Matador Network's Blog, page 1249

Pacific Northwest road trip photos

The Pacific Northwest has majestic mountain peaks, temperate rainforests, rushing waterfalls, and breathtaking views everywhere you look. To see it all, we mapped a loose plan, loaded up the car, and hit the pavement on an epic road trip. Starting in Washington, we drove up to British Columbia and then slowly wound our way down the coast, visiting the San Juan Islands, Olympic Peninsula, and Columbia River Gorge. Along the way we hiked, swam, picnicked with stunning views, and took a lot of photos.




1

The drive north from Vancouver takes you to Horseshoe Bay, from where you need to take a ferry to Hopkins Landing. That gets you across the Howe Sound, so you can continue heading north up British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast. The area is nothing short of breathtaking. On the ferry you can see the surrounding islands, the snowy peaks of BC’s Coastal Mountains, and sun on the water.

2

The BC coastline meanders between open prairies and old forests rich with flora and fauna on its Sunshine Coast. A wary fox defies a fence, and we watch as his fur ripples with every movement like the waving grass serving as his backdrop.

3

After driving back south to Anacortes, Washington, we took the Washington State Ferry to Orcas Island, one of the the San Juan Islands. Once there, a 6.7-mile round-trip hike takes us from the Mountain Lakes all the way to the top of Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juans, where we have a picnic lunch.

Intermission











Food+Nightlife

7 pastries worth traveling to Portugal for


Sandra Guedes
Aug 20, 2018













News

Attention female photographers: Sony wants to give you a $25,000 grant and free gear


Eben Diskin
Sep 21, 2018













Travel

8 unexpected outdoor adventures in Northern Ireland


Jessica Devnani
Sep 20, 2018













4

On the islands and the coast, sleepy lighthouses still signify the seashore for passing ships. We explore the tiny structures that play such an important role in coastal navigation and the declaration of dangerous areas.

5

A ferry ride and a long drive get us to Seattle. We stop by Gas Works Park on the shores of Lake Union. Located on the National Register of Historic Places, Gas Works Park was converted from a coal gasification plant that operated until 1956 and is now a lovely city park.

6

Also a part of the National Register of Historic Places is Pikes Place Market. It opened in 1907 and is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States. Vendor stalls filled with fresh seafood line every hall, and the aroma of garlic bread wafts from food carts tucked into the corners of the market. It’s a feast for the senses.

7

Seattle is alive at night. We get a boat ride to admire the glowing skyline, and we spot a large number 12 high above the rest of the city. The 12 comes from the twelfth man, a term often used by the Seattle Seahawks American Football team to make reference to their fans.

8

No road trip is complete without a backpacking adventure, and Seattle has plenty of opportunities nearby. We drive to North Bend and hike on Denny Creek to Melakwa Lake. The rain holds overnight but thoroughly drenches our tents when we pack up to leave.

9

We make our way to the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States, on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. This hidden gem is inhabited by some of the biggest slugs imaginable, and thick mosses cover the trees. As you walk among towering trees on trails carpeted with fog, you feel as if you have been transported to New Zealand.

Intermission











Sponsored

Travel guide to Germany’s historic cities


Jacqueline Kehoe
Sep 4, 2018













Travel

The 25 coolest towns in America: 2018


Matador Team
Sep 25, 2018













Travel

What voluntourists in Africa need to know before visiting, according to a Kenyan NGO photographer


Kevin Ouma
Jul 18, 2018













10

As dusk pushes out the day, we drive west to the Pacific Coast of the Olympic Peninsula. We arrive in time for sunset at Ruby Beach, where the rock formations seem to float like ships in the breaking sea.

11

From the Olympic Peninsula, we drive south to the Columbia River Gorge, which separates Washington and Oregon. On the Oregon side, Multnomah Falls is our first stop. These tiered waterfalls have a total height of 620 feet. If you want to get a closer look, take the winding path that goes all the way up to the Benson Bridge.

12

From there we decide to hike to the Oneonta Gorge in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge area. We wade through a river bed deep into a gorge, ending at a lush glowing waterfall.

More like this: 14 images that show why I’m proud to live in the Pacific Northwest

The post This is the most beautiful road trip through the Pacific Northwest appeared first on Matador Network.

Passenger ruins flight with pull-ups

We all know guys at the gym who scream after every bench press rep or spend hours taking bicep selfies in the mirror. Well, this guy might actually put them all to shame. On Tuesday morning, an American Airlines flight from Phoenix to Boston was diverted to Kansas City because of a passenger who refused to stop doing pull-ups on the overhead bins. Dave Markoski, a fellow passenger, told WBZ-TV that the man was intoxicated and leaning against the overhead bins. When another passenger joked that it looked like he was about to do some pull-ups, “the guy actually grabbed on to it and started doing some pull-ups on the plane in front of everybody.”

Although he was asked several times to return to his seat, the man refused. “He would not sit down,” Markoski said. “The flight attendant probably asked him about three or four times to sit down, and he refused to sit down, and then he really got verbally abusive with her, started calling her names.”

Clearly dedicated to his muscle gains and blind to all else, the passenger continued his pull-ups. When the plane was diverted to Kansas City — ultimately resulting in a 90-minute delay — he was met by FBI agents at the gate, though he has not been taken into custody or charged.

The incident goes to show that while security may focus on weeding out dangerous criminals, it’s actually drunk, zoned-in gym hardos who can cause the biggest disruptions.

H/T: Yahoo Lifestyle

More like this: 7 rights all air passengers have and should know about

The post Passenger doing pull-ups on the overhead bins results in diverted flight appeared first on Matador Network.

The 9 best Airbnbs in Chicago

Chicago is one of the world’s great cities, and there are countless reasons why you should visit this Toddlin’ Town. While boutique hotels are certainly one way to go when it comes to accommodation, Airbnbs are often cheaper — or so incredibly unique that they’re worth the splurge. Whether you’re looking for prime location, rockstar digs, great value, or something totally offbeat, you’ll find it on our list of the coolest Airbnbs in Chicago.

1. Nine bedroom mansion in historic neighborhood

Photo: Airbnb

$750/night — Uptown

Uptown is a neighborhood with strong links to its past, including the iconic Green Mill jazz club and ballroom-turned-concert-venues The Aragon and The Riviera. This brownstone mansion connects back to a bygone era in exactly the same way while stylish amenities keep the home full of modern comforts. Being located at the southern edge of Uptown, the property is also very close to the Wrigleyville neighborhood but still somewhat removed from the busyness of that area.

2. Wonderfully eclectic loft near downtown

Photo: Airbnb

$699/night — Old Town

It’s hard to beat Old Town if you want a perfectly central location, and this eclectic loft is an especially great place to stay. The open floor plan, hardwood floors, exposed brick, 20-foot ceilings, and gorgeous interior design create a space that is as homelike as it is hip. With a pool table and a rooftop deck with skyline views, you might not want to leave. But if you do, Old Town is full of great bars, restaurants, and the legendary Second City comedy club.

3. Luxury yacht in downtown Chicago

Photo: Airbnb

$1200/night — Burnham Harbor

There are lots of luxury accommodations in downtown Chicago, but none are quite like this 68-foot luxury yacht moored in Burnham Harbor. The three-bedroom, three-bath vessel is perfect for three couples or a family to share. The yacht is well appointed and stocked with treats, fresh OJ, Champagne, and more. Unlike a lot of floating Airbnbs in Chicago, this one stays moored to the dock at all times, so you don’t need to take a boat to come and go. But the host can arrange crewed charters if you would like to take it out onto the lake or river.

4. Gorgeous Northside castle

Photo: Airbnb

$93/night — Andersonville

No, you didn’t read that wrong. The Castle on Berwyn is one of Chicago’s most unique Airbnbs, and it comes at a surprisingly affordable price. There’s a piano you can play, gorgeous stained-glass windows, and room after room filled with Baroque, French, and Rococo antiques. The castle is on the National Register of Historic Places and can sleep four guests in its two bedrooms.

5. Bachelor pad just steps from Wrigley Field

Photo: Airbnb

$600/night — Wrigleyville

This brand new designer home in a historic Grey Stone is an ideal place for a group of friends in town for a Cubs game, for a bachelor or bachelorette trip, or even a large family. The stylish home looks like it was designed for a single guy, but its simple style will work for anyone. The home can take up to 10 guests in five bedrooms and is located right near Wrigley Field and the hundreds of bars and restaurants that dot the neighborhood.

6. Light-filled loft in perfect location

Photo: Airbnb

$129/night — Noble Square

Connect to Chicago’s industrial past in this converted loft in a century-old building while enjoying modern style and convenience. This beautifully appointed home is ideal for a couple or small family and has a perfect location between Wicker Park and River North along the Blue Line train and Kennedy Expressway, which both run between downtown and O’Hare Airport.

7. North Shore mansion

Photo: Airbnb

$799/night — Northbrook

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a mansion and you’re planning a trip to Chicago, we’ve got good news for you. Not only can you lounge around the pool at this luxury mansion in the northern suburbs, but it’s also not even that expensive when split between enough people. With a hot tub, pool with rock waterfall, grand piano, huge kitchen, dramatic entryway atrium, six bedrooms, and six bathrooms, you can truly ball out with your friends here. Oh yeah, it has a movie theater, too.

8. Luxury loft near Wrigley Field

Photo: Airbnb

$125/night — Lakeview

This modern loft in Lakeview has industrial-chic design practically oozing out of the exposed brick walls and across the hardwood floors. The two-bedroom, two-full-bathroom space is perfect for two couples coming into town for a weekend concert or baseball game. The loft is steps away from the Belmont Brown, Red, and Purple Line train stops. Wrigley Field is just a 10-minute walk away, and the neighborhood is full of great cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs. The neighborhoods of Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Boystown, and the lakefront are all within a mile.

9. Take me to church

Photo: Airbnb

$299/night — Whiting, Indiana

If you’re looking for something a little weird and totally different, this home in a converted church could be just the place for you. These digs are in a former Lutheran church built over 100 years ago and updated with modern comforts while preserving some beautiful elements of the space’s religious past. Technically it’s actually in Indiana, but Chicago’s city limits are just a few minutes away. If you’re driving in from the east you can arrive here before you hit city traffic, so it’s perfect for late-night or rush-hour arrivals. Any attractions on the Southside are also easy to get to from here, including Sox Park, the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, Soldier Field, and McCormick Place. It’s also close to a beach and the Indiana casinos.


More like this: The 9 best venues for live music in Chicago

The post The 9 coolest Airbnbs in Chicago appeared first on Matador Network.

Sound fluent in a foreign language

If you’ve ever listened to a recording of your own voice and cringed at every “like,” “um,” or “you know,” then it might seem counterintuitive to intentionally pepper your speech with these kinds of filler words in another language. But the truth is that these little hiccups are a universal component of human speech. Some researchers believe filler words make up six to 10 percent of spontaneous speech, so if you want to sound natural in your new language, you should aim to imitate the habits of natural speech.

According to psychology professors Jean Fox Tree and Herbert Clark, these verbal tics are effectively “conversation managers” that serve as important placeholders and listening cues. N.J. Enfield, professor of linguistics at the University of Sydney, refers to them as “traffic signals that regulate the flow of social interaction.” Essentially, we use filler words to indicate that we’re not quite done speaking yet. When we fall silent, we indicate that it’s the other person’s turn to talk.

The great irony here is that by embracing what linguists refer to as “disfluencies,” you’re actually making yourself sound more fluent (and buying yourself time when you’re feeling stuck).

Here’s a quick and dirty guide to stalling in seven different languages.

These tips are brought to you by Babbel Magazine, the publication for language learners, word nerds, and cultural explorers.

1. German

German has a lot of filler/stalling words that can be very tricky to translate, as their meaning is often highly dependent on the context. The examples given are the most frequently-used among them.

Filler word: Hm

Translation: Hmmm

Example: Hmmm…do you really want to be remembered as the guy who broke out his glow sticks at the company holiday party in front of all your colleagues?

Translation of example: Hm…möchtest du wirklich als der Typ in Erinnerung bleiben, der seine Knicklichter auf der Firmenparty herausgeholt und vor allen Kollegen damit herumgewedelt hat?

Filler word: Äh

Translation: Umm

Example: Umm, nope, “John from the bar” isn’t really ringing any bells. Who is this supposed to be?

Translation of example: Äh nee, bei “John von der Bar” klingelt es gerade nicht wirklich. Wer soll das sein?

Filler word: Ja

When to use it: When you want to express surprise, a sense of warning or urgency, or emphasize that something is obvious.

Example: You better not touch my beer while I’m gone.

Translation of example: Fass ja nicht mein Bier an, wenn ich kurz weg bin!

Filler word: Halt

When to use it: To express resignation (translates roughly to “just”).

Example: That’s just the way he is!

Translation of example: Der ist halt so!

Filler word: Mal

When to use it: To soften the tone of questions and statements, conveying a casual tone (like “just” or “hey”).

Example: Hey, I know you always leave earlier, but would you mind jumping on this 6:00 PM call today?

Translation of example: Ich weiß, dass du immer früher gehst, aber könntest du heute mal das Telefonat um 18:00 Uhr annehmen?

Filler word: Doch

When to use it: To convey surprise, disbelief, or a sense of impatience; to give an affirmative answer to a question or statement containing a negation.

Example: You mean to tell me that you’re actually graduating?

Translation of example: Sagst du mir gerade, dass du doch deinen Abschluss machst?

Filler word: Also…

Translation: Well, so

Example: So, should we get moving already? The line at Berghain is going to be insane.

Translation of example: Also sollten wir langsam los? Die Schlange beim Berghain wird sicher höllisch lang sein.

Filler word: …, oder?

When to use it: To tack “right?” onto the end of a sentence.

Example: You’re friends with that weird guy who cooks pasta in the microwave for lunch, right?

Translation of example: Du bist mit dem komischen Typen befreundet, der seine Pasta in der Mikrowelle kocht, oder?

Filler word: Egal,

When to use it: To change the subject (“anyway…”).

Example: Anyway, let’s just do it our way! Or will that get us fired?

Translation of example: Egal, wir machen das jetzt so! Oder werden wir dann gekündigt?

2. French

Filler word: Euh…

When to use it: When you’re thinking of what to say next (kind of like “hmm”).

Example: Hmmm…I don’t know…is it really all that weird to eat crepes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

Translation of example: Euh…je sais pas…c’est si bizarre que ça de manger des crêpes matin, midi et soir?

Filler word: Donc

When to use it: When you want to tack “so” onto the beginning or end of a sentence.

Example: So, it’s not a problem if my parents crash here for the next three weeks?

Translation of example: Donc, ça ne pose pas de problème si mes parents restent chez nous pendant 3 semaines?

Filler word: …, quoi.

When to use it: When you need a relatively meaningless filler word at the end of a sentence. “Quoi” literally means “what,” but it doesn’t mean anything when used as a filler.

Example: You know how she gets, like…

Translation of example: Tu sais comment elle est, quoi…

Filler word: Tu vois

Translation: You see

Example: You see, I actually don’t think you appreciate the merits of Cardi B’s lyricism.

Translation of example: Tu vois, en fait je ne crois pas que tu apprécies la valeur du lyrisme de Cardi B.

Filler word: Du coup

When to use it: To take up space at the beginning or end of a sentence. This comes from du coup de ce fait, meaning “as a result of this” or “so,” but du coup doesn’t have a concrete meaning.

Here’s an example: Looks like someone let the cat out of the bag. So what do we do?

Translation of example: On dirait que quelqu’un a vendu la mèche. Du coup on fait quoi?

Filler word: Bref,…

When to use it: When you’re trying to start a sentence with “long story short” (bref means “brief”).

Example: Long story short, we’re not talking anymore.

Translation of example: Bref, on ne se parle plus.

3. Italian

Filler words are a highly regional component of Italian. Those listed below are ones you’ll more or less hear used generically across northern Italy, but the ones you’ll hear used more often in day-to-day life are often dialect-specific (and even city-specific, in many cases).

Filler word: Cioè…

Translation: The literal translation is namely, but it’s used improperly to link sentences together (similar to “actually,” “I mean,” or “like”).

Example: I mean, I guess they’re like, okay as a couple. But I preferred her ex better.

Translation of example: Cioè, credo che come coppia stiano bene. Ma preferivo il suo ex.

Filler word: Tipo

Translation: Very similar to “like” (often as used in conversation as it is in English)

Example: She’s just like, not that good at knowing when to like, stop talking.

Translation of example: Tipo che non è tanto brava a capire quando smettere di parlare.

Filler word: Mmmm…

When to use it: When you need to convey that you’re thinking (not to be confused with mh mh, which can either indicate approval or disapproval depending on the tone).

Example: Mmmm…I think I’m leaning toward pasta again.

Translation of example: Mmmm…penso che opterò di nuovo per una pasta.

Filler words: …vero?…no?

Translation: Right? Isn’t it? (You’re seeking confirmation, but sometimes this is more of a rhetorical question)

Example: It feels good to not give a damn about what anyone thinks, right?

Translation of example: Ci si sente bene a fregarsene di quello che pensano gli altri, vero?

Filler word: Ah!

When to use it: Whenever you’d normally be inclined to do so in English.

Example: Ahh, so that’s why you’re never on time!

Translation of example: Aaah! Ecco perché sei sempre in ritardo!

Filler word: Beh

Translation: Well…

Example: Weeeeeell…if I were you, I wouldn’t be so quick to put his name in your phone as “future husband.”

Translation of example: Beh…se fossi in te, non salverei il suo numero sotto “futuro marito.”

Filler word: Aspetta eh…un attimo…

Translation: Wait…one sec…(the most common thing to say when something doesn’t quickly come to mind)

Example: Wait, don’t tell me…is he the guy you met at goat yoga?

Translation of example: Aspetta, non dirmelo…è il tipo che hai incontrato a goat yoga?

Filler word: Bla bla bla

When to use it: To mock somebody who’s talking too much, or to quickly summarize a previous fact or conversation (mostly if it’s too boring or long)

Example: The date went okay. We talked a lot about his aunty, blah blah blah, his grandma, blah blah blah, his dog, blah blah blah, and then we finally got to talk about his ex.

Translation of example: È andata abbastanza bene. Abbiamo parlato molto della sua zietta, bla bla bla, di sua nonna, bla bla bla, del cane, bla bla bla, ma alla fine siamo riusciti a parlare dell’ex.

4. Spanish

Filler word: Bueno,

Translation: Well, okay

Example: Okay, let’s decide after we have coffee.

Translation of example: Bueno, después de tomarnos el café decidimos.

Filler word: Pues…

When to use it: To introduce a sentence (similar to “well…”)

Example: Well, I don’t know, it’s not always fair to judge someone by their Coachella photos, but I’m not going to stop you.

Translation of example: Pues…no sé, no está bien juzgar a alguien por sus fotos de Coachella, pero no te lo voy a impedir.

Filler word: O sea…

Translation: Like…

Example: I don’t get it, like…what is this so-called “work of art” actually trying to say?

Translation of example: No lo entiendo, o sea, ¿qué quiere decir esta “obra de arte”?

Filler word: Pues nada… / Y nada… / En fin…

Translation: Anyway, okay, well

Example: Well, I’ll stay at home, then.

Translation of example: Pues nada, entonces no salgo.

Filler word: …, ¿sabes? / ¿viste?/¿ves? / ¿cierto?

Translation: You know? / See? / Right?

Example: I prefer dates who brush their teeth, you know?

Translation of example: Prefiero tener citas con personas que lavan los dientes, ¿sabes?

Filler word: Ya

When to use it: When you’re listening to someone talk and you want to indicate that you’re listening (kind of like “uh-huh”).

Example: “First, I was asked to describe exactly what I did at my previous job…” “Mmhmm.”

Translation of example: “Primero me pidieron que describiera lo que había hecho en mi antiguo trabajo…” “Ya…”

Filler word: Total

Translation: All in all

Example: All in all, in the end he just wasn’t my type.

Translation of example: Total, al final no era mi tipo.

Filler word: ¿… o qué? / ¿… o no?

Translation: …or what? / …or not?

Example: Should we order a mojito or what?

Translation of example: Pedimos un mojito, ¿o qué?

Filler word: A ver…

Translation: Let’s see/well..

Example: Let’s see…it says here that you’re in a relationship, but when I met you the other day, you said you were single.

Translation of example: A ver… aquí dice que estás en una relación, pero cuando conocimos el otro día me dijiste que no tenías pareja.

5. Portuguese

Filler word: Ehhh

When to use it: When you’re still thinking.

Example: I don’t know, I think it’s kind of tacky.

Translation of example: Ehhhh…eu não sei, mas eu acho isso um pouco brega.

Filler word: Então

When to use it: To begin a sentence (like “so” in English).

Example: So, what are you going to do when you have no one to blame for your problems any longer?

Translation of example: Então, o que você vai fazer quando não tiver ninguém para culpar por seus problemas?

Filler word: Nossa

When to use it: To show that you’re impressed (can be in a positive or negative way). In some regions of Brazil, like Minas Gerais, there are variations such as nóóóó, nuuuuu, nossi).

Example: Wow, that performance really made me cringe.

Translation of example: Nossa, aquela apresentação me incomodou.

Filler word: Tipo

Translation: Like

Example: You know that sense of rage that makes you like, want to break everything?

Translation of example: Sabe quando bate aquela raiva que dá vontade, tipo, de quebrar tudo?

Filler word: Ahã

When to use it: To agree with someone (can be used ironically).

Example: “Sorry for the delay! The elevator broke!” “Okay.”

Translation of example: “Desculpa pelo atraso! O elevador quebrou!” “Ahã”

6. Swedish

Filler word: Alltså (colloquially asså)

Translation: Well, so (used to start a sentence and to show that it’s your turn to speak)

Example: So, you know, I was thinking about what you said the other day, and you’re so right. Ben does look like Alec Baldwin when he’s mad.

Translation of example: Asså, du vet, jag tänkte på det du sa häromdan, och du har så rätt. Ben ser ut som Alec Baldwin när han är arg.

Filler word: Liksom

Translation: Like, kind of

Example: He’s kind of difficult to read, but he probably likes it that way.

Translation of example: Han är liksom svår att läsa, men han tycker nog om det.

Filler word: Såhär

Translation: Like, kind of, sort of (the combination typ såhär, which translates to “kind of like,” is common)

Example: Well, I can like, sort of see myself eating cinnamon buns for breakfast every day until I die.

Translation of example: Asså, jag kan typ såhär se mig själv äta kanelbullar till frukost varje dag tills jag dör.

Filler word: Typ

Translation: Like

Example: We could like, Netflix and chill or something.

Translation of example: Vi kan typ kolla på Netflix och chilla eller nåt.

Filler word: Ba

Translation: Was just like (when you’re paraphrasing what someone else said)

Example: He was like, why are you stuffing bread in your purse?

Translation of example: Han ba, varför stoppar du ner bröd i din handväska?

Filler word: Ehh

When to use it: In any generic stalling context.

Example: Uhh…I don’t know, maybe it’s because you haven’t dealt with your baggage yet?

Translation of example: Ehh…Jag vet inte, kanske är det för att du inte har tagit hand om ditt förflutna än?

7. Russian

Filler word: Ну,… / Nu,…

Translation: Well, so

Example: Well, let’s not spend time analyzing the words of a fool.

Translation of example: Ну, давай не будем тратить время, анализируя слова дурака. / Nu, davay ne budem tratit’ vremya, analiziruya slova duraka.

Filler word: Короче,… / Koroche,…

Translation: Long story short, basically, well

Example: Well, long story short, she never called me.

Translation of example: Ну короче, она мне так и не позвонила. / Nu koroche, ona mne tak i ne pozvonila.

Filler word: В общем,… / V obschem,…

Translation: So, basically, all in all

Example: Basically, now I’m left with a crappy haircut and empty pockets.

Translation of example: В общем, в итоге у меня сейчас дурацкая причёска и пустые карманы. / V obschem, v itoge u menya seychas duratskaya prichyoska i pustiye karmany.

Filler word: Вот / Vot

Translation: Here it is, well, so, there you go

Example: So, that’s it then. I guess I’ll die alone surrounded by cats.

Translation of example: Вот так — мне придётся умереть одному/одной* в окружении кошек. / Vot tak — mne pridyotsya umeret’ odnomu/odnoi* v okruzheniye koshek.

*Masculine/feminine

Filler word: Так / Tak

Translation: So, well, alright

Example: Alright, let’s go. Everyone’s going to give us dirty looks if we walk into the theater late.

Translation of example: Так, пошли. Если мы опоздаем в театр, на нас будут косо смотреть. / Tak, poshli. Yesli my opozdayem v teatr, na nas budut koso smotret’.


More like this: The 10 most delightful foreign words with no English equivalent

The post How to stall (and instantly sound more fluent) in 7 different languages appeared first on Matador Network.

North America’s largest pumpkin

If you’re trying to figure out your next get-rich-quick scheme, you might want to look into pumpkin growing. Steve Geddes of New Hampshire netted $6,000 in prize money after he grew a 2,528-pound pumpkin. Dubbed the largest pumpkin ever grown in North America, it came in first place at the Deerfield Fair this week, setting a high bar for aspiring pumpkin growers.

Photo: Deerfield Fair/Facebook

There’s an official global organization that makes the rules for growing giant pumpkins, called the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. They confirmed to The Boston Globe that Geddes’ pumpkin is, in fact, the biggest pumpkin ever grown in North America, and falls just 100 pounds short of the world’s heaviest pumpkin ever. “It’s a big deal,” Woody Lancaster, the northeast representative for the GCP told The Boston Globe.

When asked what motivates him to continue pursuing his love of pumpkin growing after 25 years, Lancaster said, “It’s seeing something the size of your thumbnail grow into a 2,000-pound fruit. It’s the challenge. It’s the joy of accomplishment. And more than anything, it’s the people.”

The only pumpkin in the world larger than Geddes’ was grown by Belgian Mathias Willemijns in 2016, and it weighed in at an impressive 2,624 pounds.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: 8 pumpkin beers made with real pumpkin

The post New Hampshire man grows largest pumpkin in North American history appeared first on Matador Network.

Skull asteroid to fly past Earth

A creepy, skull-shaped asteroid will fly past Earth on November 11th and it’s not Voldemort’s Dark Mark, or a Halloween hoax.

The asteroid was first spotted on October 31st, 2015, leading NASA to name it the “Great Pumpkin” asteroid. When it was first seen, it passed 300,000 miles from Earth, but this year it’s a little farther at 25 million miles. Unfortunately, given its distance and small diameter (around 2,000 feet) the “Great Pumpkin asteroid,” or “death comet,” can’t be seen with the naked eye, so take out your telescope.

The first recorded images of the asteroid resembled a human skull, though that has been somewhat refuted by newer images. Vishnu Reddy, professor of planetary sciences at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab, told NBC News MACH in an email, “I don’t know why it’s called a ‘death comet’…there is no scientific basis for such a term. Maybe it is related to the time of the flyby.”

Due to its size and closeness to Earth — and true to its “death comet” reputation — the asteroid has been classified as potentially dangerous. However, astronomers do not believe we’re in any immediate danger of being struck. The asteroid won’t come anywhere near Earth until 2088, when it will approach within 5.4 million miles.

Check out this video from NASA to learn more about the asteroid.

H/T: NBC MACH

More like this: 6 space travel projects that will become a reality in our lifetime

The post A spooky, skull-shaped “death comet” to fly by Earth after Halloween appeared first on Matador Network.

1,300 men turned cruise into a party

What was supposed to be a peaceful cruise turned into a nightmare for most of the passengers aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas in early September. 1,300 male passengers working for an Indian tobacco company boarded the ship in Australia, and immediately turned it into their own personal frat house. They were on the cruise for a work conference, but the only conferencing they did was with burlesque dancers and women dressed like Playboy Bunnies, whom they brought on board.

During the three-day voyage, the cruise-turned-Animal House was dominated by wild dancing on the decks. The men took over the ship’s pool bars, common areas, and buffet, blocking other passengers from accessing much of the vessel. Many families took refuge inside, waiting for the mayhem to end.

“It was almost like a huge [bachelor party] — a [bachelor party] for 1,200 people,” passenger Cassandra Riini told A Current Affair, an Australian TV program. “Their doors would be open and you would walk past and be like what am I going to be looking at when I walk past this door?”

Because the raucous passengers made up over a third of the ship’s population, several events had to be cancelled. “Even on trivia nights they didn’t have enough numbers,” said Riini’s husband, “so we just ended up with the staff member making our own game,” adding, “if ignorance and arrogance was part of the ticket to get on board the ship then I think they did a good job.”

After receiving numerous complaints, Royal Caribbean issued an apology along with full refunds to passengers whose tranquil holidays were ruined. In a statement to Australia’s 9 News, Royal Caribbean assured customers that it’s “looking into all guest feedback regarding this incident to ensure it does not happen again.”

H/T: Insider

More like this: 7 actually cool cruises that are nothing like the ones your parents take

The post 1,300 men turned a peaceful cruise into a raucous bachelor party appeared first on Matador Network.

Norwegian Cruise Line free flights

Norwegian Cruise Line sometimes seems like the crazy, late-night mattress salesman of the cruise industry. Like last month when it ran a two-day promo offering free airfare when you booked an Alaska cruise, it felt like the message should have been delivered by a slightly disheveled guy standing a little too close to the camera saying:

“We’re giving it away! For free! My boss doesn’t know! He thinks I’m crazy! But I’m doing it anyway! Act now! One day only before my boss finds out and has me taken awaaayyyyyyyyy!”

With a big, yellow, CALL NOW flashing on the screen before it cuts back to a rerun of Happy Days.

Well, Crazy Norwegian’s House of Cruises is back at it this week, one-upping the Alaska offer with free flights to Hawaii. Starting October 4, book a cruise on the Pride of America, and you can receive free airfare from one of 37 airports in the US and Canada to Honolulu, where you’ll take a seven-day excursion through Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii.

“As my boss says, we like selling anything we can sell for free!” NCL President and CEO Andy Stuart told a gathering of travel agents and media at the University of Hawaii-Hilo Tuesday afternoon. His sophisticated British accent sounding nothing like a late-night mattress salesman. “We think it’ll get people excited to come back.”

Um, yeah.

Stuart explained that this unprecedented promotion is the cruise line’s way of encouraging visitors to come back to Hawaii — and to the big island specifically — after the volcanic eruption drove tourists away this past spring. Though the eruption has for the most part subsided, some people are still hesitant to come.

“We felt it was important to tell people the island of Hawaii is open to visitors,” he continued as pleased local politicians looked on. “The media does a wonderful job of reporting when [a disaster] starts, but when normalcy returns it’s radio silence. It’s important to tell people this destination is open for business.”

The promotion is part of NCL’s Free at Sea program, which offers among other things free WiFi, a free open bar, and onboard credit. The cruises typically start around $899 a person, and if the Alaska promotion is any indication, this deal likely won’t apply to the cheapest cabins on the ship — though no details were given as to who might qualify.

Much like the zany, late-night TV ads of yesteryear, this offer is only good while supplies last. Though it’s not as insane as the one-day-only Alaska Bonanza, these free flights to Hawaii won’t be available forever, granted no end date was specified. But beginning October 4, that flashing clock in the corner of the screen will be ticking, so if you want that free flight to Hawaii ACT NOW! Or maybe just wait until the crazy mattress salesman loses his mind again next month.


More like this: 7 actually cool cruises that are nothing like the ones your parents take

The post Norwegian Cruise Line is offering free flights to Hawaii appeared first on Matador Network.

Worst airports for getting an Uber

Getting a rideshare at an airport is like a really aggravating scavenger hunt. Some airports have great signage and point you to a convenient area right outside baggage claim. Some have you taking shuttle buses to a parking lot that might be in another state. Some don’t even bother with signage and tell you to figure it out yourself, genius. This problem gets even tougher in other countries where signs are in another language, and it’ll cost you $5 a minute to call your driver.

In the United States, it seems to be our busiest airports that are also the most difficult to catch a rideshare. Overseas, many airports don’t even allow rideshares, and the ones that do never seem to make it easy for you. We talked to some seasoned travelers and got the inside scoop on the hardest airports to catch an Uber or Lyft, and how to do it as painlessly as possible.

1. LaGuardia, New York (LGA)

Photo: Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock

Endless construction is never an airport’s friend, but LaGuardia might have taken construction clursterfuckery to an entirely new level. For a while, catching a ride at LGA meant taking a shuttle bus to a separate area, then waiting outside in the cold New York night for your driver. This spring, the airport improved the experience a little for people at Terminal B, who must now walk through a covered walkway to a separate parking garage, then wait in a designated section lettered E through L. The app tells you where to meet your driver.

Not flying into Terminal B? Then you get to wait on the curb with the other 900 people who just arrived for your rideshare. It’ll arrive in the general Ground Transportation lanes, known for their inexplicable 3:00 AM traffic jams. Don’t look for any signage here, either, as there isn’t much. You just have to know to go wait outside.

2. McCarran, Las Vegas (LAS)

Photo: 4kclips/Shutterstock

You’d think the casinos would be in a hurry for you to start dropping your paycheck into the nickel slots. But the folks at McCarran don’t seem to be on board. Much like at LaGuardia, you have to cross the street into a separate parking garage, then walk up to Level 2M where a hoard of people who probably got a five-drink head start on the plane are also waiting for their cars. The wait here can be long, but it does provide the opportunity to chat up strangers who may or may not be down to meet up later. So not all is lost in Terminal 1.

If you come into Terminal 3, you also have to head out into the brutal Vegas sun to the parking garage, then down to the valet level to meet your ride. The crowds here are smaller, but the trip is equally as aggravating.

3. Lisbon Portela, Portugal (LIS)

Photo: Kiev.Victor/Shutterstock

Lisbon has no clear signage — in English or Portuguese — directing passengers to a rideshare area. And as intuitive as walking out the front door and looking for it might seem… well, it’s not. Assuming you’re flying into the international terminal, Terminal 1, you’ll need to turn right when looking at the front door, then keep walking until you get outside. Once outside, look for the “Kiss and Fly” lot, which is where your driver will meet you.

Sounds simple, right? Not really. The lot is across the airport drive from the terminal, and some drivers may try and pick you up on the curb in front of the terminal rather than in the lot. While waiting at the Kiss and Fly, you’d be wise to keep an eye on the curbside area in case your car has pulled up there instead.

4. O’Hare, Chicago (ORD)

Photo: Chad Zuber/Shutterstock

Pro tip for traveling to O’Hare: Pack light. Because if you’re taking an Uber, you’re gonna be lugging your suitcases a loooong way. One of America’s busiest airports has a whopping five terminals, and would you like to guess how many of them have Uber pickups zones? One. And it’s on the departures level of Terminal 2 — because what kind of lunatic would expect an Uber pickup at Ground Transportation?

If you’re anticipating this hassle, it’s not so bad, but if you get off the plane expecting a pickup zone somewhere within the zip code, then request your ride only to find out it might as well be in suburban Indiana, it can be a bit of a shock. Your options are either taking a shuttle bus ride to Terminal 2 or schlepping your luggage and walking — which hopefully burns off enough calories to enjoy a slice of deep dish later.

5. Los Angeles, California (LAX)

Photo: Digital Media Pro/Shutterstock

Say what you will about LAX, but it gets you ready for the onslaught of LA traffic before you even leave the terminal. Trips from Terminal 1 to the exit can take half an hour on busy days, an excellent preview of the endless gridlock you’ll experience once in the city. So while catching a rideshare at LAX isn’t particularly confusing, it is a test in patience and perseverance nonetheless.

There aren’t many visible signs for rideshare pickups in baggage claim, and you’ll only learn that you have to go upstairs once you’ve actually called the ride and the app tells you. Don’t go looking for any “stairs” either; LAX has limited elevators and escalators that go between levels, and they don’t all let you off near the rideshare zone.

Once on the top level, look for the mob of people holding their phones and squinting at license plates as cars go by on the airport drive. That’s your pickup zone. Your driver is likely coming from a nearby holding lot, and on busy days, they might legitimately take 20-25 minutes to reach you if you’re flying Delta or American. Your best bet at LAX is to hop on a hotel or rental car shuttle and call a ride from wherever it drops off. You might literally save half an hour.

6. Madrid-Barajas, Spain (MAD)

Photo: JopsStock/Shutterstock

Europe tends to regulate its for-hire drivers a little more than we do in America, so the money you save taking a rideshare vs a taxi from Madrid might not be worth it. But if you’re a creature of habit that just doesn’t like taxis, things can get complicated. Again, there’s no real signage for rideshare pickups — at least not in English — so you’ll have to open the app. Once you do that, it’ll tell you to go to the rental car areas in Terminal 1 and Terminal 4.

Once you arrive on the correct floor for pickup (the app should tell you this), you’ll have to wander around aimlessly and watch the blue dot on your phone to see when you’re close to the actual pickup spot. It’s not marked and even harder to find with the current construction. If you speak Spanish and have international calling, your best bet is to just call the driver and see where they are.

7. Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta (ATL)

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

ATL might have the longest walk from its baggage claim to a rideshare pickup zone of any airport in America. If you fly into a domestic terminal, grab your bags, do a few hamstring stretches, get a Clif bar at the newsstand, and begin your trek. The pickup area can be a 20-minute walk, and during busy times, your ride might take another 20. And because drivers get charged to park if they wait more than 15 minutes, you can’t call them before you get to the lot as they leave when it gets close to 15 minutes of waiting.

The preferred way around this is heading to Terminal F, where drivers pick up on the drive near the taxi zone. It can also be a trek if you’re in Terminal A, B, C, or T, but if you’re not checking bags, you can call the ride as soon as you step out of baggage claim, walk fast, and time it just perfectly.


More like this: Is it cheaper to rent a car or take an Uber? Everything you need to know.

The post The 7 worst airports in the world for getting an Uber (and how to get one) appeared first on Matador Network.

Bee infestation causes flight delay

It’s not snakes on a plane, but for some, it might be even worse. A swarm of 20,000 bees descended on a Mango Airlines plane in Durban’s King Shaka International Airport on Monday before takeoff, completely occupying the jet engine and causing lengthy delays.

Perhaps the bees thought the Mango Airlines plane was an actual mango. Or maybe they were attracted to its bright orange color. The reason for the bee siege is unclear, but once it was noticed, airline officials quickly called in professional beekeepers to handle the situation.

Mango Airlines posted a photo of the heroes in action on Twitter:

Two beekeepers were called into remove a swarm of bees that had started building a nest in the engine of one of our aircrafts in Durban on Sunday. This unfortunately meant delays on three of our scheduled flights. The bees were safely removed.#flymango pic.twitter.com/XbzSNLALZV

— Mango Airlines (@FlyMangoSA) September 26, 2018

Although the odds were certainly not in their favor, the two beekeepers sprung into action. To make matters worse, they weren’t allowed to use their normal smoker device to disperse the bees, given safety concerns surrounding the plane. Handicapped by this new obstacle, the beekeepers improvised a new weapon — a palm frond, which they used to gently coax the bees away from the engine.

One of the beekeepers, Melvyn Dawson, told Lonely Planet that despite having worked with bees for almost 55 years, removing them from a jet engine was “a first for me.” Upon removal, the bees were transferred to a beehive.

While it’s still unknown why the bees chose to make the engine their temporary home — usually they prefer quieter, more sheltered areas — it’s possible that they were simply stopping there en route to somewhere else. Hopefully next time, they’ll wait in line for boarding like everyone else.

H/T: Lonely Planet

More like this: The 7 best places to learn a new hobby around the US

The post 20,000 bees swarmed a jet engine in Durban, causing three flight delays appeared first on Matador Network.