Matador Network's Blog, page 1282

Work with cats and live in Greece

For cat people, this is a dream job. A cat sanctuary in Greece is looking for a kitty custodian. And as if this didn’t sound good enough, the person hired will get to live for free on the island of Syros, with a view of the Aegean Sea. The ideal candidate should be over the age of 45 with knowledge of feline psychology, and prepared to feed and care for 55 cats. This includes taking them to the vet when necessary, and possessing a certain level of ‘cat whispering’ skills.

Photo: God’s Little People Cat Rescue/Facebook

The job posting, which has been shared over 29,000 times on Facebook, calls for “the type of person who appreciates nature and likes tranquility…you’ll never feel lonely in the company of the cats.” It also promises a “fully paid (incl. water & electricity) semi-detached, modern tiny house with its own garden (direct view to the Aegean Sea!), plus a salary.”

Photo: God’s Little People Cat Rescue/Facebook

The exact salary is not specified, but the role is part-time, only requiring about four hours per day. The job also requires a minimum six-month commitment starting in November, as well as two weeks of unpaid training time in October.

Thousands have already applied to the position, and interviews will begin toward the end of August. Details on how to apply can be found in the job posting on Facebook.

H/T: Global News

More like this: These traveling Insta-cats prove cats are the purr-fect travel companions

The post Live for free as a ‘cat whisperer’ on this Greek island appeared first on Matador Network.

Fight at the Trevi Fountain in Rome

When you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, it’s supposed to ensure that you will return to Rome. But there are some tourists Rome would like to never see again.

On Friday evening, two women competing for the best selfie spot in front of the fountain set off a fight between their respective families. A 19-year-old Dutch woman and a 44-year-old Italian-American woman were pulling hair and shoving each other over the dispute before their relatives got involved. Soon, a massive brawl was taking place. Officers said that a total of eight people were involved. Reinforcements were needed to quell the violence, though no one sustained any serious injuries.

Fontana di Trevi #municipio1: rissa tra due famiglie di turisti#sicurezzaurbanahttps://t.co/kIsgefHjWI pic.twitter.com/F3Qds95LhQ

— PoliziaRomaCapitale (@PLRomaCapitale) 9 août 2018

Stricter laws surrounding the fountain have recently been put in place. For example, people caught picnicking on the fountain, dipping their feet in the water, or swimming, can be fined up to $273. But it may be a while before selfies are banned around the historical monument — that restriction in itself might provoke a riot.

H/T: Travel & Leisure

More like this: In defense of the selfie

The post Tourists vying for the best selfie spot start a fight at Rome’s Trevi Fountain appeared first on Matador Network.

Unicorn floatie rescued

There probably aren’t too many opportunities for heroism in Chisago County, Minnesota. Deputy Scotty Finnegan, however, was in the right place at the right time when he came to the rescue of four women, trapped on a unicorn float in the middle of a lake. They had become caught in the weeds, which were so thick that their paddles proved useless. In an ending befitting any story involving unicorns, their knight in shining armor arrived to save the day, pulling them toward safety with a rope.

“With a handful of laughs and some mad rescue roping skills they were pulled back to the dock!” the Chisago County Sheriff’s office tweeted.

Driving by a local lake we observed a bunch of women in a

Addiction only people in Maine know

Maine’s charm lies in its simplicity. Our uncomplicated culture is based on the foundation that lobster tastes best solo (or maybe dunked in melted butter) and wearing a plaid shirt to the office is perfectly acceptable. As a Mainer, you’re not only addicted to the simple pleasures on this list, but you cherish them. Here are eight things you’ll get addicted to living in Maine.

1. Blueberries

Of course, we’re talking about the wild, delicious type. The kind of blueberries that stain your hands and are king of regional pies, crumbles, pancakes, and beer. You’ll quickly become addicted to adding a few fresh berries to your pint of beer, or better yet, you’ll become a regular at the Sea Dog Brewing Co. where they do it for you.

2. Bean boots

You’ll quickly become inseparable with your pair. You’ll wear them everywhere, and they will last a lifetime. These will become your go-to boot for moose hunting, watching a high school soccer playoff game, or building a campfire. Where fashion meets functionality — that’s Maine in a nutshell.

3. Outstanding seafood

Lobsters, steamers, mussels, scallops, fried clams, Brook trout — the list goes on. Whether it’s a renowned side-of-the-road shack or a slightly rusted, mud-flecked truck parked on the side of the road with a hand-lettered sign, Mainers know where to source the best of the best. Getting hooked on world-class grub at affordable prices is very hard to give up.

4. Plaid everything

The plaid wool shirt you’ve adopted will more than likely be a hand-me-down and there will most definitely be mystery stains on the cuffs, but it’s perfect. Plaid protects against thirsty skeeters in the woods and doubles up as an extra layer to keep the chill out of your bones on a bitterly cold February day — what more would you want from clothing?

5. Safety

Maine kids play outside, they build snow forts and treehouses; play neighborhood-wide games of kickball or spotlight; amass sea glass collections and capture entire villages worth of toads without fear for security. We have never lost a house key because the house is never locked and we leave the car open when we go into the grocery store.

6. Whoopie pies

The gas station with the crooked sign that sells ammo and very large camo T-shirts that say ‘Maine’ across the chest is where Mainers go for their whoopie pie fix. The classic is, of course, to die for, but you’ll soon discover chocolate with peanut butter and pumpkin-chocolate chip whoopie with cream cheese filling.

7. Warming up your car before driving in the winter.

When that bitter cold settles in come January and seeps into your bones, nothing is more dreadful than a morning commute with a steering wheel too cold to touch. Not only does starting your car ahead of departure time take the bite out of a cold seat, but it’s an essential component to the de-icing ritual that must occur before hitting the road.

8. Starry night skies

A cold Allagash White in hand and a fire at your feet as you gaze up at the sky above is a quintessential Maine summer night. The nights are so inky black that you can’t distinguish trees or buildings, but you can make out the Milky Way trailing through the sky. You’ll soon become a regular at Rangely or the AWW where you can really soak up the experience.


More like this: You know you’re in Maine when

The post 8 things you’ll get addicted to living in Maine appeared first on Matador Network.

Vaccinations you need to travel

Forget searching for dreamy Airbnbs, epic hiking routes, and culinary delicacies — the first thing you want to look up when planning a trip is the vaccination requirements. Sure, it’s a lot less fun than planning an itinerary, but it can make or break your trip, and it’s not something you can leave to the last minute. To make sure your travel plans don’t turn into a prolonged visit to the local hospital, we asked expedition and wilderness medicine specialist Dr. Andrew Peacock to give us all the info travelers need to know about vaccinations and travel.

Dr. Andrew Peacock has been practicing medicine for 20 years. He works as an emergency doctor in Australia six months out of the year and as a wilderness and expedition medicine specialist the rest of the time. (Plus, he’s a pretty great adventure travel photographer). His focus when working on guided trips in India, as a ship doctor on expeditions to Antarctica, or leading treks in Nepal is prevention and risk reduction, so he knows the importance of having your vaccines up to date.

General advice
Main vaccinations for travelers
Are any of the recommended injections superfluous?
Where can you get your vaccines done?
Can vaccinations make you feel ill?
When does a vaccine need to be done? How long does the protection last?

Proof of vaccination
Diseases for which there is no vaccine, but for which travelers must be prepared
Extra precautions travelers can take to remain healthy


General advice

Any US traveler considering a trip overseas must use two resources:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. It is a very comprehensive and easy-to-understand platform with disease and country-specific details that for all types of travelers (long-term, short-term, pregnant, etc.). Dr. Peacock explains that doctors rarely recommend that patients check out the internet before consulting a doctor, but that the CDC website is an incredibly helpful resource that a traveler can trust.
Their family physician. Volunteering three months in rural Uganda will not require the same medical advice as a two-day stay in Kampala, so a physician is the person travelers should turn to for their health-related needs in preparation for a trip.

Dr. Peacock explains that the biggest mistake travelers can make regarding vaccinations is ignoring recommendations entirely. The price involved in getting several vaccinations before traveling is well worth the investment.

While it may suck to spend money on something you feel may not be needed, especially if you’re afraid of needles, it’ll cost you a lot more money in the long run if you end up getting sick while traveling and ruin your trip, so don’t skimp immunization — no matter the cost.

Main vaccinations for travelers
1. Routine vaccinations

Whether you are traveling or staying home, the following routine vaccines are highly recommended for you and others to remain in good health:

Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis
Varicella (chickenpox)
Polio

Note that even though these vaccines are commonly called “routine,” they are not to be dismissed, especially by travelers. For example, there have been outbreaks of diphtheria in many countries around the world recently — including Indonesia, Venezuela, and Myanmar — and several cases have been diagnosed in Australia. Diphtheria is a deadly disease that can be easily prevented thanks to vaccination.

If you’re not sure if you have been immunized for these diseases or if you think you are past the duration of protection, contact your family physician. They may have records of your past vaccinations if you don’t have a booklet to keep track.

2. Yellow fever

Yellow fever is a disease that is transmitted via the bite of an infected mosquito. Within three to six days, people infected with the yellow fever virus develop fever, chills, headache, joint and muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal and back pain, fatigue, and dehydration. In the most severe cases, the virus can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and the yellowing of the skin. Patients experiencing these serious symptoms will likely die within 10 to 14 days.

Yellow fever occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America.

Photo: CDC

To avoid the international spread of this disease, some countries ask that all travelers show proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entering the country (Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo, Republic of the Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, Suriname, Togo). Other countries require proof of vaccination only if travelers have been in a risk area. A full list updated in June 2018 is provided by World Health Organization here.

3. Typhoid

Typhoid is a foodborne and waterborne disease. Within three weeks, people infected with typhoid will experience fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite. In more severe cases, Typhoid can lead to the enlargement of the liver and spleen or intestinal bleeding and can be fatal.

According to CDC, “Typhoid is common in most parts of the world except in industrialized regions such as the United States, Canada, western Europe, Australia, and Japan.” The highest risk of typhoid for travelers is in South Asia although other areas of risk include Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America. A good rule of thumb is that typhoid appears in countries where food and water sanitation is very poor.

The typhoid vaccine is only 50 percent to 80 percent effective, so you should be extremely careful of what you eat and drink when traveling to risk areas no matter what.

If you are afraid of needles, the typhoid vaccine can be taken orally in four doses by taking one capsule every other day for a week (day one, day three, day five, and day seven).

4. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a foodborne and waterborne disease. It can also be transmitted from the hands of a person with hepatitis A and, rarely, through sexual contact. Within one to two weeks, people infected with Hepatitis A will experience sudden fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Hepatitis A is found all over the world, except in Canada, western Europe and Scandinavia, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. High-risk areas include countries with poor sanitary conditions and hygienic practices, such as parts of Africa and Asia.

The vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective and requires two doses injected six months apart.

5. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a contagious virus transmitted via blood, blood products, and other bodily fluids. People infected with the Hepatitis B virus develop a sudden fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, joint pain, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some people infected with the virus develop lifelong, chronic Hepatitis B. This can cause people to die early from liver disease and liver cancer.

Countries with a prevalence of Hepatitis B infection:

Photo: CDC

The vaccine is over 90 percent effective and is a three-dose immunization; the second vaccine is given one month after the first dose, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose.

6. Cholera

Cholera is a severe intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food and/or water contaminated with the cholera bacteria. People infected produce large amounts of watery diarrhea. The lost of fluid can be fatal, but drinking safe water to replace the lost fluids dramatically lowers the risk of death.

Travelers are rarely at risk of cholera unless they remain in high-risk areas for a long time and consume unsafe food and water. Travelers who volunteer in refugee camps or in disaster relief in the countries listed below have a higher risk of infection.

Cholera is present in Angola, Burundi, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, India, Yemen and Haiti.

The cholera vaccine is to be taken orally in a single dose at least 10 days before exposure to the bacteria.

7. Rabies

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal (dogs, bats, monkeys, foxes, mongoose, raccoons, etc.). Humans usually get rabies after being licked, bitten, or scratched by an infected animal. Rabies affects the central nervous system, causing brain disease and death.

Rabies is found around the world except in Antarctica; however, risks are heightened in much of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.

Prevention is key for the rabies virus because once the symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. The rabies vaccine is a is three-shot series (days zero, seven, and 21 or 28) given at least one month before travel.

Whether you have been vaccinated against rabies or not, if you get bitten, licked, or scratched by an animal in a high-risk area, you should seek immediate treatment.

The best way to prevent rabies is not to approach animals, especially in high-risk areas. Symptoms of rabid animals are not always obvious, so remain extremely careful.

8. Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a disease transmitted by mosquito bites. Symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, and difficulty moving appear within five to 15 days. Japanese encephalitis can be fatal, and there is no treatment.

For most travelers to Asia, the risk of being infected by Japanese encephalitis is extremely low, but it varies based on destination, duration, season, and activities. Travelers who stay in rural areas for several months and spend a lot of time outdoors are the most at risk. The CDC explains that “in mild climates in northern Asia the risk for Japanese encephalitis is greater in the summer and fall. In tropical and subtropical areas, there is a risk year-round”.

Photo: CDC

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine must be done at least six weeks before your departure. The immunization is done in two doses administered a month apart.

9. Meningococcal Disease

Meningococcal Disease is transmitted from person to person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions. Kissing, sneezing, or coughing on someone, or sharing accommodations with an infected person facilitates the transmission. Symptoms include a stiff neck, high fever, sensitivity to light, confusion, headaches, and vomiting. Five percent to ten percent of patients die, typically within 24 to 48 hours after the start of symptoms.

Only those traveling long term to the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa during the dry season (December through June) are at at risk and need to be vaccinated.

Photo: CDC

Note that Saudi Arabia requires participants in the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage to show proof of meningococcal vaccination.

It takes seven to 10 days after the injection for the vaccine to be fully effective.

Are any of the recommended injections superfluous?

Dr. Peacock explains that “before immunization, travelers must research about the diseases occurring in the countries they will be visiting and check if their travel plans put them at risk.” Only then can they make a serious decision about getting vaccinated.

Here is an example to illustrate the need for travelers to gather information before being vaccinated:

CDC recommends that some travelers to Madagascar get immunized against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that is passed on through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products. CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. If you don’t plan on doing any of the above while in Madagascar, you can argue that you needn’t be immunized. But Dr. Peacock explains that you never know when an emergency situation will require that you undergo a medical procedure that can lead to Hepatitis B contamination.

Where can you get your vaccinations done?

There are several locations where you can get your immunizations done. Some of the items on the list below will lead you to official websites that will allow you to find a place near you to get your vaccinations done.

Family physician’s office
Local Health Center
State and local Health Department
Travel clinics
Travelers’ health-specialized physicians

Yellow fever vaccination clinics
Local Pharmacies. Not all pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccinations, but it is worth asking your local pharmacist if your options are limited.

Can vaccinations make you feel ill?

It is not uncommon to get a localized reaction at the injection site (redness, irritation, swelling, bruising, etc.), but serious side effects are very rare. Keep in mind that the risks from the diseases vaccines prevent are much greater than the risk of vaccines’ side effects.

When does a vaccine need to be done? How long does the protection last?

The earlier, the better. Dr. Peacock recommends that you check out the CDC website and make an appointment with your physician as soon as you know when and where you are going, “even if your departure date is six months away.” The reasons behind the urgency are as follows:

A vaccine asks your immune system to respond to the antigens injected by developing antibodies. But creating this defense does not happen overnight, so if you get your vaccines done only a week before you’re setting off, you may not be fully protected.
Certain vaccines require several injections, a few months apart. For example:

– Hepatitis A requires two doses injected six months apart to be as effective as possible.
– Hepatitis B is a three-dose vaccine. The second vaccine is given 1 month after the first dose and the third dose is given six months after the first dose.
– Rabies is three-shot series (days zero, seven, and 21 or 28) given at least one month before travel.

Proof of yellow fever vaccine is only valid 10 days after the injection.

The duration of protection is vaccine-specific. Yellow fever is supposed to last a lifetime, but doctors recommend that you get a booster shot after 10 years. For typhoid, a booster shot is needed after two years. Do not assume that you are still protected against a disease if you were vaccinated against it a long time ago. Visit your physician to get a booster shot to make sure you are safe before traveling and ask them for a booklet where you can keep track of your vaccinations needs.

Proof of vaccination

Photo: Henrik Dolle/Shutterstock

Before you make an appointment to get immunized, try to locate your vaccination records (baby book, family physician, etc.). It will be very helpful for the physician to know what vaccinations you need. Also, make sure to ask the person administering your vaccines for a booklet where your vaccines and the dates of injections are listed. If you already have one, provide it so it gets updated.

Certain countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Upon immunization, you should receive a yellow card called the

International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) to prove that you have had yellow fever vaccine. Note that the proof is only valid 10 days after the injection.

Dr. Peacock recommends that you bring your vaccination booklets with you, even if no proof of vaccination is necessary at your destination. The precaution can be very helpful in case of an emergency situation abroad.

Diseases for which there is no vaccine but travelers must be prepared

The two most common travel diseases for which there is no vaccination are:

1. Malaria

There is currently no vaccine against malaria, but there are several prescription medicines available to travelers who will visit countries at risk. Dr. Peacock states that not all malaria medication provokes unpleasant side effects as seems to be the rumor among travelers worldwide. There are a few options out there, and your doctor will help you navigate them according to your needs. Anti-malaria medication needs to be taken before, during, and after your trip, so, just like with vaccines, do not wait until the last minute to consult your physician about your travel health. Note that since malaria is a disease transmitted through mosquitoes, travelers should prevent mosquito bites by using repellent; covering their skin with long sleeves, long pants, and hats; using mosquito nets and staying in screened accommodations; staying indoors when mosquitoes are the most active, and using permethrin-treated clothing and gear.

Photo: CDC

2. Infectious diarrhea

Infectious diarrhea is a foodborne and/or waterborne infection. Travelers can do their best to prevent it by making sure the water they drink is boiled or treated and the food they eat is cooked and prepared with proper hygiene. According to Dr. Peacock, “Usually, infectious diarrhea resolve itself in four to five days, but can make you feel quite miserable.” There are antibiotics available that can treat the infection, so ask your physician about them before you set off. Note that Imodium does not treat the infection but will reduce the frequency of your stool in an effort to help control the symptoms. Do not take Imodium unless you need to (long bus rides, long flights, etc.) as it may prolong the problem.

Dengue, zika, and schistosomiasis, among others, are also diseases that currently cannot be prevented by vaccines. Travelers going to infected areas should look into the best behavior to adopt so as to remain safe. Consult the CDC’s list of diseases that can affect travelers here.

Extra precautions travelers can take to remain healthy
Prevent bug bites by:

Using repellent
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and hats
Using mosquito nets around your bed and stay in screened accommodations
Staying indoor when mosquitoes are the most active at your destination
Using permethrin-treated clothing and gear

Avoid your exposure to germs by:

Avoiding close contacts with infected people (kissing, hugging, etc.)
Not sharing food or drinks with others
Washing your hand with soap or using hand sanitizer
Not touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands

Eat and drink safely by:

Boiling or treating water before drinking, or drinking from sealed bottles only
Eating fully-cooked and hot food from places with reputable hygienic practices
Eating only fruits and vegetables that you can wash and peel yourself (if it’s washed with contaminated water, you will get sick)
Eating and drinking only pasteurized dairy products
Avoiding street food, if sanitation conditions are in question
Putting ice in your drinks (ice made with contaminated water will get you sick)

Avoid sharing body fluids by:

Using condoms or refraining from having sexual intercourse
Not sharing food or drinks with others
Avoiding tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture

Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment by:

Avoiding frequenting spas or beauty salons that seem unhygienic
Avoiding tattoos, piercings, and unnecessary medical procedures

Keep away from wild or stray animals


More like this: 9 ways you’re sabotaging your health while traveling (and how to fix it)

The post These are the travel vaccines you actually need, according to an expedition doctor appeared first on Matador Network.

Scuba Diving Magazine photo winners

Even if you’re an avid photographer, you might not have dabbled in underwater photography. This niche photo contest, sponsored by Scuba Diving magazine, really puts into perspective the beauty and degree of difficulty of capturing marine life in its natural habitat. The magazine’s 14th annual photo contest asked photographers of all skill levels to submit their best underwater work. Tasked with judging over 2,100 entries, the magazine selected a dozen winners divided into four categories: Wide-Angle, Macro, Conceptual, and Compact Camera, with one Grand Prize overall winner. Here are some of the notable winners.

Compact Camera Winner — Jamie Hall

Photo: Scuba Diving

In the waters of the Tiran Islands in the Red Sea, in a rock-and-coral formation, Jamie Hall discovered the giant moray eel that would become the subject of his photograph. He moved in cautiously, and as he did, “The moray stared straight into my lens, not breaking eye contact for a moment.” That intense eye contact is what makes the photo truly gripping.

Wide-Angle Winner — Alex Dawson

Photo: Scuba Diving

This photo isn’t a depiction of marine life at all but of a relic of human history. In 1999, the Jordanian Royal Ecological Society sank an anti-aircraft tank just off Tala Bay, and it’s since become a snorkel and dive attraction. Soon after the sinking, the wreck became home to many of the reef’s aquatic residents.

Conceptual Winner — Conor Culver

Photo: Scuba Diving

The conceptual category is meant to illustrate an idea with a unique interpretation making use of creative techniques and software. Culver conceived of this picture when he came across a coconut octopus while muck diving in Indonesia. He then strove to create a “home” for it with a small bottle he found while diving in Naples, Florida. Taken together, the piece is meant to illustrate how these two subjects are often regarded: disaggregated as trash.

Macro Winner — Cai Songda

Photo: Scuba Diving

Captured off Janao Bay in the Philippines, Songda found this blanket octopus while doing a safety stop, ascending from nearly 100 feet below. “Colors were vibrant,” she said, “the reflections alluring, and the octopus very cooperative, as if striking a pose.”

Grand Prize Winner — Rodney Bursiel

Photo: Scuba Diving

It might not look like it was taken underwater, but that’s the beauty of editing. While in Tonga, Bursiel attempted to create a unique perspective here by flipping the image of the whale upside down, so it appears to be floating above the surface. “Storytelling isn’t always about the reality of what was seen,” Bursiel told Scuba Diving. “I hope the image shares with others my take on the musical world I find myself in each time I dip below the surface.”

H/T: Scuba Diving

More like this: The 12 most incredible underwater environments on earth

The post The winners of Scuba Diving Magazine’s underwater photo contest are unreal appeared first on Matador Network.

Natural swimming pools in Mexico

These days, the hottest spots to visit in Mexico are actually pretty cool: cenotes. Thousands of these natural wells, formed by sinkholes in limestone, dot the Yucatán peninsula. The cool waters and lush surroundings of cenotes are a welcome respite from the heat of the Mayan Riviera, which means these spots are frequently packed with other visitors. Plan to visit on off hours and you may find yourself alone in an underworld paradise. If you’re ready to jump in, here are the coolest natural, wild swimming pools in Mexico.

Photo: Larwin/Shutterstock

Cenotes Tankach-Ha, Choo-Ha, and Multum-Ha; Coba; Quintana Roo

These three cenotes are located close to one another, deep in the jungle surrounding the village of Coba. Though they are close to the Nohoch Mul pyramid, visitors won’t experience the crowds of other cenotes. If you plan your trip right, you may even have one all to yourself. Each of the cenotes is accessed through a small well opening and down flights of wooden stairs. Once underground, you’ll be treated to a dip in cool, unspoiled waters. For the brave-hearted, Tankach-Ha has diving platforms at about 30 feet and 15 feet above the water.

Photo: mundosemfim/Shutterstock

Cenote Chaak Tun, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

This dramatic cavern, dripping in stalactites, is formed by one large pool with three caverns. Two of the caverns are filled with water and great for snorkeling; the other is just fun to peruse. Because it’s located just outside of town, expect lots of other swimmers and also a good management infrastructure — the onsite management offers life jackets and hard hats with the entry fee, and snorkeling equipment and wetsuits are also available for rent.

Photo: Oksana Golubeva/Shutterstock

Cenote Calavera, Tulum, Quintana Roo

Just outside of the city of Tulum, this cenote is also known as the “Temple of Doom” for a quirky reason — it’s made up of three holes and, from above, looks like a skull. It’s a bit off the beaten path and therefore one of the least-crowded cenotes in the area. Entry is by rustic ladder, and once you’ve taken the plunge, you may notice company far below your dangling toes. Expert scuba divers like to explore the multitude of underwater caves far below the water’s surface.

Photo: Alltournative

Cenote Maya Native Park, Valladolid, Yucatán

Among the most popular of the Yucatán cenotes, you enter this large cavern down four flights of stairs or, for the more adventurous, by rappelling 85 feet through a hole in the rock above the water. It’s more developed than other cenotes, and the $40 entry fee allows more than a splash around in the cool blue — visitors are also encouraged to swing from “Tarzan vines” or the built-in trapeze zip-line. It’s like Mother Nature made her very own water park.

Photo: Gosha Images/Shutterstock

Cenotes Samula and X’Keken, Valladolid, Yucatán

These cenotes are located in a park that also has well-maintained hiking trails and a bevy of craft-market stalls. Samula is the larger but lesser-visited of the two. Roots from trees above stretch down into the cavern’s waters, which are so clear you can see the eyeless, black fish that inhabit them. A hole in the roof of the cenote illuminates the blue water during the day, and at night, purple lights make for an eerie ambiance.

The only light in the other cenote, X’Keken, comes from a small hole in the cave roof. At midday, an intense beam shines straight down into the turquoise waters; therefore, you can expect every Instagrammer in the area to be there trying to catch the perfect shot. More popular with swimmers than Samula, X’Keken even has a lifeguard on duty. Because of the number of visitors to these cenotes, it is recommended that you rent a locker for your stuff, or it may leave without you.

Photo: Jakub Zajic/Shutterstock

Cenote Yokdzonot, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán

Ik Kil is one of the most popular cenotes in all of Mexico due to its proximity to Chichén Itzá, but if you’re willing to go 10 minutes past it, you’ll find yourself richly rewarded. Most people don’t spend the extra time to get to Yokdzonot; therefore, this cenote is relatively calm and even, at times, deserted. Yokdzonot is run by local villagers who have put much effort into keeping it as natural as possible, so you may not be absolutely alone in your soaking — birds, dragonflies, and other indigenous creatures also enjoy the solitude of this wildly beautiful spot.

Photo: lastdjedai/Shutterstock

Dos Ojos, Tulum, Quintana Roo

Just off the beach highway north of Tulum, these cenotes are part of one of Mexico’s most expansive underwater cave systems. This network of caves runs at least 38 miles, sometimes at depths of over 350 feet, and is known worldwide as one of the best dive spots in Mexico. The “two eyes” that give these cenotes their names are Blue Eye and Black Eye. Blue Eye is light-filled and popular with divers because of its underwater access to another cavern that is home to a large population of bats. (So basically, it’s the Bat Cave.) Black Eye has almost no light and is therefore popular with swimmers, divers, and snorkelers keen on sensory deprivation. The best of both worlds!

Photo: Elzbieta Sekowska/Shutterstock

Gran Cenote, Tulum, Quintana Roo

One of the top diving spots in the Mayan Riviera, Gran Cenote is part of the cave system that also includes Dos Ojos. It’s a different experience than most cenotes in that it is actually a series of cenotes connected by wooden walkways through thick jungle. These cenotes are less rocky than others and have white sandy bottoms just like the nearby beach. Snorkelers here can lazily float from spot to spot and maybe even catch a glimpse of the resident fish and turtles.

Photo: Florian Augustin/Shutterstock

Cenotes of Cuzamá, Cuzamá, Yucatán

This small town outside of the flamboyant colonial capital of Merida is pocked with cenotes of every kind. Among them, you’ll find beautiful cenotes for swimming (Yax Bacaltun), caving (Santa Cruz), and photography (San Antonio, which the locals have lit with a rainbow of mood lighting). Other options include the root-lined cave of Chacsinicche, stalactite-dotted Bolonchoojol, or one of the many unnamed cenotes lurking in the jungle. Exploring the cenotes here is a great chance to practice your Spanish; spend some time here and get to know the locals — they know where all the good spots are.


More like this: How to go cenote cave diving in Mexico

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Making Wi-Fi voice calls in the air

It’s a lesson you should have been taught at age four, right about the time you tried eating paste: just because you CAN do something, doesn’t mean you SHOULD. This applies not only to ingesting adhesives, but to talking on your cell phone while on an airplane. A recent study from Turkish Airlines found that while making calls at 35,000 feet might be possible in the era of high-speed, in-flight Wi-Fi, almost nobody in America thinks you should do it.

The study, titled the “Turkish Airlines U.S. Aviation Trends 2017 Report,” surveyed passengers around the world and found that a whopping 89 percent of Americans are strongly opposed to allowing in-flight voice calls, citing nuisance and disturbance as their main reasons.

Interestingly, some other countries didn’t seem to mind as much, with 73 percent of Indian passengers, 70 percent of Chinese, and 63 percent of Emiratis favoring in-flight phone calls over Wi-Fi. This may be why over 24 foreign airlines allow Wi-Fi voice calls (when not in American airspace), including Emirates and nearly every airline in India.

In America, however, public sentiment is still strongly against it. Which is why, despite advances in technology that make it completely safe, it’s illegal. That’s right: illegal. Here’s why.

A real safety concern is now just a nuisance

Once upon a time, airlines banned all cell phone calls as a matter of safety: The cellular signal sometimes interfered with pilots’ radio communications, so the FCC enacted a blanket ban on cell phone use in 1991. However, as phones became more sophisticated and the signal wasn’t really much of a safety risk, in 2013 then-FCC chief Tom Wheeler proposed changing rules that he called “outdated” to allow more in-flight phone use. Because the government moves about as fast as a high school offensive lineman, it took a while for any changes to be considered.

By 2016, in-flight Wi-Fi had gotten faster. Fast enough to allow voice calls using WhatsApp, Wi-Fi calling, Facebook, or a litany of other platforms without taking our phones out of airplane mode. This loophole may have fallen outside of the FCC regulation, which simply read that “Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircrafts are airborne.” Clearly, that’s up to interpretation, even in a Wi-Fi-equipped balloon.

So in late 2016, the Department of Transportation looked at allowing airlines to make their own determinations as to whether they allowed voice calls. It didn’t sit well with the flying public, to say the least. Over 7,000 comments strongly urging the FCC to uphold its ban were logged. And flight crews were overwhelmingly unanimous in their opposition.

The International Association of Machinists, a union representing pilots and flight attendants, said in a statement “(Voice calls) would increase cabin noise levels, making it difficult for flight attendants to communicate important safety announcements to passengers…It is a certainty that flight attendants will have to de-escalate cabin situations due to hostility between passengers emanating from in-flight voice calls.”

Basically, if you thought fights over seat-reclining were getting out of control, you ain’t seen nothing yet. The union also argued that, in theory, terrorists could use voice calls to coordinate attacks onboard planes. And who can argue with anything stopping terrorists?

Airlines weighed in too, as United — mired in its 2017 string of PR crises — announced it would continue to prohibit voice calls no matter what the regulations were.

As a result, in April of 2017 the ban was upheld, and the FCC effectively prohibited all onboard voice calls. “Taking it off the table repentantly will be a victory for Americans across the country who, like me, value a moment of quiet at 30,000 feet,” FCC chairman Ajit Pai said when announcing the decision. Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief, overbearing bosses and needy boyfriends were dealt a serious blow, and the skies remained relatively quiet for the foreseeable future.

So if you were considering your cross-country flight as a great chance to catch up with Nana, think again. Wi-Fi calls are still prohibited on airplanes and will be until Americans change their minds. Does that mean the girl next to you might still insist on FaceTiming her “squad” while you’re trying to catch a few Z’s from LA to Dallas? Of course it does. And, like with a lot of things, the flight attendants might not stop her. It’s up to you whether to rat her out and cause, as the union predicted, a “cabin situation.” Or just invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, snap a video, and post it to Passenger Shaming.


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

The post Can you make Wi-Fi voice calls on airplanes? appeared first on Matador Network.

What to do in Slovenia

Slovenia is a curious destination. It’s one of Europe’s newest countries, and it’s still regularly confused with Slovakia, so much so that the embassies apparently meet once a month to exchange incorrectly addressed mail. Although the country still flies under the radar for most travelers, it’s becoming more common to find Instagram posts of its turquoise waters, soaring mountains, and that inimitable church on an island. The secret of this beautiful destination is getting out.

There’s a lot going on in this small — just a little more than 100 miles across — country. The natural beauty is its principal drawcard, but the culture shared with notable neighbors Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia make it a European melting pot. You’ll find towns that only speak Italian, or Hungarian, and dishes that could belong in any one of the neighboring countries. Despite these shared commonalities and apparent struggle for its own identity, there is without a doubt something truly unique about Slovenia that makes it worth going out of the way to travel to. Spend a week there exploring the quiet streets of Ljubljana, the beautiful coastal town of Piran, and paddling the pristine lakes of Bled and Bohinj, and you’ll figure out why Slovenia simply can’t be missed.




1

Ljubljana Castle

The most striking feature of the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, is the castle-topped mountain at its center. It’s a small tree-lined peak that you can ascend on one of several paths, and the view from the top is impressive. If you’re looking for a view of the hill and castle, you’re better off walking the spiral staircase at Nebotičnik, where you’ll also find a rooftop bar and coffee shop.

2

Pedestrianized streets of Ljubljana

In spite of Ljubljana being the state capital, there’s a peace and tranquility that’s not often found in cities. That probably has to do with the fact that no motorized traffic is permitted to pass through its streets.

3

Seaside town of Piran

Slovenia may only have a 28-mile coastline, but with beautiful towns like Piran, which could just as easily be in neighboring Italy, it’s well worth a visit. You’ll enjoy all the bliss that makes the coastlines of Italy and Croatia famous, without the crowds.

Intermission











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4

The other side of Lake Bohinj

The shores of Lake Bohinj are easy to navigate on foot, and they take you through forests and along tranquil stretches until you emerge on the far side of the lake, with this view all the way across to where you started.

5

Canoeing on Lake Bohinj

Canoeing on the pristine Lake Bohinj might be one of the best ways to experience this beautiful body of water. You can rent canoes at the main town on the water’s edge, or hop aboard a classic motorized wooden boat that’ll get you to the other side considerably quicker.

6

Kranj

Kranj is the fourth largest city in Slovenia, with a population of less than 40,000 people. It’s located just 12 miles northwest of Ljubljana, and easily reached by train on a day trip from the capital. Here you’ll find traditional Slovenian food and handmade crafts for sale in tiny stores dotted throughout the city.

7

Turquoise waters of Slovenia

The waters of Slovenia have a turquoise hue that make them truly incredible to view from a distance, such as from this vantage point in the castle that overlooks the famous Lake Bled.

8

Lake Bled

Lake Bled is the most popular tourist attraction in Slovenia for good reason - it truly is a surreal sight. Whether you choose to walk its circumference, snap an aerial photograph from the nearby castle, or embrace your inner tourist and row to the very church in its center, you’ll leave with a slew of jaw-dropping photos, and even better memories.

More like this: 7 ways to save money on your trip to Slovenia

The post Why Slovenia should be a mandatory stop on your next trip to Europe appeared first on Matador Network.

Chinese translation of each US state

— a word-per-word technique that doesn’t take any context into account — very rarely yields an accurate reading, and sometimes just results in complete nonsense. Nowhere is that principle more obvious than in this hilarious map of the United States, posted by Reddit user hashtagelf, which shows the literal translation of Chinese characters for US state names.

Photo: hastagelf/Reddit

As you can immediately tell, the translations are completely absurd. California means “to add profit and luck to Asian Buddhist nun,” while Massachusetts translates to “horse nirvana reachers various unenlightened.” Some state translations sound a bit more coherent. “This prestigious healthy star” wouldn’t be the worst motto for Wisconsin, and “to attain and gather Buddha homes” might make sense to some people in Florida.

Other names, if analyzed deep enough, might actually make sense. Anyone trying their luck in Las Vegas probably hopes to “attain magnificence inside,” Kentuckians likely agree that they “consent to basic morality,” Arkansas’ “oh, to consent to color” makes sense in a historical context, and Wyoming’s “suddenly bright bosom” is just plain funny.

But we can all agree on “beautiful country,” which is the literal translation of “America” itself.

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