Anyone who has lived by the sea for any amount of time knows that saltwater destroys everything. That includes your skin, especially when you spend most of your spare time in the water under the tropical sun on a surfboard. 

I’ve never been big on skincare. But now that I’m getting older, spending more time in the water and the sun, I’m realizing that even when I was young I had dry skin and as I get older it’s getting more sensitive and easily irritated. I’m starting to notice more and more how much the elements affect my skin. It gets drier, it gets itchier, and I’m starting to get wrinkles.

So, when Land & Lore reached out to me about trying their face cleanser and moisturizer for men, I figured it was worth a shot. Anybody who knows me knows that I care absolutely zero about skincare. I’ve always just bought whatever cheapest, least perfumy, most convenient body wash and lotion happens to be when I run out. I was curious to see how different premium skincare products would be.

It also didn’t hurt that I really like Land & Lore’s brand values. They use all-natural organic ingredients. All of their products are made in the USA. And they plant a tree with every purchase, which. As a former tree planter hits me right in the ol’ nostalgia. Their label design is pretty cool too. It takes me back to my West Coast Canadian hippie days.

So, they shipped me a sample of their basic kit all the way to my home here in Phuket, Thailand, and I gave it a try. 

I went down to my local beach for a nice afternoon surf session in the glaring tropical sun.

Afterward, I went to my favorite local beach bar to clean up and try out the facial cleanser and lotion.

Now, you will be hard-pressed to find somebody who cares less about facial products than me. So, I’m not going to tell you that this was life-changing or anything. However, it was very pleasant. The products had a light, earthy, musky scent, which I liked. It didn’t smell like it was trying to be cologne. It smelled natural and it didn’t smell strong, which I really liked. I hate strong-smelling products. I specifically seek out non-perfumed products. 

So, I found Land  & Lore’s face cleanser and lotion to be refreshing. It was definitely better than my normal grocery store face body wash and lotion. Maybe it was the novelty of trying something new, or the pleasant, understated aroma, but my skin did feel cleaner and softer afterward. It was definitely less itchy from the saltwater and sun. 

So, it was very nice after finishing the day of surfing and my little skincare experiment, to relax with my girlfriend on the beach and watch the other surfers with a drink in my hand as the sun slowly descended into the Andaman Sea.

Get 20% off Land & Lore using my exclusive discount code MATT20

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Ahmedabad, India’s first Unesco Urban World Heritage Site, may not appear impressive on first glance. However, show some patience, and the city will compel you to look at it with a completely different perspective. Once you have made your peace with the unwieldy traffic jams and cacophony of honking, Ahmedabad will reward your efforts with historic wonder, regional charm, and culinary delights.

From centuries-old mosques and mausoleums to modern architectural marvels and veritable museums, this city has everything. For the epicureans, Ahmedabad offers a buzzing street-food scene and some of the most excellent restaurants in India.

If you are planning a trip to the city, the most convenient avenue of entry is a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. I recommend you start exploring Gujarat’s largest city with a trip to the Sabarmati Ashram, the humble abode of the man who gave a direction to India’s freedom movement: Mahatma Gandhi.

The Ashram, today, houses the Gandhi Smarak Sangrahralaya, a museum dedicated to preserving and promulgating Gandhi’s life and teachings. Jami Masjid, located in Manik Chowk, is another historical monument that deserves the explicit attention of tourists. Built by Ahmed Shah in 1423, this mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. During the evening, when the temperatures are more relaxed, the mosque is a sight to behold.

For shopping buffs, Ahmedabad Law Garden is a pure delight. From souvenirs to handicrafts and authentic Gujarati attires, this public garden offers it all. You can also enjoy a walk and burn some calories while shopping in this beautiful and elaborate public garden. For those with interest in textiles, a visit to one of India’s premier textile museums, Calico Museum of Textiles, is a must. The museum houses India’s oldest textiles, some being as old as 500 years. The culture of kite flying hasn’t thrived as well in any part of the country, as in Gujarat. The city even has a dedicated museum where kite flying lovers can learn more about this ancient sport. Founded by Mr. Bhanubhai Shah, the museum currently houses 125 different varieties of kites.

For those looking to get away from the bustling streets, a day trip to Kankaria Lake is a good idea. It is the biggest lake in the city and offers many entertainment opportunities as well. After a relaxing day at the lake, catch a movie at the Sunset drive-in cinema. This open-air cinema boasts of the biggest screen in Asia and can accommodate 665 cars at any given time. The Sunset drive-in cinema is a must-have experience when in Ahmedabad. After a long and tiring day, satiate your hunger pangs by paying a visit to the Manek Chowk, the oldest quarter of the city, and treat yourself to delicious street food.

Ahmedabad has something for everyone. One of the reasons why the city has turned into a popular tourist destination in the recent past is the fact that it is very well-connected with all the other major cities. Whether you are in Delhi, Pune, or Mumbai, it’s easy to find a flight that will take you directly to the Ahmedabad.

The post Ahmedabad: India’s Historic Urban Heritage City appeared first on XpatMatt.

Even in 2019, there are people out there who like to keep their reserves in cash. This is perhaps why a cashless society isn’t on the horizon, there is too much scepticism around not having the option of anonymous, local money that isn’t held by a centralised or powerful system.

A lot of it is disbelief in the banking system still, which has proved reckless and rotten on many occasions. In this sense, there is still a hangover from 2008 where banks were going bust, unemployment was at record highs and even countries were being bankrupted. It’s not only this one crash though, the scandals are everywhere. In 2014, Lloyds were fined £218m for fixing the LIBOR rate for the Japanese Yen. This comes after a smaller fine of £28m in 2013, where the bank was found to pressure employees into selling unnecessary products to clients.

It’s not just snake oil salesmanship and fraud but outright incompetence, as the Royal Bank of Scotland was embarrassed by a bug in their system which prevented customers from gaining access to their account. Two years later, the same bank is fined a huge £399m due to their assistance in adjusting exchange rates to their benefit.

This is just examples from two large UK banks. The scandals, as you can guess, do not end there. Barclay’s have done the same, if not worse, as well as Tesco bank and many others. It comes as no surprise that we’re sceptical of these powerful institutions. To hand over our money entirely to them may be presumptuous and naive.

Thankfully, there are FCA regulations and such which cover deposits up to certain amounts (£85,000 in the UK). Whilst those that have more than this can just split it into different banks to diversify their risk, the point isn’t just if they’ll go bust and lose your money. The main issue is their appetite to extort you, sell you unnecessary products and provide completely opaque and unfair exchange rates on the false value of it being convenient.

Transferring Money Abroad

As a result of this, many opt to take cash abroad, and who can blame them. You can’t trust their rates, but what’s more ironic, is that it’s actually faster to fly with your cash to another country and exchange it in person than it is to send abroad via a bank foreign currency transaction.

Although it’s wise not to depend on banks, taking cash may not be the answer. Many countries have limitations on the amount of cash that you can walk in the country with (or at the least, you need to declare it), which is usually around $10,000. It may cause problems with Anti Money Laundering and officials, the last thing you want is an endless interview in the airport to interrupt your holiday. It’s just not safe in general though, in case of theft or losing it. You’re not insured for it, there’s no regulations to protect it. Even if it did get stolen, you’re less likely to get it back because there’s less of a trail. Unfortunately for those sceptics, electronically is the safest way.

Of course, you can keep your money in your bank and use an ATM abroad, but this is risky too. Firstly, you’re stuffed if you find few ATMs, if they’re not secure and if they’re not going to charge you a fee for it. What’s almost certainly more costly though, is the banks exchange rate that it will offer you. You’re looking at around a 4% margin a lot of the time. For context, that’s $40 lost on your $1k spending money.

It’s unnecessary, but they get away with it because of the false belief that it’s the most convenient method. It isn’t.

Are money transfer companies the answer?

Yes and no.

At the end of the day, there are times when taking just cash over abroad is perhaps the most convenient. If you get paid in cash for your work, for example, or you’re really only take a couple of hundred, then taking cash and exchanging it locally may just be the easiest option. Furthermore, those who are unbanked in their own country due to an unstable banking system, like much of the 3rd world, then carrying cash may be preferred.

However, if you’re prepared for a tiny bit more effort or if you’re taking more money ($500+) then it’s certainly worth browsing the money transfer companies. Convenience is certainly what they’re striving for, as they’re young fresh fintechs and so the only inconvenience is sussing out their service for the first time.

Many money transfer companies can be signed up to in a matter of minutes, such as TransferWise, Moneycorp and Revolut. Other, older companies may simply be a phone call. The fintechs have figured a way of offering the interbank exchange rate, which is essentially what the banks themselves are getting (before they cut you an ugly 4% margin). Some companies such as TransferWise offer a 0.5% fee, whilst Revolut offer it for free but cap the amount (EUR 6000, unless you pay for an affordable premium monthly account).

The convenience here is that they’re much faster at processing transactions. At most, you’ll need to do it a day in advance. Many of the companies are regulated and you are protected, and they certainly leave you more security than cash. All in all, it’s usually worth using to save the extra $40. With a borderless card that many of these companies are offering, you don’t even need to perform any exchanges. You can literally use the prepaid debit card in most of the world and receive a fair rate.

The post Transferring Cash Across Borders? appeared first on XpatMatt.

Travel is an almost exclusively joyful activity. From the dreaming and trolling of social media for inspiration, to the planning, anticipation, and ultimately the actual trip. 

Part of being a good traveler, besides knowing about local customs and respecting the cultures we visit, is making sure we don’t unintentionally cause harm. This is why you need to know about African Swine Fever (ASF).

ASF is a highly contagious disease of both domestic and wild pigs that is ravaging parts of the world. There is no evidence that ASF can infect humans, and it is not considered a food safety risk for us but it can in some cases reach mortality rates near 100% in pigs.

What you need to know: 

ASF is not in Canada – we want to keep it that way and you can play a part.

ASF is largely spread by contact between pigs. However, where travelers are concerned, ASF can spread in one of two ways: 

1) The transport of food or animal products that contain ASF across borders, even a cooked ham could contain ASF.

2) On the clothing or footwear of people who have come into contact with ASF while visiting a farm while abroad. Coming into contact with ASF doesn’t necessarily mean coming into contact with pigs. It could mean coming into contact with infection-carrying farm equipment, vehicles, clothing or footwear, or livestock feed. 

How you can help

• Always declare ALL animal and food products at the border (#BeAwareAndDeclare or risk being fined up to $1,300)

• Wash or dispose of ALL clothing and footwear worn while visiting a farm outside of Canada.

• Do not visit any farms in Canada within 14 days of visiting a farm while traveling abroad.

More Information

The ASF Traveler’s Pamphlet:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-animals-animaux/STAGING/text-texte/dis_africswine_traveller_pamphlet_1548872291603_eng.pdf

More information about ASF transmission prevention:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/african-swine-fever/eng/1306983245302/1306983373952

List of Countries Recognized as Free from African Swine Fever:
http://inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/diseases/reportable/african-swine-fever/countries-recognized-as-free-from-the-disease/eng/1314998276518/1318975777754

I’m proud to partner with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on this sponsored blog post to bring awareness to travelers about African Swine Fever and discuss the ways that Canadian travelers can avoid bringing this disease into Canada.

The post As a Traveler You Need to Know About African Swine Fever appeared first on XpatMatt.

For surfers, South Africa is the holy grail. Thousands of uncrowded bays and point breaks receive Atlantic and Indian Ocean swells in all seasons. It’s home to the iconic Supertubes point break, which holds a spot on the World Surf League (WSL) championship tour and is ranked among the top three waves in the world. However, Supertubes isn’t the only world-class wave in South Africa — the country is teeming with them.

With epic waves comes surfers, and with surfers comes cool surf towns. These are some of the coolest places to book one of many luxury retreats in South Africa and surf until your arms feel like noodles.

Durban

The waves of Durban, South Africa, groomed local hero Shaun Tomson into the world champion of surfing, and they’re bound to help your cutback too. The Indian Ocean waters tend to be warmer here, making it more inviting for surfers of all skill levels. However, beginners will want to remain on the typically smaller southern breaks, as Durban is no stranger to big waves. Often referred to as the “Bay of Plenty,” there are enough waves to go around in this coastal town.

Durban is also an ideal town to visit if you’re traveling with non-surfers or your arms are burned out from too much paddling. You can people watch and snack at local food stands along the Golden Mile promenade, visit the scenic Valley of 1,000 Hills or get up-close-and-personal with African animals at the Phezulu Safari Park.

Eland’s Bay

Head a couple hours north of Cape Town, roughly 220 kilometers, and you’ll arrive at the West Coast town of Elands Bay. This spot is best when the famous left-hand point break is cranking with a westerly swell and southeast winds. Surfing and soaking in the rugged beauty are the most popular things to do here, but hiking, off-roading, exploring rock art caves and venturing onto the waterways by boat are ideal ways to occupy days when the ocean is flat (typically few and far between). Cruise by the Vensterklip Farm Pub to enjoy your after-surf beer in the cozy pub nestled inside a 300-year-old barn.

Muizenberg

It’s said that the earliest recorded wave surfed in Muizenberg was in 1919, which is why it has been dubbed the “birthplace of South African surfing.” National Geographic also named it one of the top 20 surf towns in the world. That’s because in addition to offering two quality reef breaks in the immediate area, it’s also home to Surfer’s Corner, a mellow beach break that’s popular for swimming and learning to surf. The biggest swells typically come from the northwest during the winter months, but rent a longboard, and you can surf almost every day of the year.

It’s no wonder this coastal suburb of Cape Town is ranked among the top surf towns in the world. Muzies, as its known among locals, is home to a long list of iconic restaurants, like Tiger’s Milk at Surfers Corner, and plenty of places to sleep with sea views and ocean breezes. Known for its music, art, food, coffee and historic surf shops, Muizenberg is a must-visit South African surf town.

Jeffreys Bay

The World Surf League’s annual J-Bay Open is held at Jeffreys Bay’s iconic Supertubes break. It’s known for offering one of the most consistent tubes in the world, and experienced surfers travel from around the world to experience the sensation of getting barreled here. J-Bay is also home to a local surf population and the coastline is littered with famous surf breaks (in addition to Supertubes), including Impossibles, The Point, Salad Bowls, Boneyards and more.

An abundance of surf shops and schools, including a Quiksilver and Roxy Factory Shop, embolden the local surfing vibe, and a variety of villas and retreats have been designed specifically to accommodate surfers.  The town also offers a variety of shops offering locally-crafted goods, beachy restaurants and all of the makings of a true surf destination. For many surfers, J-Bay is the ultimate bucket-list destination.

Photo credit: Free-Photos via Pixabay

Port Edward

This small resort town on the south coast of South Africa is the heart of the “Wild Coast,” a long stretch of coastline littered with regionally famous surf spots. Breezy Point, or Ntlonyana, is one of the most consistent point breaks in the area, but there’s no shortage of surf wherever you find yourself along the rugged coastline.

In fact, Port Edward is known for some of the most naturally beautiful scenery in the world. Take some time out of the water to visit the Port Edward Lighthouse, hike the trails in the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, catch a sunset at Mtentu Beach, mountain bike the Clearwater trails and visit the smallest desert in the world at the Red Desert Nature Conservation Area. The opportunities for adventure in and out of the water are endless here, which is why this area can easily suck you in and occupy your entire holiday.

South Africa’s roughly 2,800 kilometers of coastline is home to more world-class waves and must-visit beach towns that most countries triple its size. Complete beginners can take lessons on small, sand-bottom beach breaks while seasoned veterans get tubed in J-Bay. It doesn’t matter what level of surfer you are, you’ll need at least a few weeks to cruise the South African coastline and uncover all of the cool surf towns it has to offer.

The post The Coolest Places to Surf in South Africa appeared first on XpatMatt.

Singapore is a city of culinary diversity and excellence. With so much variety in style and quality, it’s no easy task to choose the best Singapore restaurant for your evening Different restaurants serve different cuisines. Many specialize in exclusive Asian cuisines while others offer a western, modern, and fusion. Quality of service is also key to choosing the best restaurants in Singapore for your enjoyment.

Of course, the best way to learn about the best and most unique places to eat is to take a professionally-curated culinary tour in Singapore. But, if you’re just looking for some suggestions for dinner tonight, these are my favorites.

My 10 Favorite Restaurants in Singapore

1. Birds of a Feather

The restaurant is dedicated to serving western contemporary cuisine with a unique flair. They’re best known for their use of exotic spices such as Szechuan pepper to makes signature dishes stand out. Birds Of A Feather is open during the day (unlike some of it’s competitors), has a wide-ranging wine list, and mixes some a pretty cocktail as well.

2. Fat Prince

Fat Prince specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine. Fat Prince is open every day except Sunday is usually open until midnight for late diners. The dishes at the restaurant are carefully curated to offer a varied overview of Middle Eastern dishes. Talented bartenders ensure each meal will be accompanied by a properly-prepared cocktail and are always willing to provide suggestions. The interior design of the restaurant is also one of its most charming features. It’s almost worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.

3. Chef’s Table by Chef Stephan

Chef’s Table is a western restaurant with an open kitchen concept and a unique approach to dining. The restaurant offers dishes comprised of a selection of 28 key ingredients and the menu is constantly changing. Each dish is made to accommodate the diner’s taste and all diet types (vegan, vegetarian, etc.) can be accommodated. The chef also curates different types of professionally sourced wines to assure customers the best dining experience.

4. Moosehead Kitchen-Bar

Moosehead’s wood-and-mirror decor give it traditional pub feel with a touch of class. The restaurants specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. The casual atmosphere and lunch specials attract a sizeable crowd, so it’s best to try and get in early if you want a seat. The healthy food, chill atmosphere, and mix of of reggae, house jazz and hip hop, make Mooshead a favorite among locals for casual dining and after-work drinks.

5. Gemmills

Gemmills serves great comfort food for expats missing home. This bistro is a great spot to relax with anything from a cup of coffee to a bottle of wine. Their location makes them a great place to stop over and enjoy a casual dining experience. The interior features cozy couches giving it a homey feel. The restaurant has enough space for groups of family and friends but also cozy areas couples as well. The service is highly professional and they atten to each customer in a professional manner to assure you the best dining experience ever.

6. Don Ho

It is a restaurant where you can enjoy Australian cuisine in Singapore. At the restaurant you can enjoy refreshing tropical cocktails and an outstanding dining experience. There is a wide range of menus to choose as you enjoy the captivating atmosphere. Their menu consists of foods from land and sea. Communal dining tables and open kitchen concept lets you feel at home as you dine in Singapore.

7. Oxwell & Co

The restaurant is a high-end Gastropub with excellent cuisine. High-end hearty pub foods are the fare of the day. You can as get a good high-end beer as you relax in the restaurant. The Sunday roast is a local favorite and if you love UK-style cocktails you’ll love the drinks here. The rooftop bar also has a great view of the city lights at night.

8. The Lokal

The Lokal is the local go-to for Australian comfort food. The restaurant is located at the edge of China town and has a modern decor and stylish atmosphere. You can enjoy Australian classics with a unique twist fish and chips with sweet potato fries or the lokal burger with fermented ketchup. If you are looking for a restaurant where you can have a hearty brunch, the Lokal is an excellent choice.

9. Neon Pigeon

Neon Pigeon serves modern Japanese cuisine and a wide selection of cocktails and beverages. If you love Japanese culture, then you will find the restaurant among the best places to enjoy Japanese foods in Singapore. Foods and drinks are carefully curated to allow you enjoy the best dining experience.

10. Blu Kouzina

You can comfortably enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at the Blu Kouzina. Their menu features classic foods such as grilled octopus, cold meze, and fresh seafood with Greek-inspired ingredients and other Mediterranean flavors. The servers are professionals and they will ensure you are comfortable and well taken care of.

The post 10 Excellent Restaurants in Singapore appeared first on XpatMatt.

Although most of my writing focusses on adventure travel, like most people, I occasionally dream about taking an indulgent luxurious cruise vacation. And, like most people, I find the dream quite pleasant, right up to the moment it’s ejected from my mind by an invasion of realities like work, bills, and my bank balance.

I recently learned, however, that I’ve been overestimating the cost of taking a luxury cruise. I think most people do.

I recently discovered Celebrity Cruise’s cruise deals listings page. The page features modern and luxurious cruises on sale at affordable rates. This multi-award-winning cruise line offers cruises to over 300 destinations and provides access to exclusive deals and last-minute sales through their website.

I was just browsing the limited-time deals page and most of the cruises I looked at started and around — or less than — $100 USD per person per night. That’s more than I normally spend traveling, but it actually sounds like a pretty great deal when you consider that guests are provided personal butlers, meals crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, spas, nightclubs, and even art galleries and professional photographers to snap your selfies for you.

For $100 per person you can’t even go for a nice dinner and show in most big cities, let pay for a nice hotel room. The more I look into these cruises, the more I’m tempted to book one.

Below is a summary of the deals I’ve been looking at and what they include.

Multiple Options And Deep Discounts

Celebrity Cruises has structured their deals to aggressively incentivize buyers to upgrade and travel with friends. When you buy a suite including all 4 perks you can save up to $400.

Perks Include:

• Beverage package
• Unlimited WIFI
• Prepaid tips
• $150 onboard purchase credit

If you’re buying a package that doesn’t include all the perks, you can add an extra perk to your package by putting down a non-refundable deposit when you book.

On top of that, if you can talk friends into joining you, the third and fourth guests you book with can save 50% on their fare.

Resident Rates

In addition to the above discounts, Celebrity Cruises also offers special resident rates for residents of:

• Alaska
• Bermuda
• The Caribbean
• Dubai and India
• Asia
• Australia
• Canada

Gourmet Dining

Celebrity Cruises provides world dining options. Cruises offer a variety of cuisines in up to 16 different on-board restaurants, each featuring a menu designed Cornelius Gallagher, a Michelin-starred chef, and beverage pairings chosen by their expert sommeliers. There are also numerous onboard bars, lounges, and nightclubs serving professionally-crafted cocktails for evening entertainment.

Your Own Personal Butler

That’s right. Every guest gets a personal butler.

Wi-Fi

All cruises are equipped with onboard WIFI so you can stay connected and entertained during your trip.

Onboard Activities

Celebrity Cruises offer a bevy of onboard activities such as golf, basketball, ping-pong, croquet, bocce and pool volleyball. The ships have large permanent collections of contemporary art as well as art programs you can attend. There are also live art auctions, educational seminars, and exhibitions.

Cruises also have professional photographers on hand to capture your journey so that you can focus on enjoying yourself rather than snapping selfies.

Health and Fitness

Celebrity Cruises provides exceptional spa treatments and salon services. Also, they provide you with a variety of fitness classes and fitness seminars. The spa centers and fitness classes provide a rejuvenating and healthy break from your daily routine while the salon makes sure you’re ready to glam every event that takes place in the cruise.

Medical Needs

Celebrity Cruises accommodates a broad spectrum of medical conditions, including those that require dialysis or oxygen (as long as you bring your own medical equipment). Just let them know in advance. They also offer a set of services designed specifically to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of autistic guests and their travel companions.

LGBTQ+ Cruises

Celebrity Cruises takes pride in facilitating joyful journeys for all guests and their effort has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded Most LGBTQ+ Friendly Travel Company at the 2016 TTG Travel Awards and were named The Best Large Ship Line for LGBTQ+ Passengers at the Cruizie Awards the last four years in a row.

These honors are due in part, at least, to the fact that for years Celebrity Cruises has been performing same-sex marriages when in jurisdictions where it’s legal and in 2017 announced that they would also be able to perform same-sex marriages in international waters under the authority of Maltese law (as most of the fleet is based there).

How Do They Do It?

Do you wonder how Celebrity Cruises is able to offer such extravagant experiences for less per day than renting a Ford Fiesta in New York City? The short answer is by focussing on low margins and high volume. The video below explains in more detail how companies like Celebrity Cruises are able to keep costs low and quality standards high.

The post Luxury Cruises Are More Affordable Than You Think appeared first on XpatMatt.

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Most people don’t know much about Kyrgyzstan. Hell, most people don’t even know how to spell Kyrgyzstan. When you ask westerners about the country, the most common response is that it’s the country where Borat came from.

And that’s wrong too. Borat was from Kazakhstan.

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian country about the size of South Dakota that’s nestled between China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. It may be small in size, but it’s it’s full of surprises, and astoundingly beautiful. 

1. Everybody Gets The Name Wrong

If you feel silly for not knowing how to pronounce Kyrgyzstan, don’t feel bad. You’re not the only one. The Internet lost its mind when Secretary of State John Kerry called it ‘Kyrzakhstan’.

For reference, this is how you pronounce Kyrgyzstan.

2. They Love Kok Baru

One of the most popular team sports in Kyrgyzstan is Kok Baru, which is basically like rugby on horses using a dead goat as a ball. That’s right. A dead goat.

3. They Host The World Nomad Games

Photo: YouTube

Teams from around the world gather to compete in events based in the traditions of the nomadic steppe peoples such as Er Enish (Эр эңиш), in which men wrestle on horseback (each has their own horse), kökbörü (mentioned above), belt wrestling, falconry, and more.The first two World Nomad Games were held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan and they expect to host many more.

4. Lots Of People Are Still Semi-Nomadic

Especially those in the countryside who raise animals. Constant movement is optimal for raising grazing pasture animals. Nomadic herdspeople don’t just wander the mountains aimlessly. They follow the same route every year visiting, stopping in the places best suited to the weather and season.

5. It Has One Of The Most Epic Lakes In The World

That is no exaggeration. The mountains are full of crisp aqua alpine lakes, which are amazing in their own right. The most epic lake, though, is Lake Issyk-Kul, which is the 2nd largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca, the tenth largest lake in the world by volume (though not in surface area), and the second largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. Lake Issy Kul is too big to take a great photo of, though, so the one above is the famous mountain lake, Lake Ala-Kol, which I was fortunate enough to see on the Ak-Suu Traverse Trek.

If you like this photo, there are plenty more in my Kyrgyzstan photo essay.

6. It Has Insane Mountain Ranges

Photo: Wikimedia

Kyrgyzstan is the size of South Dakota and is about 70% mountains. Those mountains are extremely high with dozens of peaks over 5000 m (16,400 ft) the tallest of which is Jengish Chokusu at 7,439 m (24,400 ft). In contrast, the most famous set of peaks in the contiguous USA is Colorado’s fourteeners, which range from 4401.2 m (14,440 ft) to 4269 m (14,007 ft).

7. Snow Leopards Live There

Photo: Wikimedia

Those epic mountains are home to the elusive snow leopard

8. Camels Live There Too

Photo: John Hill

If you’re into exotic animals, you should know they have camels too. As it turns out, not only do camels roam outside of desert areas, some species of camels are built for the cold and love it.

9. These Magnificent Beasts Live There Too

Photo: Wikimedia

They’re called Ibex and they’re all over the place.

10. Bride Kidnapping Is Still Kind Of A Thing (but not officially)

You remember when Borat joked about kidnapping his bride in Kazakhstan (Kyrgyzstan’s neighbor) and you laughed it off as a ridiculous idea made up by Sacha Baron Cohen? It wasn’t a joke. Bride kidnapping has a long and culturally complex history in the area, and, although it has been outlawed by the Kyrgyz government, it still happens fairly commonly in rural areas. These days, many cases of bride kidnapping could be thought of as eloping. But, there are also some cases where it’s not so innocent.

I snapped this photo at the up-and-coming mountain gateway village, Jyrgalan.

11. There’s A Wedding Palace

Photo: Michael Turtle

Bishkek has a non-religious wedding palace built by the Soviets in the 80’s in the apparent belief that when banning people from practicing their religion it helps to build pimped-out non-religious places for them to use for sentimental celebrations.

12. They Have The Most Amazing Hats On The Planet

Kyrgyzstan has the most wonderful headward tradition I’ve ever seen. They have hats that are both bizarre yet stylish and classic, and they have many of them. I modeled a few choice selections in a shop one day, as you can see above.

13. They Have Eagle Whisperers

Photo: Ceyhun Kavakci

The traditional semi-nomadic yurt-dwelling tribespeople of Kyrgyzstan are some of the best eagle hunters in the world, who can be seen most easily by visitors on the South Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.

For some amazing photos check out this blog post by The Planet D.

14. They Offer Visa-Free Travel

Kyrgyzstan has a visa-free policy that enables citizens of 44 countries to stay in Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 60 days. This applies to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, most European Union member states, the United States, Canada, Mexico, some other countries in South America, as well as some countries in the Middle East and Southeastern Asia. You can find everything you’d want to know about travel to Kyrgyzstan here.

Do you know any cool facts about Kyrgyzstan that I missed?

Let me know in the comments!

The post 14 Surprising Facts About Kyrgyzstan appeared first on XpatMatt.

Borneo isn’t a country. It’s an island divided among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. The northern province of Sabah, Malaysia, is really where the good stuff is. That’s the part this blog post is about.

I got to do some pretty amazing things during my trip, which I’ll mention below. The even cooler thing is that most of the stuff I didn’t do there (yet) are the things the province is most famous for.

So, this blog post is divided into three parts: 1) the stuff I did in Sabah, 2) the other stuff Sabah is famous for (that I didn’t do), and 3) the most amazing thing in Sabah that barely anybody has heard about (and which I really, really want to go back for).

Here’s why everybody needs to visit Sabah at least once.

Epic Jungles And Wildlife

Sabah is a jungle-laden province of extreme biological diversity. It’s home to some of the richest ecosystems — both on land and undersea — in the world. (I’ll talk a bit more about the undersea part later.)

Because of this, Sabah has a well-developed ecotourism trail including birding tours, animal sanctuaries, canopy walks, ziplines, river-boat excursions, and other low-impact high-enjoyment ways to explore the exotic natural surroundings.

Crazy Caves

One thing that I remember very specifically as a young man is reading in National Geographic about men who climbed narrow bamboo poles hundreds of feet up cave walls to harvest the nests of swiftlets, which are used to make the coveted Chinese delicacy, birds nest soup.

For some reason, of all the colorful cultural practices described in the magazine, this one struck me as particularly intriguing and I never forgot it. I hadn’t thought about it for years when I discovered that one of the most famous places for the harvest of these nests is Gaomantong Cave in eastern Sabah.

It’s the biggest and most majestic caves I’ve ever entered. Outside are the quarters where the bird’s nest gatherers live.

Cool Markets

Borneo as a travel destination is known pretty much exclusively for it’s natural features. Kota Kinabalu — although not the most happening city in Asia — is a pretty nice spot to hang out. One of my favorite features are the markets, where you can buy a fresh, cheap meal, pick up groceries for your travels, or just kill an afternoon walking around. The seafood is highly recommended.

Elegant Mosques

Malaysians practice many faiths, primarily Isalm, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism. The most popular is Islam, a very moderate type of which is practiced by just under 20% of the population. Sabah one of the few parts of Asia where you can admire the beautiful architecture that is unique to mosques. The most famous in Sabah is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, or ‘Floating Mosque’ pictured below.

Orangutans

Orangutans are notoriously difficult to find. They are solitary creatures that wander large territories, usually alone. Aside from a lucky sighting in the wild, the only places a person is likely to see a live Orangutan is in captivity (which, for many reasons I won’t go into here, is far from ideal) or in a special environment, such as the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, which cares for animals displaced by farming and other human activities.

From what I could tell, this facility was run in accordance with the highest of ethical standards, which is very important to me. Visitors are restricted to a few walkways and are allowed to watch feeding, which is what attracts the orangutans to the viewing area. Interaction with the animals is forbidden, though curious young orangutans have been known to venture into the viewing area (check out the photos below).

Proboscis Monkeys

Perhaps the most interestig of all primates, the proboscis monkeys in Sabah are not to be missed. These mischevious big-nosed hooligans are definitely entertaining if nothing else.

These fellas can be spotted all around the province, but the best place to get up close to them is in the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, which is actually just down the road from the orangutan sanctuary.

The monkey sanctuary is quite different from the orangutan sanctuary. The monkey sanctuary is privately-owned and engages in practices that are much more questionable. Tourists are allowed to hand-feed the monkeys and to interact with them basically any way they want to. These types of practices pretty much guarantee that the monkeys would not be able to survive in the wild.

On the other hand, it’s not a zoo. They monkeys can roam in the jungle as they like and seem to have a very good quality of life. So, while I would not give this attraction the stamp of ‘ethical tourism’, I would not necessarily avoid it because the monkeys are treated either. I think this is a case where tourists have to decide for themselves what they feel is acceptable.

It’s also worth noting that these aren’t the only animal sanctuaries in town. There’s also a sun bear sanctuary.

Pygmy Elephants

I have to be perfectly honest; you’re probably not going to see any wild pygmy elephants when you visit Sabah. These guys are even harder to track down than wild orangutans.

I was extremely lucky during my trip to Sabah that the tourism board needed photos and were willing to roll the dice and provide me with a private specialist guide to go on a wild elephant hunt in hopes that we’d be able to find some.

Some local folks had spotted a herd of elephants near a village recently and I had a specialist guide. However, pygmy elephants walk dozens of miles each day and don’t stay in one place for long. So, even with those advantages, my guide still only gave us about a 50% chance of finding them during our 3 days together.

One really cool thing I found out later was that pygmy elephants were thought to be extinct until a study in 2003 examined the heritage of the Borneo Elephants.

Below are the photos I got.

Mount Kinabalu

The only encounter that I had with Mount Kinabalu was riding a motorcycle up it at night…with no lights. That was, uh, interesting.

I’m really disappointed I didn’t get to explore it more. Mount Kinabalu is one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia, and is definitely among the best-known.

While climbing Mount Kinabalu is high on my to-do list, there’s something even better there I want to do: via ferrata.

There’s a company called Mountain Torq operating via ferrata tours on Mount Kinabalu that look absolutely amazing. I want so badly to go back and climb Kinabalu with them.

Photo: Lincoln SL Photography

 Photo: johnjodeery

Photo: BluËSky BlÜe

The Insane Scuba Diving At Sipian and Mabul

Tell a diver you’ve been to Sabah, and there’s no doubt they’ll be jealous. Some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling spots can be found off the coast of Sabah, including world-famous Mabul, Sipadan, and Layang-Layang. Just a short distance from the shore, divers can find everything from whale sharks, sea turtles and hammerheads to a rainbow of coral reef colors.

Travelers staying in Kota Kinabalu will enjoy the 20-minute boat to the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This is an ideal place to start your diving or snorkeling excursion. The five islands are surrounded by shallow coral reefs that appear as though they were designed for novice underwater enthusiasts. However, even the most advanced divers won’t be disappointed when spotting the rare harlequin ghost pipefish, hawksbill turtles and whale sharks

Known as one of the world’s best places to dive, the underwater ecosystem off the coast of Sipadan Island offers more than 3,000 species of coral and fish to more advanced divers. Even more exciting to avid divers is the unique underwater “turtle tomb,” a cave system that’s full of sea turtle skeletons.

Just a short distance from Sipadan is the world-renowned muck diving destination of Mabul Island. While dive permits are required in Sipadan, they are not required here. Divers travel from around the world to snap photos of the reef inhabitants, including octopi, squids and an abundance of macro life. See what waits beneath the water’s surface in the photos below.

Photo: cakeordeath
Photo:Avoini

Photo: Gingergeek

The Exotic Islands

Some of of the coolest parts of visiting Sabah are the numerous opportunities to get on the water and explore nearby islands. Mari Mari Sepanggar Island takes just 15 minutes to reach by boat, and only a few dozen people are allowed to visit each day. There’s nothing quite like being transported to an island paradise and only having to share with it a handful of people at a time. Similarly, Mantanani Island is just 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu by boat, yet it offers ideal opportunities to snorkel and explore. Several of the islands near Kota Kinabalu also offer hotels, making it possible to turn a quick day trip into a mini vacation.

Sabah, Borneo’s northeastern coastline is home to the city of Sandakan. Just 40 kilometers off the coast, in the Sulu Sea, is the world-famous Turtle Island Park. This safe haven for hawksbill and green turtles offers adventurous travelers the ability to watch as turtles come to shore to lay their eggs and witness baby turtles being released into the sea. The boat ride from the Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan to the the largest Turtle Island Park island of Sandakan takes just 1 hour. Check out the pictures below.

Photo: Eddie Yip

Photo: Eddie Yip

Photo: garycycles8

The Best Kept Secret In Borneo: The ‘Lost World’ – Maliau Basin

The title “Lost World” is enough to draw any avid adventurer to Sabah’s Maliau Basin. It’s discovery is something out of an Indiana Jones movie. In 1947 a British pilot was flying through thick fog. He emerged from it to find a solid wall of rock directly in front of him. He veered hard and narrowly avoided the wall, which rose 915m above the jungle floor. This was the first modern human contact with what is now called the Maliau Basin, or Lost World of Borneo. Thanks to natural barriers it’s more-or-less evolutionarily distinct from the surrounding areas and it’s never been inhabited by humans.

Home to 12 forest types, many of which are rare, and the famed seven-tiered Maliau Falls, the Lost World is every nature lover’s’ dream come true. This remote and isolated area spanning 58,840 hectares is most ideal for jungle trekking, bird watching, waterfall swimming and snapping photos of rare wildlife. See the beauty of this basin, the places that have been discovered at least (many have yet to be explored), in the photos below.

This place truly mystifies me. Next time I return to Sabah, it will be to visit the Maliau Basin.

Photo: Tianyake

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Photo: Lee Teck Seng

Have you ever been to Borneo? Would you like to visit? What would you like to see there most?

What would you like to see there most? Let me know in the comments!

The post Why Every Traveler Needs To Visit Borneo Once appeared first on XpatMatt.

It’s summer, you’ve been planning your big vacation for a while, and all you can think about is getting to the lake/beach/mountain (select dream location here). But with your mind’s eye fixed on your destination it’s easy to forget about the journey, particularly security screening at the airport. The good news is that being prepared can help you breeze through the screening checkpoint, leaving you more time to shop, eat or just relax before your flight.

The first step is doing your homework so you know what goes in your carry-on and what goes in your checked baggage. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some handy tools on its website, including a searchable “What can I bring” list that lets you know where to pack your items and what can and can’t fly. It also has a travel-checklist generator (insert reminder to water plants here), and tips for all sorts of challenges –  from what to do with large sports equipment and medical supplies to travelling with pets.

According to CATSA, one of the biggest hold-ups at security is having too many liquids, aerosols and gels. Containers over 100 ml and 1 litre bags that are overstuffed with smaller containers (no seal; no deal) will need to be checked. As for that cup of java or water bottle in your hand – if it’s over 100 ml, be prepared to chug.

There are some exceptions, like liquids for kids under two years old and medication. You can check out more here. In all cases, the containers should be taken out of your carry-on bag and ready to present to the screening officer for inspection.

Check Out CATSA’s Security Screening Tips In This Video

Once you hit the front of the line, it helps to have your boarding pass ready to show to the screening officer. You can also speed things up if you put any loose change, keys and small electronics (smart phones, cameras, tablets) in your carry-on bag so you can just drop it in the bin. If you’re travelling with a laptop or other large electronics (gaming console, DVD player) you’ll need to put them in a separate bin. For more information on what you can put in the bins at the checkpoint, you can find it here.

If you’re still wondering what to do with an item or want more information about security screening, you can always send questions to CATSA on Twitter or Facebook.

Lastly, travel is all about being mobile, so you should definitely download CATSA’s free mobile app. It’s available on Android, iOS and Blackberry, and can help you with all this and more, including wait times for security at most major airports.

The post Help Yourself To Faster Airport Security This Summer appeared first on XpatMatt.