Matador Network's Blog, page 429
August 18, 2022
New Data Analysis Shows the States Where People Smile the Most
Let’s be honest — we’re living through a global pandemic, climate change, ongoing inflation, and increased political tension across the United States. If you’re having a regularly scheduled existential crisis like me, it can be hard to crack a smile. But studies have shown that smiling is good for us — it helps reduce the body’s response to stress and can lower heart rate and blood pressure. And more good news — smiling is contagious, so if you’re looking for a little pick-me-up, being around smiling faces can be good for you. HouseFresh, a company dedicated to fresh air in homes, conducted a study to find the happiest and smiliest states in the US using Instagram and facial recognition software.
The study found that the facial recognition software was able to distinguish between forced smiles like Hide Your Pain Harold. It found that Utah is the smiliest and happiest state in the US, with a 70.7 percent average of faces shining bright on Instagram. But the overall town with the most cheesy grins is Concord, California, with almost 75 percent of its residents showing off those pearly whites. However, California as a whole is the least smiliest in the entire US, with an average of only 32.41 percent of analyzed faces showing up smiley.
The top 10 smiliest states in the USUtah: 70.78 percentWisconsin: 68.46 percentNebraska: 68.12 percentVermont: 67.74 percentIowa: 67.67 percentWyoming: 67.65 percentColorado: 66.20 percentNorth Dakota: 65.63 percentWashington: 64.10 percentIdaho: 63.37 percentTo find the smiliest cities and states in the US, analysts at HouseFresh used Microsoft Azure’s facial recognition software that places numerical estimates on emotions on people’s faces based on characteristics and facial expressions. HouseFresh analyzed photos from Instagram from the 100 largest populated cities in the US. The software had to reward smiling faces with a score of at least .75 out of one to count. Then it averaged out the Face API happiness scores. 
August 17, 2022
Airbnb Is Launching ‘Anti-Party Technology’ To Keep Ragers Off Its Platform
The days of Airbnb ragers are over — at least without the property owner’s approval.
A temporary party ban that went into effect in August 2020 has been continuously extended. Then, in June 2022, the ban was codified into Airbnb’s policies permanently. Airbnb is now introducing “anti-party technology” on its booking platform, which uses information like the history of positive reviews (or lack thereof), how long the guest has had an Airbnb account, the length of the trip, how far the user lives from the listing if the booking is on a weekend versus a weekday, and more.
“These new anti-party tools come on the heels of our announcement last month that we are codifying our previously temporary party ban. We’ve seen a 44 percent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports since the temporary ban went into place in August 2020, and our hope is that this new anti-party technology announced today builds on that progress,” an Airbnb official noted in an press release.
The company tested out a similar product in Australia in October 2021, and it saw a 35 percent drop in incidents of unauthorized parties. The technology is now a permanent fixture in the country, and the company is testing the software in the United States and Canada.
Airbnb used to be a simple way to book a venue for a house party. But in recent years, the company has cracked down on parties in an attempt to protect hosts from property damage and to reduce the number of noise complaints. In 2019, the company banned open house parties after a shooting that killed five people in San Francisco.
The permanent policy against house policies only applies without explicit permission from the host, so if you’re really trying to book the perfect Airbnb for a summer pool party, you can message the host directly to come to a working agreement.
These Berlin Airbnbs Showcase the German Capital’s Artsy Side
Standing out as one of the hippest cities in Europe, Berlin’s fusion of grunge and glamour is a siren’s call for travelers. Whether you’re flying in to tick-off museums or for the legendary nightlife, top on your agenda is deciding where to stay in Berlin. Perfect for first-timers, Mitte is the historic heart of the city. Meanwhile, outlying neighborhoods such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain give you a flavor of what it’s like to call the German capital home. Run your eyes over our pick of the coolest lofts and trendiest Airbnb Berlin, Germany, vacation rentals.
Best Berlin Airbnbs near MitteBeautiful Kreuzberg Airbnbs in Berlin, GermanyBest Neukölln Airbnb in Berlin, GermanyTop-rated Berlin Airbnbs in FriedrichshainWe hope you love the Airbnb vacation rentals we recommend! 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.
Quirkiest Airbnb in Berlin, GermanyCozy houseboat with hot tub/bathtub
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
A wild card for anyone seeking a night out of the city limits, this pet-friendly Berlin Airbnb houseboat is moored on a small islet on the River Spree. The structure consists of a studio with a basic kitchenette and bathroom. Out on the floating deck, comfy couches alongside a fire pit and a private hot tub mark the lounge. The host provides a pedal boat to ferry you to and from the riverbank and paddle boards are available on request.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $205 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
One of the best Airbnb Berlin rentals for larger groups, this listing applies to two sister apartments each with its own kitchen and lounge. Both are New Yorker-styled with exposed brickwork, piping, and custom-made design elements. The hosts are poised to arrange such services as tours, groceries, and arrival champagne. A fantastic option for two families or couples traveling together.
Ten guests, four bedrooms
Price: $575 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This light-filled Berlin Airbnb loft is a five-minute walk to Alexanderplatz and Museum Island. The contemporary home is appointed with chic upholstery, funky portrait art, and a fully-equipped kitchen. But, best of all is the private roof terrace. This verdant patio is teeming with greenery and capitalizes on the view over central Berlin.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $360 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Centrally located and impeccably decorated, this 5-star Airbnb Berlin penthouse with a sauna gives you a taste of luxury living. Each of the swanky three bedrooms comes with its own deluxe bathroom complete with a soaking tub. Internal living quarters consist of an open-complex kitchen, lounge, bar, and dining area. An expansive roof terrace overlooking Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, and City Palace adds further sparkle.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $2,240 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
You’ll feel right at home in this colorful Kreuzberg Berlin Airbnb overlooking the Spree Canal. The property is spread over two bedrooms with the lounge providing additional sleeping space. One bathroom is fitted with a tub while the second comes with a power shower. Lively works of art and snug fabrics accent the house and make it the ideal base for long evenings setting the world to rights.
Eight guests, two bedrooms
Price: $225per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This dreamy Kreuzberg loft is one of the most Instagrammable Berlin Airbnbs. The apartment has been lovingly curated as a modern oasis without sacrificing its heritage charms. Luxury touches include the wood burner in the lounge and the clawfoot bath on the roof terrace, which in turn grants epic views across Berlin Mitte. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a photo shoot.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $700 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Convenient for the vintage bars and buzzing bars of Berlin’s up-and-coming Neukölln neighborhood, this airy rental property is well-suited to a couple or small group. Occupying an 1890s building, the renovated apartment enjoys high ceilings and natural light. Sleeping arrangements span a king room with a mezzanine and a pull-out in the lounge while a raised dining and relaxing platform in the custom-made kitchen is ideal for sociable evenings.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $275 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Whimsical and homely, this serene F’Hain studio home features a bespoke siesta nook where you can nap, read, or kick back with a glass of wine and a movie. The bed is cordoned off to create a sense of space while preparing morning coffee in the scarlet kitchen will put a spring in your step. Book this Friedrichshain apartment during the summer months to benefit from the terrace.
Two guests, one bedroom (studio)
Price: $205 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
This pet-friendly Airbnb Berlin, Germany, is an awesome pick for families – under 16s stay for free! Even better, the swing in the lounge will provide endless hours of entertainment for all ages. The kitchen is meticulously stocked and will delight traveling chefs while bibliophiles will be in their element in the book-filled lounge.
Six guests, four bedrooms
Price: $540 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Styled with timeless sophistication, this historic loft enjoys high ceilings, oak floors, and French double doors. Vintage furnishings and original artworks adorn the property and add nostalgic glamour. A gigantic salon marks the heart of the apartment and comes with a piano and room to lay down a yoga mat or shake your hips around to a retro playlist. The bathroom is fitted with a luxurious free-standing tub.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $485 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Tucked away down a peaceful bicycle-only street, this F’Hain Airbnb, Berlin is steps away from the neighborhood’s best restaurants and bars. High-quality designer furniture includes box spring beds and wooden moveables while artwork by local artists adorns the walls. With lightning-speed Wi-Fi and designated workspaces, this contemporary apartment is curated with remote workers and digital nomads in mind.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $405 per night
What It’s Like Dining on the Ocean Floor in Sea Caves Carved by the World’s Highest Tides
When the tide goes out twice daily in the Bay of Fundy, it goes out far. As the ocean funnels into, then back out, of the bay between the Atlantic Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, it rises, then drops some 50 feet, making it the world’s largest tidal range. That gives Bay of Fundy Adventures a six hour window to host Savour the Sea Caves: An Ocean Floor Culinary Adventure, a dining experience hosted at caves carved into red cliffs by monumental tidal forces.
In the days leading up to our arrival, the Bay of Fundy Adventures team lowers over the cliff the equipment required to pull off this daring dinner. On the high tide preceding the dinner, they land food and drink by boat.
The experience, which is only offered one or twice per year, is open to groups of 24 people. I grabbed one of the last tickets, and followed instructions to gather at the tiny village of St. Martins about 45 minutes from the coastal city of Saint John and three hours north of Maine. The tide goes so far out around this time that the gravelly ocean bottom stretches between the parking lot and the water. With the tide so far out, we had enough time to complete our four-hour dining experience. The congenial group chatted as we waited to be led down into the caves and begin our adventure.
Here’s what it’s like to dine on the ocean floor where the world’s highest tides ebb and flow.
What to expect during the Savour the Sea Caves dining experienceOn the trek to the dining room sea cave, the guides take their time, stopping to educate guests about the history of the Bay of Fundy. As we walk and pause, walk and pause, that old saying, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” comes to mind.
Walking a couple planks across a small stream is the first of many small obstacles diners confront on their way to the sea cave dining room, but it just made the walk more of an adventure. The worst outcome here would be a wet foot. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
Bay of Fundy Adventures guide, Joe Brennan talks science, telling us how these extreme tides happen. The motion of water sloshing back and forth is called a seiche. That’s what happens twice daily as a billion tons of ocean (more than the flow of all the world’s rivers combined) rocks in and out of the bay.
We stopped at the mouth of a shallow cave to snack on appetizers. A natural stone lintel (a beam that typically spans the opening of a fireplace or window) the size of a bus makes this cave a bit too dangerous to enter.
The table of appetizers and drinks is a colorful contrast to the chocolate and coffee shades of the stone walls around us. I grabbed a mason jar of fruit and veg bites—blueberry kabobs, sweet peppers, snap peas, melon, prosciutto, cheese and breadsticks. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
This pink drink is called a Fundy Fizz, the first of many beverages the chef has paired with foods from one end of the Savour the Sea Caves experience to the other. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
A silver platter of oysters chilling on ice is waiting for guests. I select one and add a dash of mignonette sauce. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
After we enjoy our appetizers, the group embarks on the journey to the larger sea cave, where we’ll be seated for dinner. I feel so small, clambering around on the rocky outcrops covered in thick layers of seaweed. Up and down we go, along a path so far from the bay, it’s hard to believe it’ll all be under water six hours from now.
The guides have carefully cleared narrow paths through the slippery seaweed. In one tricky spot, they’ve set up these temporary stairs so that guests can navigate the boulders. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
Up over the last ledge and around a corner, we finally arrive at our destination: A long picnic table is set up at the mouth of the cave. It’s clear there’s no other way to get to this sea cave—much larger than the previous ones—than to hike across the ocean floor at low tide.
This short gorge was gouged from the landscape by those legendary tides. When we turn the corner, and head down to the ocean floor, we’re greeted by lively, traditional Acadian fiddle music. This is also where the mouth of the sea cave comes into view. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
Chef Alain Bossé welcomes us to his kitchen with that spirit of hospitality Canada’s Maritime Provinces are famous for. As is obvious by his attire, he’s known as The Kilted Chef, though his heritage is French Acadian. He’s originally from New Brunswick, which is, surprisingly, the only officially bilingual province in what is generally considered a bilingual country. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
As we arrive and explore the outdoor dining room, Bossé and the Bay of Fundy Adventures team are already getting the first course together.
Fresh, local seafood is the focus of this dinner. Peeking out from inside a pan, the first course, lobster cakes, are ready to take center stage. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
This custom-made cooking barrel works by pulling air in through a hole cut in the side to feed the fire. Chef Bossé is using it to cook salmon tied to planks and grill beef tenderloin. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
While the main course cooks, the team pops and pours sparkling wine to complement the lobster cakes served on a bed of seaweed remoulade. Bossé tells us he literally chopped the seaweed from the rock to make the remoulade. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
The atmosphere is casual around the communal table where I meet couples, many of whom seem to seek out these kinds of dining experiences as a hobby. We swap stories of memorable meals and road trips, creative chefs and inspiring landscapes. Because our voices echo off the stone walls surrounding us on three sides, the ambiance is one of intimacy, even though we’re outside in such a large space.
A boulder at the mouth of the sea cave serves as the prep table. Bossé calls it his “chef’s pulpit.” He prepares dinner while guests sit at the long communal dinner table. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
For the next course, a local Fundy scallop the size of a marshmallow arrives on the half shell flavored with sea buckthorn vinaigrette. It seems chef Bossé isn’t just passionate about local seafood. He’s also an avid forager. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
The main course arrives: maple planked salmon on a bed of edamame and succotash. Bossé tells us he planned the meal around this salmon dish because New Brunswick and its rivers are famous for the fish, and with oysters, lobster and scallops on the menu, the theme as of the evening is local seafood. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
The end of meal is nearing. Now it’s time for dessert. Because we’ll be assembling our own dessert, Bossé begins with a demonstration.
Grown up s’mores begins by dipping marshmallows into a jar of brandy. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
Grabbing a plate with ginger cookies and fine chocolate, I’m ready to head over to the cooking barrel. Even with that brandy, the child inside me is having a great time with s’more ready to assemble and marshmallows to brown over the open fire. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
In preparation for departure, our culinary captain leads us in a joyful, country dance before the return of the world’s highest tide. Photo: Darcy Rhyno
More like thisRestaurants + Bars6 of the Most Extreme Dining Experiences in the WorldYou Can Personally Open the Doors To the Sistine Chapel on This VIP Vatican Tour in Rome
I’ve been to the Vatican three times: once as a child, once as a teenager, and once as a clavigero, or key keeper. Officially, only 11 clavigeri hold the 2,797 keys to the Vatican Museums. But on my most recent trip to Rome in July, I had the chance to shadow one of the key keepers on his morning routine and personally open some of the museum complex’s 300 doors on a Walks tour by City Experiences.
Photo: Alex Bresler
Morning shifts for clavigeri begin at 5:30 AM. My group of nine gathered outside the Vatican at dawn where we were joined by our guide, Julia, who spoke more animatedly about Italian art than any sports fan I know talks about their home team. Inside, we met one of the Vatican’s clavigero, followed him to retrieve a comically large key ring, and began preparing the museums for visitors.
The Vatican Museums see some 25,000 visitors each day. On both of my prior visits, it felt as if all 25,000 people had decided to come at once. To see the grounds devoid of tourists was as mesmerizing as any of the rooms therein, with the exception of the Gallery of Maps, a long gilded hallway that appeared to glow in the dark even before one of the members of my group flipped the light switch to reveal its full radiance.
Photo: Alex Bresler
Another member of the group strategically waited to volunteer as key keeper until everyone else had taken a turn in the hopes that she’d be the one to open the door to the Sistine Chapel. In the end, each of us got to perform several tasks during the two-hour tour, but we did agree to let that particular group member turn the final key — functional replicas of which, I learned, are sold in the gift shop for just $10.
Empty, the Sistine Chapel looked three times larger than I remembered. Even the ceiling looked taller. Halfway through Julia’s lesson on what she considered to be the most significant panels, two men entered the room to clean and polish the floors, reinforcing the feeling that we’d become insiders at one of the world’s most prestigious attractions.
(We later found out that the Gladiator himself Russel Crowe was also in Rome and had arranged a VIP tour of the Vatican that began a little after ours, which only confirmed our VVIP status.)
Photo: Alex Bresler
But the Vatican Key Master Tour doesn’t just open literal doors. It also opens the door to corners of the museum that are off-limits to the general public, such as the Bramante Staircase with its secret panorama of Rome and the patio overlooking the Cortile della Pigna, or Pinecone Courtyard. Anyone can access the courtyard — you can even eat breakfast there, complete with eggs from the pope’s estate — but few get to see the 13-foot oxidized bronze pinecone fountain for which the courtyard is named up close.
In another example, as we passed through the Cortile delle Statue, or Statues Courtyard, we were taken behind the velvet rope protecting the centerpiece Laocoön and His Sons sculpture to see a hidden artifact plastered to the back: the central figure’s original right arm, which was uncovered centuries after the rest of the sculpture was found.
Photo: Alex Bresler
You might think that a VVIP Vatican tour comes with an ungodly price tag, but at roughly $350 per person, the Walks-exclusive tour is surprisingly accessible. And it’s one of many City Experiences you can book in Rome, some of which cost as little as $30. (City Experiences also operates in 13 other cities across the globe.)
During my four-day trip to Rome, I took five tours, which are split between three categories: Walks, Devour Tours, and Essential Experiences. These were the highlights.
Welcome To Rome: Twilight City Stroll & Gelato-Tasting
Photo: Edaccor/Shutterstock
Within minutes of dropping off my bags at the Bio Hotel Raphaël on the afternoon I arrived in Rome, I found myself on a walking tour of some of the city’s greatest hits. My group met our guide, Emma, at nearby Piazza Navona where we launched into a history lesson behind the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or Fountain of Four Rivers. From there, we ventured to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps while Emma pointed out other landmarks in passing and treated us to gelato across from the Pantheon. Though I’d already seen most of the attractions on the list, Emma was a wealth of fun facts I’d never heard before, both about Rome’s landmarks (the Spanish Steps were, ironically, funded by the French) and contemporary Roman life (Italians always say yes to la panna, or fresh whipped cream, when they get gelato).
Price: $34 per person
Trastevere Rome: Gourmet Food & Wine Tour
Photo: Alex Bresler
The Vatican Key Master Tour was the most memorable tour I took in Rome. This was the second. We met our guide, Fernanda, in the increasingly trendy Trastevere neighborhood for aperitivi and dinner, although she insisted that we think of her as a friend. We made three aperitivi stops — Enoteca La Vite for natural wine and thinly sliced prosciutto; Bar San Calisto for Aperol and Campari spritzes; and La Latteria for more natural wine and a trio of bruschette — before stopping for dinner at Ristorante Ferrara. Along the way, Fernanda also taught us how to distinguish tourist traps from a local restaurants in heavily trafficked areas (avoid menus with English translations and American-Italian dishes; steer clear of restaurants with plates of food on display; say no when someone on the street tries to convince you to eat at their restaurant; and above all else, skip any restaurant serving dinner too early — Italians typically eat between 8 and 10 PM). La Latteria’s sheep’s cheese bruschetta was a highlight for me, but the real treat was the long list of thoughtfully curated food and drink recommendations around the city that Fernanda shared with us at the end of outing.
Price: $99 per person
Crypts, Bones, & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome
Photo: Marco Rubino/Shutterstock
I’d gone into this tour thinking it centered on the Catacombs of San Sebastino, but the first stop on our list was the Roman Aqueducts. It was the only walking tour I took that required a vehicle, but that also gave my group the chance to drive part of the ancient Apppian Way. After busing from the aqueducts to the catacombs, we returned to our starting point in Piazza Barberini and walked to our final destination: the Capuchin Crypt, or Bone Chapel. There, we learned about the lives of Capuchin friars, saw what are believed to be original Carvaggio paintings, and toured a chapel that’s ornately decorated with the remains of thousands of late friars. Reactions to the chapel were mixed — some were struck by its beauty, others arrested by our proximity to real human bones — but we all agreed that it was one site we’d not soon forget.
Price: $69 per person
VIP Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
Photo: Alex Bresler
This was the last tour I took in Rome. Like the Vatican, I’d visited the Colosseum several times, but our guide, Dario, carried on the City Experiences promise of having levels of both charisma and knowledge that I’ve rarely encountered on guided tours. Still, the biggest benefit to this Walks tour was being able to skip the general entry line. When it’s 95 degrees outside, the last thing you want is to have your energy zapped standing among mass of tourists before you even get to enjoy the attraction you came to see. After a jam-packed week in Rome, ending my trip like a VIP was the proverbial la panna on top of the gelato — even if I didn’t get to open the gates to the Colosseum myself.
Price: $99 per person
This 20-Second Video Teaches You How To Find Crystal Geodes on Your Next Hike
At first glance, it may seem like geodes look exactly like rocks. But this informative TikTik video explains how hikers can quickly spot the difference between geodes and “regular” rocks on trails, setting up the average person to find stunning crystal geodes out in nature.
According to a video posted by TikTik user @Hilla4U, a geode and arrowhead fan in Missouri, the secret for hikers is knowing how crystal geodes differ in appearance from regular rocks.
@hilla4u Reply to @phrog052 #fyp #geode #ClearGenius #XfinityFanthem #rockhound #Crystals #Quartzcrystals ♬ Spongebob Tomfoolery – Dante9k Remix – David Snell
As she points out in the video, hikers should look for rocks that are on the lighter side in terms of color, usually lighter than other rocks around them. Crystal geodes will usually have bumps on the outside instead of being smooth like most of the surrounding rocks. Helpfully, Hilla4U even adds arrows to point out the geodes she spots in rock beds and streams.
Of course, you’ll have to (safely) break the rocks to find out if they’re actually geodes. But if they’re lighter than you expect when you pick them up, they may be geodes, as the holler interiors make them weigh less than “normal” rocks.
What are crystal geodes?
Photo: toxxiiccat/Shutterstock
Geodes are semi-hollow rocks usually found in limestone. Many have crystals inside. Most crystal geodes have purple quartz (usually called amethyst) or clear quartz inside, but it’s possible to have agate crystal geodes, which can be anything from red to blue to green. Geodes can form in sedimentary (your “standard” rocks formed overtime by particle buildup) or igneous rock, formed by volcanic magma. Round geodes are the most likely to be crystal geodes as they have the most empty space inside.
Where to find geodes?
Photo: Tanya May/Shutterstock
You could potentially find geodes anywhere while you’re hiking, but you’re most likely to find them in areas with current or past volcanic activity or in areas with heavy limestone deposits. Almost every state in the western US has regions known for geodes, but if you do a quick search for “crystal geodes + your state,” you’ll likely find a few recommendations of where to go. Places like Utah’s Dugway Geode Beds and Keokuk, Iowa, are well-known for having fabulous geodes. Nevada’s Black Rock Desert is also one of the top places in the country for rock- and geode-hounding.
More like thisRoad TripsTake a Fossil Hunting Road Trip To Spots Where You Can Keep What You Find
Everything You Need To Know About Trying Nepal’s Hallucinogenic ‘mad Honey’
Each spring, in the mountainous regions of Nepal, the world’s largest honey bee, Apis laboriosa, pollinates brightly hued rhododendron flowers and carries nectar back to cliffside nests. There, the hive creates a viscous, bitter-sweet dark red substance. This is what’s called “mad honey.”
Despite being both rare and difficult to harvest, global interest in the substance has risen sharply in recent years. Mad honey is no longer consumed solely in the small regions of Nepal and Turkey where it’s produced. These days, it’s available for purchase from many online sellers so that people around the world can try it and experience effects that include a sense of calm, euphoria, and, in rare cases, psychedelic visions.
But should you try mad honey? It’s an all-natural source of many purported benefits, both medicinal and recreational. It’s also legal and straightforward to purchase in most countries. However, dosing with mad honey isn’t without health risks.
The history of mad honeyHumans have been eating mad honey for over 2500 years. The honey is harvested primarily in Nepal and Turkey, but it’s also been traded to foreigners since ancient times. One of the earliest recorded instances of the effects of mad honey occurred in 401 BCE when an ancient Greek philosopher named Xenophon included a story in his book Anabasis about Athenian soldiers who consumed the honey. The soldiers apparently overindulged and had a bad trip, collapsing on the ground for several days, unable to do much besides lifting their heads to vomit until it ran its course.
As global trade increased, mad honey was exported to Europe, likely in the 18th century, although it never saw enormous popularity. Today, mad honey still flies mostly under the radar, but its small international following is steadily growing.
How is mad honey produced?
Photo: Mykola Ivashchenko/Shutterstock
Mad honey is only produced by bees that pollinate rhododendron flowers. Rhododendrons naturally produce grayanotoxins, a collection of toxins found in many plant families. Bees ingest nectar containing grayanotoxins, break the sugars and other components down in their stomachs, then secrete honey into the hive’s honeycombs. Over time, the honey loses water to evaporation, and the grayanotoxins become more concentrated.
@cliff_mad_honey Mad Honey Harvesting #honeyhunters #madhoney #cliffmadhoney #honeybee ♬ original sound – Cliff Mad Honey
Mad honey has long been harvested by the Nepalese for its medicinal benefits, although collecting the honey is no small endeavor. Gatherers must scale mountainside cliffs with only ropes and basic ladders for support, then use smoke torches to fend off the bees as they extract honeycombs. However, the practice continues because selling the honey provides a significant source of income for rural, often poor villages.
Photo: Worldlink nepal/Shutterstock
What effects does mad honey have?When humans ingest grayanotoxins, the toxins bind to sodium ion channels in the body’s cells and prevent them from closing. This causes more calcium to enter cells, which increases the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It’s the increase of acetylcholine in the body that causes the physical effects associated with mad honey.
Nepalese people consume mad honey primarily for its medicinal benefits to treat everything from hypertension to diabetes to general aches and pains.
A study in the Journal of Agriculture and Environment found that grayanotoxins can reduce high blood pressure and may stabilize glucose levels in people with diabetes. However, the varying amounts of grayanotoxins found in mad honey make it hard to know whether consuming the honey itself will have health benefits.
In terms of recreational benefits, it is a legal (in most places) and natural way to experience effects ranging from mild sedation to a hallucinogenic experience.
What are the risks of taking mad honey?Because mad honey is naturally produced and similar to the regular honey many of us eat without a second thought, it can be tempting to believe that taking it is always safe. However, there are risks associated with ingesting mad honey.
To start, the active ingredient, grayanotoxin, literally has the word “toxin” in it, which should clue you in that taking mad honey isn’t an entirely risk-free venture. Second, because it is produced naturally by bees, as opposed to being made in a controlled setting, the potency and effects can vary widely depending on how fresh it is, how concentrated it is, and how much of the honey was produced from rhododendron pollination compared to other flowers that don’t contribute to hallucinogenic effects.
User feedback, as well as a study in Cardiovascular Toxicology, have noted that more common risks of mad honey include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, a mild dip in blood pressure, and sweating. Vomiting, irregular heartbeat, temporary paralysis, blue-tinged skin, seizures, and unconsciousness are among the more serious side effects. Like with most drugs, if you’re new to mad honey, it is recommended to start with a small dose and work up slowly from there.
What is it like to take mad honey?@cliff_mad_honey People got hallucinations after having fresh Mad Honey on the honey hunting sport#cliffmadhoney #medicinalhoney #organichoney #wildhoney #honeybee #honeyhunting ♬ original sound – Cliff Mad Honey
Depending on the type of honey you are taking, the recommended dosage varies. The seller or jar itself should have instructions, but many people start with a teaspoon. The honey can either be consumed on its own or dissolved in a glass of warm water or milk. It has quite a distinct taste, different from regular honey. It’s bitter and earthy.
Symptoms occur about a half hour after consumption, although it can take up to four hours to feel the full effect. According to one study, the first sign of noticeable changes are reduced blood pressure, slower breathing, and a sense of calm and relaxation. Some people feel warm, cool, or tingly in different parts of their bodies. Many users equate it to the high you’d get from cannabis. Hallucinations are rarely reported but are generally described as closer to disorientation than an actual psychedelic experience. Physical reactions typically last three to four hours, although they can last up to several days with higher doses.
How to buy mad honeyIt’s now easy to purchase mad honey online, with sellers on Amazon and Etsy joining small businesses that specialize exclusively in mad honey. Prices range from $6 to over $50 per ounce, so expect to spend at least $50 on a standard 8 ounce jar.
This is one area where you largely get what you pay for, especially if you’re looking to experience hallucinogenic effects. Reviews for many of the cheaper mad honey options state they either felt nothing at all or felt only mild relaxation or a minor high. If you’re looking for the true mad honey experience, it’s worth taking the time to find a seller who is clear about where and how their honey is sourced and how strong it is.
In terms of legality, it’s legal to purchase mad honey in the United States, but the substance is banned in several countries, including South Korea, Australia, and Brazil. Check local laws before you purchase or travel with the substance.
Also, before you decide to drop a lot of money, decide if it’s actually worth the risk to you. Many users find that the benefits are heavily outweighed by the negative side effects. Even though it can be a tasty way to experience a high, there’s little regulation in the market, and you have to trust your source that you’re getting the product they claim. If purchasing online, read reviews to get a sense of what to expect from their particular batch.
Flight Attendant Shares 5 Things She Will Never Do on an Airplane (and You Shouldn’t Either)
If you think flight attendants are simply customer service employees, think again. Flight attendants may serve you drinks and snacks and try to grant your requests as best as possible, but the reason they’re on an aircraft is, first and foremost, your safety. Christina Ling, the flight attendant instructor behind the TikTok account @flightattinstructor, shares five things she will never do on an airplane for safety reason — and you should probably avoid them, too.
@flightattinstructor 5 things I wouldn’t do as a Flight Att Instructor #5things #5thingsiwouldneverdo #thingsiwishiknew #thingsiwouldneverdo #5thingschallenge #5things #FreestyleFridays #OneDegreeMore #airplane #airplanetiktok #travel #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – flightattinstructor
Flight attendant advice #1: Don’t fasten your seatbelt on your belly
Seatbelts are an important part of flight safety and the fasten seatbelt light comes on during turbulence and takeoff and landing, but many of us probably don’t know how to wear that seatbelt properly. Ling explains that you should not wear it on you belly, but on the lower part of your torso to keep your organs safe. That means that fastening your seatbelt on or above the belly button is better than below it. Also, wear your seatbelt as tight as possible for maximum protection.
And while asking for a seatbelt extension is often seen as humiliating by those who need it, don’t let judgmental people get in the way of safety. Ask your cabin crew for an extension and follow the instructions above to wear it correctly.
Flight attendant advice #2: Don’t leave your belongings unattendedDon’t leave your passport in the seat pocket in front of you, don’t have your handbag or wallet in plain sight, and don’t leave your laptop and phone sitting around while you take a quick walk down the aisle or hit the bathroom. Like anywhere else, there are plenty of dishonest people who fly, and not securing your precious belongings when you step away from them is a mistake you may very well regret. Ling says to tidy everything up and take your stuff with you when you leave your seat.
Flight attendant advice #3: If you drop your phone between the seats, don’t try to get it backWhile attempting to retrieve your fallen phone from in between airplane seats may seem innocuous, it’s actually a safety hazard. By moving your seats and jiggling your phone when trying to get it back, the lithium battery may get damaged and catch fire. And a fire aboard an airplane is not something anyone wants to witness. If this happens to you, call a crew member and ask them for help.
Flight attendant advice #4: Don’t smoke or vape during a flightWhile it may be very tough for smokers and vapers to not indulge while flying, it’s important that they keep a willpower of steel. Of course, lit cigarettes are a fire hazard, but both smoking and vaping are dangerous as they generate aerosols that can trigger the onboard smoke alarm, creating panic and potentially leading pilots to think there’s a mechanical fire on the plane. And don’t try to hide in the bathroom to smoke or vape — you will get caught and you will get into serious trouble with the authorities.
Flight attendant advice #5: Don’t stand up if the airplane is still movingWhile we’re all very eager to get out of our uncomfortable plane seats, especially after a long flight, Ling says you absolutely need to stay seated until the engines have been shut, the seatbelt sign has been turned off, and the airplane has stopped moving. Situations that may harm passengers can occur when taxiing, so follow the instructions given to you by the flight attendants and be patient. You’ll get out quickly enough.
The Strict List of Foods You’ll Be Fined for Bringing Into the US After International Travel
No one wants to start or end their vacation by spending thousands of dollars on an unexpected expense — especially when it’s cheap airport food. But two passengers recently made headlines after receiving fines of more than $1800 for bringing a Subway sandwich and, separately, McMuffins into Australia.
It’s not just Australia that imposes such hefty fines. Many countries do so in an effort to keep out pests and diseases — including the United States. In 2018, a woman had an apple in her bag when she reached US border control. She ended up with a $500 fine.
While local food is one of the best things you can bring back from your travels for yourself or your loved ones, not all food is clear. These are the things to know to avoid getting a fine or delay on your way back into the US.
How to safely bring food into the United StatesBringing food into the US is pretty simple. When you receive the Customs Declaration Form, be sure to accurately fill out section 11, which asks if you’re bringing in any agricultural products or if you visited any farmland during your trip. Once you declare your items, a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) specialist can make sure your items are free of plant, pests, and animal diseases that can negatively impact the environment. If it’s determined that what you claimed is contaminated, it’s destroyed.
Failure to claim what you’re bringing in, however, can result in up to $10,000 in fines and penalties.
The foods you can’t bring into the United StatesA general rule of thumb is that any foods that can carry infectious diseases are not allowed entry. It makes sense why: A major pest or disease outbreak can disrupt ecosystems and result in higher grocery bills, shortages of certain foods, and losses for farmers, according to the Department of Agriculture. Items purchased in Hawaii and other US territories like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam are also held to many of the same strict rules as other countries because they are not attached to the country’s mainland and therefore pose the same risks to the mainland ecosystem.
Foods you can’t bring into the US include:
Almost all fresh and frozen fruits and vegetablesMost dried fruits and vegetablesMost poultry, cattle, swine, sheep or goat meat, or meat products from countries affected with certain serious livestock diseasesWhole coffee berriesCoca, barberry, and loose citrus leavesSpices made from oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus leaves and seeds, and many vegetable and fruit seedsMilk and dairy items from countries with foot-and-mouth diseaseMost eggs or egg products from countries affected with certain serious poultry diseasesMexico exception:
Certain exceptions are made when traveling from Mexico. Most fruits and vegetables are allowed to enter. Stone fruit, apples, mangoes, oranges, guavas, sopote, cherimoya and sweet limes from Mexico require a permit. Avocados from Mexico must be peeled, halved, have the seed removed, and stored in liquid or vacuum-packed may enter but are subject to inspection. Most meat, poultry, egg, and dairy products can also be brought into the US, except for pork, unless it’s a small amount that’s thoroughly cooked.
Canada exception:
There are certain exceptions made traveling from Canada to the US. Most meat, poultry, egg, and dairy products can be brought into the US for personal use. Most fruits and vegetables are also allowed to be carried across the border, except for bananas, European blackberries, cherries grown in the Ontario province, allium, citrus, papaya, peppers, pineapples, and tomatoes.
Customs and Border Patrol suggests keeping receipts and original packaging of agricultural products to prove where you purchased them. Additionally, if you’re bringing in large amounts of a certain food, you may be subject to extra screening as even permitted foods are only allowed for personal use.
Foods you can bring into the US include:
Commercially canned fruits and vegetablesDried beans, dates, figs, nuts (but not chestnuts or acorns), okra, peas, raisins and Szechwan peppercornsCommercially-packaged and labeled, cooked, shelf-stable meat and poultry itemsMost seafoodRoasted and unroasted coffee beansTeas, herbal teas, and infusions commercially packaged and ready to be boiled, steeped or microwaved in liquidHoneyMost dried spicesButter, butter oil, olive oil, and other vegetable oilsSolid hard or soft cheeses that don’t contain meatLiquid milk and powdered or dry milk products intended for use by infants or very young children in a reasonable amountProducts containing powdered or dry milk (baking mixes, soup mixes, drink mixes) in small quantitiesCommercially-packaged and labeled, cooked, shelf-stable, fully finished milk and dairy items in unopened packagesEggshells with egg white and egg yolk removed that are decorated/etched/paintedMoon cakes that do not contain meat, egg, or egg yolk unless the eggs appear “thoroughly cooked throughout”Ketchup (catsup), mustard, mayonnaise, Marmite, Vegemite, and prepared sauces that do not contain meat productsBread, cookies, crackers, cakes, granola bars, cereal, and other baked and processed productsCandy and chocolateJuices that are commercially packagedFlourMushrooms that are fresh, dried, and the above the ground parts that are clean and free of soilAloe, above ground partsCoconuts that are dry and without husks that haven’t sproutedPeeled garlic clovesGinger with clean rootsRemember, even if you forget some of these rules, as long as you declare all the agricultural products you bring, you will not face any penalties — even if an inspector determines they cannot enter the country.
6 Tips for Buying (and Traveling With) Your First RV
The RV lifestyle, in all its expressions, is not as difficult or out of reach as some imagine it to be. And the reward — an exciting opportunity for simpler, slower travel — is more than worth it. With a little planning, some elbow grease, and a willingness to step outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be well on your way. Just don’t start out like I did.
When my husband and I began our search for an RV, we knew we wanted an Airstream. On a whim, we bought a (fairly) cheap vintage model. In hindsight, the decision was heavily influenced by the giddy impatience of beginning a new adventure. But, sometimes, when you’re just starting out, knowing the right questions to ask and arriving at clear-cut answers can be tricky.
In our case, we soon came to the conclusion that, ultimately, time mattered more than saving money. Though we had the skills to do the restoration work, we wanted to be traveling, not tackling the challenges of a fixer-upper. The trailer was sold and we found a company that specialized in newer pre-owned Airstreams. As we were getting to know the seller, he joked that this sort of thing happened frequently. Time and time again, people would wander onto his lot with some variation of the classic rookie-mistake story.
Now, when we’re on the road, we get stopped by people who say they’ve always wanted to have an RV or take a road trip in one. We’re happy to share with them the following tips, which come from our own lessons learned, and hopefully help make folks’ first experience buying and traveling with an RV that much smoother.
1. Do your homework.
Photo: Go RVing
This step is crucial, so take your time. An RV can be a big investment, so be honest about your budget, goals, and level of commitment.
Learn the differences between teardrops, camper vans, and Class A motorhomes. If you’re considering a tow-behind travel trailer, find what works best, weight-wise, for your vehicle. Whether you drive a minivan or a diesel truck, there’s a suitable option for every towing capacity.
Talk to people who own RVs and get their insight. Visit a dealership to see floor plans and layouts. Rent one for the weekend and figure out what works (or doesn’t) for you.
Ask yourself the important questions: What exactly do you want to spend your money on? How many people will be using the RV on a regular basis? Where will you store it when it’s not in use? Who will do the repairs on it?
2. Consider how you want to travel.
Photo: Go RVing
The where is always exciting, but when it comes to RVing, the how is just as important. Again, be realistic about your level of experience and expectations and you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and (potential) heartache.
Are you more likely to seek out campgrounds with full hook-ups or off-grid boondocking adventures? If you enjoy overlanding in rugged, remote places, you’re probably better suited to a well-equipped van vs. a 30-foot fifth wheel.
Do you require space for an “office” setup? Will you be hauling anything additional (ATVs, motorcycles, kayaks, etc.) on your trips? All of these factors need to be baked into the decision of which RV is right for you.
3. Get to know (and love) your owner’s manual.
Photo: Go RVing
Social media would have you believe the RV life is perpetually glamorous, but keeping up with the reality of black water tanks, propane, and electrical panels takes work.
Pouring over technical jargon might not sound fun, but neither is realizing you don’t know how to fix that error message on your thermostat on a hot summer day. Get acquainted with your setup and how to maintain it before an issue arises.
Determine what special supplies, cleaning solutions, or tools you’ll need to carry. Find out where to buy replacement parts. And take full advantage of the internet’s exhaustive array of how-to videos and resources. Keep your rig in the best condition possible and it’ll serve you well.
4. Pack, repack, and unpack your belongings.
Photo: Go RVing
For many, this is absolutely the hardest step. But if you’re going to live in a small space for any amount of time, you have to keep it organized and manageable. Weight has a direct impact on fuel economy, so make your contents count. More importantly, the less time spent on “stuff” means more time for exploring and adventuring.
To make things easier, work on this process in steps. After all, you won’t really know exactly what you need until you have a few trips under your belt. If you have something that you haven’t touched, used, or enjoyed for a while, take it out of rotation and leave it at home.
5. Hit the road.
Photo: Go RVing
Everyone was a newbie once, and trial and error is the best way to learn the ins and outs of the RV lifestyle. Once you bring your RV home, practice driving in different road conditions to see how it handles. Work on reversing, turning, and parking, especially in urban environments such as busy gas stations or travel plazas.
Perfect your routine for setting up (and breaking down) camp, and consider that you may have to perform those tasks in less-than-pleasant weather. If you’re traveling with another person, it helps to divide the duties (e.g., interior vs. exterior tasks) to ensure nothing gets overlooked on your checklist.
6. Find your people.
Photo: Go RVing
Entire communities are doing the same things you are, and they can be a wealth of knowledge, experience, and rewarding social connection. Go to festivals, rallies, and other events, join clubs, or find online groups with shared interests.
Once you’re on the road, the lure of the horizon and the anticipation of the next trip will take care of the rest. And, before you know it, you’ll be the seasoned pro answering questions for a novice.
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