Matador Network's Blog, page 1395

Rome covered in snow

Rome is among the most photogenic cities in the world. But visitors and locals rarely see it covered in snow. With Rome’s first such event in six years, school schedules are disrupted and flights delayed or canceled. Behind the madness, however, sits a calm beauty worth slowing down to take in, even from the other side of the world. Viewing a white blanket over these historic structures, it feels as though time has stood still. These photos document the city in its current winter glory.

The Coliseum looks as mythical as ever

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And the entire city looks like something out of a fairytale

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Despite the chaos, people seem to be enjoying themselves

Une publication partagée par Ali Dobbs (@ali_dobbs) le 26 Févr. 2018 à 9 :08 PST

Une publication partagée par Ilaria A. Dotti (@ilaria_dotti) le 26 Févr. 2018 à 6 :50 PST

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A reminder that sometimes, we all need to slow down and enjoy the beauty of our world.

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More like this: How to save money on your trip to Rome

can you ace this geography quiz?

Hamilton Pool Preserve in Texas

Texas doesn’t usually conjure visions of emerald green pools and flowing waterfalls, but Hamilton Pool Preserve, about 23 miles west of Austin, is one such spot. What used to be an underground river is now a favorite swimming spot due to the collapse of the dome (a few thousand years ago). It’s been a popular summer swim spot since the 1960’s.

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and has been a designated nature preserve since 1990. The 232-acre nature preserve focuses on habitat protection, restoration, and habitat for wildlife.

In order to keep the area pristine, access to the pool is by reservation only, daily from March to October with weekend reservations required November until December. The pool is a quarter mile from the parking lot, but note that the path is rocky and steep in areas.

The natural pool, surrounded by limestone slabs, is fed by Hamilton creek. Its 50-foot waterfall never completely stops flowing, but in the dry season it slows to a trickle — interestingly, the pool’s water level stays pretty constant.

The water quality is constantly monitored, and sometimes the pool may not be open for swimming. The preserve allows swimming only on days when the bacteria levels and rainfall are in a safe range. Call the public information line to find out the status: 512-264-2740

How to get there

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is a 45-minute drive west of Austin, Texas. The address is 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd. Dripping Spgs, TX 78620. Google maps will get you there.

What to consider

Visiting the pool is by reservation only every day from March 1st through October 31st and weekends in November and December.
Admission is $15 per vehicle, or $5 per vehicle if there’s a senior (62+) aboard. There is also a non-refundable reservation fee of $11.
There are some amenities: picnic tables, hiking trails, and restrooms.
Bring your own drinking water, there is no potable water on site.
The water can get VERY cold — 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter months.
Entrance fees are collected when you arrive. They do honor the Federal Golden Age Passport and the Senior Citizen State Pass.
They only accept cash and “most” checks — NO debit or credit cards.
Glass bottles and alcohol are not allowed.
No pets, not even in your car. They’ll turn you away.
Hours of operation are from 9 AM to 6 PM. No entry after 5:30 PM.
Day use only.



More like this: 10 outdoor spaces to check out in Austin

Save money in Melbourne

As the second largest city in Australia, Melbourne is a modern metropolitan hub: you can spend a little or you can spend a lot. The city’s peak season is between November and March (Summer), therefore the accommodation prices and number of visitors, rises in those months. Visiting Australia can be costly due to its size, but your time in Melbourne can be done cheap. Here’s how.

1. Use public transport: the free tram zone.

Getting around Melbourne can be easy and cheap. The tram network in Melbourne spreads to the outer suburbs, however, each line travels through the Central Business District (CBD), the heart of the city. Within the CBD, taking a tram is a payless transaction, you simply step on and step off. Each stop has a network map for information, and will also have clear signage to notify passengers whether they are in the “free tram zone.” You also have the option of riding on Melbourne’s historic “City Circle” tram line. Also free, these dark brown and yellow trams may be a few decades older, but their route was designed to stop at most of the major tourist attractions.

2. Walk.

Melbourne is a sprawling city, but a majority of the sightseeing locations are in the city center along the Yarra River. Walking along the Yarra is a common route for locals and visitors. The foot traffic in the city can be congested during peak hours, however, the distance between the outer rims of the CBD are only 2-3 kilometers (30-45 minutes walking). Traveling as a pedestrian increases your ability to see all of Melbourne’s various outdoor art spaces, gardens, alleyway cafes, or bars, and it’s also free!

3. Learn where to get the cheap food and the cheap booze.

Being a local helps you eventually find the reasonably priced places for weekly specials, but coming into the city as a guest often means you end up at the tourist spots — or worse, McDonald’s. Take a short tram ride out of the CBD and you can find some fantastic deals and feel like a Melburnian. Here are a few:

Bimbo Deluxe — One of the many north side hipster venues, at Bimbo’s you’ll find an amazing $4 pizza menu with an array of tapped beer specials to accompany your slice. It is a comforting environment of lounge couches, deep armchairs, dim lighting, and an old twin cabin plane in the corner for the DJ booth. After your slice, cue up to pool table (pun intended), or slot some coins into their vintage arcade selection.

Asian Beer Cafe — Every Melbourne resident knows of this spot on the second level of the Melbourne Central Plaza: this modern Asian anime-influenced club/bar/restaurant is a popular meeting spot with drink specials every night. ABC’s regular busy nights include Ladies Nights on Thursdays and two-for-one cocktails on Friday afternoons. Get out to the deck and you’ll find a fantastic view of Melbourne’s historic public library.

Lentil as Anything! — This restaurant and community deli encourages an environment of sharing and caring. Eat as much as you’d like, and pay what you see fit to their contribution box at the end. This widely popular venue hires volunteers and the long-term unemployed, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and yes — it’s pro-vegan and vegetarian.

4. Free festivals!

Melbourne has many events throughout the year, most of which require a base fee ticket which gets you in. While you’re planning your trip, consider visiting during these amazing free festivals instead.

White Night — Usually in February, this is a city-wide art festival where domestic and international artists create incredible light and color spaces projected onto various iconic Melbourne buildings and throughout major public spaces. Walk amongst the city with thousands of other locals and visitors to see what you can find!

St. Kilda Music Festival — Also in February (summertime), if you make your way south of Melbourne to St.Kilda, the popular tourist area, your trip may align with this huge music festival. Thousands of festival-goers wander between the different stages and market stalls, all to end up on the esplanade main stage at night, where they join in dance for the final acts. The city council has tried to shut down this free festival a number times, but it has been unsuccessful due to its widely popular promotion of Australian artists.


More like this: 8 most underrated restaurants in Melbourne

Giveaways you're not from New Mexico

With its art festivals, accessible nature, and culture, New Mexico is a tourist magnet, so we can tell from a mile away if you’re an out-of-towner and out of your depth. Sometimes you’re less obvious, but these are 36 giveaways us locals know right off the bat that you’re an outsider.

1. “Hey, let’s go to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum!”

2. “Wow, Las Vegas is that close to Santa Fe?”

3. “I’ll have the mild chile.”

4. “No chile for me, thanks.”

5. “I’ll have the chile on the side.”

6. “How bad can the DMV be?”

7. “Whew, Santa Fe is SO high!”

8. “So it’s gonna rain all day, right?” — Like, give it 5 minutes, then it’ll be sunny again, dude.

9. “I’ll have a prickly pear margarita.”

10. “I’m here for the Santa Fe Margarita Trail.”

11. “Yeah, I’ll have the en-CHILL-adas, with a queso-DILLA and tor-TILLAS on the side.”

12. “How do you pronounce Pojoaque?”

13. “I just bought cowboy boots!”

14. “Look at how much cheap turquoise I bought!”

15. “I’m here for Indian Market.”

16. “What does Christmas mean?”

17. “Red or green what?”

18. “So Tex Mex and New Mexican food are basically the same thing, right?”

19. “Should I fly into Santa Fe or ABQ?”

20. “Wow, it really IS the Land of Enchantment!”

21. “So how do I get to the Breaking Bad house?”

22. “I can’t WAIT to see a flying saucer!”

23. “I’ve heard the weather in spring here is so nice.”

24. “Since New Mexico is a desert, that means there’s no snow, right?”

25. “Wow, you guys actually have rivers and water?!”

26. “What’s so bad about juniper season?”

27. “So it’ll be ready tomorrow?” — Try in two weeks, hombre.

28. “God, I just love the CULTURE here. It’s so EXOTIC.” — For us, it’s just where we live, hombre.

29. “Why is everyone hating on the Rail Runner?”

30. “So this morning, I saw a wild animal IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN!” — Yeah, and your point is?

31. “I’m sure the road work will be over soon.”

32. “And now I’ll just indicate my turn…”

33. “Which way to Museum Hill?”

34. “Can you eat the chile ristras?”

35. “What are sopapillas?”

36. “I heard that Colorado has good green chile too.”


More like this: 19 dead giveaways you're from New Mexico

Pennsylvanian foods

1. Cheesesteaks, obviously

Photo: Stu Spivack

Although Philadelphia gets most of the attention, Delco and many of the surrounding counties across the state love their Cheesesteaks, too. The real question is: Do you like yours wiz wit or without?
2. Primanti Brothers sandwiches

Photo: Roy Luck

Started in Pittsburgh in 1940s, there are now over 20 locations scattered throughout the state. Who doesn’t love massive sandwiches on fresh Italian bread piled high with meat, cheese, fresh-cut fries, tomatoes, and coleslaw?
3. Perogies

Photo: Kathrine Yengel

They are EVERYWHERE in Pennsylvania and engrained in most locals’ taste buds.
4. Scrapple

Photo: Kate Hopkins

You either love it or hate it but Scrapple has its devoted fans.
5. Whoopie pies

Photo: F_A

The best snacks you can get at farmers’ markets.
6. Potato chips

Photo: April Pink

Nothing beats the taste of Utz, Middleswarth, and Herr’s.
7. Hershey’s chocolate products

Photo: LearningLark

We want them all!
8. Tastykake products

Photo: Michael Lehet

Our favorite ones include Kandy Kakes, cupcakes, pies, doughnuts, Dreamies, and Minis.
9. Mushrooms

Photo: Pixabay

Kennett Square is the mushroom capital of the world. It is estimated that nearly 50% of the nation’s mushrooms are grown there.
10. Stromboli

Photo: kae71463

Calzone with a twist (literally).


More like this: How to speak Pennsylvanian in 10 easy steps

Compliment a Kansan

Kansans might try to shy away from any attention and compliments, but it’s just because our midwest modesty coming through. Being recognized for something other than the “Wizard of Oz” will always score points, but here are a few more pointers on how to properly compliment a Kansan.

1. Crops are looking good this year.

Harsh winters and tornadoes can and will destroy crops, and many years farmers suffer from those disasters. So when someone says they’re looking good, you know your harvest will be a great one.

2. Your hair looks amazing today!

Perfect hair days in Kansas are hard to come by. Unfortunately, these days are rare since our weather changes every few hours.

3. Can I have another helping?

If the way to a person’s hearts is through their stomachs, then the way to a Kansan’s heart is to ask for a second serving.

4. Good luck in the tournament.

This applies to KU, K-State, and Wichita State basketball teams entering March Madness. We’ve got good odds with three teams representing our great state in the Big Dance.

5. There is so much more to Kansas than the “Wizard of Oz.”

We know this story made us famous, but we’re also appreciative that others take the time to get to know our sunflower state.

6. I love how far I can see out here.

Yes, Kansas is as flat as a pancake. Our uninterrupted views are breathtaking. Just wait until you see the stars at night.

7. These burnt ends are the best I’ve ever tasted.

KC barbecue made this delicious part of brisket famous when other barbecue cities threw them away. Once the trend caught on, KC made sure to everyone knew where they came from.

8. Nice truck. Four-wheel drive?

We are proud of our trucks and there are probably times where you need to call on one of us to help you move. But we’re always ready and willing to help out.

9. Kansans are just so nice!

Tell a Kansan this and we’ll be too modest to admit it. Thank our Midwestern charm.

10. Chili and cinnamon rolls are a perfect combo.

It’s an unlikely match, but we will love to hear outsiders say they enjoy our childhood school lunch staple.


More like this: 7 abilities Kansans have over everybody else

Best ski resorts in Europe

Europe has some of the world’s best skiing locations. Alpinism started in the Alps (no big surprise there) and modern skiing took hold here, spread to the USA, and then to the world.

The Alps are known across the globe, but in the countless peaks and valleys, there are still many quiet, undiscovered locations offering world-class slopes and infrastructure. In the rest of Europe, from the Pyrenees to the Scandinavian countries, ski resorts are less in the spotlight, but skiing is a tradition nonetheless, taking a more adventurous or festive tone depending on the custom and on what the mountains offer. Here’s our take on the best of the bunch.

1. Chamonix, France

Photo: Pixabay

The whole ski and adventure complex of Chamonix, one of the oldest in France, is along a 10-mile-long valley dotted with towering mountain peaks. There are 5 million visitors a year in a commune with less than 10,000 permanent residents, so expect it to be busy. It’s a well-earned fame.

It’s the birthplace of alpinism but they made sure to include a spectrum of activities for any level of abilities. There are two specific family-oriented ski areas, or you can rock-climb over ice-covered peaks. There are two main cross-country skiing areas, or you can go on a hike along snow-covered paths. This scratches only the surface of the sports and entertainment opportunities of the complex.

The heavily-forested landscape turns completely white on a regular snow season, but the little clusters of traditional Alpine houses offer the occasional burst of colors through the timber cladding, flags, and signs, matching the lively activity at its feet — cafés, pubs, pop-up markets, and little stores, as well restaurants, museums, and spas.

2. St. Anton, Austria

Photo: Colin Capelle

The clear sky allows for a perfect 360° view from the top of Valluga, a 9,000+-foot-tall peak in eastern Austria. St. Anton is where modern skiing started and they make sure the tradition continues with 200+ miles of trails served by one of the best lift systems in the world.

It is possible to criss-cross the mountains in every direction and even cross valleys, which is what people usually do: start from one spot, lunch in another valley, and make their way back all through skiing and ski-lifting.

The groomed slopes cater to any level of experience, and there are 100+ miles of backtrails.

There is a famous after-skiing party every day at 3:30 PM on piste number 1, but restaurants and pubs are busy, too.

3. Andermatt, Switzerland

Photo: Toni Birrer

One of the most snow-covered ski venues in the Alps, Andermatt has 75+ miles of trails, few tourists, great ski lift accessibility, and a complex covering three mountain passes. If this is not enough to put the Andermatt ski area on a top list, the historic little village offers the atmosphere of a local, Swiss mountain place still holding off the globalization influence (for now). The best thing is to walk along the cobblestoned streets often flanked by Swiss chalets. Everything is easily accessible, as the village is very tiny.

After reaching the top of the Gemsstock and enjoyed the views, skiers can head in any direction, so perhaps that’s a good place to start from. It is a fairly unknown location and it does appeal to more expert skiers rather than beginners, but the complex allows for variety, although it is considered a “specialist” venue for off-trailers, because the runs are long, have a lot of snow and are little used.

4. Livigno, Italy

Photo: Jakob Montrasio

Although it offers good off-piste for experts, Livigno is very suitable for beginners and intermediate-level skiers because of the gentle valley. The complex and its ski-parks are on both side of the valley which adds to the variety of views offered while coming down. On top of the variety of runs, there are many spots to practice tricks, with rails, boxes, airbags, and more.

The valley also makes for an original spot, because it’s not surrounded by jutting peaks and it’s in a fairly straight line. It’s nice to have slopes flanked by trees, too, which offer some color in a day of skiing. Unique to Livigno is also its tax-free status (dating back from Napoleonic times!) making everything, included drinks and gas, very affordable and making Livigno one of the cheapest ski-venues of the Alps.

Livigno is not easily reachable, with a few hours from any airport and winding, mountain roads that go on for a long time. This makes it a quiet place great for families, with few tourists in the traffic-free town.

5. Three Valleys, France

Photo: Tim Snell

This ski region in the Tarentaise Valley consists of interconnected valleys and towns with eight ski resorts, all accessible with one ski-pass. Les Trois Vallées (Three Valleys) is simply the largest ski area in the world, with at least 306 miles of slopes and 74 miles of off-piste. There are 183 skilifts connecting resorts located at different altitudes, such as the well-known Val Thorens, Les Arcs, and La Plagne, which in turn are composed of clusters of little villages. This creates a web of a variety of ski-related activities for anyone, with quiet family friendly parks next to slopes for freestylers. Snowfall is basically guaranteed, given its altitude, and yearly investments bring minor but constant improvements.

6. Idrefjäll, Sweden

Photo: Jorn Eriksson

The runs are all around the Idrefjäll ski resort, serviced by new design architecture and good infrastructure. Suitable for any level of experiences as well as families, it is a favored spot for adrenaline seekers because the steepest run in Sweden is here. Nevertheless, there are few tourists, and even then, they are mostly from the Nordic countries.

The flat mountaintops of the range allow for alternating cruising around with steeper runs. The weather can change quite quickly, but on a clear evening sky, it’s possible to ski under an Aurora Borealis show. The flat tops allow for a wide-angle view of the surreal natural show, without the worry of picking too much speed up.

7. Grand Tourmalet, France

Photo: Tourisme Grand Tourmalet

The tree-lined slope overlooks the towns down in the valley, which pop in and out of your sight. A ski complex connecting two different villages, Grand Tourmalet is the biggest ski resort of the French Pyrenees.

It’s ideal for intermediate skiiers, but the resort is unique for a specific reason: the Observatory on top of the 9,439-foot-tall Pic du Midi. The peak towers over the area and on a cloudy day, the clouds are below and the other tall peaks pop out as if floating. It’s possible to spend the night at the observatory, stargazing and having dinner and set off at sunrise to make your descent to town, 5,577 feet below.


More like this: These skiers poach some seriously deep backcountry powder in Europe

12 literary pilgrimages for 2018

Books have the unique virtue of allowing you to feel a place, a landscape, a road, without setting foot there. Really good books let you fall in love with somewhere that you have never been before. But where are the locations that inspired some of the best works of literary genius over the last several hundred years? A new infographic from Hoppa.com reveals where you can walk in the footsteps of Hemingway, Marquez, Shelley, and Joyce. From a Hemingway look-alike contest in Key West to an alchemist’s castle in Germany, these are the 12 literary pilgrimages you need to make in 2018.

Photo: happa

More like this: How well do you know famous literature set in Europe?

Miss when you leave Philly

1. WAWA

Photo: Taber Andrew Bain

Prepare for withdrawal. No hoagies, sandwiches, coffee, or your favorite convenient store.

2. Anytime the Eagles play

Photo: Jennifer Snyder

The city is electric anytime the Eagles are playing. You won’t be able to get that feeling anywhere else.

3. SEPTA

Photo: Adam E. Moreira

Whether it’s on the train or the bus, you’re guaranteed to see something strange, funny, and unusual. You’ll miss the free entertainment.

4. Mike Jerrick

Photo: Felicito Rustique, Jr.

The man is a treasure.
5. The word “Jawn”

Photo: Lachlan Hardy

It will be weird not hearing this 50 times a day.
6. Cheesesteaks

Photo: Stephen Levin

Good luck trying to get an authentic cheesesteak especially if you go south.

Pro tip: If you are outside of Philly and a menu says, “Philly Cheesesteak,” run!


More like this: 13 differences between a local and a transplant in Philly