Matador Network's Blog, page 1290

Eiffel Tower closed because strikes

From air traffic controllers to garbage collectors and train drivers, France is famous for its frequent strikes. Now, it’s the Eiffel Tower that’s getting the strike treatment. Yesterday afternoon, the iconic tower closed due to a workers’ strike. The long, inefficient waiting lines for tourists are exasperating the Eiffel Tower staff. There are two lines at the Eiffel Tower, each leading to different elevators. The first line is for those who have booked their tickets months in advance, while the second is for visitors who show up without a reservation. Prior to July, only 20 percent of tickets were available for advance booking, but now that number has changed to 50 percent.

According to Gail Boisclair, Condé Nast Traveler specialist and founder of Perfectly Paris, “The workers don’t understand why, in non-peak hours, the people in the line without pre-booked tickets cannot use the lift for the people with a reserved time slot, since it will sometimes be going up only partially full while there is still a huge queue at the other lift.”

It’s nice to know tower workers are taking the tourist’s side. Some visitors are waiting up to three hours just to enter the elevator, according to a Reuters report. The wait is even worse now given the recent high temperatures in Paris, which have hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re in Paris this week, and wondering if you’ll be able to queue for the Eiffel Tower, well…it’s tough to know for sure. The strike is supposed to last all day today (Thursday), but a failure to resolve the issue could result in an even longer closure. In the meantime, you can still admire it from the ground.

H/T: Condé Nast Traveler

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

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Outdoor accessories and gear 2018

A slew of new game-changing outdoor accessories and gear is ready to turn your upcoming backcountry trips into great experiences — and we couldn’t be more excited. Innovation is coming to the world of outdoor gear, thanks to a fresh crop of young startups and a few forward-thinking classic brands. Improved moisture-wicking technology is becoming commonplace in everything from shirts to pants to hats, meaning you won’t get stuck outdoors with sweat-covered clothes and nothing dry to change into. And electronic innovations are illuminating dark evenings by the campfire. You’ll also have somewhere to pack and store all that hard-working gear. As an added perk, each of these brands is also thinking environmentally, so you can actually feel good about buying their stuff. Check out these new game-changing products before your next venture into the great outdoors.

Eagle Creek Wayfinder backpack

$129

Photo: Eagle Creek

There are so many backpack models out there that you could use a different one each time you hit the backcountry and still never try them all. As such, it’s a rare day when a brand actually revolutionizes the seemingly straightforward concept of the backpack, but Eagle Creek has done just that with its new Wayfinder series. The packs are stain- and spill-resistant, thanks to a layer of recycled RPBV coating — straight off the top of automobile windshields that currently sit in landfills. This means you’re not only keeping material from hitting the landfill, but you’re also actually taking stuff out when you buy one of these packs.

They come in 40-, 30-, and 20-liter sizes along with a mini daypack for basic use. Each has a separate pouch for wet gear and clothes, and there are dedicated spaces for electronics, gear, and general storage. Each pack is versatile and good-looking, so you can take it with you when you fly, saving you from having to buy a separate pack for every type of trip you take.

Sunski Treelines sunglasses

$89

Photo: Sunski

Treelines combines a pair of goggles with a pair of fancy-schmancy sunglasses. These babies block the sun on the side with detachable clips, and unlike goggles, they actually look super cool, so you’ll want to wear them everywhere you go, from city to mountains. And because they’re essentially goggles lite, they’re perfect for spring skiing — especially once it’s warm enough that you’ve ditched the ski jacket in favor of a hoodie or t-shirt.

Mountain Khakis Teton Crest Pant

$79.95

Photo: Mountain Khakis

Trekking up a peak only to realize halfway up that your legs and groin are as sweaty as your back and pits is not the most comfortable situation. The team at Mountain Khakis is based in outdoorsy Jackson, Wyoming, so they’ve seen this problem themselves — and have solved it with the Teton Crest pant. It’s built to dry quickly and easily let air pass through across the legs and lower body.

Seven pockets let you store everything from a durable knife to a handkerchief to first-aid supplies, and the belt loops are extra durable. They’ve got models for both men and women; the women’s is pictured here. Also, the pant offers SPF 50 sun protection. Plus, Mountain Khaki is working towards B-Corp certification by 2020 — that’s recognition for being environmentally and socially responsible — so you know your money is going to a good company.

Outdoor Element Firebiner

$14.95

Photo: Outdoor Element

How many times have you been setting up camp only to realize you forgot to bring a lighter or matches? Outdoor Element eliminates that problem in the form of a carabiner that carries up to 100 lbs and also lights fires. The Firebiner also has hangslots for your keys, so you won’t leave them lying in the dirt along the way.

JR Ligget’s travel shampoo

$7.99

Photo: J.R.Liggett’s

Outdoor and travel gear are blending more and more, and a perfect example of that is in the demand for sustainable travel-sized toiletries. JR Ligget’s travel shampoo bar doubles as a body soap. Not only will you have a handy cleanser for your river bath, but you also won’t have to open those wastefully disposable minis that come stocked in hotel rooms, either. Everything about the product is zero-waste and biodegradable, and as an added perk, TSA isn’t going to ask you to take it out of your carry-on.

According to JR himself, the shampoo and the residue it leaves behind are so clean that “fish could eat the bubbles.” The fact that the brand started in Denman, Nebraska, a town so small that it’s not even listed in census reports — and not some Silicon Valley office-plex — only adds to its awesomeness.

Lander Cairn XL

$99.99

A post shared by Lander (@lander) on May 4, 2018 at 2:15pm PDT

Despite their excellence at various tasks like grilling, serving as the centerpiece for epic jam sessions, and keeping us warm in the chill of the evening, campfires aren’t always the most reliable sources of light if you need to step more than a few feet back. Enter outdoors brand Lander and its 350-lumen LED lantern known as the Cairn XL.

This light connects to the free Cairn XL app, which allows you to control the power, dim the light, change its color, set light alarms, and even employ an advanced technology known as proximity lighting, which adjusts brightness based on how close you are to the lantern. It also has multiple battery settings and a light strobe. And here’s the kicker: the Cairn XL charges your phone up to four times per battery cycle, which includes up to 250 hours of light time, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity. Not too shabby for a camp light.

RUMPL Original Puffy Poncho

$179

Photo: RUMPL

If there’s one piece of outerwear that has historically been guaranteed to make you look like a buffoon, it’s the poncho. As it turns out, what needed to happen all along was for some inspired brand to rethink the design from the inside out — maybe by giving the poncho an inside to begin with. RUMPL’s Original Puffy Poncho fits like a blanket but looks like a jacket, all while providing rain protection without ruining the undeniable coolness of your appearance.

Thermacell Radius

$49.99

Photo: Thermacell

Thermacell’s latest take on mosquito repelling isn’t quite as exciting as cliff rappelling, but it’s equally impressive. With a lithium battery, the Radius provides 110 square feet of mosquito protection without any chemical sprays. All you have to do is plug a cartridge into the device and your entire camp will be mosquito-free for the duration of your stay. Refills last for 40 hours, so as long as you remember to charge it, you’re good to go. While other products from Thermacell have an elevation limit, due to lights or other factors, the Radius performs at any altitude — meaning it’s just as useful for a high-altitude basecamp session as it is for a backyard barbecue.

BUFF Headwear pack caps

$22-32

Photo: Buff

Moisture-wicking headwear is BUFF Headwear’s specialty, and its pack caps are the epitome of its development. The big sell here is the fact that these caps crush up for storage in your pack — but hold their shape and perform well when you pull them out for wear. The caps are moisture-wicking, made from four-way-stretch polyester fabric, and come in several cool colors and a handful of funky prints. They keep your head sweat-free when you’re working hard, without constantly needing to be cleaned and dried.

Mammut Courmayeur SO Pant with Georganic Design

$225

Photo: Mammut

We’ve always wanted a solid pair of pants designed to move with the body. Mammut, the classic Swiss outdoors brand, listened. Enter the Courmayeur SO Pant, built with the groundbreaking Georganic Design, which features redesigned seams in the pants, eliminating bunching when you step or bend. Basically, the pant becomes part of your leg, eliminating resistance and making long-distance trekking and other repetitive-motion sports that much easier. They look super cool, too — the type of gear that instantly becomes a conversation starter every time you’re around someone who spends ample time outside.

More like this: The ultimate backpacking gear guide for newbies

The post The 10 most game-changing outdoor accessories of the year appeared first on Matador Network.

The 11 best dive bars in Manhattan

Nightlife in Manhattan can get frustrating with bars having double-digit cocktails on their menus, cover charges at the door, and an increasingly pretentious hipster scene. If you’re not from here, you’ll be annoyed to learn that even well drinks are expensive. “But at home…” you might begin to say, but stop right there. The midwest this isn’t, and that vodka cranberry is really $10. Thankfully, there’s one last holdout of the NYC drinks scene where you can avoid uppity cocktailians and save some money: dive bars. From iconic city mainstays to exciting newcomers, these 11 dive bars are some of the best places to get drinks in the city. Just don’t show up dressed to the nines or expecting a laundry list of Prohibition-era cocktails — and make sure you bring cash.

1. 169 Bar

A post shared by @dwntwn1 on Jun 16, 2018 at 9:47pm PDT

169 Bar is a mix between a dive bar and a nightclub that’s been in operation since 1916. The interior is designed around New Orleans in the ‘70s, so think colorful lighting, retro red and black leather booths, beachy palm trees in the corners, and a pool table. If you get hungry, try ordering the oyster platter or dumplings. There’s a $3 beer-and-shot special, and you can order via text.

Where: 169 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM

2. Barracuda

A post shared by Joshua McKinley (@itsjoshuamckinley) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:18pm PDT

You’ll need to have the address handy to visit Barracuda because the outside offers no help. It’s a simple black door that’s pretty easy to miss if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The inside of this gay bar is stylish with colorful, low-hanging lights, and there’s even a small stage for DJs and the occasional drag show. It opens just in time for the perfect after-work drink, and then the vibe transforms completely for the nighttime crowd. Drink, dance, and have fun.

Where: 275 W 22nd St, New York, NY 10011

Hours: Monday to Sunday 4:00 PM – 4:00 AM

3. Doc Holliday’s

A post shared by Doc Holliday's (@dochollidaysnyc) on Sep 22, 2016 at 2:43pm PDT

Western-themed Doc Holliday’s is a surefire hit for those looking to get a good drink at a good price. Draft beers start at $5, and you’ll definitely be able to snag one of the many booths. The interior is where western meets the 1980s, with Old West decor covering the walls and ‘80s music playing through the night.

Where: 1141 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Hours: Monday to Sunday 12:00 PM – 4:00 AM

4. The Rusty Knot

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Sunflower farm bans Instagrammers

Nothing spoils a nice sunflower farm like hundreds of tourists stomping around your land and cozying up to your carefully tended sunflowers. That’s why the Bogle family, which operates a sunflower farm in Millgrove, Ontario, is closing to the public forever. Visitors seeking pictures for Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have overrun the farm this summer, causing the Bogle family to make its fateful decision: no more visitors.

On July 20, the Bogles opened the farm to photographers, charging $7.50 per adult. Thinking they might draw a few hundred visitors over the course of the summer, the family assumed it would provide a modest boost in revenue and a good supplement to the money made from farming sunflower, corn, millet, oats, and barley. They even hired eight staff members at $22 an hour and rented porta-potties to accommodate guests. Visitors came from all over the world, including Dubai and Australia, and at first, the gimmick seemed to be nothing but simple, harmless fun.

By Saturday, July 28, a few pictures had gone viral on Instagram, and that’s when the trouble started. Cars started arriving as early as 5:45 AM; the parking lot was filled to capacity; and the crowds were ignoring the farm staff, crossing into the field without paying. According to police, parents were crossing multiple lanes of traffic with strollers, and fender benders were a common occurrence.

Around 2:00 PM on the 28th, the Ontario Provincial Police asked the family to shut down the operation, and the road was soon closed to all traffic. “No Trespassing” signs were erected everywhere, and the Bogles decided to get out of the tourism game for good. On that fateful Saturday, police estimated about 7,000 cars had been shooed away from the area. The family said that some of its sunflowers were damaged due to people knocking them out of the ground; the actual damage to the crops will be determined come harvest season in the fall.

H/T: The Globe and Mail

More like this: 10 instagram accounts (that aren’t all selfies) you should follow in 2017

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Instagram travel photos we all take

If you’ve ever scrolled through your Instagram feed and started to think, “Hmm, I feel like I’ve seen that picture before,” you’re not alone. And yes, you probably have. The unfortunate thing about travel photography is that although there are thousands of beautiful views and landmarks in the world, there are also millions seeking them out — and taking the same exact pictures. There are only so many ways to capture yourself standing on a mountain’s peak at sunrise before you join the millions of others who have struck the same pose. The hilarious Insta Repeat Instagram account recognized this, and it’s calling us out.

The sad fact is that it’s tough to be original these days. Whether you’re an influencer on a Caribbean beach posting a pic of yourself with sand on your ass cheeks, showing off your hot-dog legs by the pool, or on a hike trying to capture your feet dangling over a precipice — you can bet thousands of others have done it first.

As if you needed another reminder of how unoriginal you are, this Instagram account puts it in pretty clear terms. By compiling collages of Instagram pictures taken from the same angle, in similar environments, it showcases not only our depressing tendency for the cliche but also our human instinct to find the same things beautiful. That a photographer from India and Canada would probably approach Ukraine’s Tunnel of Love with the same eye, and capture the same “unoriginal” picture, suggests that we have more in common than we think.

Check out some of Insta Repeat’s collages below:

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 23, 2018 at 11:54pm PDT

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 7, 2018 at 11:22am PDT

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 5, 2018 at 8:41pm PDT

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 4, 2018 at 11:19pm PDT

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 12, 2018 at 6:36pm PDT

A post shared by Insta Repeat (@insta_repeat) on Jun 9, 2018 at 11:41am PDT

More like this: 10 instagram accounts (that aren’t all selfies) you should follow in 2017

The post This hilarious Instagram account shows how unoriginal travel-influencer photos are appeared first on Matador Network.

Luxury spa experiences in Africa

Many people travel to Africa to experience its wild creatures — not its creature comforts. But for those looking for a little pampering to counter all the dusty miles spent bouncing around in a 4×4, Africa has some of the most epic, over-the-top luxe experiences. From wildlife-watching massages to gold-infused facials on the beach, here are the most outrageous spa experiences in Africa you need to add to your bucket list.

Photo: Mara Bushtops & Spa

1. Amani Spa at Mara Bushtops Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya

The luxury accommodations at this private ranch bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara are billed as “a 5-star hotel room under canvas.” From the tented en-suites, visitors can observe the wildlife that frequents the camp’s natural saltlick — including elephants, giraffes, lions, and leopards. The on-site Amani Spa uses organic skincare products inspired by the traditional use of African plants and offers massages, hydrotherapy, and holistic skin and body care.

Photo: Mara Bushtops & Spa

It also has a gym, sauna, Rasul steam room for mud treatments, jacuzzi, and heated infinity pool. If all that’s not enough, the infinity pool also features internal beds with water jets. The spa’s signature Jewel of Africa massage — which includes crystals, warm oil, and a flowing massage — can be enjoyed in an open-air tent on a platform overlooking the saltlick so you don’t miss any action while all your other cares are gently caressed away.

Photo: Mara Bushtops & Spa

The cost goes from $1100/night, which is actually a steal; this price includes full board accommodation, airstrip transfers, game drives in open converted 4x4s, park fees, drinks, private dining anywhere and anytime, walking safaris, night game drives, and bush picnics.

Photo: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

2. Anantara Spa at Medjumbe Island Resort, Mozambique

Located in Mozambique‘s Quirimbas Archipelago, this private island is surrounded by a national marine park and only accessible by helicopter. Each of Medjumbe’s twelve villas has its own pool and sits beachfront. For those who need a break from the stresses of local activities — such as watching baby turtles hatch, sailing, water skiing, and dining on fresh-caught lobster — the on-site Anantara Spa can help.

Photo: Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort

The choice of a signature Mozambique Sand Compress Massage is best enjoyed in the private beachfront spa villa. As you absorb the surroundings, essential African oils are blended to your preference and combined with a heated compress of sand, relieving muscle tension and fatigue. This can be followed by a traditional Thai massage to stimulate circulation. Post massage, enjoy the indoor/outdoor showers or a dip in the plunge pool before heading back to the rigors of daily life in paradise.

Costs go from $890/night (all-inclusive, including helicopter transport).

Photo: The Residence Mauritius

3. The Sanctuary at the Residence, Belle Mare, Mauritius

The Residence sits oceanfront on the island of Mauritius off the east coast of Madagascar. Its spa, The Sanctuary, is inspired by Zen philosophy and the melting pot of cultures on the island. Guests are encouraged to create a custom program of treatments for optimal pampering: combine a massage with an hour of one-on-one Pilates, Thai stretch followed by a facial, or an hour of meditation pre-salt scrub.

Photo: The Residence Mauritius

Treatments aren’t the traditional massage in a cabana overlooking the Indian ocean (though that is most definitely an option). The Sanctuary’s “haute beauté” options range from Sculpting Gold Perfection, a 105-minute gold-infused firming facial, to The Sanctuary Ritual, a 90-minute whole-body skin treatment featuring dry brushing with coconut husks and a local coconut exfoliation.

Once back at your room, continue the pampering by taking advantage of a personal butler to fold your clothes, run you a bath, and iron out your wrinkles — the ones in your clothes, of course, as your face will no longer have any.

Costs start at $325/night.

Photo: Ulusaba

4. Aroma Boma Spa, Ulusaba Rock Lodge, Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa

Ulusaba is Richard Branson’s private game reserve in South Africa, located within the Sabi Sand Reserve near Kruger National Park. The Ulusaba Rock Lodge sits atop a koppie (a small hill in a flat area) with panoramic views of the surrounding bush and its wild inhabitants. The Aroma Boma spa floats 800 feet above the savannah, and spa rituals take place in private rooms or in plain air overlooking the views. Treatments include facials, massages, and reflexology using local ingredients such as aloe, rooibos, and marula.

Photo: Ulusaba

There’s even an African Potato manicure to get your tootsies back in shape after enjoying the resort’s other amenities: tennis, bush walks, game drives, and the countless back and forths from the wine cellar to the starlight observatory.

Costs start at $1200/night, all-inclusive.

Photo: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar

5. Mali Spa, Sea Cliff Resort, Zanzibar, Tanzania

The quiet shores of Zanzibar make it a popular place to recover from the aches, pains, and dust-clogged pores earned after long safari days. Many of the family- and group-friendly resorts offer playtime activities such as golf, horseback riding, and snorkeling, but this spot’s spa is ideal for those looking to get away from everything.

Photo: Sea Cliff Resort & Spa Zanzibar

Sea Cliff’s Mali Spa is popular for its open-air garden settings, plunge pools, and locally sourced products. The ultimate locally inspired treatment here is the Fimbo Ya Matibabu (African deep tissue stick massage), which claims to reduce aches and pains, improve circulation, drain the lymph system, and provide muscle toning. After all those long days chasing wildebeests across the savannah, you deserve it.

Costs go from $190/night.

Photo: La Mamounia Marrakech

6. The Spa at La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco

If you’ve always dreamed of living the luxurious life of Arab royalty, this is your chance. “Extreme well-being” is the tagline of this award-winning spa, known as much for its decor as its wellness treatments. Traditional zellige tile and lime tadelakt plaster line the floors and walls while oversizes Moroccan lamps and an intense color scheme catch the eye throughout interconnecting rooms.

Photo: La Mamounia Marrakech

Treatments stem from the traditional body care rituals of Moroccan culture and include 100 percent natural Ghassoul from the earth of the Moulouya Valley, black soap (pressed olives and salt), and saffron. For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, the spa offers a “private spa” option — an entire spa to yourself. It includes a jacuzzi, decorative mosaic floors, a Hammam (steam room), jacuzzi, hairdressing salon, treatment room, shower, and dressing room.

Costs go from $585/night.

Photo: 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

7. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa

The spa at this award-winning, family-run hotel is a favorite with both locals and tourists. Located between the mountains and the blue Atlantic Ocean, the spa is surrounded by the Oudekraal national park, which popular for its beach and access to Table Mountain.

Two outdoor gazebos are available to spa customers, and the sunset massage is among its most popular offerings. Aside from the usual services, the spa also features warm and cold plunge pools. A unique experience is a session in the salt-water flotation pool, which gives users the experience of weightlessness for maximum relaxation.

Photo: 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa

Another option is the Rasul chamber and its traditional Arabic cleansing ritual, which blends mud, steam, and heat to cleanse, revive, and detoxify. Mineral-rich mud is applied to the body and then dries with heat, drawing out impurities. Steam then softens the mud, allowing skin to absorb its minerals. Finally, a gentle shower leaves skin glowing. Try them both for the ultimate getaway.

Costs start at $535/night.

More like this: 25 life-changing experiences in Africa you need to have before you die

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Thieves steal royal jewels in Sweden

In a story reminiscent of a James Bond movie, treasure thieves narrowly escaped arrest by authorities over the weekend after stealing priceless artifacts from a Swedish cathedral. Among the stolen treasures were two jewelled crowns and an orb used by 17th-century Swedish King Karl IX and Queen Kristina. The regalia had previously been stored in the monarchs’ tomb, but was recently placed on display at the Strangnas Cathedral, 60 miles west of Stockholm and on the shore of Lake Mälaren.

The artifacts were displayed in a locked case with an alarm. The Strangnas Cathedral was open to visitors at the time of the theft.

Although police used helicopters and boats to chase the thieves, they escaped via motorboat and remain at large. Law enforcement has asked the public for help in apprehending the bandits, and an international inquiry for the artifacts has been logged with Interpol. One might question the practicality of stealing such treasures, however. Maria Ellior, of the Swedish police’s National Operations Department, told TT, a news organization, that the artifacts are impossible to sell. While that may be true of their present form, they could presumably be melted down, or their beads, crystals, and pearls extracted.

H/T: Global News

More like this: European museums considering returning stolen colonial artifacts

The post Jewel thieves escape on motorboat with Swedish treasures appeared first on Matador Network.

Most beautiful mosques in the world

With architecture as exquisite on the inside as on the outside, mosques, like churches and synagogues, are must-sees when traveling. From the hand-painted blue tiles of the Blue Mosque to the incredible stained glass of the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, travelers need not be religious to find appreciation in the face of beauty. If given the chance, make sure you take time to wander through the seven most beautiful mosques from around the world.

1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, United Arab Emirates

Photo: Luciano Mortula – LGM/Shutterstock

Abu Dhabi’s iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is all about extravagance and huge numbers. The beautiful white-and-gold mosque attracted just over 5.79 million visitors in 2017 according to The National, but it can host around 41,000 people at once. The mosque has 82 marble domes held by 1,000 pillars, four tall minarets, and a gigantic marble courtyard. All the pillars and the courtyard are decorated in a gorgeous, colorful botanical design to pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s love of nature. The interior is just as over-the-top with the world’s largest hand-knitted carpet covering the prayer hall and impressive 24-carat, gilded crystal chandeliers (the largest weighing 12 tons). This mosque is open daily and free for visitors, but it’s closed to non-worshippers on Friday mornings. The mosque’s lighting system illuminates the building at night, reflecting the phases of the moon, so sunset visits are best to see the transformation. Complimentary robe rentals will be offered upon entry, and shoes are to be removed and placed in an open-space cabinet.

2. The Blue Mosque, Turkey

Photo: Luciano Mortula – LGM/Shutterstock

The Blue Mosque‘s interior is adorned with 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles, hence its moniker. (Its official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque). The tiles at the gallery level are arranged to create amazing flowers, fruit, and cypress designs. In the evening, the ambiance changes as colorful floodlights illuminate the five main domes, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The mosque has become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul, but it’s closed to non-worshippers for half an hour during the five daily prayers. The best way to see the architecture in all its glory is to enter the mosque from the west side. Complimentary rentals of headscarves and pants are available at the entrance, and shoes are to be removed and placed in the complimentary plastic bags provided.

3. Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Iran

Photo: zerzarbrab/Shutterstock

Shiraz’s mosque of whirling colors, the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque — also known as the Pink Mosque — captures the eye with its striking stained-glass windows, intricately painted tiles, and carved pillars. This mosque is best experienced in the early morning when sunlight streams through the stained-glass windows and brightens up the whole interior with vibrant colors like the inside of a kaleidoscope. For a small entrance fee, this mosque is open to the public. Visitors are to abide by conservative dress with a headscarf for women, no exposed shoulders or knees, and shoes are to be removed prior to entry.

4. Al-Haram Mosque, Saudi Arabia

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

The largest mosque in the world, the Great Mosque of Mecca — also known as Al-Haram Mosque — is the destination of millions of Muslim who are able to fulfill the fifth and final pillar of Islam. Hajj (the Islamic term used to describe the pilgrimage to Mecca) takes place every year, but Muslims are required to go only once in their lifetime. The Al-Haram Mosque is said to be able to accommodate up to three million worshippers in one sitting, and it covers 40 acres. Worshippers pray in the rectangular courtyard at the center of which is the Kaaba, the most sacred shrine in Islam. The Kaaba is a 49-foot tall cube covered by a black silk cloth and decorated with gold-embroidered calligraphy. Embedded in the eastern side of the Kaaba is the Black Stone, which is believed to have been given to Ibrahim by the angel Gabriel and revered by Muslims. Pilgrims at the Al-Haram Mosque hope to kiss and touch the Black Stone. This mosque is always open, but the city of Mecca is strictly forbidden to non-Muslims.

5. Hassan II Mosque, Morocco

Photo: HelloRF Zcool/Shutterstock

Casablanca’s impressive mosque was commissioned by former King Hassan II and built to face the Atlantic Ocean. It’s so close to the water, in fact, that a glass floor was included in the basement for worshippers to see the waves crashing on the rocks below. The retractable roof (it opens and closes in a few minutes) is covered in 300,000 tiles made of cast aluminum that look just like terracotta tiles. Inside, the place is grandiose with marble travertine floors and carved wooden ceilings. The mosque’s minaret, at 689 feet, is topped by a laser that points towards Mecca. Entering the mosque is only possible through a guided tour with tickets available on the southern side of the mosque. Shorts and uncovered shoulders are not allowed, and shoes need to be removed before entering.

6. Crystal Mosque, Malaysia

Photo: muhammad afzan bin awang/Shutterstock

Located on a man-made island in Kuala Terengganu, the Crystal Mosque (built in 2008) is the first “intelligent” mosque, complete with solar panel cells, WiFi connection, and electronic Qurans. The architecture is made of steel and smoke-colored glass, giving the mosque a futuristic, unique appearance. The glass of the domes shines like crystals under the sun, drawing visitors from all over the world for photo shoots. The best time to visit the mosque is in the evening when it’s lit up in different colors. The Crystal Mosque is open to visitors and collects a modest entrance fee. Robes and scarves are provided, and shoes must be removed before entry.

7. Saint Petersburg Mosque, Russia

Photo: aapsky/Shutterstock

Although Russia is better known for its gorgeous churches, there is one mosque in Saint Petersburg that’s just as amazing as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The portals of the Saint Petersburg Mosque, as well as its two minarets, are covered with stunning blue mosaic ceramics and mesmerizing geometric patterns. The mosque’s outside walls are decorated with quotes from the Quran. The mosque is only open to non-worshippers during a specific pre-arranged tour offered by the mosque.


More like this: 7 amazing Russian churches that seem right out of a fairytale

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Burning Man 2018’s art installations

Every year since its creation, Burning Man has been featuring some amazing art installations in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. This year is no different, but one project stands out; an artist is proposing covering a section of the desert with a 10,000-square-foot piece of polyester film made from 3,350 NASA space blankets. Predictably enough, the project is simply called, The Blanket.

Conceived by Russian architect Alex Shtanuk, The Blanket was inspired by the Black Rock Desert’s previous lifetime as a giant, ancient lake. Shtanuk told Lonely Planet that, “the waves on the surface of the installation will remind people of the waves of the ancient lake.” The silver topside would reflect 97 percent of the radiated heat, and double as a comfortable area where festivalgoers can take refuge from the desert sun.

Last year, the architect created a similar installation for the Russian land art festival, Archstoyanie. “The blanket looked absolutely alien among the fields and trees,” he said, adding that the blanket “affected people in a very specific way. They started smiling, running on it, and interacting with it just like children.”

To fund the project, Shtanuk is launching a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. He needs $17,500 to make The Blanket a reality, but as of right now, he’s only raised $820.

Burning Man 2018 kicks off on August 26th, so Shtanuk has very little time left to make his cool project happen.

H/T: Lonely Planet

More like this: 42 of the coolest Burning Man art installations ever

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Flight deal between NYC and China

Finding an affordable trip of any kind, especially a long-haul international flight, can be a difficult or impossible undertaking during the holiday season. But if you want to get away from the end-of-the year madness without being left totally skint, this special offer from Hainan Airlines might be for you. Book through Skyscanner and you can fly round-trip from New York to Shanghai, China, for as low as $431.

The sale dates range from November 3rd to December 10th, but you’ll have to check out the complete list for specific round-trip dates. The price may vary slightly depending on your chosen dates, but for the most part, it will stay consistently low.

If you’re suspicious about the low fare, and concerned about long layovers or multiple stops, chillax. Flights both ways will only have one stop, and though the layover en route to China is 14 hours, the rare low price is well worth it (similar round-trip flights between the US and China can easily cost twice as much).

Note that if you’re using this flight to get elsewhere for cheap, you can still get a 24-hour transit without visa (TWOV) pass for free and see some sights in China while you wait for your connection.

The deal won’t last forever, so make sure you book while you can.

H/T: Secret Flying

More like this: How to hack buying your flight to get the best price, according to an expert

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