Matador Network's Blog, page 655
May 10, 2021
New York City is now offering vaccinations for tourists
New York City is now offering vaccinations to tourists after a change in state regulations. The city received state approval to offer one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to US tourists at mobile vaccination hubs at popular spots.
The initiative is part of the city’s overall effort to support the tourism and hospitality industry and boost the number of people offered the vaccine in the area. Approved by the state’s Governor Andrew Cuomo, the scheme has successfully rolled out after a change in eligibility regulations, which allows anyone older than the age of 16, who lives in the US, the opportunity to receive a vaccination in New York.
Welcome to New York, your vaccine is waiting for you!
We'll administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at iconic sites across our city. With State authorization, we can get vaccines to tourists and make sure they have a built in souvenir to bring home with them. Let's get it done! pic.twitter.com/NCqIietY9R
— City of New York (@nycgov) May 6, 2021
Mayor Bill de Blasio stated during a news conference on May 6, “This is a positive message to tourists. Come here, it’s safe, it’s a great place to be, and we’re going to take care of you.” He continued, “This summer, you’re going to see tourism come alive again in New York City; you’re going to see a lot of jobs come back because of it. We want to go the extra mile, make it easy for tourists.”
Vaccination sites will be set up at popular tourist attractions like Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sunset Park, and many other locations dotted around the city. According to ABC 7 New York News, testing sites will be available from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 
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Dracula’s castle might be the spookiest destination to get a COVID-19 vaccine
Romania has found a way to puncture its visitors at Dracula’s castle — and it doesn’t involve fangs. Bran Castle, the spooky tourist destination in Transylvania, Romania, that is said to have inspired Bran Stoker’s novel Dracula, is now offering a dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine to all visitors with no appointment needed.
The jabs will take place outside the castle every weekend in May. Visitors will receive a “vaccination diploma,” decorated with an old-timey dressed-up nurse with fangs holding a syringe. They’ll also have free access to the castle’s exhibits of 52 torture instruments, according to Associated Press.
Unfortunately, this spooky-themed venture is only for Romanian residents. A survey released in April by Bratislava-based think tank Globsec showed Romanians were the least likely to get the vaccine in the European Union nation. The drive also comes as Romania’s Carpathian mountains hope to boost tourism in the region, according to Reuters.
“The idea … was to show how people got jabbed 500-600 years ago in Europe,” the castle’s marketing director, Alexandru Priscu, said.
The goal of the Romanian government is to vaccinate 5 million people by June 1, AP reported.
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Reservations for Glacier National Park’s most iconic drive claimed within minutes
National parks can fill up fast. The demand is so high that many of the country’s most popular parks require reservations, particularly during their peak summer months. To help regulate visitors, Montana’s Glacier National Park recently launched a new reservation system limiting the number of cars that can access its famous Going-to-the-Sun-Road in a given day — and tickets for June sold out in a matter of minutes.
According to Associated Press (AP), the park instantly received more than 10,000 requests for tickets to the mountain pass, which cost $2 on top of a standard park pass. Tickets are only required for vehicles, rather than those looking to enter on foot or by bike, and they’re not necessary for visitors who’ve made reservations within the park, such as lodging, camping, or guided tours. Only a few hundred cars are currently allowed per day as the 50-mile road is partially closed, but that number is expected to increase to roughly 4,600 when it reopens in full.
Flattered as the park must be, officials also recognize that it’s not sustainable for tickets to sell out so quickly. “This is our first year implementing this system, so we know that there are going to need to be tweaks,” Gina Kerzman, the park’s public information officer, told AP. Kerzman added that the park would be “monitoring the number of tickets versus the number of vehicles entering” to “adjust those numbers if we feel there is room for additional capacity.”
Though it remains unclear when Going-to-the-Sun-Road will fully reopen, the park intends to allow as many visitors as possible without compromising its protected land or the experience of its guests. Even so, we wouldn’t sleep on that reservation — it’s Glacier’s hottest commodity.
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International travelers can now take a COVID-19 test at home before flying to the US
On January 26, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared that all international travelers wishing to board a flight to the US must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken at least three days before boarding.
Until recently, travelers had to get tested at a testing site in the country where they were located and wait for the results. Now travelers have another option — testing themselves. Home tests for COVID-19 can be a good option for those visiting countries where finding a testing facility that can turn around results within one to three days may be more difficult, a concern addressed on the CDC website.
A home test does entail stipulations. The test can be either a nucleic-acid amplification test (NAAT) or an antigen test, as long as it’s for SARS-CoV-2 with “Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” Tests must be supervised by a telehealth service provider involved in the testing kit, which could require a prescription. The provider will then identify who is using the test, walk the traveler through the procedure, confirm the results, and then issue a report indicating the same information as any other test would have done.
Airlines cannot accept vaccination records in place of a negative test result. Passengers who have had COVID-19 within the last three months are exempt from providing a negative test result and instead must supply documentation of positive test results and a letter from a health provider or official that they’re cleared for travel.
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On your visit to Orlando, you should actually stay (and eat) in Kissimmee
The middle of Florida is packed with lakes, and Kissimmee lies at the north end of one of them: Lake Tohopekaliga. Located just south of Orlando, Kissimmee is divided by Highway 192 into north and south sections, then continues west to Old Town and the master-planned community of Celebration. Generally overlooked by Disney-bound travelers, Kissimmee is every bit as family-friendly and outdoorsy, and is even more laid back than its more famous neighbor to the north. It even has its own amusement park.
The main part of Kissimmee is a mere 13 miles from Disney World. The local theme parks and attractions may not be as grand as those in Orlando, but they are definitely more accessible and affordable; they’re entertaining for kids and adults alike and provide a great retreat away from the Disney World complex. Whether you plan to spend your days exploring Epcot and Magic Kingdom or simply want a relaxing trip to Central Florida away from the masses, here’s why we suggest staying in Kissimmee on your next visit to the area.
Kissimmee has its own amusement park, and it’s as Americana as it gets
Photo: VIAVAL TOURS/Shutterstock
Just off the highway on the other side of Interstate 4 from Disney World, Old Town is an old-time Amusement Park with a county fair type of feel. Their theme is “Classic American Fun.” In fact, you can actually see the Ferris Wheel and aptly named Vomatron from the highway as you pass by heading to Disney World or Orlando. Their Mine Blown Coaster is completely unpretentious-looking, yet it’s the only upside-down wooden coaster in Florida. Between the different rides are dozens of quaint and quirky shops. As you walk past the old-fashioned arcade, British and Egyptian souvenir shops, and Post Mortem Horror Boo-Tique, it’s easy to imagine what Central Florida may have felt like before Disney World opened in 1971.
Accommodations are cheaper in Kissimmee
Photo: Bohemian Hotel Celebration, Autograph Collection/Facebook
On average, Kissimmee ranks below Orlando in terms of tourist expenses. Orlando is slightly above the national average, while Kissimmee is slightly below. As of this writing, several chain hotels and resorts are available for under $100 per night in and around the town. Most are located along Highway 192. The prices do climb as you head west (i.e., closer to the Disney attractions).
If you are looking to splurge, we suggest the Bohemian Hotel Celebration, which is located in Celebration, along the western shore of Lake Rianhard. Here, you’ll be surrounded by water, bike and pedestrian trails, and upscale dining options along Front Street. Rooms start at about $150 per night, a good price for a 4-star hotel in the Disney World vicinity.
Those traveling in a group should consider the Magic Village Resort, where you can have your own four-bedroom townhouse with a full kitchen, dedicated parking, an outdoor patio (complete with a grill and sink), and a shared recreation area — enough to sleep up to nine — for under $400 per night. If you don’t want to dine out every night, Publix supermarkets are everywhere in Central Florida. Stop there, buy whatever you need, and have your own cookout.
Kissimmee outdoor activities for all fitness levels
Photo: Jeff Holcombe/Shutterstock
Celebration prides itself on having something to remind every American of home. To really understand what this means, grab a bike from Celebration Bicycle Rental and try their suggested seven-mile scenic loop, which will take you past more than a dozen lakes and ponds. In less than two hours, you can see architecture that will remind you of Brooklyn, New England, New Mexico, and Washington, DC.
There are more outdoor experiences to be had in Central Florida than you might think. Among them, the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek is located off the busy Highway 192. It does not make sense that such a serene place could exist less than two miles from a local airport and nearby souvenir shops and chain restaurants. But this three-mile round trip journey will impress you with the near-perfect reflection of the cypress trees and surrounding shrubbery on the crystalline water.
Wild Florida is an ideal day trip from Kissimmee but still located in Osceola County. They have a drive-thru safari park near the eastern shore of Cypress Lake. Most visits to the park start with a one-hour airboat ride across the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Here, you’ll see partially submerged cows grazing, often just a few yards from large gators. We suggest doing the drive-thru safari last. Between the boat ride and safari, check out Alligator Park, where you’ll meet not just the largest Florida gator, but an albino alligator, sloths, lemurs, and other fascinating creatures.
While they aren’t physically demanding, air balloon rides are another great way to get outdoors and are a major attraction throughout Central Florida. We recommend booking these in advance because there’s always a chance that your morning ride will be canceled due to rain, wind, or other weather-related factors. Pilots will likely cancel the night before, depending on the forecast. This will give you time to make other plans. If you’re planning a balloon ride, try to schedule it for your first morning. This way, you’ll have the maximum number of days for a possible takeoff.
Kissimmee has a better food scene
Photo: Estefan Kitchen Orlando/Facebook
While coastal food snobs may be put off by the national chains that line Highway 192, these are not your only options. Supposed “Orlando” locations for local chains like Columbia Restaurant and Estefan Kitchen (yes, that would be Gloria Estefan) are actually located in Kissimmee. Both of the aforementioned are in areas that are destinations in and of themselves. For example, Columbia is located in the quiet, upscale enclave of Celebration, along Lake Rianhard.
Columbia is part of a local Spanish-food chain, of which its Tampa location, opened in 1905, is the oldest restaurant in Florida. Estefan Kitchen, for its part, feels and sounds like a party. With an upscale Cuban menu, live performances, and dancing — which is not limited to the small dance floor — you’ll get the sense here that everyone around you is celebrating something.
Estefan Kitchen is located at Sunset Walk, which is sandwiched between Highway 192 and the Margaritaville Resort. The Promenade at Sunset Walk has some of the quirkiest restaurants in Central Florida, including the British pub-themed Yeoman’s, whose Big Ben replica towers above the rest of the walk’s restaurants and shops. Next door is the 1920’s service station-themed Ford’s Garage.
The key to enjoying the Kissimmee food scene is to embrace the kitsch. If you’ve ever wondered what Brazilian-style pizza is like, check out Villaggio. World Food Trucks has dozens of Caribbean and Latin American-centric food trucks. There are a wide variety of Mexican restaurants, and taco stands all over town. A trip to Kissimmee is also a great time to find out if gator meat really tastes like chicken.
Getting around Kissimmee
Photo: John Panella/Shutterstock
Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) does not offer commercial flights. If you’re heading directly to Kissimmee, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is much closer than Sanford (SFB) and has more options.
There’s an Amtrak station downtown, which is also served by the local SunRail train, but you really need a car to get the most out of your time in Kissimmee. Like most of Central Florida, the area is very car-friendly, with most attractions having large parking lots. If you do want to go without a car, be prepared to use Lyft or Uber at least some of the time. SunRail, Central Florida’s commuter rail service, is doable for getting around the metro area but note that it does not operate on holidays or weekends. Lynx is the local bus service and operates to Disney World every 30 minutes from Kissimme for $2, while an Uber from Kissimme to Disney World runs about $40.
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Tourist stranded 330 feet up on broken glass suspension bridge in China
Glass-bottom bridges are all fun and games — until, of course, one shatters. In northeastern China, a man was walking across the 328-foot-high bridge at Piyan Mountain in Longjing City when gale-force winds blew away some of the transparent panels on either side. The tourist was trapped on the bridge, in the midst of the storm, until firefighters, police, and forestry and tourism personnel arrived to rescue him over an hour later.
Photos that surfaced on social media showed the man hanging onto the side of the bridge, surrounded by huge gaps where the panels had been. Luckily he was unharmed, but was sent to the hospital for assessment and counseling, The Guardian reported.
According to ABC News, a statement posted to Longjing City’s official Weibo account said, “Our staff rushed to the scene with emergency equipment and successfully transferred the trapped person to safety. The incident caused no casualties. The trapped person was taken to hospital for observation. He was discharged as his mental and physical condition were stable.”
Glass bridges are popular tourist attractions in China. The world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge just opened there in September 2020.
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The best Airbnbs in Beijing, from a Forbidden City home to a summer palace
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.
The Great Wall, the charm of traditional hutong housing, an explosive live music scene, and some of the most interesting and wonderful street food in the world, Beijing is a destination for travelers looking for that unique China experience. It’s also home to the Forbidden City, an architectural masterpiece and inevitable bucket list item for many travelers. A place with a distinctive atmosphere, it’s a diverse metropolis and if you’re looking for a more authentic stay check out our selection of the best Airbnbs.
Authentic Houhai area house perfect for families and small groups
Photo: Airbnb
The winding hutong alleys located in the Houhai area of Beijing are classic, picture-postcard Beijing. The communal living spaces known as Siheyuan are adorable residences and one of the few areas of central Beijing that haven’t been subject to massive development. Sure, if you crane your neck slightly, you might spot the odd skyscraper, but they’re luckily few and far between. A two-bedroom bungalow home in the district, this development is as sophisticated as hutong accommodations come. This is an ideal location for families that are after a side-serving of chic with their Beijing experience.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $258 per night
Photo: Airbnb
A dynastic residence of many names: Gugong in Chinese, the Royal Palace, or the more commonly known — and far more evocative — Forbidden City, this is Beijing’s number one attraction. It really must be seen to be believed. This apartment is the place to stay to experience the Forbidden City, a property with its own fully functioning cinema, which can make a rainy night in Beijing still an enjoyable one. Described as a “snail” house, this spot gives total credence to the “beautiful things come in small package” adage. A stone’s throw from the Forbidden City, the sophistication and attention to detail found in this property is second-to-none.
Two guests, studio
Price: $52 per night
Photo: Airbnb
As diverse as it is chaotic, Sanlitun is the somewhat notorious bar street of Beijing. Host to numerous establishments pumping out Chinese rap music and the odd Celine Dion classic, it’s a lively scene, to say the least. Party people paradise, if you’re looking for budget boozing during your tour, set your internal GPS for Sanlitun and you won’t be disappointed. This large and beautiful Airbnb hosts up to 11 guests across five bedrooms. With an English-speaking host to smooth out any questions, your Beijing travel experience will be supersized with this big ol’ property. Just don’t blame us when you have a hangover from hell.
11 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $461 per night
Photo: Airbnb
This colorful studio is ideal for remote workers, and is located in the historic area of Houhai. An expansive lake complete with rowing boats and water peddlers, Houhai lake is a touch on the touristy side but there’s a reason for this. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops selling Mao-era merchandise, there’s a vibrancy and seductive atmosphere in Houhai that melts your heart. Complete with a dedicated workspace, you also have your own kitchen for cooking up some culinary magic — or instant noodles, the choice is yours.
Two guests, studio
Price: $126 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Siheyuan, traditional dwellings dotting the labyrinthine alleys of Beijing hutongs, are residences steeped in history and a distinctly East Asian quality. Coming with a beautiful courtyard, here’s a property that mixes both old and new, and does it with flair. The nearby Wangfujing street food market is an essential Beijing experience. Buzzing with both travelers and locals, the mainly food-on-sticks fare come in the form of everything deep-fried and barbecued: snake, squid, scorpion, rat, various intestinal innards, and for the more prosaic among us, the odd skewer of chicken.
Two guests, single room
Price: $99 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Beijing is home to a roaring music scene in genres including psytrance, indie rock, drum ‘n’ bass, heavy metal, EDM, and Mandopop — like K-Pop, but from China. This two-bed property is located within convenient distance of the legendary MAO Livehouse, a musical institution that hosts gigs by both local and international artists. Western-themed with attentive lighting design, this property is ideal for remote workers, having a dedicated workspace. It’s both cozy and comforting.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $112 per night
Photo: Airbnb
The 2008 Beijing Olympics was over a decade ago, but the groundbreaking architecture erected for the event prevails today. From Ai Weiwei’s iconic Birdsnest to CCDI’s cubist swimming pool structure, fans of architecture will be dumbstruck by the sheer volume and ambition that is the nearby Beijing Olympic Village. This one-bedroom, two-bed property is simplicity defined. Clean, bright, and airy, this is the perfect jump-off spot for some sporty building gazing.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $92 per night
Photo: Airbnb
What it lacks in decor, the Liqun duck restaurant makes up for in atmosphere. Tucked away in a hutong alley, Lao Li, as he’s known, has been roasting the best Beijing duck for decades. Charming decor with a homely ambiance in stark contrast to the thousand-plus tables of the tourist trap restaurants, if you’re looking for an authentic Beijing duck eatery, Liqun has you covered. Hosting up to 12 guests across five bedrooms with a stunningly covered courtyard filled to the brim with palms and banana plants, this home is a jungle retreat in the heart of the city.
12 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $444 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Once the summer retreat of Genghis Khan’s successor, Kublai Khan, the Summer Palace now serves as a tourist destination with breathtaking architecture. Widely believed to be the most well-preserved imperial palace in the world, the Summer Palace is one of Beijing’s most popular tourist attractions. Located 30 minutes from this private room, furnished stylishly with a markedly modern twist, you’d be hard-pushed to find a spot with a better location. With Tiananmen Square also just around the corner, this property is fantastically located with some of Beijing’s hidden gem eateries also in the neighborhood.
One guest, private room
Price: $48 per night
Photo: Airbnb
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a trip to Jingshan Park, just north of Tiananmen Square. From Jingshan Park’s not-too-tricky to scale hill, the view of the Forbidden City is awe-inspiring. Take in the sheer size of the imperial palace while enjoying a soothing cup of oolong or an ice-cold beer from one of the many hilltop stalls. A private room that boasts a communal massage chair — perfect for relaxing those muscles after your Jingshan Park experience — Superhost Runa is on hand to offer support and ease during your travel experience with her wealth of hosting experience.
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $39 per night
Photo: Airbnb
While some may say the 798 Art District has become commercialized beyond recognition, it’s still a wonderland of some of the most creative sculpture, canvas, and video art that China has to offer. This beautiful Airbnb property itself, fully automated for simple, easy check-ins has an old-world charm and effortlessly blends minimalism and the occasional industrial touch, realized with style and elegance. Located close to the fourth ring road and airport, if you’re looking for a party district, this is probably not the wisest option. 798’s sister art space, 751, is a hop skip and a jump away, as are countless restaurants for fine dining. The 798 and 751 art tours are not to be missed.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $61 per night
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China plans to create a ‘line of separation’ at the summit of Mount Everest
Amid fears of COVID-19 spreading, China plans to create a physical “line of separation” at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent climbers coming from Nepal and Tibet from intermingling. China is concerned by the recent increase of infections in Nepal and the possibility of those spilling across the world’s highest border.
In an attempt to revive the tourist season, Nepal has not canceled any routes, even as its population actively battles with the virus. Nepal has experienced a rise in COVID-19 cases since mid-April, coinciding with the height of its climbing season.
Xinhua News reported that a team of Tibetan climbers will ascend to the peak and set up the separation line on both sides of the summit. China says the line will be set up before the arrival of 21 Chinese nationals, who are en route to the summit from Tibet’s side.
China is yet to make it clear whether it would be a local Tibetan team enforcing the separation rules or whether Tibetan guides would remain on the sidelines. The Chinese government has established restrictions preventing international climbers from climbing to the top of Everest from the Tibetan side ever since the recent outbreak. Visitors to the Everest scenic area in Tibet are also prohibited from accessing the basecamp.
COVID-19 cases in mainland China have been steadily low. On Sunday, the nation reported 12 new cases, which are all said to have come from overseas, reported Reuters. Meanwhile Nepal has reported its highest number of cases for a single day — a total of 9,023.
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May 7, 2021
Why Maboneng, Johannesburg, is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world
Downtown Johannesburg has grown over the past three decades since the end of apartheid in 1991. A few areas of the city that travelers once stayed away from have become vibrant neighborhoods. Case in point: Maboneng, which gets its name from the Sotho word for “place of light,” is where you’ll find hope, excitement, and endless possibilities. This spirit of revival has even led some to call Maboneng the city’s equivalent of Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
In 2009, developer Jonathan Liebmann bought a cluster of old warehouses on a block bordered by Main Street, Fox Street, and Berea Street. He named the development “Arts on Main” and filled the space with galleries and studios. Along with Arts on Main, the Maboneng district is now home to a very stylish collection of galleries, restaurants, stores, residences, film studios, theaters, and more.
To visit Maboneng is to get a glimpse into what makes Johannesburg one of the most diverse and exciting cities to see in the world. Here you can rub shoulders with prominent and upcoming local artists, purchase unique creations from local designers, sample world-class, one-of-a-kind cuisine, and much more, all within a few walkable blocks.
Photo: Arts On Main/Facebook
Arts on MainIt all began with Arts on Main. As the name suggests, the most popular area within Maboneng is a creative hub of galleries, artist studios, shops, office spaces and a buzzing Sunday market named Market on Main. Similar to other hipster spots worldwide, Arts on Main is a product of upcycling — transforming and renovating former industrial buildings and historic warehouses into contemporary spaces.
The complex is a studio space for notable local artists like Mikhael Subotzky and Kim Lieberman, as well as the artist printing press David Krut Projects. The David Krut workshop specializes in the techniques of intaglio, relief, and monotype printing for local and international artists. Alongside the workshop is a bookstore selling a carefully curated selection of art books, including works published by David Krut Publishing.
Photo: David Krut Bookstore/Facebook
David Krut was the first major publisher of world-renowned South African artist William Kentridge. Kentridge also happens to be the Maboneng district’s ‘anchor client.’ Kentridge’s work is often on display at the David Krut gallery, and his actual studio is just a few doors away.
William Kentridge also founded The Centre for the Less Good Idea — an interdisciplinary incubator space for artists in the area. The center acts as an experimental space for artists to come together and work through their “less good ideas.” Check their website for information on upcoming seasons and shows.
Maboneng is the ideal place to shop for the best in upcoming and established local designers. Within the Arts on Main complex, LoveJozi sells quirky t-shirts and accessories that display fabulous interpretations of the iconic Joburg skyline. With a name that perfectly encapsulates Johannesburg’s dark sense of humor, ‘i was shot in joburg ;)’ is a store born out of the inspiring initiative to teach former street children photography skills. Here they sell these artists’ work in the form of canvas prints, books, and homeware.
Photo: Market On Main/Facebook
Market on Main is one of the hippest places to be seen on a Sunday. Offering a diverse range of food, fashion, and art stalls along with live music and performances, Market on Main is a vibrant display of the South African arts scene. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Market on Main has recently taken to pop-ups at various other venues. Check their Facebook page to find out where they’ll be next.
Main Street LifeMain Street Life was formerly a 1970s light industrial building that has since transformed into a contemporary mixed-use complex. Along with retail stores and restaurants, Main Street Life also houses residential apartments, co-working spaces and an art hotel. The building is divided into various creative disciplines, with each floor tied to either design, film, fashion, visual arts or architecture. Each floor showcases temporary exhibits within its discipline.
Photo: 12 Decades Johannesburg Art Hotel
The 12 Decades Art Hotel chronicles Johannesburg’s history, with each room representing a significant decade for the city. The self-service rooms, which are all priced at just over $40 per night, span from 1886 all the way up until 2006. Prominent artists such as Kim Lieberman, Bradley Kirshenbaum of LoveJozi, and Mikhael Subotzky have creatively designed individual rooms to showcase unique parts of the city’s history. The rooms’ themes range from Johannesburg’s randlords and its gold rush, the Bantu theatre movement (socially conscious, anti-apartheid theatre), and the city’s famous skyscrapers. The hotel offers a host of tours ranging from inner-city walking tours to quick safari getaways.
On the ground floor of Main Street Life you’ll find the quirky Chalkboard Pizza Parlour, a casual eatery covered in chalkboards from the walls to the tabletops. Here you can enjoy fresh pizzas and cold craft beers while you let your creative juices flow as you doodle when you eat. If you’d prefer to try South African cuisine, head to Pata Pata.
Photo: Pata Pata/Facebook
Named after the beloved Miriam Makeba song, Pata Pata is a 1960s themed restaurant known for its live jazz music. Traditional South African favorites such as mogodu (tripe), peri-peri chicken livers or boerewors are highlights of the menu.
Fox Street StudiosFox Street Studios, formerly an old print factory, is a mixed-use development that houses a six-story luxury hotel, apartments, an events venue, and exhibition space. It’s also home to a few restaurants and retail stores. The building’s design contrasts raw, natural wood textures with chic black steel and aluminum. The north-facing property soaks up the sun’s rays during the day and allows for gorgeous skyline views.
Photo: Airbnb
Each floor is named after a different design material; steel, concrete, copper, wood, and glass. The ground/steel floor houses Little Addis Café, a curbside favorite amongst locals serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine. On the ground, you’ll also find an African curio store and the ultra-trendy Blo Salon whose owners, Gareth Johnston and Rory Sandilands, have styled local celebs and SA fashion week models.
The first/concrete floor is a large, rentable, open-plan event space and studio while the second to fourth floors house spacious and luxurious boutique apartments. The most extravagant of which is the fourth floor/glass penthouse which offers panoramic views of the Joburg skyline and a spiral staircase leading to a king-sized bed looking over the city lights.
Main ChangeThe Main Change building functions mainly as office space for local entrepreneurs and freelancers but is also home to a spa, restaurant, and one of the city’s finest rooftop bars.
The Blackanese Sushi and Wine Bar is one of the most well-known restaurants in the area. The menu fuses Japanese sushi with African flavors such as biltong and curry spices. Pair these creative dishes with fine South African wines and even learn how to make your own sushi with a class led by owner Vusi Kunene.
Photo: Living Room/Facebook
Situated on the Main Change rooftop, The Living Room is one of the coolest places to spend a Sunday afternoon and evening. The Living Room blends natural and urban elements in a serene rooftop setting adorned with beautiful greenery. The Sundays in the Living Room party is a weekly event that comes alive at sundown with live DJs and sunset views of the metropolis.
Maboneng ToursOne of the best ways to see and get the most out of Maboneng is to join a tour. The most popular of which is the Maboneng walking tour. This two-hour tour will take you through some of the most important architectural sites as well as through galleries and street art. You’ll even get to visit some Sangomas (traditional healers).
Photo: City Skate Tours/Facebook
If walking is too mainstream for you, rent a bicycle or even hop on a skateboard! After a short beginners’ skateboarding course, the City Skate Tour will take you around the city center, Maboneng and beyond, all while gliding on a skateboard. Maboneng also forms a portion of many city tours, including the hop-on-hop-off red sightseeing bus.
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Send your favorite teacher on a five-night trip to Margaritaville
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and if you have a deserving educator in your life, you can nominate them to win a trip to Margaritaville.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 3 to May 7, 2021) Margaritaville Hotel and Resorts are sending 15 educators (teachers, school administrators, and councilors included) on a five-night vacation to one of their resorts with a $1,000 travel voucher and complimentary daily breakfast. One extra special participant will win a seven-night stay in the Jimmy Buffett suite at the new Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau and will be able to bring along three of their favorite people.
Photo: Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau/Facebook
Margaritaville Hotel and Resorts has 15 locations worldwide, including in Florida, Costa Rica, and Mexico. To see the list of all participating locations, check the giveaway’s page.
For your favorite educator to receive this fabulous gift, you must nominate them online by posting a photo of them and some thoughts on why they deserve to win.
The post Send your favorite teacher on a five-night trip to Margaritaville appeared first on Matador Network.
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