Matador Network's Blog, page 605
August 4, 2021
Thailand’s hotspot islands are open to visitors. Here’s how to visit.
Thailand has begun opening its international border for overseas tourists once again, with some of its most famed island hotspots first on the list. In July, the islands of Phuket and Koh Samui launched travel projects known as the “Sandbox Program,” allowing entry to fully vaccinated travelers without quarantine. As part of Surat Thani province, this includes Koh Tao, a popular diving island, and Koh Phangan, renowned for its beach parties, in Samui’s reopening. Visitors from at least 69 countries and territories are eligible, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. After the COVID19 pandemic halted international travel, visiting places like Thailand became a dream. Now you can experience its turquoise blue waters and white sand beaches. But there’s a catch.
How to enter Thailand’s islands right now
Photo: Sorbis/Shutterstock
The gradual reopening is part of a wider strategy from the Thai government to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated visitors without quarantine by mid-October and improve its ailing tourism economy. Yet, this comes as the country is experiencing its third wave of virus cases, with at least 17,000 new virus cases a day and over a hundred deaths in recent weeks. Approximately six percent of the population have been fully vaccinated, far below the levels of many western countries.
Because of this, getting into the country as a traveler means you must follow a strict set of guidelines. While Thailand’s mind-blowing islands await, entering the country admittedly isn’t as easy as it used to be. First, you have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if you want to experience either of the Phuket and Koh Samui reopening projects and be able to prove it at least with a vaccine card. You’ll also need to book return flights and COVID-19 insurance with coverage of $100,000. More information on the insurance and purchase options are available via the Thai Embassy website. An average US traveler visiting Thailand for 30 days can expect to pay about $130 for this insurance. Furthermore, you will need to provide a negative PCR test 72 hours before arrival and obtain a Certificate of Entry (COE) by filling out this form provided by the Thai government.
Once in the country, it is mandatory to stay at a government-approved Safety Health Administration (SHA) hotel. Sorry budget travelers, hostels and guesthouses aren’t available for your initial stay, but the government has made it easy to browse and view applicable hotels via its official portal. Thailand’s tourism authority also published a list of hotels in Koh Samui that are open to travelers.
You must also test negative for COVID-19 at least three times over 14 days before leaving the islands to ventures elsewhere in Thailand. The Phuket Sandbox program allows you to travel throughout the island once you’ve provided your first negative test upon arrival. But for those staying in Koh Samui, you must stay within designated areas for the first seven nights, although some tours are available so you can at least get out of the hotel and do some sightseeing. Travelers then have the choice to hop on over and stay in Koh Phangan or Koh Tao for the remaining seven days.
What to do on Phuket and Koh Samui
Photo: Day2505/Shutterstock
Now that official business is covered, let’s look at what there is to do now on the Thai islands. Phuket is the easiest to visit even in normal times and a destination that suits all types of travelers year-round. With its sizzling beaches, verdant green scenery, modern shopping malls, and pulsating nightlife, the island has a bit of everything. So much so that the Thai government made it the number one priority for its reopening plan, and so far, it’s been a success. There have been over 12,000 arrivals since July 1, and nearly 300,000 bookings made through the end of September as of this writing.
The main thing to do in Phuket right now is hit the beach and markets. Not everything is open, but you can swim at Patong Beach, visit Big Buddha or eat tantalizing Thai cuisine at one of the island’s many markets. See this full list of information on the Phuket Sandbox Program.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-biggest island and a popular hotspot for ex-pats and visitors alike. The jaw-dropping limestone rocks of Ang Thong National Marine Park haven’t gone anywhere and remain surrounded by blissful blue sea — with far fewer people there to witness the spectacle. Chaweng Beach isn’t busy as it once was but still equally beautiful. And if you want something more rustic, those working at Fishermans Village will be happy to see you, from the beachside restaurants to street vendor sellers. Thailand’s Tourism Authority released this list of guidelines for visiting Koh Samui.
What to do on Koh Tao right now
Photo: Makhh/Shutterstock
If you end up visiting the popular scuba dive island of Koh Tao, you’ll have ample opportunity to see what lies beneath its sky-blue waters. Koh Tao has always been a community-led island, but with international tourism closed for over a year, like other Thai islands, businesses have suffered. Nicky Simmons, who runs the Summer Guesthouse on the island, said the atmosphere is quieter, though she hopes new arrivals are coming soon.
“We hope for new visitors to the island — businesses need it to survive — it’s been very hard for a lot of people. We rely primarily on tourism as an island,” Simmons says. “You can get amazing deals on seriously good food — a lot of cheap Thai food and 100-baht deals on tasty western options.”
What to do on Koh Phangan right now
Photo: Dmitry Zimin/Shutterstock
Pre-pandemic, Koh Phangan was known for one thing: the Full Moon Party. But today, gone are the thousands of drunken revelers who would embark on Haad Rin beach to listen to cheesy techno and bump into one another while covered in fluorescent paint. Today Haad Rin, like many beaches in Thailand, has benefited from a natural reset. Even the water is sky-blue, something unbeknown to be many visitors over the years.
The village of Baan Tai still enjoys those visitor vibes, with foreigners riding on scooters sun-kissed from relaxing on the beach all day. In fact, night markets, stores, massage parlors, and bars remain open, unlike the strict lockdown that currently overwhelms other provinces in Thailand.
In the heart of Thong Sala on Soi Krung Thai, restaurant bars are still open, including the European-styled tapas joint, The Winery. For glitzy lights and vintage vibes, Baan Tai’s Night Market Café Vintage offers a handful of outside eateries open during the afternoon, serving everything from pizza to crepes to beer.
David Deveaux, a French ex-pat living on the island, runs Piz n’ Salads eatery. He said there is a digital nomad lifestyle present today in Koh Phangan, and those based there are happy to be in “paradise.” But like other business owners, he hopes for new international arrivals and the proposed lifting of even more restrictions this fall.
“If people can come it’s cool, but if it’s too difficult with all this process, quarantine, hopefully in October things will change,” Deveaux said. 
The post Thailand’s hotspot islands are open to visitors. Here’s how to visit. appeared first on Matador Network.
You can win an all-inclusive trip to Puerto Rico’s ‘Fantasy Island’ film locations
If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation that won’t cost you, your dream just might come true if you win this sweepstake. The Fantasy Island reboot is set to premiere on August 10, and in celebration, Sony Pictures Television, FOX, Discover Puerto Rico, and Hyatt Regency have partnered to give one lucky person the vacation of a lifetime: an all-inclusive trip to Puerto Rico, where the show was filmed.
The winner will receive round-trip airfare to Puerto Rico on JetBlue and a five-night stay with a garden view at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico. The winner of the Fantasy Island Sweepstake will also have the choice of either a spa experience at the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, a walking or ziplining tour through the rainforest foothills and the beach, or an Old San Juan food tour to experience all the yummy food that the Caribbean archipelago has to offer.
The Fantasy Island Sweepstake started at 12:01 AM PT on August 3, and it ends at 11:59 PM PT on August 18. You must be 18 years or older and living in the United States to enter.
The post You can win an all-inclusive trip to Puerto Rico’s ‘Fantasy Island’ film locations appeared first on Matador Network.
TikToker reveals why airplane windows are round and not square
When you’re assigned a window seat for your flight, do you ever look at the window and wonder why it’s round and not square like a window in a house? Well, for starters, that rounded shape is helping you and everyone else on the plane make it safely to your destination.
TikToker designsecrectsss, who reveals design secrets of everyday life, just divulged why airplane windows are round. In a video, they showed viewers the first commercial airplane, the 10r Comet, had square windows. The model also experienced three crashes within the first year of flight — all due to stress on the windows.
According to Mashable, when commercial flying was becoming popular, most airplanes began to fly at higher altitudes to avoid turbulence and drag. Since humans can’t survive at altitudes as high as 30,000 feet — and even higher — in the air, designers started to pressurize airplane cabins to create habitable environments.
@designsecretsss#airplane #design #engineering #designsecrets #learnontiktok #fypシ
♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound
At high altitudes, air pressure outside decreases, becoming lower than the air pressure inside the cabins. As air pressure inside the aircraft grows bigger relative to the air pressure outside of it, the aircraft’s structure is stressed, as the metal literally wants to expand.
As designsecrectsss tells us, on the 10r Comet aircraft, that structural pressure built up on the corners of the square windows, which then created cracks in the structure of the plane and, eventually, tragic crashes. The video below gives you a play by play demonstrating the outcome of what can happen with square windows.
Thankfully engineers were able to catch this flaw and fix it to where we can now fly safely with round — well, oval — windows.
The post TikToker reveals why airplane windows are round and not square appeared first on Matador Network.
The 8 best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a bachelorette party to remember
So the wedding is coming up and your crew is ready to roll. It’s time for a bachelorette party in Palm Springs, easily the best bachelorette party destination in California. Palm Springs is remote enough that you’re getting away from the city, there are plenty of bars and restaurants, and party vibes run through the entire town. Palm Springs is also strikingly beautiful, so you know the photos of your weekend are going to be epic. These are the best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a bachelorette party.
We hope you love the spaces and stays 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. See our full Advertiser Disclosure here.
1. Scenic mountainside villa with private movie theatre, pool, and amazing sunset views
Photo: Airbnb
One cool thing about a bachelorette party in Palm Springs is that there are places like The Summit. Here you can totally seclude yourself on a picturesque hillside and party in peace. Throw The Bachelorette on the screen in the private movie theatre, splash in the pool, and lounge poolside with a frozen drink without ever having to worry about anyone intruding on the fun. This of course means that stories and games can flow freely, oh and you won’t find a better sunset in all of California.
Twelve guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,665 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Another way to do a bachelorette party in Palm Springs is to have a mix of cultural experiences and partying. The mid-century La Paloma Palms is the perfect place to do just that. Its ambiance calls to mind a Tarantino film with a much cleaner ending, so in addition to the well-trimmed aesthetic there’s a large pool with lounge area, ample exterior lighting, and a massive kitchen and dining area for buffet and gift spreads. The art museum and many of Palm Springs’ best restaurants are also super close by.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $955 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury dreamhouse is acclaimed in the media for its striking desert persona. Surrounded by palms and rolling hillsides, you’ll celebrate the bride to be in a property as deserving of attention as she is, Dine al fresco — which in this case means poolside — on meals prepared in a kitchen fit for a professional chef (if you choose to cater, local outfits know and love this place). Bedrooms and the living space open to the pool area, keeping fresh air a prominent presence throughout your stay.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $646 per night
Photo: Airbnb
You’ll get the best of both privacy and convenience at this Palm Springs Airbnb. Blue Sky Modern is within walking distance to the restaurants and bars of downtown Palm Springs, and the home itself is designed as perfectly as a luxury beach resort. You’ll have a private pool with lounge area and dining space, a spa, and a well-decorated interior including a brand new chef’s kitchen and spacious bedrooms. You may not want to leave the home at all, and hey, it’s your party — chill if you want to.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $793 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This luxury Palm Springs Airbnb embodies Vista Las Palmas — the house is literally surrounded by towering palms and the San Jacinto Mountains standing guard from father away. The home is bright and airy, with post-worthy bedroom palm views. But this spot is all about staying active and engaged (pun intended). Games are the name of the game here. There’s a giant Connect Four set up, a volleyball court, putting green, and more on site to keep the crew laughing. And there’s a pool and hot tub surrounded by shaded cabanas for when cocktail-and-chill time kicks in.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $462 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This historic ranch, built in 1934, is its own world just a short walk from downtown Palm Springs. The private, secluded pool area is spacious enough for large groups who plan to spend most of their time here congregating in and around it. Hinshaw Hideaway is an ideal spot for mid-sized bachelorette parties in Palm Springs looking for variety — privacy around the pool is guaranteed and epic nights on the town don’t even require a vehicle. You’ll love the palm-fringed aesthetic as much as you love the sun-drenched interior.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $875 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The Valentine Estate is among the best Palm Springs Airbnbs at which to go all-out. The pool and hot tub offer views of the surrounding mountains, making it tempting to not even head downtown for dinner. This home features an outdoor bar so there’s no need to even go back indoors for a refill. However, being indoors is no bad thing — the fireplace and vaulted ceilings of the interior living space give the home the feel of a mountain lodge to complement the resort vibes of the exterior. If you wish to stay active, there’s a fully stocked gym in the home as well.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $1,650 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Desert mountains are among the world’s most beautiful landscapes. There’s no better place to appreciate this than the PS Aloha, a luxurious Palm Springs Airbnb with an expansive pool and lounge area. Famous architect Charles DuBois designed the home in 1958, and its signature style is still unique in the Palm Springs scene. Inside you’ll love the spacious, clean kitchen and top-notch sleeping situation. It’s also pet-friendly, in case the bride-to-be’s dog must come along. We mentioned above that there’s no better spot for a California sunset — this property may put that theory to the test.
Twelve guests, six bedrooms
Price: $1,569 per night
The post The 8 best Palm Springs Airbnbs for a bachelorette party to remember appeared first on Matador Network.
An outdoor etiquette guide for newbies: 10 tips for recreating responsibly
More people than ever are heading outdoors. While we’re thrilled that many folks are discovering nature’s mental and physical benefits, we’re also seeing a few rookie behaviors that aren’t great for the outdoors. To ensure that nature remains a sanctuary for all, including the plants and animals that call our open spaces home, we could all brush up on basic outdoor etiquette. From preserving the natural environment to accommodating others, here are 10 rules for recreating responsibly that every newbie nature lover needs to know.
1. If you make trash, take your trash.
Photo: BLACKDAY/Shutterstock
There’s nothing worse than planning an outdoor excursion only to find your destination strewn with litter. Whether you’re at the beach or on a mountain, it’s all too common to see food wrappers, plastic bottles, toilet paper, and other trash that’s been left behind by previous visitors. One of the best, and easiest, ways to protect our natural playgrounds is to make sure whatever waste we create leaves the outdoors when we do, or “pack it in, pack it out” as backcountry enthusiasts say. Remember, we’re guests of the great outdoors, and keeping open spaces clean not only makes them more enjoyable for us but also healthier for the local wildlife.
2. Nature is not a gift shop. Don’t collect souvenirs.
Photo: ehrlif/Shutterstock
When it comes to keeping the outdoor spaces as pristine as we found them, not littering is only half of the equation. What we take with us can be just as impactful as what we leave behind. Picking flowers, collecting rocks and shells, and otherwise claiming natural souvenirs may seem harmless, but these actions disrupt the local ecosystem. As a rule, outdoor recreationists should aim to leave no trace of their time outside, unless they’re making their destination cleaner than when they arrived. If you see litter, pick it up. Everything else, leave it be.
3. Feed your pets, not the wildlife.
Photo: Karel Smilek/Shutterstock
Encountering wildlife is one of the joys of outdoor recreation. Sharing treats with the critters we meet can be tempting, either to show affection or draw them closer, but feeding wild animals does more harm than good. Animals have different nutritional needs than humans. Filling up on foreign foods can disrupt their diets and distress their digestive systems. Feeding wild animals can also desensitize them to human contact, which may encourage aggressive food-seeking behavior and train them to rely on people for sustenance. Moreover, introducing new food sources can impact reproduction rates and increase the likelihood of disease transmission. The best way to show our appreciation for native fauna is to keep a safe, respectful distance.
4. Hiking off-road isn’t trailblazing. It’s trampling.
Photo: Cheri Alguire/Shutterstock
When Robert Frost wrote about taking the road less traveled, he wasn’t dispensing outdoor advice. Hiking trails are clearly marked for a reason. Forging your own path may seem adventurous, but veering off-trail can wreak havoc on the local ecosystem. You run the risk of crushing vegetation, disturbing wildlife, eroding soil, and contaminating water sources, among other adverse effects. If you’re in an environment with marked trails, stick to the traveled road.
5. Graffiti can be art, but in the outdoors, it’s usually vandalism.
Photo: Ajax9/Shutterstock
We love street art as much as anyone, but only in the appropriate venues. Except on the rare occasions when artists are invited to showcase their works in outdoor spaces, or incorporate the environment into their art, nature is not a canvas waiting to be decorated. Carving your name into tree trunks, spray painting rocks, and otherwise vandalizing the outdoors we visit is a big no-no. We really can’t stress this enough: Leave things in nature the way you found them.
6. Don’t prioritize selfies over safety.
Photo: lzf/Shutterstock
No matter your thoughts on the 21st-century compulsion to document our every move, there’s one photo trend that needs to stop: disrespecting the natural environment to get the perfect shot, especially if that means putting yourself in precarious situations. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of selfie-takers meeting preventable fates after miscalculating their poses. Potential detriment to the environment aside, always pay attention when you’re playing outdoors, and try to focus more on making memories than capturing them.
7. Know your local leash laws.
Photo: Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock
Dogs make excellent hiking companions, but few outdoor spaces allow pets to roam freely. Many national parks, for example, only welcome dogs in developed areas. Even on trails where dogs are welcome, owners are typically required to keep them leashed at all times. Because few states have statewide leash laws, it’s important to check your municipal regulations, as well as abide by whatever rules a given open space has set. Of course, pet owners should also come prepared to clean up after their pooches. Your fellow hikers will thank you.
8. Always obey signage.
Photo: Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock
If you’re new to the outdoors, you may not know the unwritten rules of outdoor recreation. That’s okay. More often than not, what conduct is and is not allowed in a given area is clearly marked. Open spaces have signage for permitted and prohibited activities, what areas may be off-limits, which plants or animals recreationists should avoid, and general tips for outdoor etiquette. These rules are designed to protect visitors, as well as preserve the flora, fauna, and geology of a given area. Always keep an eye out for signs and obey them.
9. Uphill hikers have the right of way.
Photo: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock
There’s one unwritten rule of the outdoors that’s worth memorizing: Uphill hikers get the right of way. This may be counterintuitive, as moving bodies generally have less control on downward slopes, but it’s much harder for uphill hikers to regain momentum than it is for downhill hikers to stop in their tracks. On narrow trails, hikers should also walk single-file to leave room for others to pass, with the slowest members of their group setting the pace.
10. Be considerate of your fellow nature lovers.
Photo: Alex from the Rock/Shutterstock
The great outdoors is a shared space. It’s a place people go to get fresh air and exercise, take in the scenery, and commune with nature away from the bustle of their daily lives. Everyone is entitled to that experience, and all who participate should be considerate of those around them. Don’t hog trails, blast loud music from portable speakers, or fly drones near other outdoor recreationists. Definitely don’t smoke, especially in areas where fire danger is high. Be friendly to fellow hikers. There’s no rulebook for being a thoughtful outdoorsperson, but exercising common sense goes a long way when it comes to fostering open spaces everyone can enjoy.
The post An outdoor etiquette guide for newbies: 10 tips for recreating responsibly appeared first on Matador Network.
How the women behind Hy Vong helped Miami fall in love with Vietnamese food
In 1980, after many mishaps and roadblocks, an unlikely restaurant opened in Miami that would help change the face of the city. Called Hy Vong, it was one of Miami’s first Vietnamese restaurants, and it reflected how post-war immigration was changing the culinary face of America. But it was special for another reason: Hy Vong was owned and operated by two women, one of them a single mother who fled Vietnam during the war, and the other, the woman who gave her a home in Miami.
In 1975, Kathy Manning welcomed 14 Vietnam War refugees into her home. One of them, Tung Nguyen, quickly established herself in the kitchen — the place she felt safest and most comfortable in her new and often confusing life in America.
Though Tung struggled to adjust, she found a kindred spirit in Kathy. Not only did Kathy praise and admire Tung’s cooking, but as it turned out the women shared many values: Both women desired equality in their relationships and craved independence. Long after all the other refugees had left Manning’s house, Tung remained in Kathy’s home, where she eventually took up permanent residence with her daughter, Lyn. The trio formed an unconventional family unit, and both Tung and Kathy shared in parenting duties for Lyn.
Kathy and Tung were equal partners at Hy Vong, too — often butting heads over how to run the restaurant. Tung was the dedicated, passionate cook who handled all the recipes, and her highly praised dishes drew in a loyal following. Her focus was on making sure the restaurant turned a profit. Meanwhile, Kathy worked the front of the house, keeping her customers satisfied and happy. Together, they kept Hy Vong open for 35 years.
When the restaurant closed in 2015, Tung kept cooking, running pop up Vietnamese feasts in the Miami area, which she still does to this day. Earlier this year, Kathy and Tung, along with input from Lyn, published their memoir Mango and Peppercorns, which reveals how they navigated their sometimes rocky business relationship, co-parenting, and managing one of the most iconic restaurants in Miami.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Photo: Tung Nguyen and Kathy Manning
In the introduction to Mango and Peppercorns, Michelle Berstein writes that she credits Hy Vong with introducing Miami to Vietnamese cuisine and culture. Do you agree that your restaurant helped Miami fall in love with Vietnamese food? What impact did the restaurant have on the city long term from their perspective?
Kathy: We were the first Vietnamese restaurant in the area. Many locals, not knowing the difference, called us Chinese. Most people had not tasted fish sauce, lemongrass, or even ginger. These ingredients were so hard to find that in the beginning we grew our own lemongrass to use in the restaurant.
When we sold spring rolls at the Orange Bowl parade, I kept reducing the price and nobody would buy them because they were too different. Eventually I had to give them away, calling them “Vietnamese hot dogs.”
People liked Hy Vong food not just because it was new, but because it was really good.
Customers would say that Hy Vong food was to die for. Even six years after being closed, we still get phone calls from customers asking for our food. Today, Miami is a hot spot for foodies with a lot of diverse cuisines. We like to think that we helped start that.
Both of you have a deeply rooted sense of independence and a value system that prioritizes equality. How did that value system impact your relationship as friends and business partners?
Kathy: We were both a bit of social misfits who had a strong sense of self. Growing up, I was fat and a tom boy who climbed trees and rode horses bareback. I didn’t fit the typical wife mold that was expected of young girls in my social circles.
When Tung came to the US, she was out of her element. She wanted a husband like her mother and father’s relationship where they loved each other. Initially we became close business partners because we had the same values of hard work, honesty, and quality. We became family because we realized that we could form our own family how we wanted it and we did not need to follow traditional paths. Our independence allowed us to be willing to try new things, like open Hy Vong, and form an untraditional family.
There’s a strong sense throughout the book that Kathy wanted to make people happy and Tung wanted to make a profit at the restaurant, and sometimes those goals were at odds. Looking back, do you feel that ultimately you needed both sides of that coin to make Hy Vong work for as long as it did?
Kathy: Looking back, it worked. We each had our own job that led to Hy Vong’s success. Tung never compromised her food. She used everything and did not waste it. I was the go-between for customers and Tung. I had unconditional love for our customers. Eating together was communion.
Tung: We each had our own job. I loved feeding people. I took care of the kitchen, Kathy took care of the front. We both loved what we did.
The idea of a chosen family that allows each member to be her true, unfiltered self is sprinkled throughout the book. How did that dynamic help Kathy and Tung maintain a partnership in both the restaurant and raising Lyn?
Kathy: We were both independent. Tung had had to learn things on her own from a very young age, and I knew that I didn’t fit the traditional model. And neither of us were willing to compromise who we were in order to fit in. In the early days, when people didn’t eat as much spicy food as they do today, she would still not reduce the spicy level in chicken with lemongrass or spicy ribs because that was how she felt the dishes were best flavored. Tung spoke through her food and was able to express her identity through her cooking. I ran the front like I wanted, and ensured all customers were equal and welcome.
Photo: Hy Vong/Facebook
We were both able to be ourselves and not compromise on who we were. And we were able to find success, happiness and appreciation for who we were. I found purpose from having children and having a restaurant. I felt that I was right where I was supposed to be.
In her section of the book, Lyn writes that from the outside it seems like Kathy and Tung are totally dysfunctional, but at their core, they actually share more similarities than differences: “hard-working, hard-headed, determined.”
Kathy: I was always determined, hard-headed, and a dreamer. If we didn’t have those traits, we wouldn’t have been able to build and run a restaurant for 38 years. Running a restaurant is hard, but you do it because you love it — you love the customers, the joy that food brings, the excitement of introducing new flavors to people. We could have never been successful and ran a restaurant for so long if we got discouraged at every little thing that went wrong. It took us two and a half years to open the restaurant — we had to re-drywall the restaurant twice.
Tung: I had to survive. I had to raise my daughter. I knew that I had to make a better life for Lyn than she could have had in Vietnam. She had so many books and toys. I wanted her to be the best that she could be and to do more than she could have done in Vietnam. I didn’t know how else to give her a better life than to work hard. So I worked hard, every day. I never changed my food or took shortcuts because then that ruins my integrity. I would only serve the best that I could make.
Lyn also writes that the way Tung “communicated with the world” was through her food at Hy Vong. Is that still true, and what exactly is she trying to communicate through the food she shares with others?
Tung: My English is still hard to understand, but now I feel comfortable talking with people. Now I cook for people because I want them to enjoy my food, to be happy, to eat good food. My cooking is my art, and I want people to enjoy my art. That’s still a way that I communicate.
People used to say that, “Tung is in a bad mood today — the spicy ribs will kill you, they are so hot.”
At one point, Kathy makes the simple but resonate point that if you ignore or dismiss the cuisine and culture of immigrant communities in your city, you miss an opportunity for understanding and connection. How does embracing the food of immigrants make you a better citizen of your own community?
Kathy: If you eat in a restaurant like Hy Vong, you get to know the owners, busboys, waitresses. Our customers got to know all our busboys by name. At Hy Vong you got great food but you also get to know the people. One of my busboys came from a poor Colombian family, worked in our restaurant, and was accepted to Columbia University. One of our customers who owned an airline gave him a free ride to school.
Our customers gave us all kinds of help: they built a bench for people to sit on while they waited; they helped fix the bathroom; they gave us a mortgage when a bank would not. Our customers are special. They loved us as much as we loved them.
One evening, we had a new dish, sauteed calamari, and I convinced a customer to try it. He loved it so much that he shared it with the table next to him. The plate of calamari eventually ended up being shared across five tables. When you sat and waited in a small restaurant where food would pass from one table to the next, you couldn’t help but get to know new and different people. And by being open to trying new food, I like to think that they also were open to meeting new people and opening their minds, and maybe even expanding their community.
The post appeared first on Matador Network.
The most popular cocktail in every US state
It’s a Friday night and you’re at home, awaiting the arrival of your guests for an informal cocktail party. Tired of the usual gin and tonic and vodka soda options usually served at these shindigs, you take to the internet to track down some cocktail recipes. Turns out, which one you — and your neighbors — search for the most somewhat depends on your state. Using Google Keyword Planner search data from the last 12 months, clothing retailer Pour Moi determined which are the most popular cocktails in the United States.
The pina colada is the most searched for cocktail overall in America. The classic tropical concoction was created in Puerto Rico, and it’s easy to imagine why people would want to channel the feel of the drink’s island home in the hot summer months. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the most searched for cocktail in Hawaii and Florida.
The US also has an odd fascination with a cocktail named the pornstar martini — it ranked among the most searched-for cocktails in Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, and many other states. Once you get past its saucy name, the pornstar martini is actually a delicious combination of fresh passion fruit, vanilla vodka, and Champagne.
Other classic cocktails on America’s most searched-for list include the negroni (a favorite in Washington, Oregon, and California) and the espresso martini (New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut), both of which are equally loved in Europe. It’s interesting to note that the espresso martini seems to have regional ties — it appears most frequently on the Pour Moi list in the Northeastern United States. The most searched-for cocktail in Texas, meanwhile, might surprise you — it’s not the margarita (or the frozen margarita, which was created in Dallas), but the daiquiri.
Photo: Pour Moi
This data only points to the cocktails that residents from each state in America are looking up online the most. That doesn’t mean these are necessarily the most purchased, drunk, or popular cocktails in every state. One possible explanation is that people are whipping up these cocktails at home more than they are sipping them at bars, which necessitates looking up the ingredients online.
Curious to find out which cocktail people are searching for the most in your state? You can check out the full data report on Pour Moi’s website here, and then add it to the menu at your next cocktail party.
The post The most popular cocktail in every US state appeared first on Matador Network.
The best uncrowded state parks in Arkansas near the busiest national parks
Arkansas has seven certified national parks with two of the most well-known being Hot Springs National Park and the Buffalo National River. These preserved sites showcase some of the most impressive scenery in the Natural State, but they also attract crowds. If you’re interested in getting off the beaten track and exploring some of the smaller protected areas, Arkansas has 52 state parks with a wide variety of terrain and cultural experiences to choose from.
With free admission, Arkansas state parks have a great reputation for recreational opportunities, well-maintained facilities, and acres of green spaces. Ideal for families or outdoor enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone from digging for diamonds, to camping under the stars, to hiking to waterfalls and mountain biking through forests. Each of Arkansas’ state parks has something unique to offer, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorites to help you plan your next visit to the Natural State.
Petit Jean State Park
Photo: M.Curtis/Shutterstock
The idea for creating the Arkansas State Parks system was sparked in 1907 atop Petit Jean Mountain. The mountaintop became the state’s first state park, Petit Jean State Park, in 1923. It encompasses an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, streams, springs, spectacular views, and interesting ecological formations.
Early development of the park came from the Civilian Conservation Corp between 1933 and 1938. Petit Jean has three national Historic Districts with more than 80 buildings, structures, trails, and bridges, which are still in use. Today, the park offers modern and rustic accommodations, including 33 cabins, a 24-room lodge, and 125 campsites for tents and RVs. In addition to a full-service restaurant serving classic Southern cuisine, the park has many traditional amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, ball courts, and an amphitheater.
The view from the lodge and restaurant looks out over the stunning Cedar Creek Canyon below making it easy to understand how the land became the inspiration for the state parks system.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Photo: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism
Just as its name implies, Crater of Diamonds State Park consists of the eroded surface of a volcanic crater that’s full of diamonds and other rocks and minerals such as amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
Visitors can search the 37-acre plowed field and keep any treasure they find. Since the park opened in 1972, more than 33,100 diamonds have been discovered. One of the latest diamonds in the US, a 40.23-carat nicknamed Uncle Sam, was found in 1924. The Diamond Discovery Center is an educational station in the park where visitors can learn more about how to search and the history of the area’s unique geology.
The park also has campsites, a lunchtime cafe, and Diamond Springs Water Park which is perfect for cooling off after a day of digging.
Devil’s Den State Park
Photo: Gunnar Rathbun/Shutterstock
Devil’s Den State Park derives a great deal of its identity from the rustic style design of its historic cabins and its rugged and largely undeveloped terrain. Situated in the Boston Mountain subdivision of the Ozark Mountains, the parkland is on the southernmost highest and most severely eroded of the three plateaus that form the mountain system. Lee Creek, which runs through the park, has cut through layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone exposing these geographic features to view. The landscape can be seen in the third season of the critically acclaimed HBO crime drama True Detective, much of which was filmed in the park.
Within this rugged terrain, Devil’s Den has hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and backpacking trails that lead to caves, crevices, and bluff overlooks. Unfortunately, the caves in the vast sandstone crevice area are now closed to help stop the spread of white-nose syndrome in bats; yet, the caves still provide habitat for numerous species, including the endangered Ozark big-eared bat.
Developed in the 1930s, the park is one of the most intact Civilian Conservation Corps parks in the US. Native stone and wood are prevalent in all the CCC-made structures in the park, especially trails, cabins, and scenic overlooks. This Arkansas icon also has a lake for fishing and boating, 135 campsites, and a playground.
Village Creek State Park
Photo: Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism
In Arkansas’ upper Delta region, the unique element of Village Creek State Park is the Andy Dye-designed 27-hole championship golf course set on the park’s forested hills. The nearly 7,000-acre preserved area, located about an hour from the Mississippi River, also has 33 miles of multi-use trails, not only used by hikers and mountain bikers but also horseback riders.
The equestrian campground and stables have horse stalls with wash bays and other conveniences to help riders unwind after a day in the saddle. Guests can also stay in modern cabins with full kitchens and satellite television or campgrounds with bathhouses. A small museum and visitor center helps interpret all the park and region has to offer.
DeGray Lake Resort State Park
Photo: Arkansas State Parks
Located on the shores of DeGray Lake just minutes from the popular tourist town of Hot Springs, the lodging and amenities at DeGray Lake Resort State Park are definitely more resort-oriented than what you would typically expect from a state park. The park’s 94-room lodge and convention center with a large swimming pool and on-site restaurant are on an island accessed by a causeway from the mainland.
Visitors looking for sporting fun can take advantage of an 18-hole championship golf course, pro shop, disc golf course, and tennis courts. Outdoorsy folks can hit the hiking trails, take a guided horseback ride, go fishing, and camp at one of the 113 campsites, most of which are surrounded by shade trees.
Pinnacle Mountain State Park
Photo: David7/Shutterstock
Minutes from Arkansas’ capital city of Little Rock is the iconic Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Hiking to the cone-shaped top of Pinnacle Mountain is a must-do for an incredible view and bragging rights too. An east and west trail lead to the summit and both are strenuous but the east trail is somewhat more rugged, crossing several boulder fields. There are more than 40 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails for all experience levels.
Mount Magazine State ParkPhoto: Arkansas State Parks
Mount Magazine State Park, which includes the state’s highest point at 2,753 feet, is all about the views. Every room in the park’s lodge — which includes a swimming pool, fitness center, and game room — looks out to the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake below. Thirteen cabins also share the same view. There’s plenty of big adventures to be had here too including hiking, biking, rock climbing, hang gliding, and horseback riding.
The post The best uncrowded state parks in Arkansas near the busiest national parks appeared first on Matador Network.
One beach, four trips: Myrtle Beach
Sitting on a 60-mile arc of uninterrupted sand, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, wouldn’t need much else to earn its nickname: the Grand Strand. But this beach town has grown well beyond its golden shores, transforming into a seaside enclave where all types of vacation seekers can come together to “choose their own adventure,” on or off the sand. So corral the kids, gather your friends, or just pack up the car — here are four themed experiences you can have in one incredible destination on your trip to Myrtle Beach.
FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
Photo: Craig Zerbe/Shutterstock
Before Myrtle Beach was even a town — much less a vacation hotspot — get this: It had a castle. Known simply as Atalaya, the 30-room stunner was the winter residence of the notable Huntington family. Today, the circa-1930 Spanish villa is located in their namesake Huntington Beach State Park, and you can take a self-guided tour of the grounds to break up a day spent hiking, birdwatching, swimming, or just lounging on the park’s three-mile beach.
As if a castle weren’t enough, the same family also owned the nearby former rice plantations that became Brookgreen Gardens. Today, it’s one of the country’s most fantastic public gardens, but that claim really doesn’t do the place justice. Open to the public since 1932, the “gardens” also feature nearly 1,500 sculptures — some by names you might be familiar with, like Gutzon Borglum — a wildlife park, walking trails, and a serious holiday lights display.
For a window into how the rest of our grandparents lived, the Horry County Museum in nearby Conway showcases the history and culture — and natural history, too — of the communities around Myrtle Beach. Set in a 1905 schoolhouse, exhibits range from an over-the-top fish tank (featured on Animal Planet!) stocked with native species, historic photographs of the area, and a working, living-history farm onsite. Admission? That’s free.
Fun fact: It’s pronounced “o-ree” county, and it’s one of the biggest east of the Mississippi, mapped at a whopping 1,100 square miles. That’s 3.5 times the size of NYC!
FOR THE NOSTALGIA SEEKERS
Photo: Burroughs & Chapin Company/Myrtle Beach Family Golf
Okay, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach may look like a Ferris wheel, but this is no retro county-fair attraction. The state-of-the-art thrill ride — picture air-conditioned glass pods with plush seats — flies 200 feet above the Grand Strand, providing uninterrupted views of the sea and sand below. There’s even a VIP pod for high-falutin’ high flying.
While the SkyWheel might not be considered “throwing it back,” per se, taking yourself out to the ballgame certainly would be. The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, a Minor League affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, play seasonally at the ballpark across from Broadway at the Beach. The affordable ticket prices make for a fun night out with the entire family.
Beyond the stands, test out your own skills at Fun Plaza, an open-air arcade on the historic boardwalk beloved by locals and visitors alike since 1938. Expect mostly classics like skee-ball, pinball, and basketball, with a few new-school games for good measure.
You’re never far from a miniature golf course on a trip to Myrtle Beach, and each local putt-putt spot might as well be its own little universe. Tee off at the tropical Mt. Atlanticus, the storybook world of Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, or the prehistoric Jurassic Mini Golf. With 50 courses to choose from, some call this area the “mini-golf capital of the world.”
FOR THE FOODIES
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Murrells Inlet — one of the communities within greater Myrtle Beach — is widely known as South Carolina’s seafood capital. Among the must-eat restaurants in this area, definitely sample The Wicked Tuna, a waterfront spot with amazing shrimp tacos, sushi, and creative cocktails. (There’s a second location on 2nd Avenue as well.)
Back in Myrtle Beach proper, Hook & Barrel — helmed by South Carolina culinary ambassador Heidi Vukov — sources only sustainable ingredients for its seafood-focused menu, plating local faves like blackened salmon with Carolina gold rice and bouillabaisse.
The dining scene here goes far beyond hook-to-plate, of course. Check out these other standouts on your trip to Myrtle Beach:
The best place to start the day is Croissants Bistro & Bakery. Open for over two decades, the bakery creates incredible cakes and pastries, along with croissant eggs benedict and avocado toast. Don’t forget the all-important mimosa!In central Myrtle Beach, grab a seat at Sea Captain’s House, set in a 1930s oceanfront cottage. It specializes in Lowcountry dishes like she-crab soup, Carolina flounder, and shrimp and grits.Named for its origins in North Carolina, Duplin Winery has a large tasting room at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Visitors (of legal drinking age) can sip on the sweet wines fermented from regionally grown muscadine and scuppernong grapes. Live music and savory cheese plates add to the experience.If wine isn’t your thing, scope out Grand Strand Brewing Company, a new taproom a few blocks from the boardwalk. The beer lineup includes hazy IPAs, hefeweizens, and stouts, and when you’re feeling peckish, there are also pub burgers, wings, and sandwiches.FOR THE FAMILIES
Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach
Watch the kids’ eyes widen as you walk up to WonderWorks at Broadway at the Beach. The upside-down building is just the start of the quirky fun here. “Edu-tainment” offerings include an astronaut-training simulator, a hurricane-force wind tunnel, and Dr. Seuss-inspired sculptures, and that’s in addition to the indoor ropes course, laser tag, and nearly 100 more exhibits.
If that doesn’t wear the kids out, The Funplex — one of Myrtle Beach’s newest spots — has both thrill and kid-friendly rides, from mini roller coasters to the tallest (and perhaps the only?) interactive 360-degree flying jet ride in the country. The Track is another favorite for families, its go-kart courses ramping up above the coastline.
End your evening with a dinner theater experience, such as Pirates Voyage. You’ll watch Blackbeard and crew swing from ropes, dive off planks, and have sword fights on the pirate ship resting in the lagoon. A four-course dinner will keep you busy while you watch the action — or watch the kids eat up the adventure on this unforgettable trip to Myrtle Beach.
The post One beach, four trips: Myrtle Beach, SC appeared first on Matador Network.
August 3, 2021
British Columbia’s rock climbing is as intense and exciting as the sport gets
British Columbia, Canada, is home to some of the best rock climbing in North America — with granite faces that rival the best climbing in California’s Eastern Sierras. A bonus is that these are much easier to reach, as they are just outside the major metropolis of Vancouver. Whether you visit the North Shore Mountain crags on a coastal inlet just a bridge away from downtown or head an hour north of Vancouver to well-developed climbing areas in Squamish, you’ll find everything from beginner-friendly to elite world-class options. Here’s your guide to the best British Columbia climbing.
Sport Climb with a View in Area 44 in Squamish
Photo: EB Adventure Photography/Shutterstock
Area 44 is one of the best beginner to intermediate sport climbing areas along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The 40-mile drive to the crag north of Vancouver, past the coastal community of Squamish, and along the winding mountain road with vistas over the Pacific Ocean is an adventure in its own right.
Park along the Swift Creek Forest Service Road just off the highway located on the right-hand side right after Brohm Lake when traveling north. To get to the trailhead for Area 44, cross the highway and walk along a dirt path next to the concrete barrier. Take the footpath downhill through the bushes, and soon you will arrive at the signs welcoming you to the climbing area.
Area 44 is extremely well-developed. You will find hand-made wooden directional signage in the forest and laminated descriptions of all routes with their locations, grades, and the number of quickdraws required. The approach from the parking lot is less than 15 minutes.
You will find just over 40 bolted routes in the area with a grade range from 5.6 to 5.11c. Most of the climbs are about 100 feet tall. The granite has many small edges in flakes and is very comfortable to climb on. Consider trying the 5.10b route called Rocky Horror, which made the shortlist of 100 best climbs around Squamish.
The crag looks over the fantastic Tantalus Range, snow-capped even during the hot summer months. After your climb, drive further north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to the Tantalus Lookout, from which you can see the mountains and the river along the valley all the way back to Squamish. On your drive back, consider stopping for food and drink at one of the breweries in Squamish.
Sport Climb in Cheakamus Canyon in Squamish
Photo: Annari/Shutterstock
Located further north past Area 44 on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Cheakamus Canyon is Vancouver’s largest sport climbing area. The crag features some of the hardest sport climbs in Canada but has plenty of routes in the 5.8-5.10a range that beginner and intermediate climbers will enjoy. Some of the favorite climbs in the area are Emil and the Detectives (5.8) and Charlotte’s Web (5.9).
The best thing about the crag is the convenient approach right from the parking lot. To get to the parking lot, look for a bend on the right-hand side when traveling north on Sea-to-Sky just over a mile past the orange highway bridge over the Culliton Creek. Turn right on Conroy Forest Road and park in the pullout on the right-hand side. Since Cheakamus Canyon is only 20 miles away from Whistler, plan to end your day with a visit to Brandywine Falls and a nice dinner in Whistler Village.
Climb the Chief in Squamish
Photo: 2009fotofriends/Shutterstock
The granite monolith Stawamus Chief, or the Chief, is to British Columbia climbing enthusiasts what El Capitan in Yosemite is for folks south of the border. Most of the climbs on the Chief are suitable for traditional climbing, where a climber ascends along routes that have not been bolted and places gear directly into cracks and other features of the rock. The several bolted sport routes along the Chief are fairly advanced.
However, if you are a novice but would like to experience climbing around Stawamus Chief, you can hire an experienced guide to take you up the rock. Local Squamish providers will work with your climbing skill level and offer individualized experiences for climbing the Chief. Alternatively, explore the vast number of bouldering problems at the foot of the Chief on your own. The boulders are scattered throughout the forest and can be approached from the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park parking lot.
Whether you decide to climb around the Chief or not, the area is worth a visit. Spend some time at one of the picnic tables at the viewing area below the Chief and watch the numerous climbers on the great wall.
Sport climb at Sully’s Hangout in Lynn Headwaters Park in North Vancouver
Photo: Vancouver Rock Climbing/Facebook
Sully’s Hangout is located in the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, accessible by bus or a short drive from Vancouver. The crag is located in the forest along the shoulder of Lynn Peak, one of the local mountains.
To get to Sully’s from the parking lot, walk across the bridge to the other side of Lynn Creek, turn right, and walk along the gravel Lynn Headwaters Connector path. At the signpost, turn left onto the Lynn Loop trail and climb it uphill to a small unmarked trail on the right-hand side located before the second signpost. The unmarked trail will climb through the woods towards the base of the granite wall with the climbs. The uphill approach will take you about 30 minutes and is a great way to warm up before you climb.
Sully’s Hangout has nine approachable sport climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.10a; another 16+ climbs range 5.10b-5.12b. The route titled 3M is about 100 feet tall and features an easy 5.8 climb to the mid-pitch anchor, then a 5.10a route to the anchor at the top of the ledge. The area is shaded by large trees and can be enjoyed even in the middle of a summer day. At the end of your climbing day, visit the nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for heady views over the Lynn Canyon.
Boulder at Lynn Boulders in Lynn Headwaters Park in North Vancouver
Photo: The Hive Bouldering GymThe Hive Bouldering Gym/Facebook
Lynn Boulders are scattered throughout the forest in the Lynn Headwaters Park in North Vancouver, close to Sully’s Hangout. The boulders feature over 140 problems ranging from V1 to V10. The high density and variety of grades make this an excellent spot for beginners and advanced climbers. You will enjoy the massive boulders, the silence of the old rainforest around you, and the giant first-growth stumps scattered through the woods.
To get to the boulders, turn left after crossing the bridge over Lynn Creek, walk along the gravel Cedar Mills Trail, and turn right at the sign for Lynn Loop Trail. Climb up the switchbacks to the junction and turn right on the Lynn Loop Trail. You will soon come across another junction with a sign for boulders. Follow the footpath until you reach the first granite blocks. The approach should take no more than 30 minutes on foot from the parking lot and is a great warm-up. Refuel afterward with a snack from the End of the Line General Store, which has been serving the community for over 100 years.
Outdoor safety and gear rentals in British Columbia
Photo: Daniel Bruce Lacy/Shutterstock
British Columbia’s land and water habitats have the highest biodiversity in North America. The locals are lucky to live in areas surrounded by a lush rainforest and learn to coexist with various wild species. Deer, black bears, bobcats, and cougars are abundant in the suburbs and smaller towns. Even in the center of Vancouver, you will spot coyotes, bald eagles, owls, and, when looking offshore, sea otters, seals, and sometimes orcas. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs of the Stawamus Chief, and local access societies work with climbers to ensure the nesting areas are undisturbed.
You will be entering a wildlife country in all of the climbing areas described above. The best way to prepare is to plan to avoid a wildlife encounter. Educate yourself on basic principles of bear awareness: travel in groups and ensure you can be heard from a distance, bring bear spray and know how to use it, keep your pets on the leash, and don’t leave your food unattended. Also, remember that although you should be prepared to have a run-in with wildlife, it is highly unlikely that you will.
The best guide books for the area are Squamish Select by Marc Bourdon and Vancouver Rock Climbing by Rich Wheater. Both are available in print and ebook format on the publisher’s site; you can also find a hard copy at local outdoor outfitters. For up-to-date information on events and access to crags in Squamish, check the Squamish Access Society home page. Climbing on the North Shore is stewarded by the Vancouver Climbers Association.
Always wear a helmet when sport climbing outdoors. This will protect you from rockfall and the possibility of irresponsible hikers in areas with foot access to the ledge of the crag. In case of an emergency or injury, call 911.
Climb On Equipment and Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish rent climbing shoes, bouldering pads, harnesses, and helmets. Get in touch with the bouldering gym Hive North Shore to rent a bouldering pad in Vancouver.
The post British Columbia’s rock climbing is as intense and exciting as the sport gets appeared first on Matador Network.
Matador Network's Blog
- Matador Network's profile
- 6 followers
