Matador Network's Blog, page 982

Adventure travel in Costa Rica

The best way to describe Costa Rica to someone who’s never been might be as a tropical beach paradise mixed with an adventure playground, a la Jurassic Park. Sure, you can surf some of Central America’s best breaks here — but that’s only the beginning of what you’ll find. From active volcanoes and gushing waterfalls to stunning national parks that cover one-quarter of the country and the greatest biodiversity on the planet, Costa Rica is a nearly unrivaled outdoor destination. Add in hearty local food, bountiful coffee plantations, and warm, welcoming people, and it might just be time to start booking your flights.

1. It’s easy to get there — and get around.

Photo: Gianfranco Vivi/Shutterstock

A quick flight from many US and Canadian air hubs, Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) is located just outside of San Jose, the capital city, and welcomes you with awesome coffee, healthy snacks, and high-quality service — in English, for those lacking the native tongue. The country receives nearly two million visitors each year, making tourism the leading national industry in this country of just under five million. Ticos, as Costa Ricans refer to themselves, are among the world’s most hospitable people. Everywhere you go you’ll be greeted with a smile and given clear directions. When you land, stay in San Jose for a night or two before heading to the coast or jungle. Traveling around is seamless. Explore the city by walking or in an Uber, or hop a bus around town.

2. Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable tourism.

Photo: SeSm/Shutterstock

The land of the Ticos consists of over 35 microclimates and two major seasons. Dry season runs from November to April, and green season is from May to October. Dry season is the more popular of the two for visitors as it’s perfect for tanning, surfing, and outdoor exploration. Count on good, if muggy, weather and make those tour reservations for early morning. Being up in the trees as the sun rises over the jungle is often as unforgettable as zip lining, canyoning, or trekking in and of itself.

Green season is not to be underestimated, however. If you don’t mind some afternoon showers, you’ll see fewer tourists and prices will be cheaper across the board, from lodging to tours to beachside bottles of Imperial beer.

A major reason to toast that Imperial beer is that Costa Rica prides itself on being extremely green both in appearance and attitude. Rivers slice their way throughout this lush country, and harnessing the power of its volcanoes, rivers, and windmills has allowed the country to run a whole 96 percent of its energy use in 2019 from renewable sources.

Expect bamboo straws at high-end restaurants and roadside sodas, the small mom-and-pop cafes common on highways and in small towns. Even in the capital, you aren’t likely to see much plastic or trash around.

3. La Paz Waterfall Gardens is a truly wild menagerie.

Photo: Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock

Picture yourself walking down a misty jungle path. A monkey hollers. You holler back. Coming around a bend, you’re greeted by a toucan. Yes, a toucan. Then, after you’ve pulled yourself together and snapped a few dozen photos, you continue to the main attraction, chilling with a jaguar. La Paz Waterfall Gardens, about an hour and 20 minutes north of San Jose, is a park divided into different sections where you can see colibries (hummingbirds) flying freely, monkeys doing their thing, beautiful snakes in aquariums, and giant cats. The cool thing about this place is that it really cares for the animals.

Each of the bigger species, such as the tiger and ocelot, are rescues, as is the spider monkey you may see overhead. The park has taken them in after they’ve been wrongly kept as pets or have suffered injuries in the wild. After you’re done aww-ing at the sloths, head down to the waterfalls, of which there are a total of five that you can do a quick hike to within the park.

4. You’ll get a rush of adrenaline at the Arenal Volcano.

Photo: Simon Dannhauer/Shutterstock

Let’s get some adrenaline pumping through your veins. Thanks to the ample rainforest and waterfalls, you can go canyoning just under three hours north of San Jose with Pure Trek in La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Prepare to rappel down a 160-foot waterfall. It’s an exhilarating experience, climbing down a rock face towards rushing water below, but one that offers an unrivaled view of the Costa Rican jungle. Scream too much and the guides may play a joke on you and steer you over to the water for a quick dip. By the time you reach the last waterfall, though, you’ll feel like a real pro.

Nearby Sky Treka offers zip-lining tours in the Arenal and Monteverde areas. You’ll fly up to 45 miles per hour, the only thing between the blue sky above and the luscious vegetation below — though there may be the occasional howler monkey in a tree laughing at you. For overnight accommodations in the area, the Arenal Manoa offers easy access to the canyons and to Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can hike around the lava fields surrounding the volcano. The volcano is still active and used to harness natural energy, harking back to the country’s emphasis on green power and sustainable tourism. Wherever you go in the area, you’ll see its impressive crater towering over the landscape, reminding you of how majestic nature is. You’ll get to have breakfast with a front-row seat gazing out at the volcano.

5. Costa Rica’s rivers are an incredible place to chillax.

Photo: Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

Thanks to the Tabacón River, which stems down from the volcano, the Arenal area has a half dozen outdoor hot springs spas. Arguably the most impressive is Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal, where a day pass gives you access to over 20 pools of varying temperatures where you can soak while looking at the palm trees as your feet feel grounded in the soft sand and smooth rocks. The cherry on top is that this resort has a bar inside one of its pools, as well as a dinner buffet with healthy gourmet eats, included in the pass.

Closer to the west coast, the Jungle Crocodile Safari takes adventurous travelers on an hour-long ride down the Tarcoles River, where they can see crocodiles in their natural habitat. Birders will be happy too, as the surrounding mangrove has over 40 different species of birds. You’ll see a tiger heron and a black neck stilt casually flying over and at times, landing on the boat.

6. Manuel Antonio National Park is packed with charismatic creatures.

Photo: PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the smallest national parks in the country, but it’s very rich in wildlife. The trick here is to go in with a guide, as they’ll have a spotting scope and be able to point out the creatures hiding in the bushes. You’ll see exotic birds, sloths, a boa here and there, and countless butterflies and grasshoppers. The park also has three beaches, so make sure to bring your bathing suit. Visiting at the crack of dawn is always the way to go, as this place is super popular year-round, and it only admits 300 people at a time.

Besides any pointed to by your guide, you won’t see any snakes, either in the park or really anywhere else in the country. Unless you want to, of course. If you’re the type who’s turned off by the slithering species, you’ve got nothing to worry about. Snakes, while common in photos of the country’s aquariums, are really low-key in actuality. You’ll only get to see them in the serpentarium at La Paz Waterfall Gardens or pointed to by local guides on those three particular trees along the Pacific Highway. If you want to see a viper in its natural habitat, you’ll have to ask your tour guide because otherwise, they won’t come close.

Just south of the park is the Osa Peninsula, home to the most biodiverse place in Central America, Playa Cativo. This is where you want to spend your nights while near the coast — fully off the tourist circuit and immersed in lush natural surroundings. You can only reach the ecolodge by boat, so you’re guaranteed a whole lot of peace and privacy. The resort produces 60 percent of its food on its own organic farm, to which they take you on a tour to sample herbs that will later be used in your gourmet mahi mahi tacos and lemongrass cocktail. Dozing off in a hammock here on a lazy afternoon after paddleboarding is pure bliss.

7. You can admire whales and dolphins from the sea.

Photo: Claude Huot/Shutterstock

Just off the peninsula are some of Central America’s most fruitful whale-watching tours. If you’ve ever been on a whale-watching tour where you see one or two whales tops, and then head in trying to decide if you should be disappointed, this isn’t one of those. Heading out on the Golfo Dulce and the Pacific Ocean with Playa Cativo’s whale and dolphin watching tour guarantees you’re hanging out with a whole school of these majestic creatures. You’ll see at least a half dozen dolphins swimming by your boat, and they’re likely to gaze right back at you as you stare at them, their air holes opening and closing as if they’re trying to communicate with you. The best time to see bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales is from July to October.

8. You’ll see where your pour-over coffee really comes from.

Photo: Rob Crandall/Shutterstock

For those who consume healthy doses of coffee on the daily, a coffee farm tour is a good way to see where your drink actually comes from. There are eight coffee-producing regions in Costa Rica. A few of the primary farms sit just outside San Jose, so you can visit for a day tour to sample the magic elixir straight from the source and see what beans look like from farm to cup. All the coffee produced here is fair-trade, so companies like Starbucks — which has one of the largest farms in the area — take care of their workers and make sure they are medically insured.

Some plantations host visitors overnight, an experience that includes tours, tastings, and more info than you could ever hope to learn about coffee. Finca Rosa Blanca is among the most popular outposts near the city, though half-day and full-day tours are also available through outfitters like Britt CoffeeTour.

9. You’ll be very happy you pulled over at the roadside food stands.

Photo: Jorge A. Russell/Shutterstock

Speaking of sodas, you should definitely make a random stop at at least one. Of the many pleasures of driving around Costa Rica, views of rolling hills and meadows, for instance, the ease of stopping to munch on something sweet makes the top of the list. You’ll find them lining the road from San Jose to La Fortuna. Here, you can indulge in a sugar cookie as big as your head topped with molasses, corn cookies, or fresh strawberries, often as cheap as $1.50 for an entire box. Most serve full meals, as well, and you’ll learn very quickly that Costa Ricans are as crazy about french fries as, well, everyone else in the world. An order of fajitas is bound to come with a side of fries, as is a plate of fish tacos.

Even beyond the sodas, the food scene in general will satisfy even the pickiest of foodies. Costa Rica is all about pura vida, and this mantra extends to the dinner table — they make sure to feed you well. Typical meals include casado, which is a mix of rice, beans, plantain, and smoky, flavorful chicken. This usually comes accompanied by a fresh watermelon or pineapple juice.

As you make your way to Golfito Dulce and the Pacific region of the country, expect to taste the freshest mahi mahi, tuna, and red snapper, getting better the closer you get to the sea — the Tico version of drinking Guinness in Ireland. If you’d like to treat yourself to a five-star gourmet meal near the western coast, Hotel Parador in the Puntarenas province town of Punto Quepos is the place. If you’re on a budget, that’s fine too. You can get a really good, healthy meal for anywhere between $4 and $20 per person.


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Glass-bottom attraction closures

Glass bridges can be one of the coolest ways to gain a unique perspective of a scenic landscape, but in this Chinese province, they’re posing a pretty serious safety hazard. In the mountainous Hebei province, a series of accidents have resulted in the closure of all 32 of the region’s glass bridges, walkways, and mountain viewing platforms this year. This includes the Hongyagu glass bridge, which is one of the longest glass bridges in the world at 1,600 feet. The East Taihang Glasswalk mountain walkway, famous for its illusion of shattering underneath you, has also been closed.

The closures came after several accidents and at least two deaths spotlighted safety concerns. In the Guangxi province, for example, rainfall on a glass slide caused a man to crash into the railing during his descent, and tumble over the side. He died from head injuries.

The highest and longest glass walkway opened in 2016 in the Hunan province, spanning 1,400 feet between two Zhangjiajie mountains, but the bridge closed after just 13 days due to concerns that it couldn’t handle the weight of its visitors.

In the wake of these incidents, the Chinese government has asked authorities to conduct extensive safety checks on all glass structures throughout the country. But with 2,300 glass bridges in China, in addition to glass walkways and slides, this task is fairly time-consuming and likely won’t be completed anytime soon.


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The post This Chinese province is closing all glass-bottomed attractions due to safety concerns appeared first on Matador Network.

World’s tallest peaks record climber

Climbing one of the world’s highest mountains within your lifetime would be enough for most people. Not Nirmal Purja. This Nepalese climber summited the world’s 14 highest peaks, and not only that, he did it in six months and six days, setting a world record.

The climber, nicknamed “Nims,” had previously served in the British military before attempting the impressive feat. With his summiting on Tuesday of China’s Mount Shishapangma — a mountain of 26,335 feet — he put the finishing touches on the record-breaking accomplishment.

Wait till the end !

Yesterday, we had a pretty tough day. We climbed for 15 hrs non stop in an extreme weather conditions with the wind speed of more than 75 km/hr. Spent more than 3 hrs finding the way/route on the glacier.#nimsdai #BremontProjectPossible #14peaks7months pic.twitter.com/w2TNILtmtr

— Nirmal Purja MBE (@nimsdai) October 26, 2019

He began his journey in late April by summiting Nepal’s Annapurna, then knocked off five more (including Everest) in May, followed by five Pakistani peaks in July, and the remainder in the fall. He even took the Everest photo that went viral, depicting long lines waiting to reach the summit.

Photo: Nirmal Purja MBE: “Project Possible – 14/7/Facebook

The final mountain may not have been the highest, but according to Nims, it was no cakewalk. “We climbed for 15 hrs non stop in extreme weather conditions,” he tweeted, “with the wind speed of more than 75 km/hr. Spent more than 3 hrs finding the way/route on the glacier.”

He shattered the previous record, set by South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho, who took seven years and 10 months to summit the 14 peaks.

In a statement, Nims said, “I am overwhelmed and incredibly proud to have completed this final summit and achieved my goal of climbing the world’s 14 tallest mountains in record time. It has been a gruelling but humbling six months, and I hope to have proven that anything is possible with some determination, self-belief and positivity.”


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Koalas killed by Australian wildfire

The California wildfires aren’t the only fires laying waste to forests this week. A massive wildfire in Lake Innes Nature Reserve in Australia has been devastating the local animal habitat, potentially killing hundreds of koalas. According to a Facebook post from the Koala Hospital Port Macquarie, “two-thirds of the current footprint of the fire is prime koala habitat (or was).” The area, which is reportedly a crucial breeding ground for koalas, remains threatened by the blaze, and more koalas may soon fall victim. So far, the hospital estimates that over 350 koalas have been killed.

“If the wind continues,” the hospital wrote, “it has the potential to be devastating for this important genetically diverse source population of koalas.”

As of Thursday morning local time, the fire had burned over 6,300 acres of bushland, with 65 separate grass fires burning across the state.

The blaze has already been described as a national tragedy by Cheyne Flanagan, the hospital’s clinical director. She told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that after twenty years in the business, “I just feel like walking away, I really do, I’m not going to, but it’s just awful. That area houses the most significant population of koalas in this region.”

Experts at the Australian Koala Foundation believe that koalas are “functionally extinct,” with fewer than 80,000 left in Australia even before the blaze. The recent wildfire certainly doesn’t help the situation.

The Lake Innes Nature Reserve closed to the public on Tuesday and, unsurprisingly, will remain closed until at least Sunday.


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Beautiful images of winter in Japan

Last winter, we spent seven weeks in Japan, starting the journey in the snowy, upper edge of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. We explored stunning ski areas, stayed in cozy ryokans, and soaked in steamy onsens. From there, we headed to the main island of Honshu, ending our fantastic trip as the earliest signs of spring emerged.




1

After landing in Tokyo, we quickly hopped on a plane to Niseko, located on Hokkaido. Niseko is known for its consistent, legendary powder and is a must-visit for every skier or snowboarder who finds themselves in Japan. Here, New Zealand freestyle skier and Olympian Jackson Wells gets some air in the Niseko backcountry.

2

The backcountry isn’t the only place score powder on Hokkaido. Niseko United offers epic powder days right in the resort, meaning you can ski snow like this just 10 minutes from your hotel room.

3

Sushi isn’t the only food you’ll be trying in Japan. With some of the freshest seafood in the world, restaurants like Tatsumi offer elegantly plated dishes with flavors that will warm you up and delight your taste buds.

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4

After a few weeks in Niseko, we head to Furano for some powder days at the resort before heading into the world-renowned backcountry to spend time outside of town near Furanodake. We find backcountry lodges, onsens (natural hot springs), and more powder than you could ski in a lifetime.

5

If you plan your trip right, you’ll be able to check out the Sapporo Snow Festival in early February. With more than two million visitors per year, this festival comes with delicious street food and more ice and snow sculptures than you could hope for.

6

From Hokkaido, we traveled to Iwate, a northern prefecture of Japan’s main Honshu island. While there, we visited multiple onsens, the perfect cure for a body that’s sore from skiing. Here, an onsen owner cools the water for us by shoveling snow into the steaming waters. Most onsens are separated into male and female pools, though some facilities have mixed onsens as well. Note that at most onsens, bathers should rinse beforehand, not wear swimsuits, and keep their hair up and out of the pool. Many onsens also don’t allow visible tattoos.

7

No trip to Japan is complete without an epic cat skiing day. Japan Ski Tours offers not only ski guiding, including setting up your lodging and transportation, but cultural experiences as well. They schedule cat skiing days like this one on the Hachimantai CAT, followed by a stay at the incredible backcountry Lodge Clubman, which includes food, an amazing bath, awesome local owners, and the ability to connect with other skiers from around the world.

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8

Ryokans are traditional inns that offer a unique experience you can only get in Japan. All ryokans are different, but many include breakfast and/or dinner, have traditional tatami-matted rooms, feature onsens, and come with yukatas for you to wear around the ryokan. Dinner was served in our room at the Sukayu Onsen Ryokan, which boasts a 300-year-old onsen.

9

Markets around Japan offer local artisans the opportunity to sell and display their goods. This unique market in Iwate allows visitors to see the artists at work and then purchase their goods at the nearby shop.

10

From Iwato, we went to Kyoto. There, the Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine has thousands of red gates that cover Mount Inari and is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. The red gates are Torii gates, which are at the entrance of most Shinto shrines, and symbolically mark the passage from the ordinary to the sacred.

11

While in Kyoto, we checked out the Kyoto Samurai Experience, which takes place in a 250-year-old samurai residence, where the samurai who served at Nijo Castle used to live. There, you change into what was traditional samurai garb, learn how to handle a traditional Japanese sword, and practice cutting goza, a rolled tatami mat.

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12

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Pavillion, is a zen temple covered in gold leaf. If you time your visit just right in the evening, the sun catches the gold leaf in a way that the temple shimmers with the last light of day.

13

For our last few nights, we decided to stay at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this hotel overlooks its own garden and the Tokyo city skyline. Not only is it the perfect place to wind down after an adventurous trip to Japan, but it also offers the breakfast of a lifetime while overlooking private gardens and Tokyo.

14

As our trip wound down, we were able to experience the beginning of the plum trees blooming - which blossom as early as February and a whole month before Japan’s famous cherry trees. Tokyo’s plum blossoms were the first sign of spring after seven glorious, wintry weeks in Japan.

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The post Glorious, snowy images of a winter trip to Japan appeared first on Matador Network.

What is kefir?

Kombucha has achieved near-universal renown when it comes to fermented probiotic drinks. Even if you’ve never thought about gut health, you’ve likely tried kombucha or at least heard the claims that this tonic is transformative.

Yet there’s another fermented and probiotic-packed beverage that’s been used for thousands of years by nomadic cultures that hasn’t reached the same level of acceptance: kefir. And its origins are the stuff of legend.

The story of this milk-based beverage begins in the Caucasus Mountains, where the nomadic Ossetians first experimented with kefir grains. Kefir grains aren’t like rice, wheat, or barley, but rather are a gelatinous polysaccharides culture of bacteria and yeast called kefiran. These “grains” are at the heart of all kefir. The Ossetians added kefir grains to goat skin bags and let the grains ferment into a diluted, milk-like drink that’s similar to yogurt but not as thick.

It’s difficult to nail down how the Ossetians came upon kefir grains, but according to legend, Mohammed gifted people of the Caucasus Mountains with the original cultures from which kefir was born. Kefiran became known as “Grains of the Prophet.” Families passed different strains down from generation to generation and became fierce guardians of their methods for producing kefir.

While specific recipes were kept secret, general custom dictated the grains were combined with cow or goat milk. The mixture was then poured into an animal hide bag and left in the sun to ferment. Any guests or family members coming and going from the house were expected to mix the kefir by giving bag a gentle kick as they passed.

The peoples of the Caucasus region were protective of their kefir; they were reluctant to share kefir grains or recipes with outsiders lest the beverage lose its supposed magical, gut-fortifying properties. For nearly 2,000 years, kefir remained a well guarded culinary treasure. All the outside world knew of kefir is that Marco Polo may have tried a similar beverage. In his book The Travels of Marco Polo the Venetian, he mentions a “mares milk” drink made by Tartar women — an ethnic group that now resides in Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan — with the “qualities and flavour of white wine.” He called the beverage kemurs.

A kidnapping leads to an outside interest in kefir

Photo: Madeleine Steinbach/Shutterstock

Around the 19th century, however, news began to spread that kefir’s supposed magical properties are real-life health benefits. The probiotic bacteria in kefir can help heal a variety of digestive ailments. It’s also packed with calcium, and each serving contains around nine grams of protein.

“Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, digestion, and skin health. Kefir cultures fermented in dairy provide a better chance for the probiotics to survive the digestion process, so many opt for kefir over yogurt,” explains Julie Smolyansky, author of The Kefir Cookbook and CEO of dairy company Lifeway Foods. She and her parents escaped the former Soviet Union and resettled as refugees in Chicago when she was a year old. “It’s an inflammation fighting superfood that everyone should have in their fridge.”

Russian doctors at the time wanted to study the benefits of kefir further, but their attempts proved futile. One in particular, Dr. Elie Metchnikoff, theorized that that the lactic acid bacteria in kefir might be responsible for the long life spans of Bulgarians. He praised the beneficial bacteria swimming in fermented milk and recommended that his patients suffering from digestive ailments drink it. Metchnikoff’s research caught the eye of the All Russian Physicians’ Society. The group ruled that all Russians should benefit from kefir, but the people of the Caucasus Mountains held their kefir grains close and wouldn’t give them up so easily.

Here is where the history of kefir turns into some kind of twisted — but true — fairytale. According to a history of kefir written by Elinoar Shavit, the society commissioned two brothers by the name of Blandov, who owned a cheese-making factory in the Russian town of Kislovodsk, to track down some grain for them. The tribes people living near their factories refused to sell any grains to the Blandovs, so they came up with a scheme: They recruited one of their employees, Irina Sakharov, to go to the court of a tribal prince named Bek-Mirza Barchorov, figuring her beauty would conjol the prince into giving up some of his kefir grain.

The prince did indeed fall for Sakharov, but he held tightly to the grain, refusing to give her even a drop. She gave up and started to return home, but on her way Prince Bek-Mirza Barchorov kidnapped Sakharov and demanded she marry him. The Blandov brothers helped her escape and transported her to the Russian court of Czar Nicholas II, where she could lodge a complaint against the prince. As compensation for his abuse of Sakharov, the Czar ordered that the prince pay her in 10 pounds of kefir grains.

In 1908, The Blandovs sold the first commercially produced kefir in Russia using the grains procured by Sakharov. By 1930, kefir was being widely produced all over Russia. The secret of kefir was out.

To date, kefir is still one of the most popular fermented beverages in Russia. The government showed their appreciation to Sakharov in 1973, when she received a letter from the Minister of the Food Industry, thanking her for her “heroic” efforts.

How to make kefir at home

Photo: casanisa/Shutterstock

Though most grocery stores now sell pre-made bottled kefir, it’s possible to make milk kefir at home (no goatskin bag needed). The end result should be a tangy, creamy drink that’s similar to yogurt.

“The DIY scene is alive and well. [Lifeway] even make a Kefir Starter kit for those who want to experiment at home,” Smolyansky says. “Lots of people love to create little home fermentation labs to make kefir, kimchi, and other probiotic foods. That’s how Lifeway started, too – in my parents’ basement. The kefir [grains] in Lifeway bottles today began with the kefir cultures my parents procured over 30 years ago.”

Just like the Russians figured out in the early 1900s, you too will need to get your hands on kefir grains (they are easily purchased online these days, no need to kidnap anyone) if you want to make your own kefir. Remember, these cultures aren’t actually grains — more like gelatinous beads that grow together in a small clump, like cauliflower. Then you’ll add a spoonful of the grains to a glass jar filled with about a cup of milk. Cover the jar with something light, like a piece of cheesecloth (it shouldn’t be airtight) and let it sit out at room temperature for 24 hours.

During this time, the milk will ferment. When the process is finished, the kefir will have a thick consistency, similar to buttermilk. Before it’s ready to consume, however, you’ll have to strain out the kefir grains using a sieve. Keep them, because the grains are reusable. As long as you keep making new batches of kefir, the grains will naturally multiply.

While you can drink kefir straight for an unfiltered probiotic boost to your gut, it can be used in smoothies and as a replacement for yogurt, buttermilk, or milk in any recipe, especially those for baked goods, according to The Kitchn.

What was once considered a mysterious elixir can now be whipped up easily in the modern kitchen. It’s that simple.


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The post The surprisingly dark history of kefir, the fermented milk beverage of the Caucasus appeared first on Matador Network.

Family ski guide: Whistler, BC

Every ski day should be a bluebird day. For the team at Whistler, this means not only beseeching the snow gods for overnight flurries and daytime sunshine, but going out of their way to maximize fun and ease for kids and parents. The resort has tons of initiatives to help families feel welcome on the mountains and in the Village, from “Family-Certified” stars marking kid-friendly runs and restaurants to activities geared just for kids (bonus: many are free!). So bring on the bluebirds — here’s what you can look forward to.

Whistler stoked: Kids Play Free

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

There’s a wide array of Kids Play Free activities at Whistler, both on and off the slopes, but this might be the headliner in terms of value: Kids under 7 ski 100% free. They’ll still need a lift ticket, but there’s no charge — all you need is proof of age. Kids 12 years and under receive free ski and snowboard rentals, free airport transfers, and access to an abundance of free activities with each paying adult. And if your small ones don’t yet know how to ski, grab that hearty on-mountain Fresh Tracks breakfast (where kids under 7 eat free), and then teach them the joys of laying first tracks.

For the rest of the family, the best deals are available when lift tickets and accommodation are booked together.

Canadian bonus: Canuck kids in grades 4 and 5 can apply for Ski Canada’s SnowPass, which means free skiing and snowboarding at Whistler and 100+ other Canadian locations.

It’s about getting outdoors

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

If your kids can walk, Whistler has an outdoor activity for them (some have age restrictions, natch). Ski through kid-friendly zones using the Kids Trail Map, guiding you to places like the Enchanted Forest, Magic Castle, and Tree Fort. And don’t miss the Crystal Hut, a cozy log cabin on Crystal Ridge famous for their Belgian waffles.

Other winter activities include the Tube Park — short legs love the Tube Lift — ice skating at Olympic Plaza, ziplining, snowmobiling, tobogganing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, and more. If they’re too young to walk, just rent a chariot sled to pull them along with you. But it’s never to early to start teaching them how to make a proper snowball!

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Family Après is a twice-weekly free festival from December to March, with ever-changing activities for kids. Sundays feature the pyrotechnics and stunts of Fire & Ice at the base of Whistler Mountain. And come the festive season, there are almost as many special events as decorated trees.

Indoors, kids have plenty of options too. Try four different escape rooms at Escape! Whistler, the craft workshops at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Fathom Stone’s soapstone-carving class, and join Family Studio on Sunday afternoons at the Audain Art Museum. Meadow Park Sports Centre has indoor skating and kid-friendly swimming pools, and the Whistler Public Library hosts many free children’s activities.

If you’re in school, you can skip (the lift lines, that is)

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova

Kids as young as 3 are welcomed at Whistler Blackcomb Snow School, in private or group lessons, as well as Whistler’s Kids Adventure Camps. You can also book a private family lesson that caters to all of you, skiers and boarders alike. Thanks to priority in the lift lines and on-the-spot instruction, gapers will become rippers and shredders in no time.

Whistler hotels come with extras for the family

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Whistler has lots of accommodation options for families, from multi-bedroomed hotel suites (many with fully-equipped kitchens) to condos and chalets. Most hotels have pools (some with views of the mountains from the water), treats for kids (like hot-chocolate machines and canine lobby greeters), and some even have ski valets to minimize lugging gear to and from your room.

Keep in mind that Whistler has three main bases to get up the mountains: the Village, the Upper Village, and Creekside. The Village has lifts for both Whistler and Blackcomb, and you can walk from here to the Upper Village, where there are additional lifts for Blackcomb. Creekside is a five-minute drive from the Village and has lifts up Whistler Mountain. Take the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb to ski both mountains and gain access to all three bases.

Note: Your skiing isn’t restricted from any of the bases, but life will be easier if you ensure your ski-school meeting point is in the same area as your hotel. Luckily, no matter where you have to be, you’ll be deep in the magnificent mountain views that come so standard with Whistler.

Guilt-free alone time

Photo: Tourism Whistler/Mike Crane

Sometimes, though, you just wanna hit the double black diamonds and forget about the kids for a few turns. Whistler has plenty of childcare options your little ones will love, so you can enjoy some alone time while knowing they’re having a blast.

After ski school, kids 5 and over can check out Whistler Core’s Climb & Dine Evening Program. They’ll tackle climbing walls and have a pizza dinner, giving you time to linger over a baba au rhum after your Wagyu Flat Iron Steak at SIDECUT in the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler. Whistler also has licensed daycares for kids as young as 18 months, and babysitters are available for hire through most hotels. Consider Whistler your home base for mountain freedom — for the whole family.

The post Family ski guide: Whistler, BC appeared first on Matador Network.

American cheese wins world’s best

The US isn’t traditionally considered a powerhouse when it comes to international cheeses, but maybe that’s about to change. At the 32nd annual World Cheese Awards, which took place last Friday in Bergamo, Italy, a cheese native to the US was officially declared the world’s best cheese. The Rogue River Blue Cheese, a product of Rogue Creamery in Oregon, beat out over 3,800 other cheeses from 42 countries around the world, and it’s the first time a cheese from the US has taken the top spot in the competition.

John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said in a press release, “This year’s top prize was almost too close to call and I would like to congratulate both Rogue Creamery and Nazionale del Parmigiano Reggiano Latteria Sociale Santo Stefano for going the distance and providing us with one of the most dramatic finales in World Cheese history.”

The Rogue River Blue is made with organic cow’s milk from Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley, and the cheese is cave-aged for nine to 11 months and hand-wrapped in organic Syrah grape leaves soaked in pear liqueur. It was lauded by judge Bruna Cabral for its “different sensations, balance, sweet and spicy notes.”

The Italian cheese referenced by Farrand took second place, a Spanish cheese took third, but only one French cheese landed in the top 15, prompting some indignation among the cheese-loving French.

According to Farrand, however, “We try to celebrate cheeses from around the world, especially those made by smaller artisan cheesemakers. Good cheese is made around the world, not just by the French.”


More like this: The 12 most iconic cheese dishes from around the world

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Best outdoors in North West Tasmania

Tasmania is an island that sits below the continent of Australia — at the bottom of the world. Despite its far-south location, its reputation as one of the few clean, green populated places left on Earth has attracted an increasing number of travelers. Yet while much of the attention centers around the capital city of Hobart, North West Tasmania is far less visited.

Those who do go to North West Tasmania may visit Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair. Most of them miss the region’s other wonders, like Leven Canyon, a magnificent place as isolated as it is wild yet close enough to civilization to make it a comfortable place to visit. With incredible hiking and mountain biking, as well as small towns and a budding food and drink scene, this corner of Australia’s southernmost state is worth the journey to get there.

Getting to Tasmania from mainland Australia

Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock

While it is close to civilization, Tasmania is far from the rest of the world. North West Tasmania is a smooth overnight sail on one of two twin vehicular ferries — Spirit of Tasmania 1 or 2 — across the Bass Strait from Melbourne, which is itself on the southeast corner of Australia. Bass Strait can be a wild stretch of water, but the boats are large ocean-going vessels, and generally, the crossing is comfortable. The ships have bars, restaurants, and a theater, making the trip over an experience in itself.

The Spirits ships are also a great option for getting to the island because you can bring your large or bulky equipment for mountain biking, kayaking, or surfing. You can also drive your own car — or a rental — onto the ferry, making it easy to travel around Tasmania with your gear once you arrive. It’s not entirely necessary to bring your own gear, however. If you need equipment, there are plenty of rental options and a myriad of guided tours.

If you can, book travel on a Sunday night crossing as traffic and parking will be light around Port Melbourne. If you are sailing from Tasmania, go on a Saturday night. Traffic will be very light around Port Melbourne and the city, allowing you to get out of the metro area quickly and easily once you arrive. If you are traveling from outside Melbourne, book at a caravan or RV park close to the ferry.

We recommend Discovery Parks Melbourne in Braybrook (formerly called Ashley Gardens). It’s not the cheapest option, as you will have to pay for a night you don’t use, but you’ll save on fuel and whatever you do to fill in time. You can sit around and relax on the day of departure, leave at 6:45 PM for a 7:00 PM boarding, and have a no-stress drive to the dock and drive straight on to the ferry. The caravan park will give you a set of very accurate and straightforward directions, which will get you there quickly, mostly on freeways.

Most importantly, read the conditions on your ticket to ensure you are not carrying anything prohibited such as fruit and vegetables. Tasmania has strict quarantine laws to protect the disease-free status of the horticulture and farming sectors. Fuel in jerry cans is also prohibited although diesel is allowed. We think traveling by ferry is the best option for outdoor pursuits, as Tasmanian distances are short, the roads are excellent, and the self-drive option means you are not limited in what equipment you can bring.

Nonetheless, should you opt to fly, both Qantas and Virgin Airways have multiple daily flights from the international airports in Melbourne and Sydney to Tasmania’s regional airport in Launceston, which is about a one hour drive southeast of Leven Canyon. There is also a smaller local airport at Devonport. Devonport is only about a 45-minute drive from Leven Canyon — so either the ferry or airplane will get you right into the heart of North West Tasmania, or “Tassie” as its fondly known by the locals.

Arriving on the island and getting to Leven Canyon

Photo: Greg Brave/Shutterstock

The thing about Leven Canyon is that hardly anyone — other than a small crop of in-the-know locals — goes there. For lodging, you can stay right in Ulverstone or in Devonport, where a decent hotel room at the Formby Hotel or Elimatta Hotel will run you less than $100 per night. The canyon is only about 30 miles from Ulverstone, an easy day trip for those preferring to crash in a hotel after a hard day on the trails. Camping in the canyon is available at the Pioneer Park or Leven Canyon Picnic Areas.

The campsites are free and have well-maintained toilets and bins, though it’s not that big of an area so there are only a limited number of spots. It’s a beautiful camping area surrounded by towering forests. Although the road is paved, large RVs would struggle to find a campsite. The spots are ideal for smaller vans (up to 18 feet), motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents.

The first adventure to have once you arrive is the hike around the canyon, which takes about an hour. The views from Cruickshanks Lookout near the campground are spectacular and powerful: The cliffs plunge 275 meters, over 900 feet, to the Leven River. The walks and scenery are fantastic. The Leven River also flows through the canyon and is popular with whitewater kayakers at certain times of the year.

Hitting the world-class mountain bike trails around the canyon

Photo: Wild Mersey Mountain Bike Trails/Facebook

You can’t ride your bike in the canyon, but the number of mountain bikes in the campground indicates that many campers use Leven as a base to access some of the world-class mountain-bike trails nearby.

Dial Range mountain bike park is about 25 miles from Leven Canyon near the magic little coastal town of Penguin. The park consists of a variety of tracks that cater to all riders, beginners and upwards. Intermediate to expert riders will get the most out of this park, as it has some very technical sections. The locals’ advice is to take your first lap gently until you have a feel for the layout. There used to be an annual ride called the Cranky Penguin Mountain Bike Marathon that covered about 43 miles of tracks through the area, including a stretch alongside the Leven River. You can recreate this ride with your crew during your trip. If that’s a bit much, opt for the “Not So Cranky” 25-mile version, a great name for a beautiful ride.

Wild Mersey is the newest of Tasmania’s growing network of mountain bike trails and the closest to Leven Canyon. Stage one and two are now open and offer 14 different tracks for varying skill levels, and stage three is under construction. Stage one starts near Latrobe and is an easy 60-minute drive from Leven Canyon. Eventually, stages one and two will link up with the planned third circuit near the town of Sheffield. Riding Wild Mersey is a solid option for day two, with easy access back to the campground or your hotel up on the northern coast.

The other major mountain bike parks are at Derby in the North East and Maydena in southern Tasmania. However, there are many tracks all over the state, which you can map out with an app such as Trailforks.

Tasmanians love to hike, and the scenery of the northwest is proof as to why.

Photo: Visual Collective/Shutterstock

Hiking, or “bushwalking” as we call it here, is part of the Tasmanian DNA. Millions of hectares of unspoiled wilderness make up most of Tassie, with plenty of gentle tracks through the bush — undeveloped, often forested areas — depending on your level of fitness. Bushwalking in Tasmania is serious business due to our rapidly changing weather conditions.

Beyond the walk at Leven Canyon noted above, the area holds a whole system of trails, and it’s possible to trek from nearby Penguin all the way to Cradle Mountain. Only hardened local bushwalkers with intimate local knowledge attempt this, as it requires excellent fitness and preparation, but all the sections are accessible for shorter walks:

Overland Track — There are hundreds of trails, none more renowned than the multi-day Overland Track. This 50-mile trail heads around Dove Lake and, in the right weather, offers spectacular views of snow-capped Cradle Mountain.
Cradle Mountain — Many people attempt to summit Cradle Mountain for its fantastic vista across Dove Lake, Barn Bluff, and Mount Ossa. This is a strenuous bushwalk requiring a high level of fitness as it reaches over 5,000 feet and takes about six and a half hours. You’ll need to be well prepared and ready for changing weather conditions.
Lake St Clair National Park — Leven Canyon is close to one of the world’s great national parks, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. It’s possible to trek to Cradle Mountain from Leven Canyon, but nearly everyone gets there by road. The park has an enormous amount of hiking options — including the Aboriginal Cultural Walk, which passes by Aboriginal sites in the southern part of the park. Plan to spend the bulk of your time in the park near Lake St. Clair, where you’ll see signs to many other trailheads around the lake. Even if you are not feeling energetic, the park is an unspoiled place to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear mountain streams, the unique wildlife, and the “cleanest air in the world.”

A word of warning here, all bushwalking in Tasmania is at the mercy of the weather. You should prepare correctly and have the appropriate equipment, including proper hiking boots, a rain jacket, and trekking poles. In case of emergency, keep an overnight bivvy tent and emergency aid kit with you as well. Bad weather can arrive quickly and without warning at any time of the year.

Research websites and literature that cover your planned walk, check the weather forecasts, and follow any advice you hear from guides or locals on the trail. Unfortunately, tragedies continue to occur in the Tasmanian bush, so play it safe. If you do, the reward will be a safe and genuinely unique experience of solitude and natural beauty.

Paradise exists in Tasmania, even beyond the outdoor excursions.

Photo: Rex Ellacott/Shutterstock

This part of Tassie is full of small country towns including one aptly called Paradise. It’s just a farming community and is most famous for the name and the fact that you pass through on your way to Cradle Mountain. There are, however, some larger and more charming towns, such as nearby Sheffield. Known as the “town of murals,” Sheffield is central to each of the trails and activities mentioned and has “Tasmania’s Outdoor Gallery,” a collection of public art painted on buildings throughout the town.

Tasmania is full of prize-winning food, wine, craft beer, and boutique spirit producers known for using natural ingredients. In the North West, surrounding you are small-scale producers, and you will drive past many of them on your travels. On self-drive routes like the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail, which covers the region from Launceston through to Stanley in the far North West, you’ll find small artisan producers like Christmas Hills Strawberry Farm and Cafe, Ashgrove Farm Cheese, Devonport Cherry Shed, and Anvers Chocolate Factory. This part of Tasmania is unique, and if the upward trend in tourism in other parts of Tasmania is any indication, you should get here sooner rather than later.


More like this: You need to hike on Tasmania, the least visited place in Australia

The post This under-visited region of Tasmania is Australia’s most stunning secret appeared first on Matador Network.

Woman fakes pregnancy to avoid fees

It’s no secret that excess baggage fees at airports are ridiculous, and some people would go to extreme lengths to avoid them. Many simply pack economically and ensure they’re under the allotted weight limit, but others take things to the next level. Travel journalist Rebecca Andrews, for example, faked a pregnancy belly to sneak on clothes and a laptop charger that couldn’t fit in her bag.

She told CNN Travel, “I have a small frame and decided pretending to be preggo was the most believable route to a successful hack. But in all seriousness, I think it is the laziest idea I have ever had — a woman’s body can create human life, so exploiting this unique ability we have to save myself $60 was just obvious. It’s quite an uncreative hack, really.”

Indeed, she’s admitted to faking pregnancy before, and even double and triple layering clothes.

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When you don’t want to pay the excess for overweight carry on #travelhack #flighthacks #getpreg

A post shared by Rebecca Andrews (@thebecandrews) on Oct 24, 2019 at 9:07pm PDT

In addition to the pregnancy bump, she slid her laptop down the back of her jumpsuit and covered it with several layers of clothing. She didn’t get off scot-free, however, as an air steward noticed the protruding laptop and fined Andrews $60 for the overweight carry-on. It doesn’t sound as though Andrews has any regrets, however.

“I felt like a badass,” she said. “A hot pregnant badass.”


More like this: Why charging for carry-on bags might just make flying great — or at least tolerable — again

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