Matador Network's Blog, page 738

December 2, 2020

UK approves Pfizer COVID vaccine

The United Kingdom has become the first Western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, with its approval this week of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. The MHRA, the UK’s medicines regulator, has given the vaccine the green light to be rolled out nationwide, with 800,000 doses expected to be available within the coming days.


The first to receive the vaccine will be elderly people in care homes and care home staff, followed by people over 80 years of age and healthcare staff.


The first vaccinations are likely to take place in hospitals, since those facilities already have the special freezers required to store Pfizer’s vaccine, which must be kept at a very low temperature (-94 Fahrenheit).


The UK has already ordered 40 million doses, which will be enough to vaccinate 20 million people since the Pfizer inoculation requires two injections one month apart.


According to Health Secretary Matt Hancock, as reported by the BBC, “I’m confident now, with the news today, that from spring, from Easter onwards, things are going to be better. And we’re going to have a summer next year that everybody can enjoy.”


Other countries, like China and Russia, approved vaccines months earlier, but they did not undergo the extensive clinical trials deemed essential to prove safety and efficacy. The approval makes the Pfizer vaccine the fastest vaccine to ever go from concept to reality — including the completion of clinical trials — taking just 10 months.


More like thisWellnessThese are the travel vaccines you actually need, according to an expedition doctor

The post The UK is the first Western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 02, 2020 10:00

US-Canada border closed for travel

Any hope that encouraging vaccine news might signal the lifting of US-Canada border restrictions was just quashed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. On Tuesday, Trudeau said border restrictions on nonessential travel will remain in place until the COVID-19 outbreak was significantly under control around the world. The restrictions began in March, and have been renewed on a monthly basis ever since.


“Until the virus is significantly under more control everywhere around the world,” Trudeau said, according to Reuters. “We’re not going to be releasing the restrictions at the border. We are incredibly lucky that trade in essential goods, in agricultural products, in pharmaceuticals is flowing back and forth as it always has.”


The ban doesn’t impact trade between the US and Canada. Canada sends 75 percent of its exports to the US each month, and the two economies are closely linked.


Although Canada is facing its own second wave of COVID-19 right now, as is much of the world, the decision to keep borders closed is likely due to the current outbreak in the US, which is exponentially worse than what it was in the spring. Until the US manages to get its cases under control, or a significant portion of its population is vaccinated, the border is likely to remain closed.


More like thisCOVID-19Everything Americans need to know about traveling to Canada right now

The post US-Canada border restrictions will last into 2021, says Justin Trudeau appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 02, 2020 09:30

Travelers to Iceland to avoid tests

There have not been many upsides to having had COVID-19 — until now. Starting December 10, visitors to Iceland will be exempt from the country’s mandatory quarantine and testing requirements if they can show proof of prior COVID-19 infection.


Right now, travelers from risk areas (which currently covers every country in the world) must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, and take two COVID-19 tests five quarantine days apart. Only when the second test comes back negative are travelers allowed to move around the country freely.


To circumvent these measures, you’ll be expected to show proof of prior infection with documented laboratory results from a lab within the European Economic Area. A confirmation from the chief epidemiologist in Iceland is also acceptable.


This slight relaxation of the rules is an attempt to boost Iceland’s tourism economy over the winter. On December 1, the country temporarily waived fees for testing on arrival (until January 31), in an effort to encourage more people to visit.


More like thisHiking7 active volcanoes you can tour in Iceland

The post Iceland will allow travelers to bypass quarantine and tests if they’ve already had COVID-19 appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 02, 2020 09:15

December 1, 2020

Rocky Mountain adventures

If you’re a hardcore trekker or an adrenaline junkie, you may be seeking more than a lovely hike through the forest to a stunning alpine lake. You may like sleeping on the side of a cliff or inside the most famously terrifying hotel in the country. Perhaps you’re intrigued by one of the deadliest mountains in Colorado. Whatever gets your spine tingling, Rocky Mountain National Park and its environs offer plenty of badass ways to spend an afternoon, an overnight, or even a few days.


1. Scope out the Continental Divide.
Mountain Range at Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock


The Continental Divide Trail goes all the way from Mexico to Canada — that’s 3,100 miles — with a 30-mile stretch in Rocky Mountain National Park. From the north, it enters the park near the Bowen Pass Spur Trail and winds toward the Tonahutu Creek Trail and Grand Lake. The “short loop” stays on the western side of the park; the long loop takes you near Flattop Mountain and the Bighorn Flats. If you’re looking for a solid backpacking trip, or just a taste of the Continental Divide Trail, this could be a great option. However, do keep in mind that the trail reaches 12,000-plus feet here. The air is thin, and you’ll need to be adequately prepared.


2. Hike up (half of) Longs Peak.
Longs Peak viewed from Estes Park, Colorado

Photo: Phillip Rubino/Shutterstock


At 14,259 feet, Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s not the tallest mountain in Colorado, but it is one of the deadliest. An average of two people die every year trying to summit its peak — far, far more find themselves hunched over and crying somewhere along its flanks.


So — with that disclaimer — if you’re a serious hiker, have taken several days to acclimate to the elevation, and are decent at trail-finding, you might be fit to climb it. There are a couple of backcountry campsites along the way to break up the trek, should you be so lucky as to secure one. You’ll need a wilderness permit, which you can apply for online. Boulder Field has nine individual sites, is one of the more unique backcountry sites, and does, surprisingly, have an outhouse. However you do it, know this: There is honor in knowing when you have to turn around. Turning around on Longs Peak is practically a ritual. Whether you hike half of it or all of it, you’re doing it right.


Fun fact: William Byers, the founder of Rocky Mountain News, stated in 1864, “We are quite sure that no living creature, unless it had wings to fly, was ever upon its summit, and we believe we run no risk in predicting that no man ever will be, though it is barely possible the ascent can be made.”


3. Go cliff-camping.
Kent Mountain Adventure Center

Photo: Kent Mountain Adventure Center/Facebook


You know those Instagram shots of people hanging out in a tent on the literal face of a cliff, hanging off the side like they’re suspended in mid-air? You can do that, too, in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kent Mountain Adventure Center takes anyone, not just climbers, to their hotel — it’s technically called a “portaledge” — for the night. They’ll escort you as you climb up, or if you’d prefer the “easy” route, you can rappel down to it. KMAC will provide the food and gear, too, bringing you back down to terra firma the next day. That is, only after your cliffside breakfast and endless stream of badass selfie shots.


4. Climb the alluvial fan. And then fly fish it.
Alluvial fan made by Roaring River

Photo: vagabond54/Shutterstock


In 1982, the Lawn Lake Dam broke, and all of Estes Park was flooded. One of this disaster’s remnants is the alluvial fan, a sort of river-turned-waterfall with literal tons of sediments and boulders misplaced into a rocky, climbable maze. Today, visitors can reach the alluvial fan via a short 0.7-mile round-trip trail right off Fall River Road; there are parking areas and trailheads on either side. Once you’re there, kids — and adults — will have fun climbing the boulders, watching the Roaring River cascade over the rocks, and taking in the views. If you’re an angler, consider fly fishing it, too, as the fan covers 42 acres.


5. Go for a twilight tundra walk.
Sunset

Photo: Craig Cooper/Shutterstock


In summer, Rocky Mountain National Park runs the ranger-led Twilight on the Tundra program. From above the treeline, you and a small group of others will head out near the Alpine Visitor Center and watch the heights of the national park come alive in new colors. There’s more life up here than you might expect. You’ll be out on your own, seeing wide, sweeping views of the park after sunset, with your interpretive guide clueing you into what you’d otherwise be missing.


6. Hit the park on two wheels.
Backbone Cycles

Photo: Backbone Cycles/Facebook


Most people see the park via driving up Trail Ridge Road and making whatever stops they deem fit. A more unique way? Get out from behind your walls of metal and glass — on a bicycle, a motorcycle, or a horse. But for a bit more adrenaline, you could rent a dirt bike from Backbone Cycles in Estes Park. You can’t go off-road in the park, but Backbone will indicate where in the national forest you can off-trail on your dirt bike.


More like thisParks + WildernessWhat to do at Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 AM

The post The most hardcore adventurous things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 15:00

The most festive places in Europe

If one continent does the holiday season wholeheartedly it’s Europe — and most places don’t even have to try very hard. To get you in the festive holiday spirit, we’ve gathered together some of our favorite places in Europe that are perhaps even more beautiful and picturesque in winter. These villages, towns, and cities have all the right ingredients: bustling Christmas markets, pretty light displays, delicious local seasonal delicacies, and stunning architecture — all topped off with a dusting of snow. From Bruges in Belgium to Tallinn in Estonia, here are the most festive places in Europe that will get you in the mood for winter.


1. Hallstatt, Austria
Winter view of Hallstat

Photo: Dzerkach Viktar/Shutterstock


Hallstatt’s charming 16th-century alpine houses and narrow cobblestone alleyways look like a fairytale. During the holidays the village attracts many tourists who come to see the winter wonderland. Perched on the edge of Lake Hallstatt and close to the Salzkammergut mountains, the small town is only accessible by foot. The dramatic natural scenery truly shines in winter and Hallstatt’s local alpine-style buildings are laced with decorations and lights. The region is also famous for hiking, and there are 93 trails to choose from. A day in the chilly hills can be topped off with pine schnapps and freshly baked Lebkuchen — traditional German Christmas cookies — from one of the welcoming local bars.


2. Bruges, Belgium

Photo: kavalenkau/Shutterstock


The medieval town of Bruges is located in the Flemish region of Belgium and has one of the better seasonal markets in Europe. Located in the city center, it is packed with wooden stalls selling beautiful handicrafts, spiced glühwein, fresh waffles, and other local delicacies. The streets surrounding the center also have lovely little shops, including some of the best chocolate shops in the world. This makes Bruges a great place for Christmas shopping.


3. Wroclaw, Poland
Market Square in Wroclaw during Christmas

Photo: kavalenkau/Shutterstock


Wroclaw in western Poland is one of the oldest cities in Europe and sits at the foot of the Sudetes by the Oder river. The impressive square is enclosed with tenement buildings and comes to life during November and December as the market — which is decked out with festive light displays and world-class decorations — opens to the public. The city also brings in the season with carnival rides, a Christmas parade, magic shows, and other fun events.


4. Prague, Czech Republic
Christmas square in Prague

Photo: cge2010/Shutterstock


Many visitors to Prague satisfy their bucket-list dream of experiencing a white European winter as the chocolate-box city’s cold climate makes for an almost guaranteed snowfall. The Old Town Square Christmas Market is famous, and you can take in the bustling streets from above after climbing to the top of the square’s tower. It is recommended to enjoy the city from the Vltava River where you are rewarded with a view lit up in amber lights. A trek up Castle Hill, over Charles Bridge, is yet another beautiful place to enjoy Prague, and there are a handful of Christmas market stalls at the top, so you can take in the sights with a hot cup of cider.


5. Budapest, Hungary
Christmas lights at the St Steven Basilica in Budapest

Photo: GTS Productions/Shutterstock


The capital of Hungary is popular year-round, but its famous thermal baths, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, and beautiful architecture really come to life in the colder months. The Christmas markets at Vorosmarty Square and Basilica attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who enjoy traditional goodies such as Hungarian chimney cake. The Hungarian State Opera House is also well known for its magical annual Nutcracker ballet, and the Christmas Chamber Concert sells out every year.


6. Dresden, Germany
Christmas market Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany

Photo: MarinaD_37/Shutterstock


Like most of the places listed here, the riverfront city of Dresden is well known for its outstanding architecture. The Old Town with its opulent palaces, cathedrals, and baroque and rococo styling is a pleasure to visit, especially if it has been snowing. Originating in the 15th century, Dresden also has the oldest seasonal market in Germany. It is located in Altmarkt Square in the historic center and is beautifully sprawling. And if you enjoy the fruit bread, stollen, The Dresden Stollenfest festival celebrates unique local baking techniques and runs annually every December.


7. Vienna, Austria
Christmas Market in Vienna

Photo: Muellek Josef/Shutterstock


Vienna puts on a show throughout the year, but during the festive period they really pull out all the stops. An age-old tradition, the numerous Christmas markets date back to the 13th century. Today there are over 20 including The Viennese Dream Christmas Market in front of the City Hall, Christmas Village Belvedere Palace, and Maria Theresien Square. Visitors enjoy seasonal local delicacies here such as hot Christmas punch, gingerbread, and kartoffelpuffer — potato pancakes with garlic sauce, and giant pretzels.


8. Cologne, Germany
Christmas market in front of the Cathedral of Cologne, Germany

Photo: Mapics/Shutterstock


It would be a real shame to visit Cologne if you’re a picky eater. The city sits on the Rhine and is one of the better places to eat and drink in Europe. The lively brewery scene makes for an exciting nightlife, especially during the colder months when locals and tourists alike huddle around outdoor heaters with lashings of Kölsch. The Christmas markets are also a great place to go to sample some other local delicacies such as Blutwurst — black sausage, roast almonds, and rum-laced hot chocolate.


9. Colmar, France
Christmas lights

Photo: kavalenkava/Shutterstock


The fairytale-style buildings of Colmar are common in the Alsace region of northeastern France, but the small town is a very popular tourist destination because of its particular charm. It’s also famous for its festive celebrations. Colmar’s six Christmas markets have been voted some of the best in the world and are spread throughout the Old Town, linked by a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with half timber-clad brightly colored houses laced in lights. The historic center is pedestrian, so you can happily meander through the town with a glass of mulled wine.


10. Bergen, Norway
Harbour of Bergan, Norway

Photo: In Green/Shutterstock


Wintertime in Norway might be dark and bitterly cold, but that does not stop Norwegians from going all out with festivities. Bergan, which is located on Norway’s southwestern coast, is enclosed by mountains and fjords. The iconic colorful facade of Bryggen, the old wharf, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and during winter its colors are amplified by thousands of lights and decorations. At the end of November, locals come together in town to celebrate the coming of advent. Lysfesten, or “Light Festival,” is quite a spectacle as people with torches line the streets, and an impressive Christmas tree, which sits in the middle of the lake, is lit. Fireworks close out the festival after a concert and a seasonal singalong.


11. Tallinn, Estonia
Christmas in Tallinn, Estonia

Photo: dimbar76/Shutterstock


Tallinn is another European city that is lovely all year round but is truly magical in winter. The Baltic capital has become a hot destination in Northern Europe over the last decade, so it’s not a bad idea to skip the summer crowds. In 1441, Tallinn was the first city in the world to have a public Christmas tree, and today you’ll find a beautifully decorated one in the Town Hall Square. The Uisuplats pop-up rink is surrounded by the Old Town’s buildings and is a great place to admire the architecture before warming up in one of Tallinn’s wonderful coffee houses with a seasonal drink.


12. Salzburg, Austria
Christmas in Salzburg, Austria

Photo: Izabela23/Shutterstock


The storybook baroque city of Salzburg sits on the border with Germany, close to the Eastern Alps, and is in my opinion one of the prettiest places in Europe. The crisp chilly air coupled with the city’s otherworldly backdrop of mountains looming over snow-covered domes and church roofs looks like something from a Christmas movie. Salzburg’s Christmas markets attract a lot of visitors, and its close proximity to good ski slopes means the city can get busy during the season. But those who enjoy the bustling energy of a busy market are welcomed by the smell of baked apples and almonds, roasted chestnuts, and warm spiced punch. It also has an extensive annual program of events, such as choral singing, live orchestral concerts, and sled rides drawn by reindeer.


More like thisHolidays10 amazing Christmas markets you need to go to this holiday season

The post The 12 most festive places in Europe that will get you in the holiday spirit appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 12:30

Beginner North American ski resorts

For many beginner skiers, arriving at a ski resort and looking up at a mountain of, say, moguls — those crazy bumps that advanced skiers actually like to zip around at high speed — can be a deeply intimidating experience. Luckily, there are plenty of ski resorts tailor-made for novices, or which have a sizable section of their terrain dedicated to beginner skiers. They’ll have plenty of “green” runs, as beginner slopes are rated, and intermediate “blues” for when you’ve improved. The best resorts for new skiers also have a friendly vibe that makes you feel as welcome as the expert skiers and shredders, or snowboarders, and access to other amenities that round out the entire ski trip experience. These are our favorite resorts for newbies in North America.


1. Crystal Mountain, Washington
ski slopes

Photo: Sveta Imnadze/Shutterstock


The friendly resort about two hours outside of Seattle has long been a local’s ski destination, a place for Seattlites to spend a Saturday — rather than a place to fly to for a week. But the facilities at Crystal Mountain have always been the most updated and modern in Washington state, and as of 2018, the mountain is part of the Alterra resorts, meaning you can ski there with an IKON pass. While Crystal does have plenty of hair-raising bowls above the tree line, well below those the pistes off the Chinook Express and Forest Queen Express chairlifts are wide open, leisurely greens. Even better, those greens take you right to the base area, which has four lunch options as well as a sundeck to kick back in the afternoon, beer in hand, and congratulate yourself on how much you’ve improved.


2. Northstar, California
ski slopes and trees

Photo: sallystap/Shutterstock


The Lake Tahoe region is chock-full of ski resorts, some better suited to novices than others. While a mountain like Squaw Valley intimidates with its expert-only KT-22 lift rising right from the base, so that ultra-fast skiers scream down to the lowest slopes, you’ll find just the opposite at Northstar, where easy greens are found off the main gondola and even higher up off chairs like Comstock Express. Even the huge selection of blues at Northstar have been indulgently called that; many are really more “turquoise” — although that’s not an official mountain designation. And unlike much smaller nearby areas, such as Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, Northstar is a sizable resort with high-speed chairs and modern amenities. It’s the perfect place to make you feel like you are having a proper ski outing, but not one where you need to worry about inadvertently finding yourself at the top of a steep slope you aren’t prepared to handle.


3. Whistler-Blackcomb, British Columbia
skiers on an easy slope

Photo: oksana.perkins/Shutterstock


The site of the 2010 Winter Olympics might not, at first glance, seem like a place you’d take beginners skiing. But beyond the double-black diamond runs on the upper reaches of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are plenty of green and blue runs. In fact, the Magic Chair at the base of Blackcomb Mountain opens to one of the gentlest ski runs you’ll find anywhere.


Moreover, the resort has one of the best snow schools for skiing and snowboarding that you will find anywhere. It’s not just that the group and private lessons are so good; it’s that they’re taught with that inimitable Canadian niceness — even when the instructors hail from Argentina or the Netherlands. These are instructors who will really make sure you are enjoying the experience and actually learning. Add in incredible dining options all over the mountain and one of the best ski village scenes on the continent — which also make Whistler one of the best mountain towns for those who don’t ski at all — and this is one place where your ability level will in no way compromise your great time.


4. Park City, Utah
ski slope in park city

Photo: ReviewOutlaw/Shutterstock


When Park City Mountain Resort merged with The Canyons five years ago, what resulted was the largest ski resort in the US, as measured by miles of runs (as opposed to skiable acres). Either way, with 348 trails and 41 lifts, the place is big. But it’s spread horizontally across a long area, and if you stick to the Park City side, it won’t feel too huge or unwieldy — and you’ll find plenty of greens served off the Payday, Crescent, and Bonanza Express chairs.


When you’re ready to take it up a notch, you can find a huge selection of blue runs off the King Con. The resort is part of Vail Resorts, so if you come with more advanced skiers, they can use their Epic Pass and ski on the Canyons side, or even the experts runs off Jupiter Peak above where you are skiing, so you can have lunch together. The best part is that, at the end of the day, you are in such a fun mountain town — packed with shops, bars, restaurants, and even spas — that it competes with the slopes for fun to be had. In fact, we’ve called Park City the best ski vacation for non-skiers to be found anywhere.


5. Dollar Mountain, Sun Valley, Idaho
Dollar Mountain learners Sun Valley

Photo: Sun Valley


Sun Valley is the oldest ski resort in North America, and in 1936 Dollar Mountain was the sight of some of the first chairlifts in the world. Today, Dollar Mountain, which is still part of the Sun Valley resort, is the favored mountain for beginner skiers. While Bald Mountain is where more experienced skiers carve their turns, Dollar’s magic carpet and four chairlifts access more gently sloped terrain and shorter runs. The great news is that at the end of the day, whether you’ve ripped it up on Bald Mountain or learned to snowplow at Dollar Mountain, you can sit down to a great meal and maybe even some live music in Ketchum, which we’ve in the past named one of the coolest towns in the US.


6. Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Colorado
Powderhorn ski resort

Photo: Powderhorn Mountain Resort


No doubt, Colorado is the US state with the most enviable ski options. It offers up everything from insanely long mogul runs at Beaver Creek to sweeping open bowls at Vail — and all with the fluffy Colorado snow that’s aptly called champagne powder. And if neither moguls nor massive above-the-treeline bowls are what you are looking for, then just two hours due west on the I-70 from Vail lies a resort that was tailor-made for the newly minted skier.


Powderhorn Mountain Resort’s runs are a generous mix of beginner greens and intermediate blues, with just a tiny handful of black diamond runs for the more experienced skiers. Ranging in price from $19 to $79, with reduced pricing for anyone under 30, daily lift tickets are a bargain as well. (They are even cheaper if you buy a four-pack.) Add in $99 group lessons or private lessons for $149, and Powderhorn is less expensive than most of its Colorado state peers. Moreover, you’re right next to the town of Fruita, one of Colorado’s low-key but increasingly cool mountain towns.


7. Stratton, Vermont
Stratton Mountain Resort

Photo: Stratton Mountain Resort/Facebook


If you’re planning to ski or snowboard in the Northeast, Vermont has the best selection of mountain areas. But a resort like Stowe can scare off newcomers with its infamous “Front Four” slopes, which more than 50 years after they were established are still considered some of the scariest runs in the Northeast. What beginner wants that? Head over to Stratton — where over 40 percent of the runs are considered “easy” and an additional 30 percent are moderate — and relax. There, you can have lunch at the Midmountain Lodge, or even go all the way to the peak, and still have a green run on the way down. Once you’re warmed up, there are blues to tackle as well. Plus there are dining and shopping options in Stratton Village.


More like thisFamily TravelHow to actually have fun on a family ski vacation

The post The best ski resorts in North America for beginners appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 12:00

Map of US out-of-towners

All states have one thing in common — their residents love to complain about out-of-towners. Oftentimes the number of actual transplants in your state can feel much larger than it actually is, but as this map shows, it’s not just our imaginations. If there was any doubt that Californians and New Yorkers are slowly taking over the country, those doubts can now be put to rest. Using 2017 data from the University of Washington, Reddit user demivus created this map of where most out-of-state residents come from in each state.


map

Photo: demivus/Reddit


From just a cursory glance at the map, it is obvious that Californians are leading the charge when it comes to widespread representation across the nation. In the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Hawaii, Alaska, and many others, California is responsible for the greatest number of transplants.


On the other side of the country, it’s all about New York. Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, North and South Carolina, and Florida are all home to people originally born in New York. Interestingly, New Yorkers are also making their presence known on the West Coast, taking over California.


Otherwise the moves tend to be largely regional, taking place between adjacent states. Texas, for example, seems to have spread throughout the South, with people born in Texas being the main out-of-state residents in neighboring Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Arkansas.


More like thisNewsThis map of the US compares state populations to that of world countries

The post This US map shows where most out-of-state residents come from in each state appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 11:00

Hawaii remote worker program

If you’re going to work from home this winter, you might as well do it from the United States’ most beautiful and relaxing state. Hawaii is encouraging out-of-state remote workers to relocate by offering a free round-trip ticket to Honolulu, as well as discounts on month-to-month accommodations, flights, restaurants, and other attractions.


Applications to the “Movers and Shakas” program must be filled out by December 15, and 50 winners will be chosen for the first phase. The winners must agree to move within one month of their selection. After phase one, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the program may even expand to neighboring islands pending its success.


In return, participants will be asked to join the Pledge To Our Keiki program, where they pledge to contribute their skills and expertise to improving local communities and businesses, as well as volunteering at a Hawaiian nonprofit several hours a week.


For more remote worker programs, check out the best digital nomad visas from around the world.


More like thisTravelEverything you need to know about traveling to Hawaii right now

The post Hawaii’s new remote work program will pay for your round-trip flight appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 10:30

American tourist mails back artifact

It’s never too late to right your wrongs, even if your wrong involves stealing and defacing a piece of history. The National Roman Museum recently received a package from an American tourist, enclosing a piece of stolen marble from ancient ruins and accompanied by a note.


The letter, written by a remorseful tourist from Atlanta, said, “Please forgive me for being such an American a-hole. I took something that was not mine to take. I feel terrible for not only having taken this item from its rightful place, but having written on it as well. I spent hours trying to remove the writing, but without success.” Scribbled on the rock were the words “To Sam. Love Jess. Rome, 2017.”




US woman returns ancient Roman marble with letter of apology “for being such an American asshole” https://t.co/0PhYWenC3M


— Chasing Aphrodite (@ChasingAphrodit) November 26, 2020



The museum’s director, Stéphane Verger, told Il Messaggero that the letter may have been inspired by the pandemic.


“It is a spontaneous gesture, but the fruit of conscious reflection,” Verger said. “Maybe being cooped up by the coronavirus pandemic made her reflect a bit and jogged her conscience.”


The return is reminiscent of an incident earlier this year, when a Canadian tourist returned stolen artifacts from Pompeii because they believed the artifacts were “cursed.”


More like thisArt + Architecture7 underrated churches in Rome that you need to check out

The post American tourist mails back stolen Roman artifact with apology note appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 10:00

Louvre auction experiences

Anyone who’s been to the Louvre knows how tough it is to actually see the Mona Lisa up close. The large crowds and relatively small size of the painting makes it almost impossible to get a good look at the famous work. Luckily for art lovers, there’s now a way to admire the iconic 16th-century painting up close.


Christie’s is holding a Bid for the Louvre auction in which one of the prizes will allow one person to look straight in the eyes of the enigmatic figure while the artwork is taken down from the wall and removed from its glass case.


The “Mona Lisa” is taken down and inspected yearly by experts to assess its condition, but usually no member of the public gets to attend this unique event. The bids for this particular experience start at $7,400.


Other experiences being auctioned include a private tour of the Louvre with president and museum director Jean-Luc Martine, a torchlight night tour of the museum, and a private concert in Caryatids Hall.


The auction’s proceeds will go toward making the museum more accessible, including the creation of a new space focusing on artistic and cultural education.


The online auction starts today and ends on December 15. Winners will have two years to use their experiences.


More like thisMuseumsHow to crush the Louvre in one day

The post Luxury auction offers the chance to spend some personal time with the ‘Mona Lisa’ appeared first on Matador Network.


 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on December 01, 2020 09:30

Matador Network's Blog

Matador Network
Matador Network isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Matador Network's blog with rss.