Matador Network's Blog, page 1286

Japan’s fake plastic food is melting

You know it’s hot when objects start melting. Forget temperatures being too high to dine outside — in Japan, they’re too high for even fake plastic food to sit in their window displays. That’s right, the plastic food that’s meant to entice customers to enter cafes and restaurants in Japan is turning into colorful, but unappetizing, goo this week, according to Kotaku. In Nagoya, the temperature was 104 degrees, but inside the display window temperatures were as high as 140.

溶けた食品サンプルを見に観光しに来ました。 pic.twitter.com/PTO3DyS36L

— 八神宗知@コスサミお疲れ様でした (@yagamisouchi) 6 août 2018

The display foods are meant to both demonstrate how the meal will look on a plate, and allow non-Japanese tourists to simply point at menu items without having to struggle with the language. They have been found in the window displays of Japanese restaurants for nearly 90 years. Display food, or “shokuhin sampuru,” is a huge business in Japan — the niche industry is worth about $90 million each year, according to The Guardian.

You can bet that these cafe and restaurant owners are eager for a break in the heat wave even more than their parched customers.

H/T: Munchies

More like this: The hottest place on Earth is uncomfortable, dangerous, and beautiful

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A meteor shower is happening on 8/12

Stargazers are in luck this weekend. This year’s Perseids meteor shower will appear brighter than ever thanks to the almost-moonless skies. NASA meteor expert Bill Cooke told Space.com that while the Perseids shower occurs every August, this year’s new moon will make it “probably the best shower of 2018 for people who want to go out and view it.”

The shower gets its name because each year, the meteors appear to radiate out from the Perseus constellation. The streaks of light we see on Earth, however, are actually coming from the trail of debris (meteorites) left by the Comet Swift-Tuttle, as we cross through its path. As the meteorites enter Earth’s atmosphere, they heat up, leaving a bright streak across the sky.

While Earth has actually been passing through the wake of Swift-Tuttle since July 17th, the peak of the meteor shower will start on August 12th, and will last until the early hours of Monday, August 13th. For the best viewing, NASA recommends allotting at least 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness. 60 to 70 meteors are expected to appear per hour, so if you’ve found yourself a prime viewing location, you’re pretty much guaranteed to see some shooting stars.

So, what constitutes a “prime viewing location”? Well, anywhere with a clear sky and little light pollution — so get out of the city. The west coast looks like it’ll offer the best viewing opportunities, and projected thunderstorms might dampen the meteor shower for stargazers throughout the eastern United States. You can also consult this map to find dark sky locations around the world.

H/T: Insider

More like this: 19 stunning night skies that will inspire you to look up

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How to crush the Louvre in one day

Everything in the Louvre is worth seeing. But unless you live in Paris and visit the museum daily until the end of your days, you will never see everything. To make sure your visit is packed with heaps of amazing art that won’t bore the heck out of you, we’ve asked Louvre expert Dorian Dallongeville to give us the lowdown on how to crush this gigantic museum in one day.

Dorian Dallongeville started studying Art History in high school when he was 16 years old. He made the discipline his major at the University of Nantes, France, for one year and then attended the Ecole du Louvre for four years where he graduated in 2009. The Ecole du Louvre is a higher-education establishment teaching courses in Archaeology, Epigraphy, Art History, the History of Civilisations, and Museology that is located within the museum. Dallongeville had the chance to study the pieces displayed in the museum almost daily with teachers who are the most renowned experts in their fields. Dallongeville is currently the senior curator at French Lines.

Before you go: The #1 piece of advice for visiting the Louvre
The best times to visit the Louvre
The Louvre’s guided tours
Where to start your visit

Five must-see pieces and why they matter
Most underrated pieces to check out
What you can skip
Rooms you shouldn’t miss
What a piece marked “MNR” means

Before you go: The #1 piece of advice for visiting the Louvre

For the love of everything that’s holy, do yourself a favor and buy your ticket online.

The line will be less than 30 minutes if you do so but can be as long as 90 minutes if you don’t. Dallongeville says that you won’t regret it.“It’s the best way to see any popular monuments in Paris without waiting for hours, including Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.”

If you’d rather chance it, at least download the Affluence app, which will give you the estimated wait time at the Louvre before you make your way there from the other end of Paris.

The best times to visit the Louvre

Photo: toiletroom/Shutterstock

Without any hesitation, Dallongeville recommends the night visits (possible two days a week). “Go after 5:00 PM and until 9:30 PM on Wednesdays and Fridays. It will be quiet, and the atmosphere is completely different at the end of the day.” The museum closes at 9:45 PM, but the rooms are evacuated 15 minutes prior to closing.

Dallongeville also suggests that you avoid any school holidays, weekends, or peak summer times. “A dark Wednesday evening in early November is the best time, but if you’re in Paris during the summer months, just make sure you’re visiting the museum on a Wednesday night.” Check out the hours of operation and plan as best as you can.

Guided tours

If you’d rather let the pros do all the heavy lifting when it comes to organizing your day, there are three guided tours available at the Louvre, all of them very well done:

Welcome to the Louvre — Louvre highlights
Another Louvre — Hidden Treasures
My First Louvre — Fun for all the family

You’ll be provided with some great information, but unlike getting an audio guide, you’ll be able to ask experts questions, which is invaluable. Book guided tours online to make sure you have a spot.

Where to start your visit

Photo: Musée du Louvre

Dallongeville is unequivocal: you must start with the Louvre’s origins.

Before being the amazing museum that it is, the Louvre was a castle, home to the kings of France. The well-preserved vestige of that castle can be seen in an underground chamber called the Pavillon de l’Horloge (room 130 on your map). The remains of the castle, as well as countless artifacts, were found in the 1980s when the Louvre was extensively renovated. In that part of the museum, visitors will find a model castle to help them visualize what the Louvre looked like back in the 12th century when it was built.

You’ll be walking where the moats used to be, at the foot of the immense medieval structure.

Checking out those remains is a great way to dive into the history of the museum before you actually walk its corridors and look at the art pieces it houses. And because it is an underrated area of the museum, you’ll get some peace and quiet.

Five must-see pieces and why they matter

Dallongeville recommends that you don’t only focus on paintings but rather try to see a variety of art pieces. “When you’re not an expert, staring at too many two-dimensional paintings can get very weary, so make sure you also check out three-dimensional objects so as not to get bored. There are thousands of pieces of furniture, decorative objects, tapestries, sculptures, etc. that will keep you alert and interested.” With this in mind, here are Dallongeville’s top recommendations.

1. The Mona Lisa

Photo: Resul Muslu/Shutterstock

The Mona Lisa is the most famous art piece in the museum, so it’s hard to set foot in the Louvre without feeling the need to check it out. Dallongeville says that people run from the entry of the museum to get to the Mona Lisa first. “Visitors are obsessed with this painting,” he explains, “and it’s got less to do with the beauty of the technique or the subject than with its thrilling story.” Indeed, Dallongeville explains that it’s the aura of mystery that envelops this small 16th-century painting that draws the large crowds. The identity of the woman depicted is unknown, her smile is famously enigmatic, and Leonardo Da Vinci himself brought the painting to France in 1515 though no one understands how it ended up in the hands of the French royalty. But what really made, and still makes, this painting extraordinary is the fact that it was stolen in 1911 to be recovered only two years later. And, of course, Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code did not help to contain the hype.

2. The Winged Victory of Samothrace

Photo: muratart/Shutterstock

Also a very famous piece, this Greek antiquity is monumental in both size and beauty. Located at the top of a set of stairs leading to level one (home of the Mona Lisa), you couldn’t miss this piece even if you tried. The Winged Victory of Samothrace represents the Greek goddess of victory, Nike, with wings, standing on the bow of a ship — a pedestal that makes it stand out even more. The incredible details on the wings, the drapery of the goddess’s tunic, and the effect of transparency of the garment are stunning. The marble monument dates back from 190 BC and was discovered and transported from the island of Samothrace to France during the second half of the 19th century, so the goddess is missing her head, but the rest of her is so gorgeous that you barely notice.

3. The Crown of Louis XV

Photo: Ewa Studio/Shutterstock

During and after the French Revolution in 1789, most of the royal treasure was either destroyed (sometimes melted) or stolen. What little is left of that treasure carries great historical value as it is a concrete record of the French monarchy, so if you want to learn a bit more about the history of France while on your visit, this is the perfect stop. The crown of Louis XV was commissioned by the king and worn during his coronation. The superb 1722 piece is made of silver and silk and decorated with pearls and precious stones. The crown part of the Decorative Arts Department (colored purple on your map) is on level one in a room so incredibly beautiful that you need to check it out, even if you’re not interested in the crown. Dallongeville goes as far as to say that the room, named the Apollo Galerie, is “like a mini version of Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors.” Enough said.

4. Winged human-headed bulls

Photo: pryzmat/Shutterstock

Located in the Near Eastern Antiquities section of the museum (colored yellow on the map), the two identical pieces are 13 feet tall and 13 feet wide, and each was carved from a single block of alabaster. According to the details provided by the museum, the Winged human-headed bulls were “protective genies called shedu or lamassu and were placed as guardians at certain gates and doorways around the city and palace.” The details on the pieces are astonishing; just take a look at the creatures’ beards and wings. And if you look even closer, you’ll notice that each of them has five legs, not four. Each piece has two legs visible from the front, but when you look at each of them from the side, you’ll see four legs, including one that is not visible from the front. The pieces date back to around 721-705 BC and come from modern-day Iraq.

Photo: Musée du Louvre

5. Le baptistère de Saint Louis

This hammered brass basin located in the Islamic Art section (colored turquoise on the map) was created in Egypt between 1320 and 1340.

The basin, called Le baptistère de Saint Louis, is intricately decorated with gold, silver, and niello (a black paste), and it’s one of the greatest pieces of Islamic art ever created. On its own, it would be a must-see, but because it was also used to baptize French royalty’s children for centuries, it’s even more valuable.

Most underrated pieces to check out
1. The Ship of Fools

A post shared by @ohtableau on Jul 29, 2018 at 6:39am PDT

If you want to have fun, Hieronymous Bosch’s paintings are your best bet. There is only one piece of his in the Louvre, and it’s also the only piece in France, so although it’s a small one, take the time to look at it closely. Like all his pieces, this one pertains to a satirical and fantastical genre and is filled with many strange characters doing very strange things. Very little is known about the artist or the actual meaning of the thousands of symbols hidden in his paintings, but they are packed with amusing details that visitors will appreciate. For this painting, Dallongeville recommends that you use an audio guide. The Ship of Fools is a Dutch painting and therefore located on the second level in the Richelieu Wing with the Northern European paintings.

2. The Seasons

A post shared by Agricola Leonardo Marino (@agricola_leonardo_marino) on Aug 2, 2018 at 1:23am PDT

The Seasons is a series of four paintings created by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in 1563. The paintings are portraits made with a combination of plants, fruits, and vegetables associated with each season. All four pieces are incredibly detailed, colorful, and fun to observe. And you don’t need a great deal of knowledge about the technique or the historical context to enjoy them. The Italian paintings are displayed in the Denon Wing on the first floor in room 712. Note that you’re not guaranteed to see all four portraits as some of them are sometimes lent out to other museums. The photo above shows Summer (left) and Spring (right).

A post shared by Olivier Poiraudeau (@opoiraudeau) on Dec 10, 2016 at 9:54am PST

3. Sceptre of Charles V

Dallongeville recommends that visitors coming from abroad use their visit to the Louvre as an opportunity to learn more about the history of France. And to do that, he suggests that they check out his favorite Louvre piece.

Displayed in the Decorative Arts section (colored purple on the map), the Sceptre of Charles V is a remarkable feat of goldsmithing and carving. The piece is extravagant, decorated with pearls and precious stones, and the details are superb.

Created during the second half of the 14th century, the scepter had been used by all the kings of France until the French Revolution, i.e. for almost 500 years. Therefore, it is an incredible record of the beauty of the royal treasure before it was dismantled during the Revolution.

Rooms you can skip

Photo: Tupungato/Shutterstock

Dallongeville insists that “every single piece displayed in the Louvre is the result of incredible talent and is historically significant. All the pieces deserve attention from visitors, but for those who know very little about art and art history, certain sections of the museum can be difficult to enjoy.”

Although gorgeous, the Cabinet of Prints and Drawings (level one, Sully Wing) can be monotonous. As was previously explained, two-dimensional art pieces, especially the ones that are bi-chrome, like drawings, may not hold the attention and interest of visitors without any knowledge of these disciplines.

The many rooms devoted to paintings (rooms colored red on your map) can also become overwhelming.

Select one or two, or, if you’re organized, select a few pieces that you want to see in each room. It will be easier to spend a full day in the Louvre if you’re not bored out of your wits after visiting several enormous rooms filled with paintings you have no context for and very little knowledge about.

Rooms you shouldn’t miss

Photo: Brian Kinney/Shutterstock

The Decorative Arts Department (rooms colored purple on your map) is very appealing. It’s filled with bright and colorful objects whose spectacular beauty you can enjoy without needing a lot of context. The variety of the objects displayed (jewels, furniture, etc.) also prevents museum fatigue. The rooms themselves are stunning, especially the Apollo Galerie and Napoleon III Apartments (which is completely underrated by visitors).

Photo: FotoGraphic/Shutterstock

The Egyptian Antiquities sections of the museum (colored light green on the map) are fascinating.You’ll get an idea of what daily life in Ancient Egypt was like and be wowed by the beauty of the artifacts displayed. The pieces are bright, unusual, and far from monotonous.

Photo: Musée du Louvre

What a piece marked “MNR” means

Before WWII broke out, many of the pieces in the museum were sent away from Paris to the countryside to keep them safe from possible bombardments; in August 1939, the Mona Lisa was evacuated. Soon after, The Winged Victory of Samothrace and other precious pieces followed suit. But during the occupation of France, the German authorities reopened the museum, despite it being nearly empty. They commandeered several rooms in the museum to stock art pieces stolen from French Jewish families and art merchants before sending them to Germany. The Louvre reopened entirely between 1945 and 1947, and all the art pieces that had been evacuated returned to the museum in one piece.

To this day, the Louvre still owns 1,752 art pieces that were looted under the Nazi regime, including 807 paintings. All these pieces are marked “MNR” (National Museums of Recovered artworks), but only a few of them are displayed in the Louvre. (Many are in other French museums). Since 1951, the French government and the Louvre work tirelessly to restitute these art pieces to their rightful owners, and more than 50 painting have been given back to the families of the dispossessed. A catalog of the MNR pieces is available here.


More like this: 7 lesser-known Parisian architectural wonders you can check out for free

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7 Latin American hubs for US expats

For some reason we can’t quite place, interest in living outside the United States has increased recently, with many expressing a desire to marry the nearest, willing Canadian. But sometimes as Americans, we don’t realize how difficult it can be to move somewhere else; some countries make our immigration process look simple while others are, shall we say, less than hospitable to Americans. Still, other places, though nice to live, are so far away that moving — and returning home — are prohibitively difficult.

But within just a few hours of flying south, there are a number of countries where moving is simple, immigration is easy, and the people are hospitable. And more than a few of them look like paradise. We consulted the folks at Live and Invest Overseas and found seven countries nearby in Latin America that are easy for us to move to.

Photo: William Berry/Shutterstock

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has always seemed like a stable option for expats looking to relocate to Central America. It has the highest literacy rate in the region. It’s in the United Nations. Oh, and the surfing isn’t bad, either. Plus, it has a cost of living that — while higher than other Central American countries — is vastly cheaper than even the lowest-cost US cities. There’s also high-speed WiFi in far-flung stretches of the coast and up in the mountains, so for remote workers, it’s an easy transition.

Taxes aren’t bad either as Costa Rica won’t charge any tax on money made outside the country. So, again, for remote workers with US companies, double taxation won’t be a thing. With more money to spend and fewer things to spend it on, life by the beach in Costa Rica might be the change you need.

How to get residency: Costa Rica has three main types of residency. The first is a retiree visa, which applies to anyone getting $1,000 or more per month from a pension or retirement plan. You can get this visa for three years then apply for permanent residency. If you’re not retired but can prove you make $2,500 a month, you can move here on what they call a rentista visa, which allows you to stay for as long as you’re making that income.

Photo: sunsinger/Shutterstock

Panama

Looking at the skyline of Panama City, it’s easy to confuse it for Miami. The same thing happens when you walk the streets. You’ll hear English about as much as you will Spanish and meet people from nearly every country in Latin America, and much of the world. It’s the most international city in Central America, and as an expat, you won’t feel all that out of place in this trade hub that draws business people from China and beyond.

That’s all thanks to the big ditch the US helped build over 100 years ago, which has been under Panamanian control for nearly 18 years. The money the canal generates has led Panama to become perhaps the most comfortable country in the region for Americans. But it’s not allabout the money. Panama has some of the most striking biodiversity in the world, lush jungles, and stunning Caribbean beaches. Take a trip to the Biomuseo in Panama City to learn about all of it before you head out.

How to get residency: Panama isn’t terribly particular about who it lets in so long as you can pay your way. A business investment visa is probably the easiest way, or you can open a bank account with a minimum of $5,000 and buy property with a minimum $10,000 investment. For retirees, Panama might be the best country in the world, with only $1,000 a month requirement and a pensionado program that offers deep discounts on everything from health care to movie tickets to flights back home — or wherever else you want to travel with all that free time.

Photo: Preto Perola/Shutterstock

Dominican Republic

The all-inclusive beaches on Punta Cana, Casa de Campo, and Puerto Plata are what most people associate with life in the DR. But few realize the historic beauty of the country, whose historic city of Santo Domingo dates back to the 1500s and has some of the oldest and best-preserved Spanish-colonial architecture in the world. It’s among the most vibrant and exciting cities in the Caribbean with a rapidly improving infrastructure, and if you still crave urban life outside the United States, Santo Domingo is a fantastic place to live. Beyond the city, the Dominican Republic is also home to the highest point in the Caribbean at Pico Duarte and offers a number of cold-weather mountainous escapes in the Cordillera Central range.

The Dominican Republic also has one of the lowest costs of living in the Caribbean, a place where you can get a house on the beach for less than a starter home in most US cities, and you can live like a king on about $2,000 a month. With short flights to the east coast, envy-inducing scenery, and no fiduciary barriers to enjoying it all, it’s a relaxing and beautiful alternative to life in America.

How to get residency: You must be a temporary resident of the Dominican Republic for five years before applying for permanent residency. So you’ll have some time to try it out. You can get temporary residency status through a (relatively) simple application where you prove your monthly income. After two years as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship, which consists of another application and an interview. Get approved, and you, friend, can begin to call yourself a platano.

Photo: Kamira/Shutterstock

Mexico

Moving south of the border is not a novel concept as the most popular country in the world for Americans has over a million of us living there currently. Most illegally. How’s that for irony. Of course, that makes sense since moving here involves not much more than packing up your car and bringing some cash. Here, you’ll find plenty of people speaking English; some of the best beaches in the world; and vibrant, international cities that sometimes feel strikingly European.

It’s easy to get home from Mexico for stuff like doctors visits and holidays, and you can stay here for six months at a time on tourist visas — which means for remote workers who won’t need to find employment, living here is as easy as flying back home twice a year. Though Mexican real estate has gotten more expensive over the past five years, it’s still crawling back from the 2008 crash that made buying a home here dirt cheap. But it’s all relative, and if you’re not looking for a waterfront mansion, houses are still a fraction of what they would be stateside.

How to get residency: The temporary residence visa is the simplest route, which you can get by proving you have the income to sustain yourself while living in Mexico and detailing the activities you plan to partake in while in the country. That permit is good for four years. If you live in Mexico consecutively for those four years, you can then apply for permanent residence.

Photo: sunsinger/Shutterstock

Colombia

Now that the safety concerns of decades past have mostly been eliminated, Colombia is a compelling country to move. On its coastline, you’ll find white sand and turquoise water along the Caribbean shore in cities like Barranquilla and Cartagena, which are great places to live but far from the only option. Head inland and you’ll find the thriving capital of Bogotá, which is rich with business opportunities, culture, and some of the best museums in the world. If nightlife is your favorite pastime, Medellin is one of the best party cities in the world.

The colonial architecture here is also impressive, whether in the walled city of Cartagena or up in mountain towns like Mompox and Barichara. People are alarmingly friendly, and you won’t only make friends easily but may also find yourself invited to dinner by strangers within an hour of meeting them. The country is eager for foreign investment, so if you’re looking to buy property, you won’t find much red tape.

How to get residency: For retirees, this one is easy. All you need to do is prove you make $629 a month. For investment visas, you’ll need slightly more than that as requirements are 650 times the minimum wage, or about $135,000. You can also gain residency by starting a business here, though that can take a lot longer than simple investment options.

Photo: Aleksandar Todorovic/Shutterstock

Belize

For Salt Life nature lovers, no place is better to move than Belize. It’s home to the largest barrier reef outside Australia and boasts some of the best diving in the world. It’s also made up of dozens of tiny Caribbean islands, which means if you own a boat, you can spend your days exploring little secluded white sand beaches, and truly escape to paradise for hours at a time. English is also the official language of Belize, so paperwork, logistics, and communication will be a breeze.

It’s also the cheapest country to live in the Caribbean, where even in the tourist hub of Ambergris Caye you can find homes that are affordable by US standards. The jungles, mountains, and coastline are pretty sparsely populated, too, so no crowds and “other people” ruining the scenery for you. The only drawback to Belize is a severe lack of infrastructure. Life here won’t be so straightforward as going from point A to point B, but if you’re cool with roughing it, the rewards can be plentiful.

How to get residency: Residency in Belize is pretty simple: Pay $1,000, spend 50 consecutive weeks in the country, and then apply. Your tourist visa can be renewed every 30 days during this time. If you’re over 45, you can apply for QRP residency provided you make over $2,000 a month. And your pet can come with you with some certificates and $20.

Photo: Ecuadorpostales/Shutterstock

Ecuador

Aside from the Galapagos Islands, Americans, for the most part, have not hopped on the Ecuador bandwagon like they have in other South American countries. This means fewer people ever think to move here, leaving cheap beachfront real estate, highly affordable restaurants, and a more authentic expatriating experience for you to take advantage of. Granted, the slow pace of life and lack of English can be frustrating for some, but if you’re good at adapting to different cultures, Ecuador is a true hidden gem. Quito is becoming a culinary hotbed, reminiscent of Lima a decade ago, and other large cities like Cuenca and Loja have pretty solid infrastructures that make living here a little bit easier.

Ecuador might also have the lowest cost of living of any country in Latin America, and though sometimes buying stuff like appliances and electronics can be crazy expensive, they’ll let you bring your own stuff in without taxes.

How to get residency: Spend half the year in Ecuador and you won’t have to spend much more to get residency. With 180 days in the country, you only need to prove that you make $800 a month to live here (we told you it was cheap) or invest $30,800 in Ecuadorian property. And after two to three years, you can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship.


More like this: How to road trip South America

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Fly cheap with JetBlue's fall sale

JetBlue’s Fall Runway Sale is here, and it’s a one-stop-shop for your fall vacation plans. Dates range from September 4th to November 7th, so you can prolong the summer a little for next to nothing. The sale covers a host of domestic destinations, and one-way fares can be found for as low as $34.

Some of our favorite deals include:

Worcester, MA to NYC for $34
Palm Beach, FL to NYC for $79
Hilton Head, GA to NYC for just $69
Salt Lake City to Fort Lauderdale, FL for $84
Phoenix to Boston for $169

You can also find great deals from Boston to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for as low as $129 or San Juan to St. Thomas for just $59, so you give yourself a little sunshine break before winter hits with all its might.

To take advantage of JetBlue’s Fall Runway Sale, make sure you book by noon on August 8th. Also note the promotion’s blackout dates: 9/10-9/12, 9/19, and 10/8.

More like this: JetBlue will deliver authentic New York pizza to you in LA on the same day you order it

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New Zealand opens human catapult

You’ve been zip lining before. Maybe you’ve been bungee jumping or even skydiving. But even the most seasoned thrill-seekers haven’t tackled the newest, most adrenaline-pumping experience to come out of New Zealand. AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand just announced the launch of the world’s largest, most extreme human catapult in the world: the Nevis Catapult.

Located in the remote Nevis Valley below the Southern Alps near Queenstown, NZ, the Nevis Catapult is designed for optimal height, speed, and flight. The high-tech winch system allows the catapult to propel riders 492 feet across the Nevis Valley floor, experiencing up to 3Gs of force and going from zero to nearly 62 miles per hour in just 1.5 seconds. Riders can expect to be launched across the ravine before dropping vertically and recoiling back upwards at great speed. From initial release to final recovery, the full experience ranges from three to four minutes.

Photo: James Morgan Photography

Housed right beside the Nevis Swing — one of the world’s largest swings — the Nevis Catapult hangs high above the valley floor and can only be reached by a swing bridge. The area itself is closed to the public and only accessible by Bungy 4WD.

While (strangely enough) being shot out of a catapult might not have crossed your mind before, we have a feeling it’s about to be the newest addition to a lot of bucket lists. Bookings aren’t available quite yet, but we expect that you should be able to reserve your spot on the website soon.


More like this: You can bungee jump off of Johannesburg’s iconic, 33-story Orlando Towers

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7 best beaches for kiteboarding

Back in the 1990s in Maui, wild-eyed men were getting launched out of the water as they tried to control uncooperative, two-lined kites that had the pulling force of a truck. Thankfully, kiteboarding looks a lot different today; it’s now safer and easier to learn than ever before, as well as one of the most fun activities to try on vacation — or pick-up recreationally.

If you’re getting ready to dip your toes into the world of kiteboarding, note that warm water and sunny weather make all the difference. It is possible to learn on the blustery coast of Ireland or the frost-coated shores of Alaska, as some do. But with so many palm-lined, warm beaches, why subject yourself to a 6mm wetsuit and frostbite? These tropical beaches are the best places to try kiteboarding around the world.

1. Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Photo: laesperanza/Shutterstock

Cabarete has long held a special spot in the hearts of the traveling kitesurf tribe. It’s been the location of choice for scads of international competitions, including the brand-spanking-new GKA Air Games that took place in July.

Cabarete’s best kiteboarding season runs throughout the summer months, peaking between June and September. If you’re a beginner, July and August are the best months to visit, thanks to the super reliable wind and easy-going water conditions. The strong summer breeze and postcard-perfect beaches are more than enough to have us packing our board bags, but top it all off with Cabarete’s awesome surf, and you’ve really got yourself a winning adventure destination.

2. Boca Grandi, Aruba

Photo: Joke van Eeghem/Shutterstock

Aruba is perfectly positioned in the path of trade winds that blow virtually every day through this stretch of the Caribbean. The wind direction also stays more or less unchanged around the clock. No surprise that one of the world’s top three female freestyle riders, Annabel Van Westerop, calls Aruba her home.

While it’s usually the high-rise hotels and buzzing social scene of Palm Beach that attract the bulk of Aruba’s visitors, kiteboarders are better off heading to Boca Grandi on the southeast coast of the island, just a 45-minute drive away. Not only are the wind conditions much better down there, you’ll also be in the right place to escape the crowds at the popular tourist beaches.

3. Jericoacoara, Brazil

Photo: Ksenia Ragozina/Shutterstock

Brazil’s long, winding coastline is packed with kiteable spots — but the pick of the bunch is Jericoacoara, with its buzzing kitesurfing community and reliable winter wind season. Bordered by a smattering of freshwater lagoons on one side and the lush national park on the other, Jericoacoara sits in its own private little corner tucked away behind the sand dunes.

Head there between September and March to score the best conditions; you’re pretty much guaranteed wind within these months. Flatwater lovers will be in their element when visiting protected spots like Barrinha and Tatajuba, while wave riders will do well to hit the open ocean just before Guriu.

4. Mannar, Sri Lanka

Photo: Alexey_Arz/Shutterstock

The kiteboarding community is no stranger to Sri Lanka. The windswept lagoons of Kalpitiya on the country’s western coast have been a hub of kiteboarding activity for a solid 10 years now. Kalpitiya’s explosive reputation within the kiteboarding world has seen the little fishing town fill up with tourists year after year, pushing some of the more adventurous locals to discover new spots to ride along the Sri Lankan coast.

Located in the far northwest, Mannar is the latest craze on the Asian kitesurfing scene — and for good reason. The place is all butter-flat water and strong, stable wind. You can even kite at Adam’s Bridge, the famous underwater shoal that’s thought to have once connected Sri Lanka to mainland India.

5. Mindoro, Philippines

Photo: Artur_Sarkisyan/Shutterstock

There was once a time when the words “kitesurfing” and “Philippines” automatically meant Boracay, but since the island’s temporary closure earlier this year, some of the country’s lesser-known kite spots are finally getting their time to shine. Mindoro is a crowd favorite thanks to its incredible downwind routes and island-hopping opportunities. And on land, you’ve got your pick of jungle treks and mountain-biking trails.

The best wind season runs from November until April, during which time you’ll also be treated to blue skies, warm weather, and very little rain. Mindoro’s kitesurfing beach is spacious and safe, with plenty of room for beginners to get to grips with handling their kite. After tiring yourself out from a full day on the water, chill in your very own glamping tent and enjoy falling asleep to the sound of the ocean.

6. Le Morne, Mauritius

Photo: ohrim/Shutterstock

Mauritius is a much-loved destination in the water sports world. Surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and diving are all on the menu here. And off of the water, you can explore rainforest hiking trails and picturesque hidden waterfalls, or spot exotic wildlife like flying foxes, macaques, and giant tortoises.

Home of the famous wave One Eye, the southwest of the island is absolutely covered in kitesurfing spots. This isn’t one for the faint of heart though, as it’s known as one of the world’s fastest and most powerful waves. Beginners will do well to steer clear of One Eye and head for the flat water lagoon at Le Morne instead.

7. Maui, Hawaii

Photo: Joe West/Shutterstock

Hawaii is where it all started in the ‘90s, and today the kitesurfing scene is thriving more than ever before. The trade winds blow perfectly sideshore across the vast, sandy kite beaches in Maui. That makes it an ideal spot for beginners to find their feet on the board for the first time — as well as a playground for more experienced riders.

While Hawaii is famously known for its monster-sized surf, Maui offers a mix of conditions that’ll suit riders of all levels and styles. Apart from kiting, it’s also an ideal place to snorkel, paddleboard, and hike.


More like this: Best waves for beginners to learn to surf around the world

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Art installation in Paxos, Greece

The stone ruins of Kagkatikas on the island of Paxos, Greece, have been given a temporary makeover that brings the 400-year-old site back to life.

Photo: Quintessenz

Artists Thomas Granseur and Tomislav Topic of the German design practice Quintessenz created the huge project, called Kagkatikas Secret, using 120 mesh layers of different colors. The result of their work is a truly surreal art installation that flutters in the wind and challenges the audience’s perception of reality.

The colorful mesh panels are strung up with wires and spray-painted with an array of 120 different colors. They’re hung in order of size to create the illusion of depth, with the largest placed near the rear stone windows that frame views to the sea. The installation strives to blur the line between reality and the virtual world; the past and the present.

Photo: Quintessenz

Those familiar with Quintessenz’s style will find this installation fitting. The German design group generally takes its inspiration from graffiti culture, graphic design, and chromatics.

Kagkatikas Secret is part of the first-annual Paxos Contemporary Art Project — a site-specific artist initiative on the Ionian island of Paxos.

H/T: Inhabitat

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2019 trending destinations

Somehow when we travel we automatically turn into a giant mass of self-hating hipsters. “Yeah, Venice was nice,” we say, “but it was so full of TOURISTS.” Like we’re not one of them. Then we immediately go on a search to find a place that’s undiscovered and definitely not full of tourists. Then every other tourist-weary traveler does the same thing, learns about the same undiscovered spot, and the whole cycle repeats itself.

With a little time left in summer, and ample time to plan the rest of your 2018 travels, we thought we’d help you get a jump on the masses in finding the spots that won’t be full of tourists — yet. All of them are still pretty authentic, but in coming years might not be. From lesser-visited countries in South America to the increasingly accessible South Pole, here are seven destinations you should hit before the rest of the world gets there.

1. Azores Islands

Photo: Vicky SP/Shutterstock

The secret of “Europe’s Hawaii” is out, bigtime. And though not everyone has had a chance to jump on Delta’s new nonstop flight from JFK to São Miguel in the Azores Islands, it’s already topping people’s list for 2019. This volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic is part of Portugal, though it feels just as remote as islands you’d find in the South Pacific. They’re a little like the Caribbean-meets-Iceland-meets-Central America-meets-Mediterranean — so basically everything a traveler could ever want. The landscape is a combination of steaming volcanoes, steep emerald hills, red-roofed buildings, and lakes in craters. Its remote location 800 miles from Portugal has kept it relatively undisturbed, garnering it a 2009 UNESCO designation as a Biosphere Reserve. It’s also home to the World Heritage City of Angra do Heroísmo on the island of Terceira.

The natural wonders will keep you busy with everything from hiking up live volcanoes to whale watching to rappelling into deep tropical ravines. But it’s also one of the best destinations in the world for seafood, and Caldeiras e Vulcões in São Miguel is possibly the only place where you can eat a seafood stew cooked in the heat of a live volcano. Go this year and you might be the first of your friends to visit this previously-inconvenient locale. Wait a while and it’s bound to be a warmer version of Iceland.

2. Nicaragua

Photo: Tricia Daniel/Shutterstock

For decades, Costa Rica was the it Central American destination for backpackers, until hordes of families on ziplines overran it. Now, intrepid adventurers are setting their sights just north to Nicaragua. This country with both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines saw a 28 percent increase in visitors in 2017, mostly thanks to its relative safety and security. But the place is still pretty wild and untamed, in the way Costa Rica used to be — but probably not for long.

Though the Managua airport might still feel a little…rustic…heading out to the coast here will feel nothing short of a vacation to paradise. Towns like San Juan del Sur, La Boquita, and El Velero already draw wandering beach bums for their affordable living and stunning coastline. But Nicaragua is about more than just beaches, with cultural festivals all year that showcase both its indigenous and Spanish heritage. Try and plan your trip around the hípicas — horse parades that are almost like a horseback carnival that originally started as a way to honor patron saints. Or aim to visit in January for the feast day of St. Sebastian, also known as Diriamba. This festival features dancing, fireworks, and a centerpiece play called El Güegüense. And, more importantly for you, it’s a traditional time for people to offer food and drinks to visitors.

3. Emilia Romagna, Italy

Photo: Stefano Termanini/Shutterstock

Not that the architecture in Bologna — home to the oldest university in the world — was a big secret. Nor was the food in Modena, home to Osteria Francescana, this year’s best restaurant in the world. But both places were kind of abstract; you’d heard of them, but you couldn’t really picture them the way you could the ruins of Rome or the turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast. So until recently, the region of Emilia Romagna where they both reside had been relegated to “Maybe next time I’m in Italy.”

But then Master of None shot a mouth-watering half-season in Modena and discount airlines started flying to Italy, and all of a sudden people who’ve been putting off visits here are going en masse. And why shouldn’t they? Because in addition to streets that look like the Italy you imagined from history books, and food so good you don’t ever need recommendations, this area is also the car capital of speed-mad Italy. As home to Maserati, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and other top manufacturers, it allows you to visit Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace, tour the Lambo factory, and even drive these speed machines on F1 race tracks. Walking through Emilia Romagna, you can almost see Ghosts of Tour Bus Future clogging the streets. But for now, it just seems authentically Italian.

4. Colombia

Photo: Gokhan Bozkaya/Shutterstock

Colombia recently had one of the greatest tourism slogans of all time when it announced to the world: “The only risk is wanting to stay.” Years of relative peace in this one-time drug-infested coastal nation have made it an attractive destination for Americans. With short flights from Florida and Texas increasing every year, it’s quickly becoming the go-to destination for folks seeking a cultural experience and a cheap place to party.

Cartagena — the walled colonial city with some of the country’s best beaches and arguably its best restaurants — may already be lost to tourists. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get all that stuff elsewhere, minus the crowds. The beach cities of Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and San Andrés are every bit as spectacular and not quite as blown up. You can find colonial architecture in smaller inland towns like Mompox, Barichara, and Popayán. If you’re looking for nightlife, nowhere in the nation tops Medellín, the club capital of the country where you can have the night of your life for under $100. And for outdoor adventurers, Ciudad Perdida (aka The Lost City) is being touted as the next Machu Picchu for historical-ruins enthusiasts.

5. Antarctica

Photo: Katiekk/Shutterstock

Not that Antarctica is necessarily easy to get to now, nor is it at risk for being completely covered in tourists. But where once it took years of scientific training and months away from home to visit, now all you need is a couple of weeks and a box of cash, and you too can be frolicking with penguins near the South Pole. Cruise lines like Silversea have launched luxury expeditions here from Ushuaia in the past couple years, and regular commercial air service is already rumored from LADE airlines and possibly China.

With 40,000 tourists a year coming to Antarctica, the Marambio Base now devotes 10 percent of its lodging for tourists. Not exactly a St. Regis, but the first signs of a budding tourism industry. Nevermind that this vast, remote wasteland is, in fact, wasting away and may not even be around for your children or grandchildren to visit. In a decade or so it may see more cruise ships than research vessels. For now, it’s still pretty uninhabited. But scroll through your Instagram this fall and see how many pictures you see of a land that was once thought unreachable.

6. Uruguay

Photo: Paulo Miguel Costa/Shutterstock

When Americans think of South America’s best beaches, this little country wedged between Argentina and Brazil often gets overlooked. For now. As travel to South America gets easier and beaches in Brazil and Chile fill with tourists, more people will be looking for a hidden gem. And Uruguay’s first on the list. This beach-heavy country saw a 30 percent boost in tourism in 2017, with nearly three million visitors pouring in — and for good reason.

The capital city of Montevideo is one of the grandest showcases of colonial architecture on the continent, with 15 miles of beaches and some of the best barbecue restaurants in the world. Steak here is king, and much like you’d find in Argentina, fine steak dinners here are both cheap and spectacular. Elsewhere on the coast lie the beaches of Punta del Este and José Ignacio, swanky escapes for Latin-American celebrities that are gaining international attention for their nightlife and hospitality. Carnival here lasts two months, so if you want the same crazy party without the frenzied masses of Brazil, it’s an excellent alternative. Oh, and marijuana is legal here too.

7. Cambodia

Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock

This southeast-Asian paradise has long emerged from its Killing Fields past, and with sites even more impressive than its tourist-laden neighbors in Thailand and Vietnam, it’s quickly gaining traction as the new “it” spot in the region. That’s not to say tourists haven’t discovered the place a little bit already: the temple complex at Angkor Wat is one of the most recognizable sites in the world. But slowly, word’s getting out about the rest of the country’s natural beauty, and it may not be long before you’re fighting masses in more places than one.

Cambodia’s beaches are spectacular, and the islands off the coast offer all the scenery and raucous parties of Thailand with a less-crowded feel. Head to Koh Rong if you’re looking to rage, or to Koh Rong Samloem for remote tropical beaches. The Cardamom Mountains in the northwest are the stuff of jungle-trek fantasies, with guided tours growing in popularity every year through the treacherous and dense rainforest. Staying in the capital city of Phnom Penh isn’t bad either, where you’ll wander through the energetic BKK1 and Central Markets as well as Asian art galleries like Sa Sa Bassac and Meta House. Relaxing days here may be numbered, so make the most of it while you can.


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17 signs you're not an Arizona local

For pretty much two-thirds of the year, when the weather is glorious and the sweltering sun is manageable, Arizona plays host to a flock of snowbirds and other tourists. Visitors and retirees can often stick out like a sunburned thumb. From a mile off we Arizonans can tell who is born and bred — or at least a long-time transplant — and who has come to sip Margaritas by a Scottsdale resort pool in December. Here are 17 ways you’re giving yourself away.

1. You’re wearing an inappropriate belt buckle.

Obviously it’s someone’s first rodeo when their belt buckle is bedazzled and as big as their head. Classy means fist-size or smaller, and maybe a sparkly rhinestone or two.

2. Your two-step boogie looks a heckuva lot like you’re being jabbed by a cattle prod.

We learned country moves in fourth grade when PE included square dancing as a core part of the curriculum.

3. You’re mounting your horse from the wrong side.

It’s the left — get your mind out of the gutter!

4. You have no idea what the terms haboob, chubasco, and monsoon mean.

Just nod and smile.

5. You have a small dog.

Arizona dogs must be big enough to fend off a coyote or a red-tailed hawk. The exception to this rule is chihuahuas, who stay indoors or tethered in doggy strollers at all times.

6. Your car is on the small side.

Some of us have big trucks because we have to haul hay or tow a horse trailer. The rest of us have big trucks to see around the motorhomes. If you have a little car, it’s either a rental because your truck broke down, or you’re not from ‘round these parts.

7. You don’t bring enough water when you hike.

Remember to bring a gallon, minimum — even if you’re just headed out for a mile in winter. Locals keep at least five gallons in their truck.

8. You need training wheels for your tequila shot.

Unless you’re under 25, in which case you’re probably drinking something fruity.

9. You complain about the heat.

Yeah, it puts us in a foul mood too. But there’s no sense in whining about it. It’s only going to get worse over the years.

10. You’re surprised when it snows.

We know, snowbirds and transplants came to escape that, but it snows here too. In some parts, we even have to scrape our windshields!

11. You’re surprised at all our boats.

Well, admittedly most of our lakes are puddles in comparison to the rest of the world’s, and our “rivers” are seasonal streams at best. But we still like to pretend.

12. You’re also confused about these terms: chimichanga, carne seca, barbacoa, lengua, and tripa.

Keep nodding.

13. You’re wearing your weight in turquoise.

Only we get to do that. We inherited that stuff.

14. You’re taking a picture in front of a saguaro.

Non-natives line up 20 deep to snap a pic in front of the Grand Canyon, and they’ll line up in front of certain giant cacti too. We love our beautiful saguaros too, we just don’t need any more selfies in front of them.

15. You’re not slathered in SPF 50.

Melanoma isn’t kidding around!

16. You’re way too close to that snake/scorpion/jumping cactus/javelina/gila monster.

Really, the warning signs are true.

17. You’re afraid of tarantulas.

They’re cute and fuzzy and they don’t bite. Usually.


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