Matador Network's Blog, page 921

What is the Wim Hofmethod

I look down to see that my toes are a striking shade of vermilion. Upon closer inspection, my feet, legs, and the rest of my body, all the way to my shoulders, match the color of my toes. I’m in nothing but my soaked bathing suit and my woolen hat dancing to an upbeat tune, and after about one minute of a fun-filled, ungraceful jig, I can feel my body getting warmer. The 12 people similarly shaking it on Que Caliente beside me must be heating up again, too — everybody has a huge smile on their face.

I had no idea that spending two minutes immersed in an ice bath could make people so ecstatic. But that’s the Wim Hof Method for you.

Who is Wim Hof, and what is the Wim Hof Method?

Photo: Grace Reilly

The Method, as its name indicates, was created by Wim Hof, a Dutchman well known for breaking all sorts of records related to cold exposure. The most jaw-dropping among them include swimming under ice for 215 feet and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in nothing but shorts. Unsurprisingly, Wim Hof is commonly known as “The Iceman.” And although feats like these might seem plain insane, they are purposeful for Hof. By doing such stunts, he was proving that the method he has developed to endure and enjoy cold temperatures worked.

According to the official Wim Hof Method website, the practice is three simple pillars: breathing, cold exposure, and commitment. Every day “hoffers,” as practitioners of the method are called, have a special breathing session of about 15 minutes and expose themselves to cold water for a couple of minutes. That’s it. The hardest part of the method is to practice it every single day.

Wim Hof breathing consists of three or four rounds of quickly repeated deep and full inhales and unforced exhales, interspersed with breath retentions with your lungs empty, and with your lungs full. It’s not rocket science, but it requires some concentration and a safe place. (Note that you should never practice this intense breathing technique in a body of water; the cold water immersions are a separate aspect of the method. The same goes for driving or anywhere else that could be considered dangerous).

The cold exposure can be implemented in the form of cold showers, dips in cold water, or ice baths. There’s no need to immerse yourself in freezing waters for 15 minutes — two minutes will do the trick.

Photo: Alexey Borodin/Shutterstock

While the method is simple, the benefits are huge. Science has proven that cold therapy reduces inflammation, enhances energy levels, improves the quality of your sleep, and boosts your immune system, among other advantages. The Wim Hof breathing exercise is known to alleviate stress and improve athletic performance, but it’s also been linked to the reduction of symptoms of several autoimmune diseases, asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.

And all these scientifically proven health benefits, combined with the simplicity of the practice, and the fact that it costs nothing and requires no equipment, have not been lost on those searching for an improved quality of life. There are more people talking about the Wim Hof Method out there than you can shake a stick at. Even Gwyneth Paltrow decided to put aside vagina-scented candles for a minute to devote a full episode of Netflix’s The Goop Lab to the method. And since the episode has aired, interest in Wim Hof and the practice has skyrocketed.

I personally heard about the method from a couple of friends in their 50s who discovered it on YouTube less than a year ago and have been practicing since then. Knowing that I am a swimmer and enjoy relatively cold waters, they attempted to convince me to give it a try. But there was no way I was going to voluntarily hyperventilate on my own at home, cued in by some random YouTube video. Instead, I signed up for a Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop. With a trained instructor by my side, I was ready to give it a shot.

What to expect at a Wim Hof workshop

Photo: jeffrey.c.sorensen/Instagram

Partaking in a Wim Hof Fundamentals Workshop costs a minimum of 90 USD (price varies) for four to five hours of instructions, which include a detailed history lesson of how the method came to be, a thorough scientific explanation of the method’s benefits, a breathing session, and an ice bath. Workshops are led by knowledgeable certified Wim Hof Method (WHM) instructors. There are workshops throughout the world, from South Africa to Singapore.

The workshop I signed up for took place on a Sunday afternoon in mid-January in the small town of Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. When I arrived that day, there were three people shoveling snow into two steel bathtubs located outside the CrossFit gym where the event was to take place. A daunting indication of what was to come.

Workshops tend to be on the small side so that each participant gets the attention they need. That Sunday, there was a diverse group of 12 of us sitting on yoga mats listening attentively to our instructor, Jeffrey Sorensen.

Jeffrey introduced himself as a paramedic, a yoga and breathwork instructor, a survivor of several near-fatal accidents and drug addiction, and, of course, a Wim Hof convert. His story of addiction and recovery through yoga was impressive, but what struck a chord with all of us was his passion and utter conviction in the method.

“I’ve been practicing the Wim Hof Method for two-three years, and every day since I started, I wake up feeling amazing,” he said from his mat, with a beaming smile and twinkling eyes that should definitely be plastered on every Wim Hof poster out there.

If someone with such a difficult past could feel amazing every single day thanks to 15 minutes of breathing and two minutes of cold-water exposure, I wanted to be in on it. I wanted to feel amazing too.

After Jeffrey led us into a short yoga sequence and explained to us the basics of the breathing technique, we were all set to try it out. But before we got started, I raised my hand and shared my anxiety with him and the group. Having experienced several severe panic attacks in my life, I had apprehensions regarding the sensations that the WHM breathing could bring forward. One video online of the popular Yes Theory Youtubers practicing the breathing technique shows one of them convulsing — an experience he later said he did not remember having.

“You can stop or slow down at any time because you’re totally in control, “Jeffery reassured me. “But know that you can be brave today — you’re in very safe hands.”

That’s all I needed to hear.

I did not know you could get high on breathing, but it turns out that you very much can. The feelings I experienced are akin to having a couple of glasses of wine on an empty stomach. I felt light-headed, giddy, and entirely relaxed.

The workshop ended with the much-anticipated cold bath. Jeffrey opened the large garage door to the outside where the tubs were waiting for us, and we were told to take off our shoes, get into our bathing suits, and organize ourselves in a circle. It was 14 degrees Fahrenheit that day. With traditional First Nations music playing loudly, we performed the “horse stance” — standing with our legs apart and knees bent as if we were riding a horse, we pushed our arms out towards their opposite sides, one after the other, in rhythm with our breath. Initially a martial art posture, the horse stance is a form of movement meditation that brings mental focus and warmth to the body.

Photo: carlos.araujo/Shutterstock

For some, going in the tub of slush was very hard. For others, it seemed easy. When my turn came, I was so focused on the task that there was no place for any thoughts other than “I’m going in now.” Jeffrey instructed me to step in and stand in the tub, then lower myself in the water. I did as told while locking eyes with him the whole time and breathing calmly, but rhythmically. I personally felt nothing unpleasant: no cold and no pain. I did find myself smiling after several seconds of immersion, as if someone had hit the pleasure switch inside my head. I stayed two minutes in the tub before Jeffrey helped me out. I wrapped a towel around myself and joined the circle again, where the rest of the group was still moving intentionally.

The group setting made the affair all the more powerful. While the workshop is a personal experience, the other participants provide support and motivation. There’s no embarrassment, pressure, or shame — just a great deal of encouragement, joy, and fun. “It’s good to practice as a group,” Jeffrey said when I met him a couple of weeks after the workshop. “The group dynamic helps you commit, and commitment is the most difficult pillar of the WHM.”

The method is so simple, accessible, and empowering that you can participate in one workshop and practice to reap the benefits for the rest of your life without spending another penny on it or learn anything more about the WHM. But, the workshop is undoubtedly a one-day “peak experience” that can be tricky for some to replicate at home alone. For those who need more support, there are other ways to get your practice going strong: a full, week-long retreat to remote, frozen Poland, with Wim Hof himself.

What to expect at a Wim Hof expedition

Photo: carlos.araujo/Shutterstock

If you can manage the steep price tags, you can dive deep into this practice by going on a trip led by Wim Hof. While they are not as intimate as the workshops (they gather about 100 participants), they last five days and are organized so that there are two expert instructors per 25 people.

The winter trips take place in Poland, on the border of the Czech Republic, near Wim’s personal house. Participants not only learn and practice the breathing technique and cold immersions but also climb the summit of Mount Śnieżka or another nearby peak in nothing but their bathing suit as another form of cold therapy. The summer trips take place in the Spanish Pyrenees and include activities such as hiking, canyoning, and white-water rafting. If you’re super keen, there’s also an expedition to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania that will cost you a pretty penny, but that will allow you to combine wellness and once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure in one trip.

Grace Reilly, a 22-year-old woman who works as a Corpsman in the US Navy Reserves, went on a Wim Hof-led trip to Poland this past January. She learned about the method a few years back while listening to a podcast and was immediately taken by the accessibility of the method. But what really sold her on it was the fact that it was grounded in science.

While Wim Hof has been the subject of many scientific experiments throughout the years, the best-known and surprising of them is the time he was injected by a team of scientists with an E. coli bacteria that should have triggered stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and a mild fever but had no effect on him. And it’s not just him who resisted the bacteria; a group of people whom Wim Hof trained with his method showed the same astonishing results.

“[After I learned about this experiment], I just became obsessed with Wim and his philosophy on life. He has such an amazing spirit to him,” Grace explains. Although she had never taken a workshop or practiced the method on her own, she was determined to learn and garner its benefits during her trip.

While the price is indisputably high for such a short trip (about 2,500 USD, flights not included), Grace believes it is well worth the money. “This trip has been such a huge dream of mine for years now […] It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so that is how I justified it in my head. I see this trip as an investment into my well-being. I have suffered with anxiety and depression, and one of the biggest things that attracted me about this whole method is what an impact cold water therapy has on your mental health.”

I talked to Grace both before and after her trip, and it’s safe to say that the experience exceeded her expectations.

While she was one out of 110 participants, and one of the youngest among them, Grace explains she had a life-changing experience. It was the first time she traveled solo out of the US and saw the entire trip as a journey of self-discovery.

Photo: Grace Reilly

“There were 110 of us and only 10 women, but while I was nervous at first, everyone was very welcoming, and the whole experience was extremely comfortable,” Grace recalls. I also noticed that there were more men than women in the workshop I attended, which had struck me as unusual. When I mentioned it to Jeffrey, he nodded in agreeance. “The Wim Hof Method is a modality that traditionally has appealed more to men than to women,” he explained. “Although I am hopeful that is changing with more attention in the media from shows like The Goop Lab. This practice can be very beneficial and empowering for women as well.”

Photo: Grace Reilly

During her time in Poland, Grace practiced the Wim Hof breathing and overcame difficulties with extreme noise-related anxieties. Having 100 people breathing deeply around you is loud and distracting, and it was preventing Grace from focusing on the task at hand. But the instructors had her back. “The next day [day two of five], they brought me headphones, so I could block out the noise.” The fact that the instructors were attentive to every participants’ needs increased the feeling of safety for Grace, who was able to relax and fully immerse herself in the method.

The first day of her trip, after practicing the breathing technique a few times in her group of 10-25 people, Grace went into the cold water for one minute. While she felt pain at first, she was able to manage to stay 10 long minutes in the freezing water by the end of her trip.

The second to last day was the highlight of the trip for Grace. All 110 participants, all the instructors, and Wim Hof went on a three-and-a-half-hour hike in the snowy Karkonosze Mountains in their bathing suits. “When we were moving, it was fine, but sometimes we stopped to breathe and the wind was strong; it pierced your skin. It got really cold.” Grace mentioned that the instructors kept repeating “This is about climbing your inner mountain,” and while this might sound a little New Age-y, it resonated with Grace.

Photo: Grace Reilly

“While I was there, I kept thinking about the people in my life that the method could help. But I’m glad I went alone; it felt more meaningful for me to do this on my own.”

Since she came back from her trip, Grace has been practicing breathing daily and recently went for a dip in the ocean on a cold, rainy winter day — public “horse stance” on the beach included. She is even thinking of investing in a chest freezer which she plans to fill with ice and water for her daily cold immersions.

And if that’s not conviction and dedication right there, I don’t know what is.

Photo: Laura Reilly

Personally, a month after taking the Wim Hof Method workshop, I have stuck to the routine of cold exposure by way of daily cold showers. The practice is invigorating and truly becomes pleasurable as days go by. The breathing is the most difficult part of the method for to practice as the sensations it causes make me uneasy. But there is no doubt that the Wim Hof method has had a positive impact — I have noticed a greater clarity of mind, more energy, and less anxiety. And for just less than 20 minutes of daily practice, I’d say it’s very much worth it.


More like this: The most futuristic spa experiences for 2020

The post What it’s really like to go to on a Wim Hof Method retreat appeared first on Matador Network.

Batman-themed restaurant in London

You’d think that a Batman-themed restaurant would be located in Gotham, but as it turns out, London will be home to the first-ever restaurant inspired by the Dark Knight — not New York. The restaurant will be called Park Row, and it’s set to open in spring 2020 on 77 Brewer Street in London.

The restaurant, which is a partnership between Warner Bros. Consumer Products, DC, and Wonderland Restaurants, will feature three bars and five different dining environments, including rooms inspired by other popular characters from the Batman comics. The Iceberg Lounge, for example, will be dedicated to Batman villain Penguin, and there will also be a Harley-Quinn-inspired restaurant and Old Gotham City speakeasy. At 18,000 square feet, the place will definitely require multiple visits for super fans.

The restaurant will also be home to the Monarch Theatre, which revolves around a multi-sensory tasting menu that costs $155 per person and uses “projection mapping technology said to explore the psychology of heroism through food.”

According to a design and access statement obtained by Eater, “The proposed design continues the use of the space as a high-end restaurant. The restaurant will be rooted within the DC Multiverse, taking visitors on a culinary adventure through the many fictional Universes famous for their superhero residents such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman…it has the intention to invite guests to experience the DC Universe without breaking the fourth wall — the imaginary wall that separates the audience from the performance.”

Few specific details are available about the restaurant right now, but you can sign up for the mailing list on the official Park Row website.


More like this: The best black-owned restaurants in London

The post The first-ever Batman-themed restaurant is coming to London appeared first on Matador Network.

Hard seltzer festival coming to US

Whether you embraced it or not, hard seltzer was undeniably the alcoholic beverage of 2019. At first, it seemed like it might just be a passing fad, but it turns out people love the easy-drinking fruit flavors and fun-loving, casual attitude of these carbonated beverages. Not as heavy as beer or as uptight as wine, hard seltzer found its niche among millennial drinkers. And it looks like it’s here to stay. Seltzer Land, a festival celebrating fizzy, canned alcohol, is set to begin touring the United States this spring.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Seltzer Land, organized by Cannonball Productions, the group that puts on other niche food festivals like Beer and Bacon Classic, will offer more than 100 brands of hard seltzer, including Four Loko, Natural Light, and Bon Viv, to attendees who want to more out of life than just White Claw (but White Claw will be there too, of course). Tickets range from $29 to $49, and on top of sampling the finest hard seltzers, guests will also be able to enjoy snacks and live music. So far, the festival is set to visit Minneapolis, New York City, Chicago, and Seattle, but Seltzer Land confirmed to Food & Wine that stops are also planned for Denver, Austin, and Boston.

With innumerable beer and wine festivals around the country, it seems as though Seltzer Land is a bid to get a beverage, which some people might dismiss as low brow, to be taken seriously. Since its dramatic entrance onto the alcoholic beverage scene, it has been considered the wild, outgoing cousin of beer and wine (and she’s kind of a lush, too). This might be a chance for hard seltzer to clean up her image and become the well-respected drink of choice for people who like to party. But if Seltzer Land ends up being the rowdy shindig I suspect it might become, all the better. The appeal of hard seltzer, after all, is that you know the party is about to get crazy when you hear the crack of the can.

Tickets for Seltzer Land go on sale today on the official website.


More like this: Americans panic as White Claw disappears from shelves

The post A hard seltzer festival is touring the US this spring appeared first on Matador Network.

Amtrak is returning to Gulf Coast

Amtrak hasn’t visited the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina hit the area 15 years ago. Given the abundance of alternative transportation options like highways and cheap flights, Amtrak’s return to the area seemed unlikely. But City Council members in Mobile, Alabama, just voted for the return of the Sunset Limited — the train that once traveled along the Gulf Coast — and those who frequently traveled on the old route are sure to feel a bit nostalgic.

The vote would bring back a portion of the Sunset Limited line that would run along the Gulf Coast to and from Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana. Mississippi and Louisiana have joined Mobile in dedicating funds to reviving the route by 2023, with Mobile likely serving as the new terminus.

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the train ran all the way to Orlando and Miami, but it looks like this iteration won’t go quite that far.

With the restored route, Amtrak hopes to give travelers a new, efficient way of exploring the culturally rich region.


More like this: 7 things to know before riding Amtrak across the country

The post Amtrak is bringing back its Gulf Coast route for the first time since Hurricane Katrina appeared first on Matador Network.

NYC campaigns help Chinatown

New York City might not be home to any coronavirus cases, but Chinatown is feeling the negative effect of the safety concerns that surround the disease nonetheless. Unfounded fears of catching the virus have steered tourists away from the area, which has dealt a serious economic blow to a community that depends on visitors frequenting its stores and restaurants. So, NYC is launching a campaign to promote Chinatown and drive tourism dollars to the neighborhood.

The “Show Some Love to Chinatown” campaign will encourage people to purchase meals or items from local businesses, and take photos at the Baxter Street Triangle to qualify for a Valentine’s Day-themed raffle.

Chinatown small businesses have been hit hard by fears around the coronavirus. But we're driven to turn crisis into opportunity.

Proud to join @ChinatownNYC @CarlinaRivera to launch the Show Some Love in Chinatown campaign and hear from owners and workers #DineInChinatown pic.twitter.com/gMH7qIA8zt

— Margaret S. Chin (@CM_MargaretChin) February 12, 2020

Gregg Bishop, Department of Small Business Services commissioner, said, “We want to make sure New Yorkers know that they can come out and support all these small businesses, because they are the backbone of the city’s economy.”

It’s important to remember that although the virus originated in Wuhan, China, Chinese neighborhoods in the US are no more dangerous than any other.


More like this: Racist panic over coronavirus will not help the people of China

The post NYC launches campaign to help Chinatown businesses hurt by coronavirus fears appeared first on Matador Network.

Stolen bonsai trees returned

You’ve heard of art and jewel thieves, but it’s 2020 now and apparently thieves are diversifying their interests. On Sunday, February 9, 2020, at around 7:00 AM, two thieves stole two rare bonsai trees from the Pacific Bonsai Museum in Washington. The trees are over 70 years old and worth thousands of dollars, but museum staff were most concerned for their well-being, as the trees would be in danger of dying without proper daily care.

Luckily, after the museum shared security footage of the two thieves, and put out a call for information, the trees turned up largely unscathed on Tuesday night. At around 11:00 PM security guards saw the trees sitting on a road leading up to the museum, and although one had suffered a few broken branches, both were generally in good condition.

Photo: pacificbonsaimuseum/Instagram

One of the trees, a Japanese black pine, was grown from seeds in a tin can by Juzaburo Furuzawa, a Japanese American, while in an internment camp during World War II. The other tree, a silverberry, was cultivated by female bonsai artist Kiyoko Hatanaka in 1946.

“Bonsai’s predominantly been a male activity,” said Aarin Packard, the museum’s curator, to NPR. “At least in Japanese culture where ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, was sort of what the women would practice. And so for a woman to be doing bonsai in the late ‘40s or mid-‘40s is also rare.”

Both bonsai trees were returned to their displays on Wednesday, February 12.


More like this: The 7 coolest tree tunnels around the world

The post Stolen bonsai trees mysteriously returned to Washington museum appeared first on Matador Network.

The best food markets in Madrid

On a typical afternoon in Madrid, people descend on a handful of indoor food markets to enjoy a chat over freshly prepared tapas and vino. These food markets, an essential part of the city’s culinary tradition, provide an opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines all under one roof.

You can peruse stalls and sample not only Spanish dishes but also foods from Latin America and Asia. These are the best places to go and what to try, in no particular order, to see what makes Madrid’s food markets so special.

1. Mercado de San Miguel

Photo: Craig Hastings/Shutterstock

Mercado de San Miguel is the most famous food market in Madrid. It’s also one of the oldest. Just a stone’s throw away from Plaza Mayor, this market has been a fixture in Madrid’s food scene since 1916. At first glance, Mercado de San Miguel may appear to be a tourist trap, and many insist it is one. The prices at the 30 food stalls are typically higher than at other Madrid food markets. You’ll also likely find yourself competing with other tourists for seats and space. Still, Mercado de San Miguel is worth a visit for the sheer variety of food you can find here. The buzzing environment also makes for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.

Highlights

La Casa del Bacalao — Go here for the house special (the namesake salted and smoked cod) and the 1.5-euro tapas. Also try the codfish liver.

El Señor Martín — Located at the center of the market, this establishment specializes in deep-fried seafood served in paper cones. The options include boquerones (anchovies), calamari, mussels, squid, and prawns.

2. Mercado de San Antón

Photo: Fotokon/Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a less expensive and less touristy alternative to Mercado de San Miguel, then Mercado de San Anton is a great option. Located in the LGBTQ-friendly Chueca neighborhood, the three-story market is packed with food stands and bars with a seemingly infinite selection of tapas. You’ll also find international cuisine, like Japanese and Latin American, among the stalls. The third floor is a rooftop bar and restaurant, which is a spacious and relaxing place to unwind.

Highlights

La Cocina de San Antón — This rooftop bar and restaurant has four spaces that cater to every type of guest: a lounge area, a terrace bar, an indoor restaurant, and a greenhouse restaurant for smokers. The menu del dia (menu of the day) is available until the afternoon and offers an appetizer, entree, dessert, and drink for under 15 euros.

Hamburguesa Nostra — There are many good options for burgers in Madrid, but the quality of meat here is superb. You can choose from three types of meat (cow, veal, or oxen), and the staff will prepare your burger right in front of you.

3. Mercado de San Ildefonso

Photo: Mercado de San Ildefonso/Facebook

Located in the trendy Malasaña neighborhood, Mercado de San Ildefonso is a small market that attracts a younger crowd. It’s filled with the most international options of the food markets on this list, with cuisines from places like Korea, Vietnam, and Mexico. There’s a DJ playing upbeat music, which adds to the vibrant and urban vibe.

There are three floors that house around 20 food stands and three bars. On the first and second floors, you’ll find food stands serving items like seafood, sandwiches, steak, and phở. The third floor has a lounge and restaurant. Vendors here are generous with their food samples, and you can try different dishes before buying.

Highlights

DP Tapas — A traditional tapas bar where you can try salmorejo (a creamier version of gazpacho) and albondigas guisados (meatball stew).

Paco’s Tacos — A Mexican spot that serves large, delicious tacos with options like cochinita pibil (suckling pig), which hails from the Yucatan.

4. Mercado de San Fernando

Photo: TK Kurikawa/Shutterstock

Mercado de San Fernando is located in the middle of the Lavapiés neighborhood. A favorite hangout spot for locals, it’s the least expensive of the markets on this list. Here, you can sample great tortilla de patata (Spanish omelette), buy fresh produce, and drink vermut (vermouth) and craft beers. You can also buy non-food items, like books and clothes.

Mercado de San Fernando is the best place to go if you want to truly experience a local market. Don’t expect to find menus in English or any English-speaking staff.

Highlights

La Alpargata — A vegan restaurant that serves Spanish favorites for health-conscious eaters. The portions are large by Spanish standards.

Mercadillo Lisboa — A little bar that specializes in Portuguese pastries and wines. You can also buy excellent vermouth by the glass for 2-4 euros.

5. Mercado de La Paz

Photo: Alvaro German Vilela/Shutterstock

The aptly named Mercado de la Paz (“market of peace”) is one of the oldest markets in Madrid. Founded in 1882, this quiet market is tucked away in the upscale neighborhood of Salamanca and draws an older crowd. It’s a great choice if you’re shopping for fresh meats and fish, but there are also food stalls that serve freshly prepared dishes.

Highlights

Casi Dani — There are a handful of places to get great tortilla de patata in Madrid, and Casi Dani is one of them. The preparation is medium-rare, which means that the egg is a bit runny.

La Boulette — Go here for specialty cheeses from Spain and France. There’s also a wide selection of canned caviar, smoked fish, pâté, and condiments.


More like this: If you only go to one neighborhood in Madrid to eat, make it Malasaña

The post The 5 best food markets in Madrid appeared first on Matador Network.

LGBTQ travel in Colombia

Although Colombia has been making great strides in tourism over the last few years, many people don’t realize that it is now one of the hottest LGBTQ destinations in South America. As a result of recent legislation introduced by the government, LGBTQ rights are equal to those of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Consequently, Colombia has become a tempting choice for queer travelers.

Within the last 10 years, a full set of anti-discrimination laws have been established. Domestic partnership and adoption rights have been put into place, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2016. Due to these changes, as well as elevated visibility and a generally more accepting attitude, Colombia is currently attracting a large number of LGBTQ visitors.

Of course, Catholicism runs deep in the veins of the country, and in many ways, Colombia remains staunchly conservative. LGBTQ travelers should still take caution, especially outside the major cities, but attitudes are changing fast and thankfully for the better.

There may be a long way to go on a national level, but these days the cities of Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellín are exciting and safe destinations for LGBTQ travelers. Each of the cities has a thriving queer scene with a wide range of bars, clubs, and even neighborhoods of their own. Colombia has never looked so good for LGBTQ globetrotters. Here, we take a look at the country’s top LGBTQ destinations.

Bogota

Photo: Rafal Cichawa/Shutterstock

Bogota is the country’s capital and is located on the eastern side of the Andes. It’s a dynamic metropolis brimming with magnificent architecture, world-class museums, and energetic nightlife. The city is home to South America’s largest gay club, Theatron, as well as an abundance of other clubs, bars, and cafes.

To confirm its impressive LGBTQ credentials, Bogota has the unique distinction of having the first openly lesbian mayor in Latin America. Claudia Lopez married her partner, Senator Angelica Lozano, in December 2019 and took office in January 2020. This is progress indeed for a country where the position of mayor is considered the second-most important political position after president, and machismo is still dominant in many areas of society.

With much still to be achieved, Orgullo Gay, Bogota’s Pride, continues to be a protest for LGBTQ equality, but it’s one heck of a party too. Pride was first held in 1982, and at that time, a mere 32 people hit the streets. In 2019, there were 200,000 loud and proud participants. A parade takes place in June annually, culminating with a free festival at Simon Bolivar Park. Revelry ensues throughout the city and into the early hours at the scores of bars and clubs.

Neighborhoods

Chapinero is the main LGBTQ hub, and its streets are awash with hip cafes, cool bars, and colorful characters. Although the historical area of La Candelaria competes as a favorite spot for visitors to stay in, Chapinero is a perfect option for those planning to make the best of the city’s queer nightlife. Zona Rosa, an upscale neighborhood located in the north of the city, also attracts the rainbow crowd. The area has an assortment of venues, including El Recreo de Adan, an LGBTQ friendly bar where you can recline on bean bags while sipping cocktails.

Nightlife

Photo: Disco Jaguar/Facebook

The majority of clubs and bars in Chapinero are located on Carrera 9 between Calles 58 and 60. There are around one hundred LGBTQ venues from mellow coffee shops to glitzy clubs. This area is also where Theatron, a mega nightclub with a capacity of 4,000 can be found. A converted movie theater, it has been established since 2002 and is spread across five levels and 14 rooms. Each of the rooms has a different theme, and music ranges from techno to salsa. Although the crowd at Theatron is primarily male, one of the rooms is set aside exclusively for women, providing one of the best nights out in the city for lesbians. A large roof terrace offers a breath of fresh air when things get too hot on the dance floor. The entrance fee includes unlimited drinks, and with bars scattered throughout the club, the next cocktail is never far away.

Being the hedonistic city that it is, Bogota is known for its “love hotels” where guests pay by the hour rather than the night. A number of them are located on the same street as Theatron — perfect for those who get lucky but don’t have anywhere to go.

Kitschy Disco Jaguar, located on Carrera 7 in the heart of Chapinero, is another club that takes its partying seriously. Decked out with chandeliers and neon, cocktails flow and patrons can take their pick from two dance floors. To spice things up further, the club even has its own sex shop.

A visit to the cute and cozy Village Cafe on the next street along at Carrera 8 is akin to entering a fantasyland. The cafe-bar has oodles of character enhanced by glitter balls and a myriad of funky artifacts all illuminated in pink. It’s a friendly LGBTQ hangout and a great place for a quiet drink or two.

Saunas and bathhouses

Despite their comparative demise in Western countries, saunas and bathhouses are still popular amongst gay men in Bogota. Dark Club is one of the most notorious of them, where pretty much anything goes. For those who prefer something a little less hardcore, the well-maintained Complices Spa has a huge Roman pool along with a steam room, jacuzzi, and bar — an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon in Bogota.

Medellín

Photo: oscar garces/Shutterstock

Once controlled by Pablo Escobar and one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Colombia’s second-largest city has undergone a radical transformation. It is now a thriving metropolis and home to innovative museums, cutting-edge restaurants, and a scintillating LGBTQ scene. Medellín is proud of its progressive attitude and has embraced both local members of the LGBTQ community and queer visitors.

Pride is held in June and is an inclusive celebration where everyone gets involved whatever their sexuality and identity. It’s an overwhelmingly positive example of how the general population shows support to the LGBTQ community, and it’s an intoxicating time to be in the city. The people of Medellín have a reputation for friendliness and hospitality, which is never more obvious than during Pride.

Neighborhoods

Although LGBTQ hangouts can be found throughout the city, El Poblado is where the majority of rainbow flags flutter. The area brims with lively cafes and bars, with new venues joining their ranks all the time. El Centro is the downtown area where the city’s parks, museums, and tourist attractions can be found. Other neighborhoods worth a stroll are tree-lined Laureles and Estadio, both quieter residential areas. Belen is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the city, and although it is more traditional, it has plenty to offer in the way of nightlife and is fast becoming one of Bogota’s coolest areas.

Nightlife

Photo: BarChiquita/Facebook

To get the fiesta started, check out Mexican-style La Cantina de Javi, an iconic gay bar located in El Centro where the drinks are cheap and the salsa music loud. Back in El Poblado, another cool pre-club bar is Vintrash which has a ‘60s-70s vibe. The walls are adorned with Warhol pop art and retro memorabilia. The music is pleasingly eclectic, covering everything from electro to folk. It’s not exclusively gay, but very inclusive — everyone is welcome regardless of sexuality or gender.

Another Poblado favorite is Bar Chiquita, a cocktail bar that takes kitsch to a new level. It’s a feast for the eyes, from its giant flamingos to the plethora of weird and wonderful art that can be found in every nook and cranny.

Donde Aquellos, also in Poblado, is a stylish bar situated next to Park Lleras. It has a cruisey undercurrent, and on busy nights, hot guys from all over the planet spill out onto the sidewalk. An outside seating area is a great spot for people-watching.

To round the night off, Viva Discotek is one of the city’s most popular hotspots and is located in Laureles, a short taxi ride from Poblado. Known for its beautiful clientele and hunky podium dancers, it’s one of the city’s largest clubs and has a capacity of 1,000. Reggaeton, Latino, and electro music ensure that the dance floors are always busy.

For women, Teres Cafe Bar, also in Laureles, opens into the early hours and hosts an array of regular theme nights. The bar also places substantial emphasis on culture, showcasing films and stage productions.

Cartagena

Photo: jeremykingnz/Shutterstock

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cartagena is situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and white-sand beaches, it’s quite a spectacle and is consequently the country’s premier tourist destination. Although the LGBTQ scene isn’t as expansive as those in Medellín and Bogota, it’s nevertheless an appealing spot for LGBTQ visitors. In August 2019 Cartagena held its first (official) Pride, which was supported by the local authorities and included parades, a boat party, and a drag race.

Neighborhoods

Centro is the most picturesque of Cartagena’s neighborhoods and an obvious magnet for tourists. Colonial architecture and attractive cobbled streets are surrounded by old city walls, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and shops. The neighborhood of Getsemani is a little on the edgy side but is fast transforming itself into the city’s hippest area, attracting the cool kids with some inspiring street art, trendy cafes, and an alternative ambiance. In contrast, the shoreline of the nearby neighborhood of Bocagrande is Cartegena’s version of Miami or Panama City — a beachfront lined by high-rise hotels and designer stores.

Nightlife

Photo: CLUB D8/Facebook

Unlike Medellín and Bogota, which have specifically LGBTQ neighborhoods, venues in Cartagena can be found throughout the city. Cartagena has a very international vibe, and many of the bars and clubs are gay-friendly despite not being exclusively LGBTQ. Le Petit is one of the few gay venues, a restaurant by day and club at night. After the sun sinks over the Caribbean, both locals and tourists hit the dance floor to the likes of Maluma and Shakira. D8 is another choice spot to dance the night away and has a rooftop terrace on which to chill. Although male-orientated, these establishments are also welcoming to women.

The beach

Beyond the nightlife, Hollywood Beach in El Laguito is a popular spot with the LGBTQ crowd, especially on Sundays. It’s an ideal place to enjoy some Caribbean beach life, meet the locals, and watch the sun go down.


More like this: The best LGBTQ museums and archives around the world

The post Colombia is the next hot destination for LGBTQ travelers appeared first on Matador Network.

Friends-themed brunch in NYC

It seemed like the cast of Friends’ only responsibility on the show was crushing hangout sessions. Kicking back in Central Perk on a casual Wednesday afternoon, hanging all day in an apartment that, in real-life Manhattan prices, would probably cost about $3 million. The only place we didn’t see them hanging out was at Sunday brunch. And yet, that’s the Friends-themed experience coming to New York City this summer.

On June 14, at a location to be announced later, The Brunch Club is sponsoring a themed brunch that’s expected to have all the trappings of a classic Friends experience. That means themed drinks, Ross’ famous “moist maker” sandwiches, a projector showing episodes, trivia contests, charades, and a costume competition for those who really want to relive the ‘90s.

As for that costume contest, the website encourages people to “bring along a turkey as a headpiece… Dress up as an armadillo and humidify that hair ready to join us. We will be there for you.”

The experience will also come to Denver, at a location to be determined.

Tickets are on sale now, include a cocktail and buffet meal, and cost between $45 and $50.


More like this: How early you can start drinking at brunch in every state

The post A ‘Friends’-themed brunch is coming to NYC and Denver appeared first on Matador Network.

Luxury hotels in Rajasthan, India

No place in India exemplifies the spirit of monarchy and the splendor of royalty better than the state of Rajasthan. The very name contains royalty: Raja translates to “king” and sthan refers to “place” in Hindi and other Indian languages. When the British left India, there were about two dozen princely states in the region, which merged into the new Union of India, along with other princedoms around the country.

The erstwhile royalty was allowed to retain their properties and was granted an allowance; however, after the privy purses were abolished, many families were not able to maintain their vast estates. But the magnificent structures were not abandoned so easily. They became a potent magnet for tourism and were therefore converted into heritage hotels. They could offer guests an authentic experience of royal privilege and give them front-row seats to the artistic and architectural greatness of the days gone by.

Today, many heritage hotels are managed by luxury hotel chains. Guests spend their nights in the same suites that were once bedrooms of kings and queens and have their meals on dining tables reminiscent of royal banquets. But the regal life does not stop there; many heritage hotels also provide horse-riding facilities, polo races, rides in vintage cars, and more.

Though the days of emperors and kings have long gone in India, you can still experience the magnificent edifices they built, and the artistic luxury that embellished them by staying in these nine luxurious heritage hotels in the Indian state of Rajasthan.

1. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Photo: Taj Lake Palace/Facebook

In the mid-18th century, the young prince of Mewar requested his father to let him reside in Jag Mandir, an island palace, with his ladies. Maharana Sangram Singh II not only rejected the request but challenged his son to make his own pleasure palace. The young prince did not take the taunt lightly and what resulted was a magnificent marble palace in the middle of Lake Pichola.

The palace has 18 grand suites and 65 luxury suites whose opulent interiors are only matched by the architectural grandeur of the hotel. Set against the picturesque Aravalli Hills and floating on placid waters, all the rooms offer spectacular views of the lake.

Photo: Taj Lake Palace/Facebook

The Taj Lake Palace hosts three specialty restaurants and eateries. Jharoka is an all-day restaurant that serves Indian and international cuisine. Neel Kamal is the main dining restaurant, which specializes in Indian and authentic Rajasthani delicacies. Amrit Sagar, serves a premium collection of spirits, signature wines, cocktails and cigars. For European delicacies, head to the open-air cafe Bhairo.

Photo: Taj Lake Palace/Facebook

Taj Palace offers a range of facilities and services to provide entertaining experiences to its high-profile guests. The spa has a special boat experience with treatments that draw on the ancient and royal traditions of wellness in India. Guests can participate in the grand old soirees, which are recreated by the present royal family of Udaipur. The hotel offers airport transfers and sightseeing trips and shopping in vintage cars. Fireworks displays and private puppet shows can be arranged on request. There are daily performances of local dance and music.

Where: P.O. Box No. 5, Lake Pichola, Udaipur-313 001

2. Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur

Photo: Shiv Niwas Palace/Facebook

The Shiv Niwas Palace is a relatively recent construction by Maharana Fateh Singh of Mewar in the early 20th century. It was commissioned to house royal guests and other dignitaries. The royal guest house was transformed into a luxury hotel by the sons of the Maharana.

The crescent-shaped palace has characteristic old-world splendor with grand architecture and luxurious interiors set among landscaped gardens. The palace has three Imperial Suites, six Royal Suites, eight Terrace Suites, and 19 Palace Rooms. All the palace apartments and rooms have period furniture, royal portraits, and regal furnishings and offer spectacular views from private terraces and balconies.

Photo: Shiv Niwas Palace/Shutterstock

Shiv Niwas Palace has four restaurants. Paantya is a multi-cuisine restaurant, where guests feast on Mughal, Continental, Indian and authentic Rajasthani meals. Paantya has antique chandeliers, old latticework and original paintings from the school of Mewar. Panera is the bar of the hotel. Guests unwind under large chandeliers and among ornate mirrors.

The Pool Deck is an outdoor restaurant at the pools

ide. Here, guests can have light snacks in daytime and candlelight dinners in the evenings to the sound of light instrumental music. The poolside at night offers beautiful views of the lighted palace.

Shiv Niwas Palace offers many entertainment, recreation, and sporting options apart from arranging sightseeing tours. There are western bands and Indian classical music every evening. The hotel has a billiard room, squash courts, and horse riding grounds. Guests can also sail on motorboats on the nearby Lake Pichola.

Where: Lake Pichola, The City Palace Complex, Udaipur-313 001

3. Jagmandir Island Palace, Udaipur

Photo: Jagmandir Island Palace/Facebook

This is the palace that was coveted by prince Jagat Singh for his ladies, before he built Taj Lake Palace. But Jagmandir Island Palace has a historical significance that extends beyond Rajputana to the Mughal throne.

In 1623, Prince Khurram tried to rebel against his father, Emperor Jehangir, for succession to the throne but soon found himself on the run, along with his wife and his two sons. The then-ruler of Mewar, Maharana Karan Singh, gave him and his family refuge in a domed pavilion called Gul Mahal on one of two islands on Lake Pichola. After all was forgiven by Emperor Jehangir and prince Khurram became Shahjahan, Karan Singh’s son, Jagat Singh, expanded on Gul Mahal and gave the Jagmandir Island Palace its present appearance.

The Gul Mahal has an imposing dome that resembles a crown, and its interiors have marble walls inlaid with various precious stones. Jag Mandir, the main palace, was built around Gul Mahal and contains majestic halls, living suites, and interior courts in Mughal and Rajasthani architectural designs.

Photo: Jagmandir Island Palace/Facebook

Jagmandir Palace has 10 magnificent, spacious suites. All the suites are furnished with royal upholstery, period furniture, grand chandeliers, and plush bathrooms. The colonnaded darikhana, or “place with many doors,” serves Indian and international cuisine with a signature four-course dinner. Picholi Bar, named after the nearby village of Picholi, is a well-stocked watering hole where guests enjoy premium spirits, cigars, and delicious snacks. There are daily folk dances and musical performances.

Where: Jagmandir The City Palace Complex, Udaipur-313 001

4. Suryagarh, Jaisalmer

Photo: Suryagarh Haveli/Facebook

Suryagarh Haveli is an imposing palace fortification, which stands in the middle of the Thar desert. The fortress hotel is a beautiful blend of contemporary luxury and historic rusticity. It is built in the Rajasthani architectural style, with turrets, ramparts, arches, and pillared halls surrounding the grand courtyard. The royal experience starts with a traditional welcome at the hotel, which includes a small dance performance.

Accommodations include 62 suites and rooms, including standalone havelis within the compound walls. All the apartments are designed with luxury in mind with ornate chandeliers, marble flooring, and exquisite upholstery.

Photo: Suryagarh/Facebook

While the haveli itself has three restaurants, the hotel has several outdoor dining options. The signature restaurant Legends of Marwar is devoted to the culinary heritage of the region. Draksh is the royal watering hole, serving premium international spirits under amber lights and within gold-speckled white walls.

Suryagarh Haveli is celebrated for the experiences it provides to its guests, which include several tours. Jaisalmer was a trading center on the silk route from the 16th to 18th centuries, and the trail can still be visited. Thar Exploration takes you through a dramatic landscape of scrubland, traditional villages, ruined caravanserais and ancient cemeteries. The Great Indian Bustard Trail is within the Desert National Park and the sanctuary of a once-thriving magnificent bird, which is now on the cusp of extinction. The number of bustards has come down to around 250 due to hunting and loss of habitat. Bird-watchers can also spot sand grouse eagles, quails, drongos, falcons, and demoiselle cranes.

Other entertainment options include displays of traditional sword fights and music and dance performances. A unique activity at the hotel is the lessons it provides in textile art.

Where: Kahala Phata, Sam Road, Jaisalmer-345 001

5. Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Photo: Jai Mahal Palace/Facebook

Commissioned in 1754, Jai Mahal Palace is a classic example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, an Indo-Gothic style used mainly by British architects in India. Located among 18 acres of landscaped Mughal-style gardens, this palace was originally the residence of Prime Ministers of the Jaipur state.

Jai Mahal Palace has 94 luxury rooms and six thematic suites. The opulent interior decor of the suites and rooms is complemented by historic furniture, Rajasthani design motifs, and miniature paintings. Deluxe rooms have luxurious interiors and offer views of the Mughal Gardens and the capital city. Rooms billed as Luxury Rooms do not disappoint and offer magnificent views of the gardens, swimming pool, and the city. Some luxury rooms have private sit-outs overlooking the lawns and the pool.

Photo: Jai Mahal Palace/Facebook

Jai Mahal Palace has an assortment of dining venues from formal dining to casual snacking. All eateries offer a range of cuisines, beverages, and drinks. The Cinnamon has Rajput architecture and interiors and was the official dining chamber of the prime ministers of Jaipur state. The restaurant specializes in traditional and modern Indian cuisine.

The Marigold Bar is stocked with a wide range of prized international and Indian liquors and wines. The bar also serves exclusive single malts and choice cigars. As the name suggests, La Patisserie is an elegant bakery that serves freshly baked pastries, cakes, breads, and cookies. La Patisserie also serves espresso and coffees from choice plantations in India along with a range of teas from all over the world.

Recreational and entertainment activities at the Jai Mahal Palace include open-air folk dancers, camel buggy rides, a life-size chess game, golf, puppet shows, tennis, and badminton. There are henna experts on call and special activities for children.

Where: Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur-302 006

6. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Photo: Taj Hotels/Facebook

Built for the Jaipur Queen’s favorite handmaiden in 1835, Rambagh Palace was converted into a luxury hotel in 1957. Rambagh Palace has 78 opulent suites and rooms. Retaining its original splendor, the Rambagh Palace hotel is adorned with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, cenotaphs, and cupolas. The palace is surrounded by landscaped Mughal Gardens covering 47 acres.

Photo: Taj Hotels/Facebook

Rambagh Palace has five elegant and ornate dining rooms. The Rajput Room reflects Rajput interior design and offers a multi-cuisine menu. Suvarna Mahal, or Gold Palace, is located in th palace’s original banquet hall and specializes in Indian cuisine. Verandah Cafe specializes in al fresco dining and serves Indian and continental cuisine. At the Polo Bar, guests unwind with drinks and cigars. There is even a restored steam train that has been turned into a Victorian-era restaurant where guests can enjoy fine liqueurs, snacks, and wood-fired Italian pizza.

Guests of Rambagh Palace take airport transfers and city tours only in vintage cars. The hotel has a polo ground where guests can watch or play polo. There is also a golf course along with a walking trail, fitness center, and yoga pavilion. The Jiva Grande Spa exclusively provides Indian wellness remedies. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools along with facilities for croquet and table tennis.

Where: Bhawani Singh Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan-302005

7. Shahpura House, Jaipur

Photo: Shahpura Hotels/Facebook

Shahpura House was built about 200 years ago in Jaipur by the Shekhawat clan of Rajputs. Over the years, it underwent major extensions, therefore the palace is an amalgamation of Rajasthani, Mughal, and other Indian architectural styles.

Shahpura House has 65 luxury suites and rooms with classic Rajput interiors. Shahpura Suite is the Presidential Suite of Shahpura House. It has antique furniture with rich upholstery and walls decorated with marble and semi-precious gems. The suite has its own terrace with exclusive views of the city, and a private elevator. The Royal Suites also have period furniture along with regal interior decor. The rooms have private balconies adorned with mirrors and goldwork.

Photo: Shahpura House/Facebook

Shahpura House has only one main dining room called Rang Mahal Restaurant. It serves global cuisine, and traditional Indian dishes, made of fresh ingredients and local spices. Rang Mahal Restaurant serves a selection of exclusive beverages.

Guests are entertained with cultural programs, jeep and camel safaris, horse buggy rides, and puppet shows. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool.

Where: D-257, Devi Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur-302 016


More like this: The best place to go in India for every type of traveler

The post 7 spectacular heritage hotels in Rajasthan for a luxury trip in Northern India appeared first on Matador Network.