (unlockable glove compartments are still a no-go) in Massachusetts.

Michigan

You can have up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in the passenger area of the vehicle as long as the driver and none of the passengers are consuming it. Michigan is new to recreational cannabis and some of the specifics are still being worked out, but the safest way to go if you’re going to transport cannabis in the cabin of your vehicle is to keep it in a sealed container.

Nevada

You can transport up to 1 ounce of marijuana or an eighth of an ounce of concentrate in Nevada. It has to be in a sealed container. Any open cannabis container is treated like an open alcohol container in terms of the law.

Oregon

One ounce of cannabis, concentrate, or extract is allowed to be transported in a vehicle in Oregon, as is 16 ounces of edibles and 72 ounces of liquid cannabis. The marijuana cannot be stored where the driver has access and has to be in a child-proof container.

Vermont

All products must be sealed when transporting cannabis in Vermont. Anyone — passenger or driver — who has an open container of marijuana can be cited with an open container violation, which carries a fine of up to $200.

Washington

Washington law requires all cannabis be either in the trunk of the vehicle or, if the car doesn’t have a trunk, in an area that isn’t occupied or accessible by the driver or passengers (the glove compartment doesn’t count). All cannabis also has to be in the original container it was purchased in with an unbroken seal. You can’t transport cannabis that’s been partially consumed.

Washington, DC

It’s illegal to smoke, eat, or drink a cannabis product in any public space, as well as visibly transport it. Washington, DC counts any vehicle on “any street, alley, park, or parking area” as in a public space.


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Mojave Desert installation tribute

Everyone has their own creative way of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, but Google’s might be the most inventive yet. The Google Maps team has created a huge portrait of Margaret Hamilton in California’s Mojave Desert, using reflective solar panels and the light of the moon. Hamilton was the lead software engineer of the Apollo program, though she is often overshadowed by more widely known participants, like astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.

Photo: Google/YouTube

The portrait features an image of Hamilton, her name, the Apollo 11 mission title, and a picture of the lunar lander used to bring astronauts to the surface for the first time. According to TechCrunch, to create the portrait, Google used over 107,000 mirrors covering 1.4 square miles — an area even bigger than the surface area of Central Park. Appropriately, it can be seen from high in the sky, at 6,233 feet.

Hamilton was instrumental in ensuring that the Apollo 11 landing went smoothly. She created a priority display that gave astronauts the information they needed despite an overloaded guidance computer near the end of the lander’s trip. She is now 82 years old, and likely pleased to know that her role in this milestone event has not been forgotten.


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What to do in Syros, Greece

With its elegant white-stucco buildings clinging to precipitous cliffs, famous black-sand beaches, and ancient mountaintop ruins, it’s easy to see why Santorini tops so many bucket lists. But the island is falling victim to its own success — Santorini’s permanent population stands at just 15,000, yet some two million tourists visit every year. Unsurprisingly, its infrastructure simply isn’t equipped to deal with this influx, from water supply to garbage disposal.

Yet, 75 miles to the north, you’ll find another of the Cyclades Islands that’s every bit as beautiful, while attracting just 10 percent as many tourists. Syros is the capital island of the Cyclades, but it scarcely registers on the agenda of most visitors to the region. Here are nine reasons why travelers should trade Santorini for Syros.

1. Ano Syros puts Oia in the shade.

Photo: evantravels/Shutterstock

Oia, with its now-famous white and blue houses overlooking the vast volcanic caldera that formed Santorini as we know it today, is undeniably beautiful. But if you fancy snapping a picture of the iconic clifftop village at sunset, be prepared to share the moment with hundreds of other visitors.

Crowds on that scale are nowhere to be seen in Ano Syros, a medieval hilltop town on Syros that looms above the capital city, Ermoupoli. The original residents chose this hard-to-reach location to protect themselves from the regular pirate incursions that threatened the island’s coast.

There’s plenty to see in Ano Syros. Most impressive is the historic Church of St. George, the sprawling and renovated Catholic complex that sits at the town’s summit. Visible from miles around, it’s one of the first things you’ll see when arriving in Ermoupoli by boat.

Even if you don’t fancy checking out the attractions, you can spend an afternoon getting lost in the town’s narrow, sprawling alleys (few of the roads are wide enough for cars). Savor the views, play with the local cats — you’ll find them basking on rooftops, skulking along walls, and meowing at restaurant diners — and stop for regular refreshments at the historic town’s chilled-out bars; the terrace at Συριανών Καφεποτείο (Syrian Cafeteria) is a great spot.

2. There’s more art and culture than one can wish for.

Photo: Xydas Yiannis/Shutterstock

Ermoupoli may only have a population of 14,000, but it’s considered a city thanks to its origins as a key trading port and shipyard. That means it has heaps of museums and gorgeous buildings.

Explore the island’s ancient history by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ermoupoli. Housed in the imposing town hall, it’s one of the oldest museums in Greece. Or if you prefer your history a little more up to date, check out Ermoupoli Industrial Museum, where — among much else — you can learn about the island’s role in building one of the world’s first electric cars, the ill-fated Enfield 8000.

But you don’t necessarily need to visit a museum to learn about the history of Syros — you can take it in by simply roaming the marble streets of its capital city.

Once you’ve seen the Neoclassical splendor of the town hall and the Apollo Theater, head around the coast to Vapória, the city’s most picturesque neighborhood. Traditionally the trading hub of Syros, it’s dotted with ornate Neoclassical mansions that once housed the island’s wealthiest merchants. The name “Vapória” is taken from the Greek word for ship — a reference to how the coastal houses are so close to the sea that they almost appear to float on it.

3. You get to glimpse at authentic Greek island life.

Photo: Andronos Haris/Shutterstock

Whereas every corner of Santorini has already been thoroughly invaded by tourists, much of Syros — particularly the island’s hinterland — is still largely unexplored. Leave the resorts and larger towns behind and you’ll soon come across traditional villages hidden away in coves or perched on mountaintops. Practically untouched by tourism, these spots give a real idea of how life has been lived on the Cyclades for generations.

Particularly remote but well worth the journey is San Michalis, also known as Syringas. Located in the far north of Syros, this mountainous settlement is home to little more than a few dozen stone houses, a couple of cozy tavernas, and the tiny but pretty Church of St. Michael, from which the village takes its name. Stop for some food and a stroll along the village’s ancient cobbled streets.

4. There’s lip-smacking cuisine.

Photo: Piotr Krzeslak/Shutterstock

Syros is the home of some of the country’s most unique and best-loved dishes. Perhaps the most famous of the island’s culinary delicacies is loukoumi — essentially the Greek version of Turkish delight. You’ll find these soft, fragrant, sugary treats everywhere from dedicated sweet shops to kafeneia, where they’re often dished up alongside cups of strong black coffee.

Cheese lovers are well catered for on Syros, too. San Michali — a hard cheese made exclusively from the milk of the island’s cows — can be enjoyed either on its own or in omelets and souffles. Its taste is spicy and fruity, thanks in part to the diet of aromatic herbs and plants on which the local cows are fed.

If you’re looking for Greek staples, the dozens of restaurants lining the waterfront and backstreets of Ermoupoli serve up all the souvlaki (grilled meats), seafood, crisp salads, and saganaki (fried cheese) you could dream of, and every village has at least one family run taverna.

5. The tiny island has a big-city nightlife.

Photo: Stavros Argyropoulos/Shutterstock

Ermoupoli may be small, but its nightlife puts many much larger destinations to shame. In fact, its compact size actually makes for a great night out, with dozens of bars and restaurants occupying just a few hundred feet of the city’s harborfront. Here, you’ll find trendy, divey joints — the graffiti-clad Boheme del Mar is one of the best — rubbing shoulders with upscale cocktail bars, restaurants, and gelaterias. Most nights, you’ll hear the strains of rebetiko music – sometimes referred to as Greek blues — being performed in a nearby Greek bar or taverna.

Greeks tend to think nothing of staying out until the early hours, regardless of the day of the week. If you really want to soak up the atmosphere, eat late and drink slowly. Expect to be presented with bowls of popcorn, chips, nuts, and other salty snacks each time you order another glass.

6. Syros is the island of festivals.

Photo: Syros International Film Festival/Facebook

At least a dozen festivals take place on Syros each year. Most are centered on the capital, Ermoupoli, which is home to Syros Tango Festival, Akropoditi DanceFest, and the Festival of the Aegean — a two-week series of operatic recitals — along with several more. Others, such as Syros International Film Festival, take place at venues across the island.

As well as cultural celebrations, Syros stages the largest and most boisterous Easter festivities in the Cyclades. Marked by noisy processions and fireworks displays, it’s one of the most fun times to visit the island.

On Good Friday, three huge processions set off from the churches of Agios Nikolaos, Kimisi tis Theotokou, and Metamorphosi tou Sotiros, followed by crowds of revelers carrying lit candles, robes, sponges, and dice (the latter three held aloft on tall poles to symbolize the Passion of Christ). The three processions converge on Miaouli Square, in front of Ermoupoli Town Hall, for raucous hymn-singing accompanied by a vast marching band.

Note that Easter celebrations on Syros take place on Orthodox Easter, which generally falls a week later than other Christian churches.

7. There are plenty of beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water.

Photo: Xydas Yiannis/Shutterstock

Kini, a friendly village occupying a wide bay on the island’s west coast, has two thin strips of sandy beach that are partly sheltered from the crashing waves of the Aegean by the harbor walls built to protect its flotilla of tiny fishing boats.

Galissas, the most popular beach on Syros, is always teeming on sunny days. Lie back on one of the palm-topped sunloungers and enjoy views of the towering mountains that curve along the bay.

Wherever you are on the island, the beautifully clear sea will entice. Even in Ermoupolis, with its hulking shipyard, locals gather at Asteria Beach — really just a tiny harborside with swimming pool-style steps leading into the water — to cool off and sunbathe on hot days.

8. Touring the island is quick, easy, and rewarding.

Photo: alexandros petrakis/Shutterstock

Those who make the effort to hire a car and explore its back roads won’t regret it.

Pullover on Episkopio — the main road running from east to west across the mountainous center of Syros — to enjoy unparalleled views over Ermoupoli, with the shipyard, the vast sea defense, and the white-walled, red-roofed buildings stretching out beneath you. A circuit taking in the island’s southern part, calling at the villages of Kini, Vari, Megas Gialos, and Episkopio takes no more than five hours.

To get a little further off the beaten track, head for the rugged, sparsely populated northern coast. The village of Kampos lies at the end of the winding, single-track road from the capital; if you’re feeling brave, leave the car here and make the less than two-mile trek to the secluded Americanou Beach. Only reachable on foot or by boat, and hidden from view by a low fringe of palms and pine trees, it’s as tranquil as it gets — just remember to bring plenty of water, because you won’t find any shops.

9. You’ll get much more for your money.

Photo: Korpithas/Shutterstock

If you’re traveling on a budget, Santorini is not a great option. With its many swanky resorts, you’ll struggle to find a hotel room for less than $120 a night in high season. Eating and drinking don’t come cheap either, thanks to the island’s high-end bars and restaurants.

You’ll enjoy a lot more bang for your buck on Syros. Whether it’s dining out, going for drinks or booking accommodation, expect things to cost as little as half what you’d pay on more well-known islands like Mykonos or Santorini.


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