Matador Network's Blog, page 419

You May Soon Be Able To Renew Your Passport Online

Good news, American passport-holders: You’re one step closer to being able to renew your passport online.

The US Department of State launched a pilot program to help Americans renew their passports more efficiently by eliminating the need to mail in expired passports and supplementary documents. The first phase of the program is already complete: As of August 12, the agency has accepted 25,000 initial applicants to test out its online passport renewal service. Phase two opened in September and will allow another 25,000 first-come, first-served applicants to trial the service. A broader rollout is expected in 2023.

To qualify for phase two, applicants must be at least 25 years old and renewing a passport that was issued between 2007 and 2013 and is already expired or set to expire within a year. People who’ve previously reported their passports as lost or stolen aren’t eligible to apply, and changes to name, gender, date of birth, and place of birth can’t be updated through the online passport renewal service at this time.

Though one ultimate goal of online passport renewals is to decrease processing times, the State Department currently estimates comparable wait times for electronic and mail-in renewals: eight to 11 weeks for the standard service and five to seven weeks for the $60-extra expedited option. Renewal costs are also the same, excluding postage and mailing fees: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, and $160 for both.

Nonetheless, if your passport is expiring and you meet all 10 of the agency’s requirements to participate in the pilot program, it’s hard to argue with the convenience of uploading a digital passport photo and entering your payment information electronically. To throw your hat in the ring for phase two, all you have to do is create, verify, and register a MyTravelGov account, then keep an eye out for the “renew passport” option to reappear in September.

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These Hot Tub Boats Are the Coziest Way To See the Seattle Skyline at Any Time of Year

When you think of Seattle, there’s a good chance that oysters, salmon fishing, rain, and a baseball team that never quite lives up to its potential come to mind. Now you can add “hot tub boats” to the list. Lake Union’s Hot Tub Boats experience combines the two most relaxing things you can imagine: a day on a boat, and a dip in a hot tub.

Docked on Seattle’s Lake Union, Hot Tub Boat lets you enjoy views of the city from the comfort of a floating hot tub that you can rent for two hours. To make them float, the tubs are embedded in what looks like a skiff. They come with a Bluetooth speaker, heating, a dry storage hatch for your personal items, and joystick navigation so you can steer the “boat” wherever you wish.

@emitoms In Seattle you can rent a boat with a hot tub #seattlecheck #washingtoncheck #fyp #seattle #summer2020 ♬ Myself – Bazzi

Driving the boat is as easy as playing Pacman. Just use the joystick on the starboard side to maneuver through the calm waters. You can reach the joystick while sitting in the tub or sunbathing on the deck, so the driver won’t miss out on any hot tub action. The onboard heating is another crucial feature of the experience, as it allows the tub to remain a toasty 104 degrees even in mid-winter.

The experience begins with a visit to the changing hut, where you’ll prepare for your adventure before receiving a safety demonstration on the boat. Then, you’re free to explore Lake Union, which includes views of Gasworks Park and the Seattle Skyline, as well as watching seaplanes take off and land. Once you disembark, a hot shower will be waiting for you, equipped with luxury soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and essential oil bath salts.

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11 Egyptian Pyramids You Can Actually Go Into and What’s Inside Each

While Pyramids can be found throughout the world, like in Mexico or Sudan, these immense structures are more often associated with Egypt. And luckily for visitors to the country, many of the mortuary monuments that are the Egyptian pyramids can be admired both from the outside and the inside. But with over 100 pyramids in Egypt, deciding which ones to visit and enter can be a bit overwhelming. To get the inside scoop on what pyramid visitors should prioritize, we spoke with Nick Brown, an Egyptologist and PhD candidate in the Near Eastern Languages and Culture department at UCLA. Brown is an expert in the field – he studied Egyptology in Cairo and has worked on archaeological sites throughout Egypt.

Note from the writer: Pyramids and tombs are often reopened or closed to visitors, so be sure to check on the Ministry of Antiquities’ Facebook page for any announcements regarding visiting the sites.

Inside the pyramids of the Giza Plateau

The Giza Plateau is home to numerous funeral monuments, including the three most iconic (and tallest) pyramids of Egypt, built by three succeeding generations of pharaohs.

How to visit: The Giza Plateau is nine miles from Cairo and can be reached using the Cairo Transport Authority bus, lines 355 or 357, or by booking a guided tour.

Admission fee: 100 Egyptian pounds ($10)

The Great Pyramid of Khufu

Photo: ImAAm/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2570 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 200 Egyptian pounds ($20) to enter the pyramid.

The Great Pyramid, built by Khufu, is the oldest of the three main pyramids of Giza and the largest in Egypt. The only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to remain largely intact, the Pyramid of Khufu, at 455 feet, was the tallest building in the world until the Lincoln Cathedral was built in England in 1311.

What’s inside this pyramid: Visitors can walk the Great Gallery to the King’s Chamber, which holds the empty granite sarcophagus of Khufu. The mummified remains of the pharaoh have never been found and are thought to have been stolen, along with all of the pharaoh’s grave goods, over a thousand years ago.

The Pyramid of KhafreConstruction date: 2540 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 100 Egyptian pounds ($10) to enter the pyramid.

The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest pyramid in Egypt, standing at 450 feet tall. Built by Khufu’s son, Khafre, it is one of the few pyramids to retain some of its outer limestone casing.

What’s inside this pyramid: Inside is a burial chamber carved out of the bedrock with gabled roofs and a sarcophagus made from granite. The sarcophagus has long been empty (the pyramid may have been broken into as early as 2100 BCE), and archaeologists are unsure if Khafre was ever buried here, as there are no burial inscriptions on the walls.

The Pyramid of Menkaure

Photo: Zsolt Szekretar/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2510 BCEAdmission fee: Visitors pay an additional 100 Egyptian pounds ($10) to enter the pyramid. According to Brown, the Ministry of Antiquities often closes either Khafre or Menkaure’s pyramids, so be sure to check if the pyramid of your choice is open.

The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the main pyramids of Giza, standing at 215 feet tall. Built for Menkaure, the son of Khafre and grandson of Khufu, the pyramid features unfinished granite blocks, leading archaeologists to believe that Menkaure died before the pyramid itself was finished.

What’s inside this pyramid: A corridor clad in pink granite leads to a chamber with decorative panels, a “cellar” room with six niches, and a burial chamber. In 1837, Egyptologist Howard Vyse found two sarcophagi inside the burial chamber: a black stone sarcophagus and a wooden one bearing the name of Menkaure but containing a young woman’s bones. Unfortunately, the stone sarcophagus was lost at sea on its way to England in 1838. The wooden sarcophagus can be seen in the British Museum.

Inside the pyramids of the Saqqara Necropolis

The Saqqara Necropolis was a royal burial place for over 3,000 years, covers over square miles, and is home to both pyramids and massive funerary complexes.

How to visit: Saqqara is 18 miles south of Cairo. Public transport is limited, so it is best to book a tour, hire a private guide, or book a round-trip Uber from Cairo. Be sure to visit the Imhotep Museum on site, and brown also recommends booking a horseback ride to visit nearby Abusir, a nearby complex of 14 small pyramids!

Admission fee: Entrance to the Saqqara Necropolis is 80 Egyptian pounds ($4).

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

Photo: trappy76/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2670 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional fee to enter the Stepped Pyramid.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser, rising in steps rather than smooth-sided, is believed to be the earliest stone-cut monument in the world and the first pyramidal tomb in Egypt. The Step Pyramid was a huge departure from previous burial architecture, which largely consisted of small, single-layer tombs known as mastabas, also seen at Saqqara.

What’s inside this pyramid: The pyramid was opened in 2020 following a restoration project that took 14 years, cost $6.6 million, and included the building of accessible entrances for wheelchair users. Visitors can step inside the burial chamber and see Djoser’s massive granite sarcophagus, as well as chambers decorated in blue tiles and carved reliefs of the pharaoh. Artifacts found in the pyramid are in the Imhotep Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Pyramid of Unas

Photo: EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2360 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional fee to enter the pyramid.

The Pyramid of Unas is a small, largely ruined pyramid. Though unassuming from the outside, the pyramid is famous for having the oldest known Egyptian religious texts inscribed on the walls of its subterranean chambers.

What’s inside this pyramid: The inside features three rooms and an empty sarcophagus. A mummified arm, possibly belonging to Unas, was found nearby and is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. More impressively, the pyramid is home to the “Pyramid Texts”, a series of incised hieroglyphs filled with blue pigments that represent the oldest known Egyptian religious texts. These texts were believed to have magical properties and include 200 spells that protected Unas in the afterlife. These texts became a trend amongst Egyptian pharaohs, and Egyptologists believe they were the inspiration for the later coffin texts and the Book of the Dead.

Teti’s Pyramid

Photo: noemosu/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2345 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional fee to enter Teti’s Pyramid.

Teti was Unas’ successor, believed to have been murdered by his own bodyguards. His pyramid is largely ruined and resembles a natural hill. Like the Pyramid of Unas, Teti’s Pyramid is best known for containing pyramid texts carved into the inner rooms.

What’s inside this pyramid: Teti’s Pyramid contains pyramid texts in the inner chambers, though they are not as preserved as those in the Pyramid of Unas. A starry night is carved into the ceiling of one chamber, and a basalt sarcophagus is found in the burial chamber.

The Tomb of MererukaConstruction date: 2310 BCEAdmission fee: There is an additional entrance fee of 80 Egyptian pounds ($4).

While not a pyramid, the Tomb of Mereruka, the vizier to Teti, is worth a visit. Built during a time when high officials were building funerary monuments that rivaled their pharaohs’, the tomb is a spectacular, physical example of the changes in Egyptian politics at the time, as local noblemen increasingly took on wealth and power.

What’s inside this tomb: With 33 carved rooms, the mastaba is the richest nobleman’s tomb and the most elaborate non-royal tomb in Saqqara. The rooms are painted with scenes of Mereruka painting and playing board games, hunting and fishing scenes, and furniture and jewelry-making scenes. The central chamber has painted columns and a life-size statue of Mereruka.

The Dahshur Necropolis

The remains of seven pyramids have been found at the Dahshur Necropolis, though two have been completely destroyed and others are badly damaged. However, Dahshur, is home to two of the best-preserved early pyramids of Egypt, and visitors are allowed inside both of them.

How to visit: The Dahshur Necropolis is 20 miles south of Cairo. Public transport is limited, so it is best to book a tour, hire a private guide, or book a round-trip Uber from Cairo.

Admission fee: The entrance fee to the Dahshur Necropolis is 60 Egyptian pounds ($3).

The Bent Pyramid

Photo: Gurgen Bakhshetyan/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2600 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional entrance fee.

The Bent Pyramid, built by Khufu’s father, Sneferu, gets its name for its crooked shape. Originally, the pyramid was built at 54-degree angles, but the steepness made the pyramid unstable, and the angle was reduced to 43 degrees, giving the pyramid its unique shape. It’s thought to be one of the earliest examples of a smooth-sided pyramid, rather than the stepped pyramids previously built.

What’s inside this pyramid: The Bent Pyramid was recently opened to visitors for the first time in five decades. Visitors enter through a narrow 230-foot tunnel and can visit the burial chamber. Inside are corbelled ceilings and portcullis blocking systems to seal the main chamber after Sneferu’s burial. The pyramid is also home to hundreds of bats! The nearby Queen’s Pyramid, possibly built for Sneferu’s wife, Hetepheres, is also open to visitors.

The Red Pyramid

Photo: Eric Valenne geostory/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2590 BCEAdmission fee: There is no additional entrance fee.

The Red Pyramid, also built by Sneferu, was originally white. Like most pyramids, the white limestone casing that covered it is no more; much of it was stripped to build parts of Cairo during the medieval period. Now, only the red limestone blocks remain. It’s thought to be the first straight-sided pyramid and the inspiration for the Pyramids of Giza.

What’s inside this pyramid: The Red Pyramid was reopened to visitors in 2019. The entrance is part way up the side of the pyramid, and once inside, visitors descend a 200-foot-long tunnel to two well-preserved chambers featuring beautiful corbel-vaulted roofs and smooth floors, as well as a third, smaller chamber (perhaps the intended burial chamber) whose floor has been removed and destroyed by grave robbers over the centuries.

Others Egyptian pyramids you can enterThe Pyramid of Lahun

Photo: Victor V. Hoguns Zhugin/Shutterstock

Construction date: 1180 BCEAdmission fee: 60 Egyptian pounds ($3).

The Pyramid of Lahun, built by Senwosret II, is now a ruin, though the unassuming lump of mud bricks hides some beautiful inner rooms. In the 1840s, when British archaeologist Sir Flinders Petri, first documented the pyramid, it took him months to find the entrance inside, hidden in the southern courtyard of the structure. Nearly every other pyramid in Egypt has its entrance on the north side, following the religious belief that pharaohs needed to leave his tomb to the north in order to become a deity. The Pyramid of Lahun is a relatively young pyramid, however, and at the time of its construction religious beliefs had changed to follow a cult of Osiris, in which the celestial orientation of tombs was less important.

What’s inside this pyramid: A vaulted corridor leads to a hall with a ritual well and into the granite burial chamber, featuring a spectacular arched roof and a red sarcophagus. An alabaster table, possibly used for offerings, stands before the sarcophagus.. A small side chamber of the burial chamber once contained leg bones, possibly Senwosret II’s.

The tomb of Senwoseret’s daughter, Sat Hathor, was found near the pyramid, and her jewelry and toiletries can be seen in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One of the largest collections of papyri, many discussing medical and medieval topics, was found near the pyramid and is now housed at the University College London.

How to visit: The Pyramid of Lahun is in Fayoum, 60 miles south of Cairo. There is no public transport, so hire a private driver or book a private tour. There has also been historically a heavy military and police presence in the Fayoum area, and there could be numerous checkpoints and requirements of police escorts to get to the pyramid.

Meidum Pyramid

Photo: PRILL/Shutterstock

Construction date: 2600 BCEAdmission fee: The admission fee to the Meidum Pyramid is 100 Egyptian pounds ($10).

The Meidum Pyramid stands almost as high as the Pyramid of Menkaure in Giza and was likely Sneferu’s first attempt at pyramid-building, though it’s possible his predecessor Huni started it and Sneferu simply finished it. It was first built as a series of steps, like the Step Pyramid, and then later modifications added a limestone facing to give the pyramid a smooth-sided appearance. The outer cladding collapsed in ancient times, possibly during construction, as many components of the burial chamber and mortuary complex were never finished.

What’s inside this pyramid: The entrance to the pyramid is high above the ground, and leads to a descending corridor. A small ladder at the end leads up into the burial chamber. The burial chamber itself is uncompleted, with raw walls and wooden supports still in place.

How to visit: The Meidum Pyramid is 60 miles south of Cairo. The site is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s best to book a tour in Cairo, hire a driver, or book a round trip Uber.

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This Airbnb Lets You Sleep in a Bedouin Cave INSIDE the Lost City of Petra

It was 6 AM sharp. I was totally alone, sitting in the long shadow of Petra’s most famous monument. Two miles away, along a thin dusty trail through a maze of towering slot canyons, the gates to Jordan‘s Lost City of Petra were just opening to the public. Over the next several hours, a steady stream of visitors from around the globe would filter through the turnstiles toward the famous facade of the Treasury. This small space would quickly fill with tourists. But I had beat them to it. I was already basking in the desert silence and photographing the handful of scarf-laden Bedouin residents with their colorfully adorned camels.

We hope you love the Indiana Jones Bedouin Cave Airbnb! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Although the spectacularly photogenic faces of both the Treasury and Monastery have become synonymous with Petra, there is far more to the historical city. Truthfully, spending less than two full days inside the park allows you only to scrape the surface. There are ridgeline hikes to panoramic teahouse lookouts, a wall of tombs, and countless photo-worthy vantage points to view the most famous sites. Petra is large and wild enough to allow you to feel like an explorer, even while being one of the most visited tourist attractions on earth.

But by no means is it empty. Bedouin men with kohl-rimmed eyes ride horses, donkeys, and camels throughout the park, offering rides and guided tours. Markets fill the dusty paths of the park daily, congregating near the most-popular monuments. These shops are kept by Bedouin women and children with limited means, hoping to make a living in the blossoming Jordanian tourism market.

There is a way to see this new world wonder without the crowds. The secret lies with the Bedouins. Specifically with a man named Feras; and his Indiana Jones Cave Home that he lists on Airbnb.

Arguably, the Lost City of Petra belongs to the Bedouins. For centuries, the nomadic indigenous group has lived within the park boundaries farming the desolate land and managing herds of goats. They carved trails through the pink-hued sandstone and lived in communal cave housing bored into the high-desert cliffsides. When Petra was “re-discovered” and deemed both a world-wonder and UNESCO Heritage site worthy of protection, the Bedouins were relocated to the nearby cities by the government of Jordan to avoid the destruction of the protected structures.

This transition from nomadic self-sufficient living to metropolitan life did not go smoothly for most, and 35-50 families have since returned to the park and their cave homes. Technically, illegally. But the Jordanian government has done little to remove or deter them.

Keeping alive a long-standing way of life

Photo: Popova Tetiana/Shutterstock

Feras is the head of one of these families.

His Indiana Jones Airbnb Cave is a traditional Bedouin dwelling with two cavernous rooms hollowed into the sandstone cliffs deep within the park boundaries centuries ago. One room, the Airbnb rental, is adorned with colorful woven rugs spread across the floor and three beds loaded with blankets for chilly nights.

Postcards from previous guests turned long-time friends cover the walls. Outside you’ll find a coal firepit overlooking a scenic canyon framed by jagged peaks. The cave next door has a small kitchen and loads of floorspace where Feras sleeps, usually joined by a handful of other Bedouins who linger long into the night eating, drinking tea, and smoking shisha.

Cave Airbnb guests arrive in Petra just like anyone else. On foot. Feras meets and welcomes you at the iconic Treasury. You’ll then hit the trail together to the cave for a hot cup of tea and an introduction to the desert landscape. From here on out, you are free to explore as much or as little as you wish.

For an extra fee, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the property. I highly recommend a fireside dinner beneath the stars after a long day exploring Petra on foot. It’s not uncommon to traverse ten or more miles in a single day while attempting to make it to all the most popular sights.

The obvious benefit to sleeping in the Indiana Jones Cave is your exclusive access to the Treasury and Monastery without the crowds. You shouldn’t leave your cave until the park gates officially open to abide by park laws. But with your significant headstart, you’ll beat even the earliest risers.

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Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

Photo: Geena Truman

The not-so-obvious benefits of staying in the cave home instead of in the nearby town of Wadi Musa are three-fold.

1. You get to experience the rich Bedouin culture.

Almost everyone who visits Jordan develops a fascination with the Bedouins. Often acting like Arabian cowboys, these Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-likes are everywhere. Spending the night in the cave opens the door for you to get to know them. My two-night stay consisted of shared breakfast halva and Zaatar bread overlooking the red swirls of sandstone in the canyon below, stargazing while my hosts smoked endless shisha and played the Rababa (a local instrument), and candid talks about the Bedouin way of life.

2. You support the indigenous peoples of Jordan.

Most people who visit Petra see the Bedouins as simple entrepreneurs, infiltrating the park boundaries and selling trinkets for easy money. Considering you’re most likely to find them at the base of the Treasury enticing Instagram tourists to pay their 20 JD ($26) fee for a red carpet photo shoot overlooking the monument— you’d be forgiven for thinking that. But knowing their history with the park and their limited means of employment, or education for that matter, you’ll come to see them a little differently.

Staying with Feras supports the Bedouin community.

3. You get the inside scoop on where the off-the-beaten-path sights are hiding.

Not a single human on planet earth knows the Lost City of Petra better than the Bedouins. And they are all more than willing to share their secret hideouts with you. Bedouins are known for their hospitality, after all. All my best recommendations for sunset views and hikes within the park came from Feras and his friends, not the guidebooks. They guided me to several lookout points not indicated on any official park map, where I found small tea houses tucked into the rock ledges overlooking incredible vistas. I sipped gallons of sweet mint tea and watched the sun sink behind the layers of mountains stretching as far as the eye could see.

Despite the seemingly wide-open expanses of desert, Petra is still somewhere it is easy to get lost. Predominately because everything starts to look the same when traversing rock faces rather than well-trodden trails. It never hurts to have the guidance of someone who knows the area well.

Sleeping inside the Lost City of Petra in a traditional Bedouin dwelling is one of those unforgettable travel experiences you’ll be talking about for years to come. This is hands down the most incredible experience to have in Jordan. A combination of indigenous culture, traditional cuisine, incredible historical architecture, and genuine hospitality that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world.

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5 Neighborhoods That Prove Dallas Is One of the Most Diverse Cities in the US

Home to countless cultures and a thriving LGBTQ+ community, Dallas is proud to be one of the most diverse cities in the nation. And it shows: It’s easy to find and experience many different types of art, entertainment, food, and history here — and support a good cause with your wallet at the same time.

When you choose to patronize any of Dallas’s minority-owned businesses, you invest in that entrepreneur and their community at large. From Black-owned bakeries to the largest gay dance club in the state, here’s a look at five Dallas neighborhoods and their hotspots that help the city shine.

Oak Lawn / Cedar Springs

Photo: Visit Dallas

Home to one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in the city — as well as the most vibrant entertainment district in Texas — it’s safe to say the excitement runs nonstop in Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs. From piano bars to drag-diva hangouts, here’s where to head:

JR’s Bar & Grill

An Oak Lawn staple since 1980, JR’s Bar & Grill has evolved from a single bar to a multi-level space where most everyone can find their vibe. Toss back cheap beers and bask in the warm Dallas air out on the patio.

Station 4

Work up a sweat on the dance floor at S4, the biggest gay dance club in Texas. With 17 drink stations, the space is primed for letting you quickly grab a cocktail refill and return to dancefloor before the next beat drops. Take in the dazzling world-class laser and light show and pumping dance music spun by local and international DJs.

Rose Room

Attracting the best local and international drag talent, the Rose Room puts on spectacular drag shows four nights a week. The stage has all the dramatic bells and whistles: smoke machines, special effect lighting, and of course, fans at the ready to blow on performers for that perfect Celine Dion moment.

Round-Up Saloon

Not only has the Round-Up been the place for a good time for 42 years, it’s also the largest Queer country-western dance club in Dallas. With a bustling schedule of trivia, drag shows, and even line-dancing lessons, it’s easy to see why locals frequent this watering hole on the reg.

Sue Ellen’s

Grab a pint or two at the oldest lesbian bar in Texas — and one of only a handful left in the country. Owner Kathy Jack was one of the first women in Dallas to manage a bar, and she’s still going strong. On weekends, tunes from live bands and spinning DJs set the mood.

Oak Cliff

Once its own city, Oak Cliff is now a popular neighborhood in Dallas across the Trinity River, to the southwest of downtown. Spend the day exploring its street art, historical buildings, and indie shops — the places listed below will get you started:

Kookie Haven

Three sisters run Kookie Haven, where those in the know head for their square bites: moist, square-cut cupcakes. The flavors change daily, but you can expect to see classics like red velvet, carrot, and German chocolate. (It’s said the recipe comes from Mom.)

Sweet Georgia Brown

Former football player turned restaurateur Walt Williams owns this cafeteria-style spot serving up hearty Southern classics. Think brisket, sausage, and mac n’ cheese. Come hungry — the portions are generous.

The Island Spot

With live reggae music and Jamaican eats, The Island Spot captures the easy-going tropical vibes of the Caribbean right in the heart of Texas. Crispy fried coconut shrimp and mango jerk-glazed chicken wings pair perfectly with a rum cocktail at this family-run operation.

Bishop Arts District

Photo: Visit Dallas

While it’s technically part of Oak Cliff, the Bishop Arts District deserves a section all its own. Once a warehouse district for artists, today the neighborhood is home to galleries, specialty shops, and high-end restaurants. Make sure to check out these spots on your visit:

Kessler Baking Studio

Pop into Kessler Baking Studio for a famous buttery Texas-shaped pecan shortbread cookie made by 2020 James Beard nominee Clyde Greenhouse. And definitely set a calendar alert to start your Saturday with one of their warm, gooey cinnamon rolls.

Casa Del Vegano

At Casa Del Vegano, vegans and non-vegans alike tuck into hearty Mexican-inspired dishes with generous portions. Birria brisket (or pulled jackfruit) and chili nachos and grilled scallop (or king trumpet mushroom) tacos are two tasty options.

Good Cycle

This award-winning vintage shop opened during the pandemic and has been making serious waves. On the racks hangs a mix of unisex designer and handmade clothing carefully curated by owner Nikayla Golatt-Barrett.

Deep Ellum

Photo: Visit Dallas

As one of the city’s first Black neighborhoods, Deep Ellum has a rich history as a hub for jazz and blues venues. Today, it’s still a destination for vibrant nightlife and live music in a variety of styles. But music is just the beginning:

Picolé

At Picolé, delightful paletas — frozen treats similar to popsicles — are made in small batches using locally sourced ingredients. Cool off with flavors like strawberry cheesecake, made with homemade strawberry marmalade. For more of a kick, chow down on one of their alcohol-infused varieties.

African American Museum of Dallas

Founded in 1974, this 38,000-square-foot museum technically sits just outside Deep Ellum’s borders, but given the neighborhood’s history it makes sense to visit both together. Preserving and showcasing African American culture and history is the mission statement here. Spend an afternoon perusing one of the largest African American folk art collections in the country across the museum’s four vaulted galleries.

Neon Kitten

Neon Kitten is a happening late-night dim sum lounge where dumplings are king. Try the savory prawn and pork siu mai or the bright green edamame gyoza. A speakeasy in the back serves up handcrafted cocktails with a Japanese flair to keep the party going till 2am.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Located in the Dallas Arts District, just to the northwest of Deep Ellum, is the renowned Dallas Black Dance Theatre, the fourth-largest Black dance company in the country, which puts on shows year round. Dancers here come from all backgrounds and are dedicated to the company’s mission of bridging cultures and bringing contemporary modern dance to diverse communities around the US.

Cedars / Southside

One of Dallas’s oldest neighborhoods, the Cedars / Southside has undergone an energetic revitalization. It currently attracts some of the most exciting artists and designers in Texas and beyond and is filled with contemporary galleries. Here, creativity reigns — take a look:

Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge

Make this laid-back, Black-owned wine lounge the location of your next date or night out. Nosh on flatbread pizza as you sip on a wine flight. If you’re really enjoying your glass, you can purchase the bottle to take home.

Sandwich Hag

At Sandwich Hag, Chef Reyna Duong creates a welcoming atmosphere and emphasizes inclusion by making it a point to hire differently abled staff. The menu lists out Vietnamese eats like bahn mi sandwiches — the popular nem nướng bánh mì features garlicky and sweet housemade pork sausage.

Off the Bone Barbeque

Mouthwatering Texas BBQ with a cajun spin is served up by pitmaster Dwight Harvey and co-owner Rose Broussard at this casual joint. Fan favorites include the pecan-smoked baby back ribs and smoked brisket.

As you can see from the five neighborhoods profiled here, exploring Dallas means delving into the many cultures and people who call the city home. These folks bring their own perspectives, backgrounds, and flair to their businesses and epitomize the city’s common thread of good music, good food, good people, and good times — for all.

The 7 Best Artvillas in Costa Rica That You Can Book on Airbnb

It’s time to book your plane ticket to Costa Rica to experience the Art Villas — which, given their remote location, epic pools and aesthetic, and natural vibes, rank high on the list for Costa Rica’s finest Airbnbs. Step into another world and explore the forest around you from these beautifully lavish, contemporary, and unique villas in Costa Rica. Located in near Puntarenas and perched 300 meters above the Pacific Ocean, the Art Villas Costa Rica are the perfect home for your jungle getaway.

The Art Villas consists of three stunning villas: The Art Villa, The Atelier, and The CoCo. Each villa has its unique structure, vibe, and features. Each villa was built with innovative design and advanced technologies by three European architects to create a space where you can expand your mind, body, and soul.

We hope you love these Costa Rica art villas! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

The Art Villa

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

The Art Villa is a lavish structure that sits on top of the rainforest, surrounded by a beautiful jungle. This villa can accommodate up to ten guests, and the villa features an open living space, a well-appointed kitchen, a garden terrace, an infinity pool, a jungle playroom for kids, and gorgeous views of the Playa Hermosa beach.

Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $841 per night

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The Atelier Villa

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Immerse yourself in the world around you while staying at this unique villa. This villa can accommodate up to six guests and features a spacious open living area, lavish kitchen, garden terrace, and infinity pool.

Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $449 per night

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The CoCo Pods

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Lastly, there are the CoCo villas, four separate villas that makeup one whole treehouse in the sky. These private villas can fit up to two guests per suite and feature a private living space, an open terrace, a private kitchen, a pool, and a waterslide.

CoCo Pod One

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $89 per night

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CoCo Pod Two

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $98 per night

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CoCo Pod Three

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $85 per night

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CoCo Pod Four

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $102 per night

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While you’re staying at the Art Villas Costa Rica Airbnb, there are many experiences and adventures that you can get into while staying there. There is surfing, cooking classes with the country’s finest chefs, body massages, fitness training with a personal trainer, and a multifunctional outdoor jungle hall where they hold yoga classes, pole dancing classes, lectures, and weddings.

The Art Villas Costa Rica Airbnb is truly a place of peace and tranquility and is ready for you to come and experience your heaven on earth. If you want to experience more you can head to their Instagram.

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A Pilot Explains What Happens When Your Plane Can’t Land Due To Bad Weather

It’s one of those nightmare scenarios: You’re on your flight, and all seems well. Then, when you’re mere moments from starting the descent to your destination, the pilot announces the plane can’t land because of bad weather. Panic sets in. Will the plane be struck by lightning? Will you have to go all the way back to your starting point? An airline pilot who goes by the handle @almostcaptainmorgan (the pilot behind that viral video on the Denver’s airport bathrooms with windows that offer very little privacy) recently took to Instagram to explain what to expect if you’re ever caught in a storm while flying.

Morgan, the pilot, explains that on a recent flight from St. Louis to Chicago, air traffic control ordered the plane to execute a “hold and wait.” That means that the plane couldn’t land in Chicago, but actually had to circle the airport (in the air) before getting the all clear. One problem: Air traffic control wanted the plane to wait for an hour, but there was only enough fuel to keep the plane in the air for 30 minutes.

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Using a special keypad in the cockpit (called the ACARS “text messaging system”) the plane communicated its predicament to air traffic control. This is where the situation gets tricky (and probably uncomfortable) for passengers: In this case, the plane was actually told to return to St. Louis. A collective groan probably emitted from the passenger cabin when they got the news, but it didn’t turn out all bad: Once they got there, the plane underwent a so-called gas and go. All the passengers stay on the plane, it refuels, and they head back to Chicago (where the weather had, by then, cleared up).

In the scenario Morgan describes, passengers will eventually get to their destination, it might just take double the time. But there are other ways a bad weather situation might play out. According to the FAA, most aircrafts can safely fly over thunderstorms, but sometimes a thunderstorm can block a flight path.

In that case, the plane will be rerouted to nearby airspace, and in extreme cases, to a neighboring airport. In that case, passengers might end up in an entirely different part of the country than intended, for their own safety. Other planes that haven’t taken off yet have to wait at the gate until its safe to depart (which could result in long delays), while others that are waiting to land will be ordered into a holding pattern. The FAA also confirms what Morgan said in video: sometimes planes are ordered to land at different airports to refuel and wait out the storm.

The bottom line is, no matter what decision air traffic control makes about the plane, if there’s bad weather at your destination, passengers can expect long delays.

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33 Useful Hiking Terms and Phrases To Help You Be a Better Hiker

Perhaps your interest in hiking has just piqued or you hit local trails casually a few times a year. Or you may even have aspirations of becoming a Triple Crowner (someone who has completed the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail). But no matter which situation best describes you, you’ll probably realize that the world of hiking can be a bit overwhelming at first, even though it seems like it’s just walking.

From determining what gear you truly need and finding local hiking groups and buddies to learning trail etiquette and taking proper safety precautions, there’s a lot of information to sort through. The good news is that this can all be easily broken down, making it very approachable and easy to learn in steps.

The first step to becoming a better hiker is simply learning the hiking terminology. Like many other outdoor pursuits, hiking has its own culture in many ways, including having some unique lingo. More than just for fun, however, knowing a few basic hiking terms is essential for several reasons.

Knowing what it means when someone says “a trail has switchbacks” will ensure you don’t end up on a trail like this unexpectedly. Photo: Jess Kraft/Shutterstock

Learning hiking vocabulary can help you evaluate trail conditions and difficulty, get appropriate hiking gear, be a more environmentally responsible hiker, and in some cases, even save your life. After all, how could you possibly describe your location in an emergency if you don’t know the difference between frontcountry and backcountry or know how to identify switchbacks, scree, or a saddle?

This guide for beginners and intermediate hikers is a great start, and can immediately make you feel more prepared on the trail.

Hiking terms to describe terrain and surroundingsAccess road

Photo: Tacio Philip Sansonovski/Shutterstock

At the most basic level, an access road is simply the road you take to access a trailhead. Usually, however, access roads mean non-paved or dirt roads designed for forest, park, or service vehicles to reach hard-to-access areas.

Backcountry

The definition is slightly less black-and-white than many other hiking terms, but generally speaking, backcountry refers to a wilderness area accessed by trails rather than roads. Backcountry campsites usually have no or very few amenities (a pit toilet, at best).

Frontcountry

The opposite of backcountry, this is a slightly more developed, accessible area that doesn’t necessarily require hiking to reach. Examples include trails near a park’s visitor center or drive-in campsites. Frontcountry hikes are usually mapped and signed better than backcountry routes.

False Summit

There’s nothing like the let down of getting to the summit…only to find out it’s not the summit. Photo: Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock

A bit of an optical illusion, a false summit is a peak that you thought was the tallest or final summit, but realize there’s actually a higher point left to tackle. Usually you’ll realize you’re at a false summit when you finally reach the crest, only to see the actual summit in the distance. False summits are usually good places for snack breaks.

Out-and-back

A hiking trail leading to a specific destination (such as a summit or lake) that follows the exact same route back to the starting point. Other options include point-to-point hikes (which start and end in different places) or loops, which start and end in the same point without retracing one’s steps.

Ridgeline

A noticeable, narrow edge on a mountain or hill, typically steep and elevated above valleys. Ridgelines often have direct trails at their highest points out to lookouts or drop offs. Narrow ridgeline hiking can be less-than-fun for hikers afraid of heights or on very windy days.

Saddle

A hiker headed toward the saddle (the low, flat area above the waterfall and between ridgelines). Photo: Suzie Dundas

Literally, a “saddle” is a saddle-shaped landform connecting two higher points, such as peaks. Saddles are relatively flat in the middle and gradually get higher at either end. If you’re hiking between valleys, crossing a ridgeline at the saddle means crossing at the lowest point.

Scramble

A cross between hiking and non-technical rock climbing, scrambling involves using your hands and feet to navigate a steep or rocky area. Scramble can be a verb, or it can be used to describe a section of trail (ex: “The loose, uphill section after the trail sign is a bit of a scramble.”)

Scree

A section of loose, small rocks usually on a slope that make it necessary to hike carefully and watch your step. These are also called “scree fields” and can be thought of as being similar to sections of loose, large pieces of gravel.

Singletrack

This trail is considered singletrack as there’s no way for two people to safely walk side by side for an extended period. Photo: Maridav/Shutterstock

A very narrow trail or section of trail typically only wide enough for one person, often through a tightly wooded area or with other surroundings that make off-trail travel difficult. This is also a mountain biking term, so in some cases, singletrack refers to an even narrower trail primarily used by cyclists.

Spur Trail

A short trail “spurring” off the main trail, usually leading to a point of interest such as a great view or wilderness campsites.

Switchback

Tight, zig-zag-shaped corners on trails that make navigating steep sections more manageable. Think of these as sections of trails that quickly “switch back” and forth in direction. Some trails are built with switchbacks to control erosion, so it’s best to stick to the switchbacks rather than making a more direct (and steeper) route between them. A non-technical hiking term for a switchback could just be a “tight corner.”

Talus

Walking up a talus field. Photo: Janice Chen/Shutterstock

Similar to a scree field, a talus field is a steep section of fallen rocks, though the rocks can be quite large and are often caused by rock slides or massive earth movements. Talus fields are usually not as loose as scree fields but may require boulder crossings. Talus fields are usually scrambles if you’re going up them, rather than across. “Talus slide” is also one of the more common hiking terms, but it means the same thing.

Treeline

A visible “line” across a mountain above which the environment doesn’t allow for trees to grow. You’ll often hear hikers refer to different parts of a trail as above or below treeline. Above treeline is often much colder and windier as there’s no growth to offer protection. When camping, it’s usually more comfortable to stay below treeline if possible.

Hiking terms to describe gearBase Weight

The weight of all your backpacking or day hiking gear without consumables added. In hiking terms, a consumable is anything you’ll use over the course of your trip (such as food, water, propane, or sunscreen). Sometimes people even include the weight of their hiking shoes or baseball caps in this total.

Bear Bag

Bear bangs hanging from a bear pole. Photo: Suzie Dundas

Very similar to a dry bag, a bear bag is a weather-resistant bag that can be hung from a tree or bear pole away from camp to store food, toiletries, and anything else scented to keep it away from bears. To use a bear bag, you’ll also need a carabiner, some paracord or lightweight rope, and a branch or pole high enough off the ground that a bear won’t be able to reach it. Some hikers use scent-proof bags inside the bear bags as a further layer of bear deterrent.

Bear Box

Bear-proof storage lockers along some trails and campsites in areas where there are known bear populations. Note that in many areas with bear boxes, overnight campers are required to use them. Bear boxes usually have a latch system or some other system to keep them closed. Anything with a scent needs to go into a bear box, including items like sunscreen or deodorant.

A note about bears: bear boxes and bear bags are designed to keep bears away from your food so they don’t associate people with food. This is usually for the bear’s safety, not because bears are aggressive toward people. Humans are not prey for bears and they’ll usually run away from hikers and human noise. It’s important to keep wildlife wild by not feeding them (including tiny animals like chipmunks).

Bivouac, or bivy sack

Temporarily camping without a tent or much gear, most often done to get just a few hours of sleep or sometimes in an emergency, such as when inclement weather forces you to stop sooner than you planned or not make it to your campsite before nightfall. Bivy sacks look similar to sleeping bags, but with a raised area around the head. They’re used without tents and almost exclusively by ultralight campers in warm-weather, dry conditions (or emergency situations).

Cache

Photo: Bargais/Shutterstock

A location along a long-distance trail where backpackers can store food, water, and gear in advance to resupply along their route. A cache can also refer to a waterproof storage box near the summit of a trail, usually filled with items left by other hikes like notebooks, lighters, or maps. Similar to geocaching, except these “caches” are usually easy to find and meant to be discovered by hikers.

Cairn

Cairns are human-made stacks of rocks used as trail markers or to indicate something noteworthy on a trail, such as a scenic photo spot or a summit. Note that cairns are somewhat controversial and completely banned in many designated wilderness areas as they don’t follow Leave No Trace principles and can confuse hikers when not used for navigation. Cairns are called “ducks” in some parts of the US.

Crampons

Traction devices that fit over boots to dig into ice, light snow, and other slippery services are called crampons. These are often referred to as “microspikes,” though that’s technically a trademarked product name from Kahtoola (which makes traction devices for hiking).

Pack it In/Pack it Out

Photo: Darren William Hall/Shutterstock

One of the most important Leave No Trace principles, packing it out is the practice of taking everything you bring in with you back out from the trail; leaving absolutely nothing behind. This includes food and sometimes human waste.

The 10 Essentials

A widely-used list of 10 types of items hikers should always carry for safety and comfort, including some type of shelter, extra food, and a fire-starting device. Many hikers pick and choose which of the 10 essentials they’ll carry on any given hike based on the difficulty, while other hikers always carry all 10, regardless of the length or challenge.

Ultralight

Ultralight campers prioritize keeping their weight low, which often means using rain flys on hiking poles, rather than full tents. Photo: Roman Mikhailiuk/Shutterstock

A minimalist style of backpacking and hiking that prioritizes carrying the lowest weight possible.

Other common hiking terms to knowBlaze

Trailheads often have signs to indicate which colors a certain trail follows. Photo: Suzie Dundas

A trail marker, typically on trees but sometimes on rocks or posts, and almost always color-coded. Blazes can be paint marks or flags tied to trees and mark specific routes. If you get lost, look for the appropriately colored blaze to find your way. You may hear people say things like “Follow the oranges blazes to stay on the trail.”

Bushwhack

To hike off trail, usually through dense vegetation.

Cat Hole

A small, shallow hole dug with a trowel (or “poop shovel”) for safely disposing of human waste.

Giardia

Filtering — or otherwise treating water — should keep humans and animals safe from nearly all water-borne diseases. Photo: Kristi Blokhin/Shutterstock

Also called Giardiasis, Giardia is a digestive tract parasite that hikers and campers can contract from drinking unsafe, unfiltered water. Dogs are especially vulnerable to giardia, but using a water filter can safely prevent the parasite in humans and dogs. It’s treatable with antibiotics.

LNT/Leave No Trace

A seven-principle code of ethics outlining how to recreate responsibly outdoors, including properly disposing of waste, traveling only on durable surfaces, and respecting wildlife.

Peak-bagging

Summiting several mountain peaks, typically in the same geographical area, such as Colorado 14ers (peaks with summits above 14,000 feet high) or the Presidential Range in New Hampshire. “Peak baggers” are hikers usually trying to check off a list of summits, often in a set time range (ex: attempting to peak bag all of Colorado’s 14ers in a single year).

Section Hiker

Photo: Jonathan A. Mauer/Shutterstock

Someone who completes a long-distance hike such as the Appalachian Trail or the Pacific Crest Trail in segments, rather than in one attempt.

Shuttle

Getting a ride to one end of a trail or pre-arranging vehicles at both ends, particularly on a point-to-point hike where the start and end points are too far from each other to walk. One of the most important hiking terms to know if you like the idea of not walking all the way on a trail you thought would be one-way only.

Thru Hiker

(Yes, it’s usually spelled “thru.”) A thru-hiker is someone who hikes a long-distance trail like the AT or the PCT from end-to-end in one season (as opposed to section hiking). In hiking terms, this usually means they do it in one long trip without returning home, but they may spend a night or two off the trail in small towns once or twice to resupply or take a rest day. 

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Best Scottish food, like haggis

Rugged Scotland is known for its foreboding and eerie brown moors, stark mountains with a handsome stag perched proudly atop, roaring fires, grey stone buildings, misty harbors, and whisky. What deserves more attention are Scottish foods — hearty dishes that range from sheep stomach to fish chowder.

The proud inhabitants of Scotland have rich culinary traditions which, to the uninitiated, may initially appear overly preoccupied with the lining of sheep stomach and the various gastronomic utilities of blood. Admittedly, the names of the dishes don’t sound too promising either, but the Scots certainly do deliver on flavor. There’s a beguiling array of comfort foods to be discovered, perfect for gobbling up when curled in front of a fire, whisky in hand. These are the traditional Scottish foods you need to try.

Scottish foods you need to tryWhat food is Glasgow famous for?What is a traditional Scottish breakfast?What is a Scottish appetizer?What are traditional Scottish sweets?Scottish foods to try on your next trip1. Haggis with neeps and tatties

Photo: stockcreations/Shutterstock

No dish is more Scottish, yet it’s challenging to describe haggis in a truly appetizing way. It’s made with all the bits of a sheep, combined with spices and oats, boiled in the sheep’s stomach (though today, artificial casing is often used) and served as a crumbly pudding. You’ll either love it or hate it. It’s usually served alongside mashed neeps and tatties, which is how you’ll find turnips and potatoes referred to on any good Scottish pub menu.

The dish is eaten with reckless abandon by Scots on Burns Night, a huge celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns (of “Auld Lang Syne” fame) who loved haggis, and wrote a poem about it. Arcade Haggis and Whisky House in Edinburgh comes highly recommended by locals for its take on haggis, neeps, and tatties.

2. Cullen skink

Photo: Fanfo/Shutterstock

Quell any preposterous images that spring to mind after reading the name of this dish. Cullen skink is a smoky Scottish version of creamy fish chowder that’s traditionally made with smoked haddock and potatoes. This hearty soup originates from the small fishing town of Cullen on the northeast coast of Scotland. Fabulously, there is an annual Cullen Skink World Championship, which in 2018 proclaimed Lily’s Kitchen Cafe in Cullen itself to have the finest.

3. Black pudding

Photo: Joerg Beuge/Shutterstock

The production of black pudding in Scotland is a tradition hundreds of years old. Usually, it’s a mix of oatmeal, pig’s blood (but sometimes blood from a sheep or cow), suet (lard), onion, and spices. Although hotly contested, many Scots claim that the black pudding from Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis is the most delicious. Fortunately, Stornoway Black Pudding is immensely popular, so you won’t need to travel to the island to taste it. Any hotel will include black pudding in its traditional “fry up” breakfast, along with eggs, sausage, tomato, beans, and tattie scone.

4. Fish supper

Photo: Juraj Kamenicky/Shutterstock

Get yersel doon the chippy fer a fish supper (that’s Scottish for “go down to the local takeout shop to get fish and chips for dinner”). This ultimate comfort meal involves fish (often haddock) battered and deep-fried until crispy and served alongside deep-fried, fat French fries. The fries are to be consumed with salt, but depending on where you are in Scotland, perhaps also with vinegar or sauce. This meal is best washed down with a can of sugary Irn Bru, a vivid orange Scottish soda. The Bay Fish and Chips in Stonehaven on the east coast of Scotland has received much acclaim for its fish supper. For the traditional, queue alongside the locals at Merchant Chippy in Glasgow.

5. Kedgeree

Photo: Food Via Lenses/Shutterstock

Traditionally eaten for breakfast, kedgeree is a spiced rice dish containing flaked fish (often smoked haddock), cream or butter, parsley, and hard-boiled egg. The Anglo-Indian dish is thought to have been popularized in Scotland in the Victorian era. Nowadays, perhaps because of its historical place on a rich Victorian breakfast spread, it tends to feature on the breakfast menus of upmarket hotels, such as The Balmoral in Edinburgh and Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye.

6. Porridge

Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Oats have been a staple crop in Scotland for generations, and feature heavily in many traditional dishes. Porridge is one such classic example and can be found on just about any breakfast menu in Scotland. While it was historically made with just oats, water, and salt, you’ll now discover multiple sweet and savory adaptations. A decadent modern favorite includes the addition of cream, sugar, and the ubiquitous cheeky wee dram of whisky. So integral is this dish to Scottish culture that the local tourism board has created the Porridge Grand Tour so that everyone can taste the best on offer in their locality.

7. Cranachan

Photo: NoirChocolate/Shutterstock

Oats make another appearance in this dessert concoction, delectably layered alongside raspberries, honey, cream, and, of course, whisky. Reminiscent of England’s Eton Mess or perhaps a berry trifle, this variation is undeniably Scottish food. Locals will tell you that Scottish raspberries are the best in the world when in season in June, which is, unsurprisingly, the best time to be eating cranachan. You’re likely to find it on many dessert menus, and Edinburgh’s Whiski Rooms is a great starting point.

8. Clootie dumpling

Photo: Barbara MacDonald/Shutterstock

This dessert’s name is derived from the cooking method or boiling a dumpling inside a clootie, which is a piece of cloth or rag. Similar in taste to Christmas pudding, the clootie dumpling usually contains dried fruit, spices, and suet, and is served warm with a good dollop of custard or clotted cream. We highly recommend visiting Cairngorms National Park to work up an appetite by hiking or skiing, and then indulging in a slice of the Speyside Heather Centre’s famous clootie dumpling.

9. Tablet

Photo: Sparrowhawk63/Shutterstock

At first glance, you might be inclined to compare Scottish tablet to caramel or even fudge, but it has a few key differences: Made from sugar, butter, and condensed milk, tablet has a coarse texture. It’s semi-hard, meaning its not as soft as fudge, but it won’t crack your teeth like a piece of hard candy either. Despite its gritty mouth-feel, it supposedly melts in your mouth, but you might not want to eat too much: the super sugary flavor can get cloying after a while.

10. Arbroath smokies

Photo: Claire Fraser Photography/Shutterstock

This type of smoked haddock is a speciality of the fishing town of Arbroath, in east Scotland. Prepared in a barrel over a hardwood fire, these smoked fish have Protected Geographical Indication, which means they can only earn the name if they are made within a five-mile radius of this town.

Considered a national delicacy, the flavor is legendary for its balance between savory and sweet — it’s also been described as salty, smokey, and even creamy.

11. Scotch Pie

Photo: JoannaTkaczuk/Shutterstock

These small hand pies are made with hot water pastry — which is more like a hard crust than a flaky pie dough. It’s usually filled with mutton or other minced meat, or haggis. Sold in bakeries all over Scotland, Scotch pies are considered a type of fast food, easy to eat on-the-go and at football games, in particular. They have a long history in Scotland too, going back to the middle ages. Once considered a luxury, Scotch pies are now well known as a hearty snack for working people.

12. Stovies

Photo: Maliflower73/Shutterstock

Sometimes considered a nostalgic comfort food, stovies are technically a simple dish of potaotes mixed with onions an leftover roasted meat, cooked in beef drippings. Stovies can also be made with corned beef or minced meat. Recipes vary from family to family however. In Scotland, to “stove” means to stew, so you might think of this dish as stewed potatoes. The dish sometimes served as a side or as a way to repurpose leftovers.

What food is Glasgow famous for?

Glasgow is famous for its fried foods, so you’ll find deep fried Mars bars and even deep fried pizza in this city. Glasgow is also famous for Tunnocks Tea Cakes, delightful bite size shortbread cookies topped with meringue and coated in in chocolate. Another snack to look out for in Glasgow is the so-called roll and square sausage, available on burger vans (the Scottish version of a food truck) throughout the city. It’s looks like a mini hamburger, with two buns sandwiching a square slice of sausage.

Incidentally, chicken tikka masala, a Westernized version of an Indian dish that has become legendary all over the world, was (probably) invented in Glasgow.

What is a traditional Scottish breakfast?

A traditional full Scottish breakfast is a piled high with mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding or haggis, scones or oat cakes, toast, a fried egg, and square patty of lorne sausage. It’s similar but not exactly the same as an English breakfast, which often includes bubble and squeak, otherwise known as potatoes and cabbage.

What is a Scottish appetizer?

A typical appetizer served in Scotland usually involves fish. You might come across smoked salmon or cured haddock (known as finnan haddie), or even artichokes stuffed with fish as an appetizer. Soups are another popular appetizer, both cock-a-leekie soup and cullen skink.

What are traditional Scottish sweets?

In addition to tablet and Tunnocks Tea Cakes, traditional Scottish sweets include shortbread, hard candies known as Soor Plooms, and another candy called Edinburgh rock, which has the texture and feel of chalk, but softer. Dundee cake is also incredibly popular in Scotland. Similar to fruit cake, its made not with cherries, but dates and candied fruit peel, and topped with almonds. Black bun is another version of fruit cake you’re likely to see in Scotland. Unlike dundee cake, black bun is covered in pastry crust, and contains raisins and currants.

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Can You Guess What These Funny Scottish Slang Phrases Mean?

If you’re looking to get around Scotland like the locals do, you’ll want to brush up on your Scottish slang. Scotland is one of the six Celtic nations around the world, and people from Scotland use a distinct set of phrases unique to the region.

Before you start planning your trip, see if you know the local slang as well as you think you do with this Scottish quiz on funny slang phrases.

Question 1 of 10 In Scotland, "he’s got paralysis of the galluses" means: He's an idiot He's lazy He's broke He's impotent Question 2 of 10 In Scotland, "it gives me the boke" means: It makes me incredibly It brings tears to my eyes It makes me sick It scares me to death Question 3 of 10 In Scotland, "he’s doing his dinger" means: He's in the bathroom He's pouting He's taking a nap He's ranting Question 4 of 10 In everyday language in Scotland, "Barry" means: Great Crap Disgusting Boring Question 5 of 10 In Scotland, the term "bonnie" means: Small erection Woman Pretty Silly Question 6 of 10 In Scotland, "Haud ma chips a’v dropped the wean" means: Wait for me, I'll be right back I’m sorry, I was not paying attention to what you were saying I need money Hold this for me, please Question 7 of 10 In Scotland, "I could eat the scabby heid aff a wean" means: I'm hungry I'm furious I'm exhausted I'm disgusted Question 8 of 10 Which one of these words is NOT a Scottish insult? Chippy Galoot Numpty Bawbag Question 9 of 10 The Scottish saying "if patter wis water you’d droon" means: You're full of shit You talk too much You should stop drinking alcohol Watch your language Question 10 of 10 In Scotland, "he’s like a dug lickin pish aff a nettle" means: He's upset He's ecstatic He's very drunk He's gone mad Submit for your score More Trivia Quizzes 21 Geography Questions That Only Expert Travelers Can Ace Sep 5, 2022 Matador News Staff Quizzes How Many of These UNESCO Heritage Sites Can You Identify? Sep 2, 2022 Morgane Croissant Quizzes Can You Guess What These Hilarious Irish Slang Phrases Mean? Aug 31, 2022 Morgane Croissant (function () { window.onload = function () { var totalProgress, progress; const circles = document.querySelectorAll('.progress'); for (var i = 0; i < circles.length; i++) { var percentageComplete = circles[i].parentElement.getAttribute('data-percent'); var strokeDashOffsetValue = 100 - (percentageComplete * 100); var progressBar = $(".js-progress-bar"); progressBar.css("stroke-dashoffset", strokeDashOffsetValue); circles[i].querySelector('.bar').style['stroke-dashoffset'] = strokeDashOffsetValue; } } })(); var quizChoices = []; const questions = document.getElementsByClassName("mn-quiz__question"); for (let i = 0; i < questions.length; i++) { quizChoices[i] = '-'; } function clickChoice(event) { const button = event.currentTarget; var mnQuizQuestion = button.dataset.mnQuizQuestion; quizChoices[mnQuizQuestion] = button.dataset.mnQuizChoice; for (const button of buttons) { if (button.dataset.mnQuizQuestion === mnQuizQuestion) { button.classList.remove('active'); } } button.classList.add('active'); } function submitQuiz() { var formatUrl = 'choices=' + quizChoices.join('_'); var url = window.location.href; if (url.indexOf('?') > -1) { url += '&' + formatUrl } else { url += '?' + formatUrl } window.location.href = url; } const buttons = document.getElementsByClassName("mn-quiz__question__choice"); for (const button of buttons) { button.addEventListener("click", clickChoice); } const submitButton = document.getElementById("mn-quiz__submit"); if (submitButton) { submitButton.addEventListener("click", submitQuiz); } More like thisArt + Architecture7 Rural Scottish Villages That Are Straight Out of a Storybook