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Best temple hotels in Japan

Perhaps burning the candle at both ends is starting to wear on you. If you feel burnout fast approaching, a bit of solitude may be just what you need to regroup. In Japan, staying at a shukubo, or temple lodgings, helps to detach from the daily grind and calm the mind. If that sounds like something you’d benefit from, here are seven temple hotels in Japan perfect for rest and reflection.

1. Koyasan Fudoin Temple, Koya-cho, Itsu-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Photo: Cowardlion/Shutterstock

Originally built to accommodate Buddhist priests and practitioners, the Temple now welcomes regular guests. Located in the Wakayama Prefecture, the Koyasan Fudoin Temple has simple accommodations with serene surrounding gardens. You can immerse yourself in tradition by enjoying a Buddhist vegetarian meal in the shoin, or traditional study hall, which was built 450 years ago. Buddhist religious services are available every morning and guests can experience Ajikan Meditation and transcribe Buddhist sutras. The soothing sounds from the pond and garden views offer the utmost of tranquility for those needing a break from the modern world.

A Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $123, per night.

2. Ichijoin, Koya-cho, Itsu-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Photo: By Ilkim Idil Bursa/Shutterstock

Also located in the Wakayama Prefecture, this cozy temple lodging is located in the center of Mt. Koya. Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, or Shojin Ryori, is prepared using seasonal ingredients and is very popular with previous guests.

Photo: EQRoy/Shutterstock

Originally a space for Buddhist priests and practitioners, guests can observe the daily rituals. For those that want to immerse themselves further, sutra transcription and Buddhist image tracing are experiences open to guests.

Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $290, per night.

3. Chikurinin Gunpoen, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture

Photo: ESB Professional/Shutterstock

To the north of the Nara Prefecture sits a 33,000 square meter property constructed by the famous tea master that founded the Japanese tea ceremony school, Sen no Rikyu. The temple is an elegant blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. A view of the Yoshino and Zao-do Hall mountains are visible from the hilltop, and the cotton rose flowers transform from white to pink depending on the time of year. The garden is a triumph, said to have been rebuilt by Sen no Rikyu in the Momoyama period – it’s the perfect place for meditation and breathwork.

Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $213, per night.

4. Jimyoin, Koya-cho, Ito-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

Photo: Jan K/Shutterstock

This temple is situated at the center of the Koyasan Mountains close to the Karukayado Temple, Koyasan University, and the Kongobuji Temple. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm cup of tea and debriefed about activities and meals. Vegetarian meals are served in-room, creating a private intimate setting for solitude seekers. Many guests choose to venture on a pilgrimage of the Koyasan Mountain, after which there is an option to relax in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring.

Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $126, per night.

5. Shigisan Gyokuzoin Temple, Heguri-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture

Photo: Sakarin Sawasdinaka/Shutterstock

Located in the northwestern region of Nara in Quasi-National Park, this spacious and picturesque guesthouse is idyllic for those seeking temple lodging. Construction of the building began in the Asuka period around year 593 B.C. by philosopher and politician, Prince Shotoku. The grounds consist of three sub-temples specifically designated for lodging. The Gyokuzoin Temple accommodates up to 200 guests, with single and medium-sized multi-occupancy rooms. Guests have an option to enjoy the public bath and a warm cup of tea at the property tea house. Meals are vegetarian.

Photo: T Chareon/Shutterstock

Those interested in trying a variety of Japanese cuisine can order a traditional, multi-course kaiseki meal.

Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $100, per night.

6. Senju-in Temple, Shigizan Heguricho, Ikoma -gun, Nara Prefecture

The Senju-in is the oldest of the three guesthouses located on the grounds near Gyokuzoin Temple. The architecture dates back to the Edo period, with calming Japanese-style art and outdoor space. A smaller guesthouse than Gyokuzoin, Senju-in Temple can accommodate up to 100 guests in 18 rooms.

Photo: Pratilop prombud/Shutterstock

For a fee, guests can choose to participating in scripture writing and zen meditation. No matter what you choose to do at Senju-in Temple, solitude seekers are sure to find peace and quiet at this Temple.

Japanese-style room, breakfast and dinner from $90, per night.

More like this: 9 silent retreats around the world to take if you hate talking to people

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Racist ad for ESL teacher in Taiwan

Blatant, public discrimination might seem like a thing of the past, but, unfortunately, it’s more common than you might think. A Facebook post, created by an employee for Kang Chiao Kindergarten in Taipei, Taiwan, sought substitute teachers for children aged four to five, starting early July. A pretty standard ad, except for one section, which added a key hiring criteria.

Photo: Facebook/Williams Kaboré

“The school has informed me that it will not accept applications from people who are not from predominantly English speaking countries, or who are black or dark-skinned. I am sorry. I am so sorry.”

Although the kindergarten employee immediately removed the posting following the backlash, images of the ad have been reposted by Facebook users. Williams Kaboré, a 21-year-old student at Tamkang University, wrote in a later post that such racist policies are “very disrespectful for our whole race, which also contributed to many economic, social, scientific, and other fields advancements that make our life easier today.”

Others in Taiwan’s black community echo Kaboré’s sentiments. “We want to show everyone how racist some people in Taiwan are,” wrote a Haitian software engineering major at Tamkang University, “especially about jobs here.”

Clearly, this isn’t the first time racial discrimination has been an issue in Taiwan. “This is the norm in Taiwan,” said an English teacher from Saint Lucia. “We have seen these posts off and on, but this is the most ridiculous we have all seen.”

Meanwhile, the Kang Chiao school has issued a statement claiming that they do not discriminate based on race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, insisting that their teachers are hired “based on their educational qualifications and related academic experience.” Indeed, Taiwan’s Employment Service Act strictly prohibits employers from racially-based hiring practices.

While the school many attribute the post to a misunderstanding, the question remains: why the apparent pattern of discrimination in Taiwan? Well, the influx of western culture to Asia has made English a highly desirable language, and native English speakers a commodity. When it comes to hiring teachers, schools seem to prefer white, American or British expats, as they fit the traditional English-speaking ethnic mold. Taiwan’s desire to prepare its students for success in an English-speaking world is understandable, but hiring practices that bar thousands of non-white teachers — who are perhaps more qualified than white teachers — is not only illegal, but detrimental to the health and progress of their education system.

H/T: NextShark

More like this: Being a black alien in South Korea is easier than being a black alien at home

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Best European airports

When it comes down to it, there aren’t that many things you really need out of an airport. You want to be processed quickly, to have somewhere comfy and safe to sit or sleep, to be able to eat, and to entertain yourself. Easy, right? Not quite. Many airports throughout the world struggle to provide the basic necessities important to travelers, and scathing reviews abound as a result. How hard is it to provide a few wall plugs for your visitors?

Luckily, there are a handful of airports in Europe that do it right. With cozy seating arrangements, interesting and innovative diversions, yummy (and affordable) eating options, and efficient service, these — in no particular order — are the 10 best airports in Europe to travel through.

1. Helsinki (HEL), Finland

Not very many airports contain an art gallery, barber, scenic viewing terrace, AND a book swap. As well as being comfortable, clean, and conveniently located, Helsinki Airport goes that little bit further and actually amuses you whilst you wait for your flight. Alternatively, you can nap in one of the sleep pods available for weary travellers, or use the free wifi to catch up on the latest news.

2. Copenhagen (CPH), Denmark

While this airport does get rather crowded, its staff cope beautifully with high volumes of people, and there is plenty of seating to go around. Claiming to offer some of the best airport dining in the world, the terminal itself is peaceful and clean, inviting relaxation and rest. It’s located only 15 minutes from the centre of Copenhagen city by metro, and right by the bridge to neighbouring Sweden.

3. Stockholm (ARD), Sweden

Nearly all of the Scandinavian Airports could be listed here. Oslo (OSL) is just as good as Copenhagen, ensuring guests quick service, lots of plugs, comfortable seating, and relatively efficient processing. The major downside to the Scandinavian airports is the cost of services or food once you are inside, and the potential cost of getting to them — try to ride share, and make sure you bring a snack with you, and an empty drink bottle to fill up. Also, Stockholm Airport can get quite cold — so take a sweater.

4. Munich (MUC), Germany

If there is one thing the Germans have down pat, it’s efficiency. Munich Airport is run like clockwork, and while visitors love some of the little perks of travelling here — such as free coffee and lounge-free shower access — it’s the absolute precision of this airport’s operation that makes it so well loved. It’s clean and tidy, and while food and beverages are a little on the expensive side, the speed and efficiency of processing helps to make up for this. Plus, if you are there at Christmas, you can enjoy an indoor market and an ice skating rink.

5. Vienna (VIE), Austria

If time is of the essence, Vienna claims to have the shortest minimum connection time for Star Alliance flights, at just 25 minutes. It’s also close to the city, connected by an efficient public transport system, and offers speedy (and free) wifi. If you like quality restaurant food, Skytrax reviewers noted it offered a very tasty selection, along with tidy common areas and good bathrooms.

6. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), Netherlands

Through clever design, this massive airport appears cozy, with airside libraries and lots of comfy seating. It is well connected by public transport, and offers efficient service. In saying that, the cozy feeling can be a bit misleading; it can take a long time to get to your gate. Just make sure you check out the walking times between areas, and you can then relax and take advantage of what is on offer, including a viewing terrace and pay-per-use showers.

7. Frankfurt (FRA), Germany

Frankfurt is one of the busiest airports in Europe, and it manages to move its passengers around with relative ease. Visitors noted that it was easy and straightforward to move between terminals — important when you have a short connection time — and there are lots of food and beverage outlets to choose from. While the seating is comfortable, immigration can be a bit slow, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time for your flight.

8. Tallinn Airport (TLL), Estonia

Described as an airport that feels like one big old lounge, it offers comfy seating, interesting boutiques, themed gates, a free library complete with beanbags, and a do-it-yourself sandwich bar. Because it’s very compact and the service is impeccable, you can breeze through check-in and security quickly. Best yet, it’s only four kilometres from the city of Tallinn, or a 20-minute tram ride. Some people leave for the airport early just so they can spend a little bit more time there.

9. Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland

If you have to face a long layover, the next best thing to a free airport lounge (or pod) is a comfortable bench seat. Zurich has them in droves — and there is even an in-airport supermarket, so you can find (relatively) affordable food to keep you going. It’s quiet at night, helping to increase your chance of having a decent sleep, and it’s simple to find your way around. If you really want to go all out, Zurich Airport arranges bicycle and inline skate rentals, too.

10. Dublin International Airport (DUB), Ireland

If, for whatever reason, you need to pick an airport to sleep in, Dublin is the way to go. Friendly airport police keep an eye on sleeping patrons, but you should get in early if you want to snaffle a prime sleeping spot. Friendly airport staff and a wallet-friendly food court with free wifi round out the experience at Dublin International Airport. While there is no train to the city, there is a bus service that costs around 10 euros.


The 7 most frustrating airports around the world

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6 tips for enjoying the outdoors

Being outside, high in the mountains, deep in the desert, or somewhere on a river — it’s what I love best. Ever since my much-belated first taste of the wilderness in my teens, I’ve never looked back. But I realize for some, the prospect can seem daunting. Don’t let fear or inexperience prevent you from getting out into Earth’s natural beauty — with these six simple tips, you can make sure your time in the great outdoors is memorable for all the right reasons.

1. Go the extra mile.

Photo: Hal Amen

I mean this both literally and figuratively. Literally: Drive, hike, bike, paddle, or swim that extra mile, beyond what’s easy and comfortable. You’ll be rewarded with better campsites, solitary views, and, most importantly, a sense of fulfillment that comes from accomplishing something you previously thought impossible — or never thought of at all.

Figuratively speaking: Be diligent in your mental preparation and bring a positive attitude to your endeavors. Things may not go your way — the weather may turn bad or you may get lost. Put extra effort into remaining upbeat and relaxed no matter what happens. This predicts enjoyment in the outdoors far more than a single piece of gear or information.

2. Try it before you fly it.

Photo: Christian Collins

Speaking of gear, don’t bring new, untested equipment into the outdoors without first taking it for a test spin. Break in those hiking shoes. Set up the brand-new tent in your backyard. Cook a meal on the campstove. Practice casting your new fly rod in the park. Try out that high-tech bug repellent on the front porch. Here’s a handy guide to breaking in some common outdoor gear:

Footwear: Trail shoes and lightweight boots work best if they’ve already had 6-8 weeks of advanced use, while heavy-duty backpacking and mountaineering boots should ideally be purchased and broken in 6+ months in advance.

Stove: Seriously, cook a meal — or at least make some tea — with your stove. Learn how to give it a rudimentary cleaning and troubleshoot common issues (according to the manual).

Tent: Practice pitching it in your yard or a nearby park a couple weeks before using it. Follow and memorize the directions, attach the rain fly, and rig any bungees or paracords necessary to keep it all taut. Consider sealing over the seams to be doubly sure the rain stays out.

Backpack: Test pack it a week or so in advance. This gives you time to organize your gear and pick up any extra packing cubes, compression straps, or stuff sacks you may need.

3. Bring the little “necessities.”

Photo: Thermacell

Don’t call them luxuries, because out here they’re necessities. Enjoying the great outdoors doesn’t mean going without those little add-ons that can make your experience with Ma Nature that much better. Don’t bring the kitchen sink, but do consider saving space in the trunk or backpack for the following:

A feast: My goodness people, just because we’re out enjoying the outdoors doesn’t mean we must live like animals! Nowadays, the happy outdoor adventurer feasts on vacuum-sealed filet mignon, blends fresh margaritas, and roasts pheasant sausage over a crackling campfire. I’ve schlepped my fair share of beer a dozen miles into the backcountry and dutch-oven-baked a scrumptious late-night berry cobbler or two while car camping. And let me tell you, I savored every mouth-watering second.

Bug protection: The luxury we really can’t do without is bug protection. My wife and son are like mosquito magnets, no matter how much DEET or lemongrass we slather on them. Setting up a Thermacell Radius Zone changed our evenings. We can now enjoy cooking dinner, playing cards, and lying in the hammock, basically bug-free, no matter how deep into the forest we go.

Hammocks: Lightweight nylon hammocks require little space, but turn any campsite into a cozy paradise. Perfect for afternoon naps and good books (see next).

A good book: Paperbacks, ftw!

4. Know your route and check the weather.

Photo: Bureau of Land Management

It’s that simple. Ask any adventure guide, and they’ll tell you the key to enjoying the outdoors is preparation. Even if you’re just heading out for a quick jaunt in the woods, a little pre-game research will pay off in spades.

Weather: Check the hourly forecast and pack for possible weather events, including rain, snow, and high wind. Even if there’s only a moderate chance of rain, take a raincoat and think about how water might affect the terrain (below).

Terrain and conditions: What’s your elevation gain/loss? Over how many miles? Are you near water sources? Is it flood season? Is there snow/ice on the ground? Consult a map, check Google Earth, call local park ranger/tourism/outfitter offices to inquire about current conditions, and spend a couple hours perusing online forums and websites.

5. Disconnect, fully.

Photo: Zach Dischner

Learning to enjoy the outdoors means appreciating it for what it lacks as much as for what it possesses. Leave the iPad at home. Turn off the GPS and bust out the printed map. Turn off the bluetooth speaker and tune in to the birds chirping, varmints rustling in the bushes, and, wait, hear that? No? Exactly. That’s the sound of nothingness. No honking car horns. No buzzing electrical lines. No radio or television or YouTube. It’s glorious, isn’t it?

6. Bring the crew!

Photo: www.davidmolloyphotography.com

As the old adage goes, it’s better to give than to receive. Give the gift of the outdoors by bringing along that reluctant friend or cooped-up relative for a day of hiking, biking, camping, or riverside picnicking. Sharing the love is more rewarding than hoarding that joy all to yourself.

You’ll amaze yourself at how much more you notice outside with a friend, how much more you appreciate with another pair of eyes and a fresh perspective, and how quickly time flies when you’re enjoying the outdoors with a loved one. Plus, the more people we can convince to love and cherish America’s outdoors, the more people we’ll have defending our beautiful public lands.

The post 6 simple tips for enjoying the great outdoors appeared first on Matador Network.

Crazy sports drinks around the world

Well before Gatorade became a household brand, athletes the world over consumed sports drinks during training and competitions. People who enjoy sport have long looked to liquids to rehydrate, replenish lost energy, and build up muscle. From raw eggs to beer, cultures from the world over have some unusual ways to hydrate during sport.

1. Beer (non-alcoholic)

Photo: FXQuadro/Shutterstock

This is the sports drinks of Germany, especially at the most elite levels of sport. Would you expect anything less from the home of Oktoberfest? A German brewery-financed study found that distance runners who drink non-alcoholic beer recover faster, thanks to phenols that reduce inflammation and guard against illness.

During the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Kombacher brewery supplied Athlete’s Village with nearly 1000 gallons of non-alcoholic beer. Most of Germany’s winter athletes guzzled tons of the stuff, and helped their country tie for first place in the gold medal haul. Pröst!

2. Beer (alcoholic!)

Photo: HikoPhotography/Shutterstock

In Japan, sumo practitioners need to consume up to 8,000 calories a day to maintain their portly pounds. When you drink beer with a meal, and it’s a big meal, your body gets all the energy it needs from the alcohol. It stores the calories from the rest of the meal, perfect for the rotund wrestlers, who reportedly love drinking beer.

3. Green tea

Photo: grafvision/Shutterstock

Unlike sumo wrestlers, most Japanese athletes aren’t training on a 300-plus-pound frame. For them, green tea is the ultimate sports drink. Japanese have been drinking green tea for over a thousand years, crediting it as a health drink partly responsible for their long life expectancy.

Better yet, Japanese researchers found that the drink can help athletes boost their endurance by up to 24 percent, since green tea extract helps the body use its fat stores more efficiently. Add to that a nice energy boost from caffeine, and you’ve got the perfect sports elixir.

4. Black tea, with lots of milk and sugar

Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Kenya’s days as a British colony ended over a half-century ago, but some British habits remain — including a love of black tea with milk and sugar. Kenya’s distance runners, consistently among the top-ranked marathoners in the world, drink more tea than water, and they don’t skimp on the sugar.

In fact, Kenyan runners love their tea so sweet, and eat so much fruit, that 20 percent of their daily calories come from sugar. Coupled with the caffeine in black tea, it’s no wonder that on a typical day the country’s top runners have the energy to run 15 miles in the morning and another five in the afternoon.

5. Coconut water and açai juice

Photo: Lazyllama/Shutterstock

Brazil is blessed with over 2 million square miles of rainforest, so its athletes don’t need neon-colored liquids bottled in a factory. They can pick “nature’s sports drink” straight off the tree. Then, after climbing the palm tree and securing the coconut, they need a machete to hack it open.

More likely, if they’re running along the beach in Rio de Janiero, they can buy a coconut from a vendor, who’ll chop it open and put in a straw to slurp up the “agua de coco,” or coconut water, inside. It’s packed with potassium, magnesium, and electrolytes, and has a lot less sugar than that bottled stuff.

After that, Brazilian athletes go home and slurp down some açai juice, which is full of antioxidants that help in post-workout recovery.

6. Root beer with a raw egg

Une publication partagée par Nadiel (@nadielellis) le 7 Mai 2018 à 7 :03 PDT

In the Philippines, Sarsi is a popular root beer soda named for one of its ingredients, sarsaparilla. Sarsaparilla is thought to have medicinal properties, and bodybuilders have used it to bulk up, believing (falsely, apparently) that it contains chemicals similar to anabolic steroids. Drop a protein-rich raw egg into a glass of Sarsi and stir, and you’ll have a big bubbly glass of brown liquid, which Filipino bodybuilders used to swear by. With concerns of salmonella, the longtime favorite is not as widely drunk anymore.

7. Chocolate milk

Photo: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Ask any endurance athlete in North America about their number one post-workout beverage and they are likely to tell you chocolate milk. Chocolate milk replenishes lost fluids, while providing carbohydrates to help muscles recover. Add a little sugar for energy, calcium, and even the antioxidant properties of chocolate, and you’ve got a perfect sports elixir. In fact, chocolate milk has been named the of some US Olympic teams

8. Milk

Photo: Yuriy Golub/Shutterstock

Athletes concerned about the high sugar content in chocolate milk might opt for plain old milk as the best recovery drink. Milk has long been considered the number one beverage for athletes in Sweden and Finland. Famous Finnish rally car driver Ari Vatanen used to drink milk instead of champagne after he won races.

9. Yerba mate

Photo: Aneta_Gu/Shutterstock

Walk the streets of Uruguay, and you’ll pass by locals with a thermos of hot water tucked under their arm, and a dried gourd filled with yerba mate leaves in their hand. They pour the hot water into the gourd and sip the caffeine-packed tea through a metal, sieve-like straw. Argentines have almost the same level of mate addiction, a top soccer players from both countries continue to drink mate even when playing for top-tier club teams overseas. It’s high in vitamins and antioxidants, and players say it relaxes them before their matches. Plus, with all that caffeine, yerba mate gives them the energy for 90 minutes of grueling play.


More like this: 4 unusual sports and why they need to be in the Olympics

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Signs you've been gone from Maine

Regardless of the circumstances of a move from Maine, most will experience similar symptoms after leaving the state. From missing the beautiful wilderness and the smell of the salt in the coastal air, here are 11 signs you have been away from Maine too long.

1. You haven’t seen the stars lately.

Growing up in Maine, every night, you are blanked with stars that seems so close you feel like you could reach out and touch them. You learn pretty quickly this isn’t the case in all 50 states. Nights under the dull yellow haze of urban lights doesn’t begin to match up.

2. You have resorted to eating lobster that wasn’t caught less than 12 hours ago.

It definitely wasn’t steamed in salt water and you nearly fell off your chair upon seeing the price tag.

3. You get excited when you see someone wearing clothing that references Maine.

You have to quickly decide if you want to start a conversation or give just a silent nod of approval to the well-dressed stranger. Regardless, you feel like you are part of a secret Mainer club.

4. You get even more excited when you see a car with Maine plates.

Your first thought is that you probably know the driver and try to fact-check this by evaluating all of the bumper stickers and the beach pass in the window.

5. You haven’t heard an “ayuh” in months.

You have actually started to use the word “yes”, and your family back home is making fun of you for it.

6. You have forgotten the smell of fresh, salt air.

It is the unmistakable scent of Maine. You may try to take in a deep breath of ocean air somewhere else, but it isn’t the same. You miss that air so thick with salt that you can practically taste it on your lips.

7. You miss driving for miles without a traffic light.

You think about all the hours you waste sitting in traffic and long for the efficiency of getting from place to place without constantly having to stop and wait.

8. You haven’t had to shovel more than six inches of snow in a while.

You miss the big Maine snowstorms and blizzards. And Storm Center, which has a way of making each storm seem new and exciting. Other winter weather coverage just can’t hold up to your high expectations.

9. You can’t remember the last time you saw a “moose crossing” sign.

But, you don’t miss the underlying fear of actually encountering a moose crossing the road and potentially crashing into it. Is it break first then speed up, or speed up and hit the breaks?

10. You find yourself visiting the Facebook pages for your hometown’s lighthouse and other local businesses.

You can’t necessarily trust your family to give you all of the relevant updates on the town, so you take matters into your own hands. A couple of hours of scrolling through photos and comments on Facebook is a poor replacement for actually dropping in to visit, but sometimes it is the only option. Plus, somehow you always seem to pick up a couple tidbits that even your mom didn’t know about.

11. You miss the joy of driving over the Piscataqua River Bridge.

There is nothing like driving over the bridge, entering Maine, and being home. No billboards, just plenty of pine trees and the satisfaction of returning to “the way life should be.”


11 beautiful images that will make you want to go to Maine

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Why everyone should bartend

Each job we have teaches us something; bartending is no exception. Even if just as a summer job, everyone should do a stint working in hospitality. The experience will forever change the way you carry yourself in public, communicate with others, and even order a drink. Here are eight reasons why everyone should bartend in their life.

1. Bartending is a crash course in small talk.

Have you ever been to a party or professional mixer where you didn’t know anyone and, instead of networking, you became glued to the snack table? When you bartend, you learn how to strike up a conversation with anyone. It takes time to hone this skill, but once you do, it is an ability that will come in handy for the rest of your life.

2. It teaches you that communication is key.

On a similar note, working in the service industry emphasizes the importance of communication. At a bar or restaurant, the better the communication between floor staff, bar staff, kitchen, and management, the better the service will be. Whether that means informing other staff of a broken ice machine or a sold-out menu item, the sooner information is communicated, the sooner issues can be addressed.

3. It helps you become more decisive (at least about the small stuff).

Nothing is worse than a bar guest who has no idea what they want to order. Especially on a busy night when you don’t have time to finesse an order out of them. You learn that when in doubt, look at the menu and pick something. It is just one drink. If you don’t like it, don’t order it again, but now at least, you know.

4. It reinforces the value of teamwork.

Bartending is a team sport. You, your barbacks, managers, and other bartenders all have roles to play. If someone miscounts the money or forgets to restock, it affects everyone. You learn to pull your weight so you don’t let the rest of the team down.

5. You must learn how to work in a stressful environment.

At a busy bar, you are expected to stay focused even with pounding music in your ears, people yelling orders at you, and with lights so low that you can barely read your drink tickets. The only way to work in this environment is to let the chaos cancel itself out. You learn to tune out everything but the immediate task at hand. And when you are totally overwhelmed, take a deep breath, closing time always comes.

6. Like a good boy scout, you learn to always be prepared.

When I was learning to bartend, an older bartender said to me, “There’s a lot you can’t control, but if you are underprepared, the only person to blame is yourself.” I’ve kept that advice in mind ever since. You never know what will happen in a shift, but preparing yourself for the worst case scenario means you’ve done everything you can to handle the situation.

7. You learn the importance of awareness.

It’s amazing how people can be so unaware of their surroundings. It’s little things, but you notice the people who make room for others at a crowded bar or those who add a thoughtful “take your time” to their drink order when they see you are busy. A little consideration goes a long way.

8. At the very least, you learn how to make a cocktail.

It’s a useful party skill to have in your back pocket. Bartending also helps you refine your palate. Even if you are not a drinker, it gives you an appreciation for the complexity of the spirits world.

More like this: 7 life lessons you learn from bartending

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Alternative to unethical souvenirs

Traveling inherently involves an environmental impact, from the flights we take to the sunscreen we wear, the food we eat, or even the footpaths we decide to wander from. Every decision has a consequence, and the kind of souvenirs we choose to take home with us are no different.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I wandered into a jewelry store in Kalk Bay, South Africa. I described the kind of necklace I was looking for to the woman behind the counter who reached behind her for a long string of fine wooden beads.

“These are rosewood,” she said.

I didn’t know much about rosewood, but the name was beautiful and the woman’s voice had a note of reverence to it as she handed me the beads. The necklace was exactly what I’d been looking for and I didn’t think twice before buying it and looping it around my neck.

It was only afterwards that I discovered that rosewood is now protected worldwide. In 2016, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) moved to protect “the world’s most trafficked wild product by placing all 300 species of the rosewood tree under trade restrictions.”

Suffice to say I’ve been reminded of just how easy it is to make unsustainable decisions.

Here are some of the most unsustainable souvenirs to look out for and great sustainable alternatives to choose from, so that you don’t wander innocently into an alluring curio shop somewhere and come out with “one of the world’s most trafficked wild products” like I did.

 

Peru

Photo: niniferrari/Shutterstock

Peru shares the Amazon rainforest with Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, and just like its neighbours, it offers souvenirs sourced from this unique ecological biome. Peru is home to many rare timber species that unfortunately can end up being turned into wooden ornaments and sold to tourists, and even though it’s illegal to sell wild animal products, skins, claws, feathers and skulls still find their way into curio shops.

When travelling to a new destination, it isn’t always easy to know what species you’re being sold, or which are endangered or regulated, so when looking for souvenirs, it’s generally best to avoid buying anything made from plant materials, such as wood or seeds, and anything made from skin, teeth, bones, shell, feathers, or ivory.

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Luckily, there are always great alternatives. Peru is home to the Andes where you’ll be sure to find a lot of clothing made from alpaca wool, which is as insulating as cashmere and is very lightweight. It’s useful to keep in mind that the more expensive pieces are less lightly to be blended with synthetics. Also, keep an eye out for the hard-hitting Peruvian alcohol called pisco, and bright ceramic bulls called Toros de Pucará, which symbolise fertility and happiness and are usually gifted to newlyweds.

 

The Caribbean

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Almost every beachside town in the world sells shells and dried starfish. While these should be avoided wherever you are, there are some particularly rare ocean treasures available as souvenirs in the Caribbean.

Hawksbill turtles face the same threats as all sea turtles, but their beautiful shells have made them even more vulnerable than most. The overlapping scales of their shells have been used to make combs, jewelry, sunglasses, ornaments, and other luxury and decorative items for centuries. If you’re keen on the aesthetic, but don’t want to harm these endangered animals, it’s possible to find plastic imitations of turtle shell, which can be identified by their uniform pattern markings.

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Conch shells are another souvenir to avoid while travelling in the Caribbean. Conch shells are sold whole or turned into everything from jewelry to lamps, earrings, and ashtrays. These shells were once home to large sea snails. While not currently threatened with extinction, these sea snails may become so if the trade is not tightly controlled. You can help reduce demand by avoiding conch shell souvenirs by opting for something made from coconut shell instead, such as carvings, utensils, lanterns, bowls, bird feeders wind chimes or jewelry.

 

South Africa

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South Africa is famous for its incredible biodiversity and its rich mineral resources, including gemstones such as diamonds.

It could be argued that buying an ostrich egg ornament for your side table, or a springbok hide for your living room floor, isn’t a particularly unsustainable purchase considering many of these animals are either being bred on private game reserves or farmed, but why buy animal products at all when there are so many innovative alternatives to choose from?

Photo: Thawatchai Thandee/Shutterstock

South Africa, just like many other African countries, has a knack for thrifty upcycling. You can buy wire toy cars, soda can sculptures, newspaper beads, shoes with soles made from old tyres, flamingos made from plastic bags, and beaded wireframe antelope heads to mount on your wall. Celebrating the abundance of craftsmanship over pricey rarities is always the more sustainable move.

While South Africa is a participant of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme which aims to “prevent ‘conflict diamonds’ from entering the mainstream rough diamond market”, you can avoid the difficult questions surrounding the social responsibility of buying gemstones and precious metals by opting for traditional Zulu beadwork, or by discovering South Africa’s world-class designer jewelry that uses materials such as cloth, glass, or rope.

 

Russia

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Amber is a classic souvenir to bring back from a trip to Russia, but the semi-precious stone made of fossilized resin is both a limited resource and one that has elicited a thriving black market. The so-called “Baltic Gold” earned its name because raw amber is worth more than its weight in gold, and there are many willing to put their safety at risk to find it.

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Instead of buying a pair of amber earrings and depleting the remnants of 50-million-year-old pine forests, you could buy a Matryoshka doll or an English translation of Pushkin’s tales. And let’s not forget Russia’s most famous drink — vodka!

 

Croatia, Italy, and Greece

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On the glittering edge of the Mediterranean, Croatia, Italy, and Greece are famous for selling bright red coral set in pendants, polished into round beads or dangling from earrings. Red coral has been used as an adornment since as far back as ancient Egyptian times, but while it is undeniably very beautiful, it is a luxury we need to wean ourselves off. According to National Geographic, “red coral is the literal foundation of many Mediterranean ecosystems, and provides critical habitat for fish and other marine life. Harvesting by humans, pollution, ocean acidification, and warming waters all threaten the coral, which is now endangered.” Rather than play a part in the potential disappearance of red coral from the Mediterranean altogether, opt for some of the regions’ other offerings.

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Croatia, Italy and Greece are all well known for their skilled glasswork. Get a quintessential indigo evil eye in Greece, multi-coloured Murano glass pendants and ornaments in Italy, or watch the masters hard at work as they craft new pieces in Samobor, Croatia.

 

India

Photo: Yakov Oskanov/Shutterstock

While travelling through India, you might come across shawls made from shahtoosh, the “King of Wools”, which comes from Tibetan antelope called chiru. Tibetan antelope have been hunted to the brink of extinction for their luxurious wool, so needless to say, shahtoosh should be avoided.

Sheesham or North-Indian rosewood grows in India and Bangladesh, and just like any other slow-growing hardwoods, which take years to regenerate, it should be avoided. Be aware that spotted cat skins, elephant ivory, and reptile leather might be in circulation, even though they are banned from export.

Photo: mariakraynova/Shutterstock

Once again, a good rule of thumb is to side-step any plant or animal souvenirs and rather opt for things such as embroidered pillows, jars of fierce Indian pickles known as achaar, or a recording of traditional sitar music.

 

China

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In 2014 China made it illegal to hunt and buy any of the country’s 420 protected endangered species. It also banned all domestic sales of ivory, and technically “trading rhino horn has been illegal in China since 1993”. That being said, “China is still the largest market for illegal wildlife products”. They are usually turned into ornamental artwork or used in traditional medicine. Illegal products are ubiquitous across China, so avoid buying any kind of plant or animal souvenirs and steer clear of eating rare delicacies such as pangolin.

Photo: Alexander Ryabintsev/Shutterstock

Rather, take home some Chinese calligraphy art, bamboo chopsticks, or tea. China is also famous for its silk, and if you’re lucky, you might find some “peace silk”, made from the worm casings gathered only after the moths have emerged and moved on.

 

France

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France’s love of food and all of its rituals is nothing short of infectious, but while some of its delicacies are widely sought after, they’re not necessarily the result of ethical practices. Foie gras, a paté made from the livers of ducks or geese that have been force-fed in a process called gavage, is the most controversial example.

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There are plenty of ways to bring home a taste of France that don’t involve unhappy poultry. Macaroons won’t easily survive the journey, but a translation of a French cookbook or some Guérande salt — collected from salterns on the Atlantic Ocean — would. If salt doesn’t get the foodie in you going, then you could try the salted caramel people make with it.

 

Other ways to remember your trip

The word “souvenir” comes from the French word for “memory”. We buy keepsakes and trinkets to remember, but there are other ways to remember that don’t necessarily involve buying so many things. Here are a few ideas:

Keep a journal.

Every trip is also an internal journey and keeping a journal while on the move is the perfect way to capture your memories and experiences.

Sketch/draw/paint

We can be such harsh judges of ourselves that our creativity shrivels up under the burning heat of self-criticism. Leave your negative inner voice behind, pick up a pencil or a paint brush, and take the time to really look at your surroundings. If you need a little nudge, there’s a lot of inspiration online.

Take Polaroid photos.

We take photos with our phones every day, so capturing your journey on your smartphone might not give you the same pleasure as a tangible souvenir. A Polaroid camera, on the other hand, would give you instant gratification and atmospheric memories to thumb through.

Buy books.

How often do you buy a souvenir that ends up living in some box of miscellaneous junk you never look at? Books make for a far more engaging souvenir. Think cookbooks, collections of local legends, history books, guides to flora and fauna, or even literature written by local authors.

Write postcards to yourself.

Writing to yourself from the road is a great way to put your journey into perspective and capture snippets of your adventure that you want to remember. Postcards are a harmless — and often wonderfully kitsch — way to keep little pieces of everywhere you go. Plus you get to relive the whole thing when you get home to a full mailbox!

Get a piercing or a tattoo.

Getting inked or a new piercing is an exciting and often meaningful way to mark a trip. Be sure to do your research and find an esteemed local piercing parlour or tattoo artist whose work you love. Don’t be afraid to double check they’re following proper hygiene procedure.

Make your own souvenir.

We often take hundreds of photographs while travelling, but once the trip is over, the photographs rarely see the light of day and sit in some external hard drive at the bottom of a drawer. Select your favourites and turn them into an Insta-style grid of squares to print on coasters or wrapping paper. You could even print out a little book or zine of your best snaps.

Track your travels on a map.

You can buy a scratch-off map to track your travels around the world, or give Matador Network’s digital version a try.

Learn how to cook a local dish.

Food is a cornerstone of any culture. Find a cooking class, or strike up a relationship with someone who might be willing to share their culinary secrets with you, and you’ll be able to take the flavours of your adventure with you wherever you go.

Make a playlist.

They say smell and hearing are our most evocative senses, and as a result, create powerful memories. To this day, listening to Morcheeba takes me right back to a canyoning adventure I had in Spain over a decade ago! Put together a playlist for your upcoming travels, or gather songs as you go, and once it’s all over you’ll be able to transport yourself back in space and time at the tap of a button.


More like this: Can we stop visiting animal attractions? Here’s why, and here are better alternatives

The post Sustainable alternatives to the most unethical souvenirs appeared first on Matador Network.

Raccoon scales UBS Plaza in St. Paul

It’s not quite Spider-Man, but this masked, high-climbing creature has captivated people in Minnesota. A raccoon was spotted on Tuesday morning climbing the side of the UBS Plaza in St. Paul. When maintenance workers tried to rescue the raccoon by offering it a ladder to climb down, the raccoon simply scurried to another side of the building and climbing higher and higher. The incident has stirred locals and raccoon enthusiasts on social media, many of whom have posted pictures or videos of the creature’s climb.

What you've all been waiting for… #MissionImpossible #MPRraccoon

Places on the coast to go camping

There is nothing quite like unzipping your tent in the morning to see the sun coming up over the ocean. Whether it’s a classic white sand beach on a tropical island or a wild and remote shore scattered with driftwood, wherever you are headed in the world, you can usually find a beach to call home for a night or more. Here are seven underrated coastal camping spots that you may not have considered before.

1. Kauai, Hawaii, US

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If you have always wanted to go to Hawaii, but thought you couldn’t afford to, think again. Forget the budget-busting hotels and resorts. From the tiny island of Lanai, which has one beach campsite, to the Big Island of Hawaii, which has 15, a pitch can cost as little as $3 a night.

One of the most beautiful campsites is at Polihale on Kauai, a remote golden sand beach framed by the Na Pali Mountains. The five-mile journey over rough track is worth the effort. There aren’t many pitches and the Polihale campsite is spread out enough for you to find your own secluded patch. The snag is that Hawaii’s campgrounds are tightly regulated and you must purchase permits in advance – but it’s a small price to pay for paradise.

2. Banks Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand

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A spectacular descent over the hills from the small colonial town of Akaroa brings you to Okains Bay, an isolated beach on New Zealand’s South Island. The Okains Bay campsite is tucked away in a forest of pine trees at the rear of the expansive sandy beach. Sheltered by the trees and bordered by a river, it’s an idyllic spot to get back to nature and enjoy the sound of crashing waves.

Although basic, the campsite has showers and a kitchen. The settlement of Okains Bay consists of an old-fashioned convenience store, a Maori museum and a retro two-pump gas station. Seemingly a world away, but in reality only half an hour by road, Akaroa is home to galleries, cafes, and a supermarket. Swimming is good at Okains Bay and there are several walking trails nearby.

3. Bay of Fires, Tasmania, Australia

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Choose a protected spot amongst the trees or an exposed grassy area by the beach. Either way, you don’t have to pay a penny to camp bush-style at Cosy Corner. It’s back to basics camping. Facilities are non-existent, and that’s what makes it so appealing.

Pristine white sand beaches and orange-tinted granite rocks are the main features of the coastline. The striking combination of the vibrant orange rocks and turquoise water is extraordinary. The area is rich in hiking opportunities with trails linking the bays. Nearby St. Columba Waterfalls can be reached via a short trek through the rainforest.
4. Laem Sala Beach, Thailand

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Just an hour away from Thailand’s crowded beaches at Hua Hin, you can escape to Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park. With its limestone hills, caves, and mangrove forest, it is also home to several beaches, a couple of which it is possible to camp on. To get there, you must either take a longtail boat from Bang Pu or hike over the hill for an hour. Either way, the views are impressive.

The beaches are wide and flat, and the bay is protected on three sides by limestone caves. Camping on the beach makes an ideal base for exploring the national park. One of the highlights is the nearby Phraya Nakhon Cave. The sight of the Kuha Karuhas Pavilion with a ray of sunlight streaming onto it through a hole in the cave ceiling is a worthwhile reward for the 45-minute hike. On route, you are likely to see dusty langurs and macaques.

5. Swansea, Wales

Photo: Leighton Collins Soul/Shutterstock

On a summer’s day, you could be forgiven for thinking that you are on a far-flung beach in Australia. A narrow country road takes you to the large Hillend campsite, which is nestled behind the rolling dunes of Rhossili Bay. Four miles of golden sand and the crashing waves created by a full Atlantic swell make this a favored hang-out for surfers and bodyboarders.

Despite having 300 pitches, the sprawling campsite never seems to feel crowded and has an air of peace and tranquillity. Hot showers are available and there are a shop and a café. A hike of a mile or so over the hill takes you to the King’s Head pub in Llangennith. If you tire of the beach, there are an abundance of villages and castles to explore in the vicinity.

6. Platja d’Aro, Spain

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The low-key Sa Cova campsite is on the popular Costa Brava. Tucked away from the sun-bathing masses, you would never know you were on one of Spain’s most visited stretches of coast. The hidden cove overlooks a small, but perfectly formed beach with rocks on either side. The best of the pitches are in the shade close to the rocks and have views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Stone steps lead down to the bay where snorkeling is excellent and the clear water brims with colorful fish. A coastal path leads to other secluded bays in the area and hiking trails meander through the mountains.

7. Pulau Kapas, Malaysia

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Beach huts are such a bargain in Southeast Asia that most people don’t consider camping. There is, however a small campsite on the island of Pulau Kapas where a night under canvas is worth considering. For a few dollars you can hire a tent on Longsha Beach and it costs even less if you have your own gear. The facilities are basic, but there are toilets, showers, a kitchen and a hammock to kick back in.

It’s a chilled spot and, although it’s popular with backpackers, people don’t come here for the party scene found on many of the other Southeast Asian beaches. You can swim with turtles, take short jungle treks, collect coconuts, and watch shooting stars. Unsurprisingly, many people come for a couple of days and stay for weeks.


More like this: Super simple packing list for your next camping trip

The post 7 underrated places to go coastal camping appeared first on Matador Network.