Between the Cracks in Turkey: Exploring the Small Towns of the Crossroads of the World

August 2, 2023

Step off the beaten path and discover these six small towns in Turkey brimming with artifacts, natural wonders and rich history.

The beachtown of Kaş. Tutky Çetinel. CC BY 3.0.

One of the most renowned and well traveled cities in the world, Istanbul, peaked at 16 million tourists last year. The mosque- and artifact-riddled city attracts crowds that make it, for lack of a better word, a travel destination. Yet, some of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes, edifices and history lie outside of its metropolis. Trek off the beaten path and journey to these six small towns in rural Turkey.

1. Safranbolu

Overview of Safranbolu. Ray Swi-hymn. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Once a trading center, this historic town is now home to many artifacts scattered throughout its ~390,000 square miles and among its three historical districts: Cukur, Kirankoy and Baglar. Some of its characteristic antiquities found in the Old Town include tombs, baths, mosques, fountains, and houses. Dive further into exploration with Safronbolu’s Old Mosque, the Old Bath, and the Suleyman Pasha Medrese, an Islamic religious institution, built in the 14th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site is worth discovering.

2. Kas

Rugs on a building in Kas. Julian Mason. CC BY 2.0.

This delightful beach town in Turkey’s Antalya Province doesn’t resemble the tourist-filled streets of the region’s eponymous city. Kas’s pleasant turquoise waters and lively color make the town stand out from Antalya’s busy, fast-paced life. While outdoor activities abound in this town — for example, canyoning is open to all travelers and day-long outdoor attractions like the Xanthos and Patara antique cities — a vibrant nightlife along the beautiful beaches awaits all visitors. Jazz clubs and rock bars alike welcome you to the wondrous city of Kas.

3. Iskilip

Rock tombs of Iskilip. Aerdemsenturk. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Just a 3-hour drive away from Ankara, Iskilip is another UNESCO heritage site on our list. This castle town’s epicenter is the Iskilip Castle, bordered by the town’s verdant mountains. While the Iskilip Castle is itself a site of historical importance, its base contains many Roman era tombs that are the real draw for many visitors. Iskilip is also a town of craftsmen; copper smiths, basket weavers, blacksmiths, cobblers, wood carvers and more set up shop in between houses, in houses, and everywhere in the town.

4. Midyat

Mor Sarbel Church. Senol Demir. CC BY 2.0.

In between the narrow cobblestone streets of Midyat lie ~410,000 square miles of artifacts, a structural chronicle of the past. The town, an hour drive from the Mardin province, houses unique sand-colored buildings. Among them is a series of religious edifices like the Ulu Cami, or mosque, with its characteristic minaret that towers over the surrounding buildings, the Mor Barsarmo Kilise, a church, and the Syrian-Orthodox Mor Sarbel church. Perhaps interesting, however, is Matiate, the official name of Midyat’s underground sites. Matiate is the largest cave system in the world, and is worth exploring along with the other wonders of Midyat.

5. Amasya

This small town, much like others in this list, is a site of historical gravity. Three historical structures frame and define Amasya. First, the Amasya Castle, located at the top of Mount Harsena, is the center of this riverside city. While the climb to reach the castle can be steep, the view of Amasya’s green river and quaint houses has no peers. Second, the Amasya Museum is home to 24,000 artifacts from Anatolia including great stoneworks credited to the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Lastly, the Pontic Kings’ Rock Tombs, sepulchers carved into limestone rock formations, remind visitors of the once great Hellenistic Kingdom of Pontus, a stalwart enemy of Rome.

6. Camlihemsin

A river in Camlihemsin. Serra Kiziltas. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Located near the Black Sea region of Turkey, Camlihemsin is the smallest of the towns listed here, with an area of ~340,000 square miles. Much of the appeal of this town is its flora and fauna: with stately trees and grass-covered mountains, the town is perfect for hiking and mountain climbing. Hilltops embraced by surrounding clouds beautify the landscape. Waterfalls such as the Palovit Selalesi, a frequent reward for long hikes, also grace the town. Of course, one particular large historical artifact — the Zilkale medieval castle located in Fırtına Valley — caters to nature-naysayers.

Uncharted Catwalks: Exploring Up and Coming Fashion Weeks

July 27, 2023

From Dubai to Shanghai, here are a handful of lesser known fashion events making waves in the industry.

Prabal Gurung shows his Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week 2022. IMAXtree. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

When the first official fashion week took place in 1943 in New York, the event captured countless imaginations and drew the most luxurious crowds. The circumstances of World War II had made it impossible for the American fashion media to travel to Paris and cover the shows happening there, but it just so happened that American fashion was beginning to make a name for itself on the global stage; this was its chance to make a splash. The top American designers were invited to put on shows during “Press Week” in Bryant Park, and thus began the tradition of seven small days jam packed with art, celebrity, models, and of course, fashion. Every year, prestigious brands showcase their upcoming collections for either the spring and summer, or fall and winter seasons in September and February respectively (collections are always shown a season ahead of time). During the month, fashion week events take place consecutively in the “Big Four” capitals of fashion — Milan, Paris, New York, and London — resulting in what industry insiders refer to as fashion month. As the international fashion industry continues to take the world by storm, however, fashion weeks are now taking shape all over the world, no longer limited to the traditional four cities. From Tokyo to Vancouver, Dakar to Bogota, over 100 such events occur every single year, showcasing design and fashion talent unique to each region and culture.

Berlin

Berlin Fashion Week has recently gained a reputation for hosting some of the most underrated fashion shows in the world, given the fame and repute of many of the designers who show during the event. Marc Cain and Laurèl aside, even musical celebrities like Lady Gaga have performed sets on Berlin’s runways. Originating in July 2007, the event takes place annually in front of the city’s iconic Brandenburg Gate and has become critically acclaimed for its ability to showcase up and coming designers. Additionally, Berlin’s fashion weeks tend to have themes such as “Fashion and Technology” or “Fashion and Sustainability” which promote social responsibility and introduce a sense of connectivity between fashion and other industries. This year, Berlin Fashion Week will take place from July 10 to 15, with certain shows and events available to the general public without invitation.

Shanghai

Having emerged as a rising fashion capital in the east, China’s best and brightest designers are all on show at Shanghai Fashion Week. Seeing clothing and outfits that combine haute couture with grunge is common here, as styles from different eras, genres, and genders are mixed seamlessly to produce an almost ethereal collage of textures and materials. While world famous designers like Alexander Wang and Kenzo are mainstays at the event, a barrage of new names like SHUSHU/TONG and Di Du have been carving out a space for themselves as well. In addition to runway shows, this fashion week also hosts a trade fair, in which audiences can get a closer look at some of the designs, amongst other events to round out its offerings. The Fall/Winter shows at Shanghai Fashion Week are scheduled for late September and, as of now, are taking place in person despite the strict COVID-19 measures still in place.

São Paulo

Fashion week events have started popping up all over South America, but São Paulo Fashion Week is by far the most popular. First taking place in 1995, the event has grown to become a focal point of prestige and style outside of the Big Four. Although not global names just yet, many local Brazilian designers, of which Vitorino Campos and Patricia Bonaldi are just two examples, have taken the event by storm and received considerable positive attention from the fashion community. Notably, all of the runway shows that take place during the week are mandated to have at least 10% of their models come from Black or Indigenous backgrounds, thanks to a quota introduced in 2009. While definitely a step in the right direction, many have been calling for an increase in the quota to better reflect the 50% of Brazil’s population with African heritage. Although São Paulo Fashion Week has already come and gone this year, the 2024 offerings promise to be some of the most exciting yet.

Dubai

Given that Dubai is the birthplace of many of the Middle East’s biggest brands and labels, it should come as no surprise that newcomer Dubai Fashion Week is gaining impressive traction. First launched just earlier this year with its first iteration taking place in February, Dubai Fashion Week evolved out of the preexisting Arab Fashion Week, which has been around since 2015. Local designers like Hussein Bazaza and Dima Ayad impress celebrity audiences and critics alike, while internationally renowned brands like Jean Paul Gaultier and Moschino put on shows as guest designers. Because of its recent inception, Dubai Fashion Week is actively accepting applications from brands who would like to show their work, and is uniquely open to hosting designers from all over the world. This year, designers will show their Spring/Summer collections for 2024 between October 10 and 15 (the events are always a season ahead) in the city’s Design District, an area known for its eccentric zeitgeist and unique architecture.

Copenhagen

An undeniable cult favorite, Copenhagen Fashion Week is the biggest such event in Northern Europe and is widely dubbed “the fifth global fashion week.” The very first fashion week in Copenhagen took place in 2006 when two pre-existing Danish clothing fairs, Dansk Modeuge and Dansk Herremodeuge, merged to create this edgy and colorful celebration of style. Uniquely, this event has always held sustainability in the fashion industry as its main focus, as its organizers look for ways to encourage fashion houses and manufacturers to keep the environment in mind during the design and creation processes. In fact, January of 2020 saw the event introduce a three-year Sustainability Action Plan which listed a number of sustainability benchmarks which brands had to achieve. This means brands as established as Ganni and as fresh as Latimmier will have to update their practices in line with the plan to host their shows during the week. The Spring/Summer 2024 iteration of Copenhagen Fashion Week is scheduled to take place from August 7 to 11 this year, with a total of 31 runway shows in addition to other events and presentations.

Tokyo

Tokyo Fashion Week has become synonymous with the epitome of street style, given the eclectic and oftentimes outrageous outfits featured both on and off the runways. While high fashion is certainly on the schedule during the Week, this fashion event is equally famous for the incredible streetwear fashion worn by audience members. With catwalks taking place in a number of equally picturesque and grungy locations around the city, acclaimed designers like Issey Miyake and Junya Watanabe showcase their designs alongside emerging local talent like Chika Kisada and Jotaro Saito. In fact, the Japan Fashion Week Organization launched a Brand Support Program just this past year to encourage and provide economic support for new talent in line with its goal of “being the gateway to global success for new designers.” Tokyo Fashion Week is returning for its Spring/Summer 2024 showings between August 28 and September 2 this year with a variety of shows and art installations for both invited audiences and the public.

Tanaya Vohra

Tanaya is an undergraduate student pursuing a major in Public Health at the University of Chicago. She's lived in Asia, Europe and North America and wants to share her love of travel and exploring new cultures through her writing.

Cultural Fusion Around the World

July 27, 2023

From food to music, the mixing of different cultures has influenced some of the world’s most widely enjoyed products and experiences.

Chinatown in Philadelphia. Terry Robinson. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Culture mixing occurs when two or more cultures are represented in a single entity at the same time. Whether a fusion dish from your favorite restaurant, or a Starbucks store at the Great Wall of China, culture mixing is present in many forms around the world. Here are examples of culture mixing today, with some that you may even recognize from your own life experiences.

Food

The popular Vietnamese sandwich Bánh Mì is an example of cultural fusion, as it combines aspects of both Vietnamese and French cuisine. Most ingredients within the sandwich are traditionally Vietnamese, such as pickled vegetables and mayonnaise. However, this sandwich is also served on a baguette with pâté, which are both French exports. This combination of ingredients from different continents not only creates a delicious meal, but it also brings attention to a historical milestone. The Bánh Mì sandwich was created in the aftermath of the French withdrawal from Vietnam, when liberated Vietnamese people added their own ingredients to the baguettes introduced by the French occupiers. In a way the sandwich has come to represent liberation, making it an important part of Vietnamese culture.

Music

Afro Celt Sound System. Ardfern. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Musical fusion not only captures different cultural rhythms, but it may also inspire the creation of whole new genres. For example, the well-known Western genre of rock-and-roll is a combination of jazz, blues, gospel, and country music. Some musical groups have created their own cultural-fusion projects, such as “Afro Celt Sound System,” a group that combines traditional West African, Celtic, and Western pop music to create a radically original sound. Click below to listen to Fissiri Wali Polka by Afro Celt Sound System.

Fissiri Wali Polka

Dance

Along with music, the fusion of different cultural dance styles have created new genres, some that are well known today. Originating in India, the style of dance used in Bollywood combines traditional Indian, salsa, folk, and belly-dancing, as well as western styles like hip-hop and jazz. The word “Bollywood” is even a fusion itself, a portmanteau of the words “Bombay,” an Indian city now known as Mumbai, and “Hollywood.” This form of dance is popular in Indian films, and is used as a form of fitness worldwide.

Neighborhoods

Socrates statue in Athens Square Park, Astoria, NY. Tdorante10. CC BY-SA 4.0.

From Chinatown to Little Italy, New York City is the home to many cultural neighborhoods that capture elements of both American and international cultures. Astoria is a great example of this, as it is home to many Greek restaurants and shops, and yet never forsakes the Big Apple’s traditional architecture. There is even an “Athens Square Park” in the neighborhood, with columns that resemble ones from ancient Greece, along with monuments of significant Greek figures of history and myth, such as the philosopher Aristotle and the goddess Athena.

Fast Food Restaurants

Former Forbidden City Starbucks. Hintha. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Whether it be McDonalds or Starbucks, American fast food chains have made their mark internationally, often appearing in places with historical and cultural significance. There is a Starbucks store located at the Great Wall of China, and there was once one in the Forbidden City at the Imperial Palace. However, the Forbidden City store was removed in 2007 due to controversy surrounding the appropriateness of having it in a place so central to Chinese history and culture.

Being exposed to different cultures can inspire people to learn about customs other than their own, creating a more culturally-aware society. Also, the fusion of cultures has spawned new traditions that are enjoyed both locally and globally. However, as shown through the removal of the Imperial Palace Starbucks, amalgamation is not without its challenges. Research has revealed that feelings of intrusiveness may arise in people who feel that their culture is being threatened by outside forces. Culture influences the way people view and interact with the world, which is why it is important to be conscientious about respecting individual cultures when engaging in any form of culture mixing.

Alexandra Copeland is a student at The College of New Jersey studying psychology and journalism. She is a lover of coffee, dancing, and visiting new places. Being raised with her Greek culture has inspired her interest in cultural customs around the world. She is a passionate writer and hopes that her work will make an impact in the future.

5 Easiest Digital Nomad Visas To Qualify For

July 26, 2023

For a lifestyle of working while traveling the world, you will need to qualify for a visa and here are the best countries to do so.

Tropical drink and laptop. Samer Daboul. CC BY 2.0.

Picture this: you’re hustling hard in front of your laptop, but are surrounded by the serene music of waves crashing against the shore, the laughter of strangers, and the quiet squawking of birds from a distance. Now wouldn’t that be the kind of life anyone would aspire to achieve?

Thanks to technology and the increasingly connected world, this ideal life is possible! If this is the kind of working situation that you’re envisioning, then becoming a digital nomad may be the perfect solution for you.

Of course, to achieve this lifestyle, you’ll need to first have the right visas in place to legally work in the countries you visit. In this article, we’ll share the five easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for, so you can start planning your next adventure.

Before we get into that, though, let’s first take a deeper dive into the intricacies of digital nomad visas.

What is a digital nomad visa?

A digital nomad visa is a type of visa that allows you to live and work in a foreign country for an extended period of time. These visas are specifically designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to work from anywhere.

What’s the difference between a visa and a resident permit?

A visa is a temporary permission to enter and stay in a country, whereas a resident permit is a long-term permission to reside in a country. Visas for digital nomads usually fall under the former category, as they are designed for relatively short-term stays.

Who can be a digital nomad?

Anyone who has a job that can be done remotely can become a digital nomad! Some of the most popular digital nomad jobs include software development, writing, graphic design, and online teaching. If location doesn’t matter in your line of work and you’re hungry for adventure, it may be time to look into the digital nomad lifestyle!

What are the easiest digital nomad visas to qualify for?

If you’re itching to work while experiencing a brand new culture or discovering places that will etch themselves into your heart, here are five countries where you can easily be a digital nomad:

The Bahamas

The Bahamas offers a one-year digital nomad visa that is easy to qualify for. To be eligible, you need to prove that you have a job that can be done remotely and that you earn at least USD 50,000 per year. The application process is straightforward and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.

The average cost of living in The Bahamas can vary depending on your location, but in general, you can expect monthly expenses to range from USD 2,000 to USD 3,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around USD 1,500 to USD 2,500 per month.

Groceries and dining out can be slightly higher compared to other countries, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 400 to USD 600. However, the stunning natural beauty, warm climate, and vibrant culture make The Bahamas an enchanting place to call home while pursuing your digital nomad lifestyle.

For applications, visit Bahamas BEATS.

Malta

Malta’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn a minimum monthly income of €2,700 (about USD 3,000) or more. Malta is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and high standard of living.

The cost of living in Malta can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, but on average, monthly expenses range from USD 1,350 to USD 2,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a desirable area typically costs around USD 900 to USD 1,350 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 225 to USD 450.

Visit the Malta Immigration website for more information.

Colombia

Colombia’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to two years and is available to remote US workers for $177. Applicants must earn at least a minimum of $684 per month in order to qualify. The good news is that the application process is relatively simple and you can expect to receive your visa within a few weeks.

Columbia is relatively affordable, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Monthly expenses can range from $700 to $1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in popular cities like Bogotá or Medellín typically costs around $400 to $700 per month. Groceries and dining out are reasonably priced, with a monthly food budget averaging around $150 to $300.

If you want to apply for a Columbian digital nomad visa, visit the country’s Cancilleria.

Is Colombia dangerous for digital nomads?

While Colombia has a reputation for being dangerous, the country’s situation has significantly improved in recent years. As long as you take the necessary precautions, such as staying in safe neighborhoods and avoiding certain areas at night, you should be able to enjoy your time in Colombia as a digital nomad.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s digital nomad visa is valid for three to twelve months and is renewable for another twelve months. This visa is available to remote workers who can earn at least RM10,000 (roughly USD 2,400) per month. Malaysia is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its low cost of living, excellent infrastructure, and diverse culture.

Monthly expenses can range from USD 600 to USD 1,200, depending on your location and lifestyle choices. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in major cities like Kuala Lumpur or Penang typically costs around USD 360 to USD 600 per month.

For applications, visit MDEC.

Hungary

Hungary’s digital nomad visa is valid for up to one year and is available to remote workers who can earn at least USD 2,000 per month. What draws digital nomads into this country is its beautiful architecture, rich history, and low cost of living.

The average cost of living in Hungary can vary depending on the location but generally falls between USD 800 and USD 1,500 per month. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in cities like the capital Budapest typically costs around USD 500 to USD 900 per month. Groceries and dining out are affordable, with a monthly food budget averaging around USD 200 to USD 400.

To apply, you’ll need to get your White Card.

What are the best jobs for a digital nomad to have?

The key to being a digital nomad is having a job that you can do remotely from anywhere in the world, and all you’ll need is a stable internet connection. Some of the most popular and well-paying jobs for digital nomads are freelance writer, content creator, web developer, online teacher or tutor, digital marketer, and virtual assistants.

While these are popular, there are many other jobs well-suited for aspiring digital nomads like you. Just remember to find a job that matches your skills and interests and build a strong network and reputation in your field to ensure a steady stream of work.

US Taxes and Digital Nomads

It’s important to note that, as a US citizen, you’re still liable for US taxes even if you’re living and working abroad. This means that you must file a tax return every year and report your foreign income. Failure to do so can result in some hefty fines and penalties.

It’s also worth noting that there are certain tax benefits available to US citizens who live and work abroad, such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Foreign Tax Credit. To ensure that you file your taxes correctly and take advantage of any available tax benefits, it is recommended that you work with an expat tax professional.

If you’re worried about accessing your funds while abroad, there are several options available to you! A popular one is to use digital currency like USDC, a cryptocurrency pegged to the US Dollar, which can be easily transferred and converted into local currencies. To get started, simply send USDC from your USD account to your digital wallet, and you’ll be ready to make transactions in no time!

Becoming a digital nomad sounds exciting and fulfilling, but finding the right digital nomad visa for you takes research, planning, and effort. But if you equip yourself with the right mindset and resources, you can make your dreams of traveling to different places and experiencing various cultures while working a reality.

Just remember that it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the tax laws and responsibilities of your home country. By being well-informed and prepared, you can embark on your new adventures with peace of mind, knowing that you have taken the necessary steps to handle any tax-related matters that may arise.

For more insightful articles about travel, check out Catalyst today!

Myrtle Bautista

Myrtle is a journalism major, a social media marketer and is now exploring freelance writing. She's fond of anything related to health and wellness, and when she's not writing, you'll find her doing long-distance cycling, ultramarathons, hiking, or in a local cafe enjoying a good cold brew.

10 Coffee Recipes From Different Cultures

July 13, 2023

From Vietnamese egg yolk coffee to Italian chocolate espresso, discover how people around the world like their cup o’ Joe.

Different types of coffee. Rawpixel. CC0 1.0.

From lattés to cappuccinos to the standard grocery store roast, there is great variation in how individuals enjoy their coffee. To really see what’s out there, however, you will need to look beyond sovereign borders to the great international coffee traditions, some of which combine unlikely flavors. For example, Vietnamese “Cà Phê Trứng” combines eggs and coffee, while Scandinavian “kaffeost” is a mix of coffee and cheese. Here is a list of 10 different ways of making coffee from different cultures, along with recipes so you can enjoy them yourself, without hopping on a plane.

Frappé—Greece

Greek frappé. Paweł Marynowski. CC BY 2.0.

Originating in Thessaloniki, the Greek “frappé” is an iced coffee that is shaken to produce a foamy texture. The drink was created when Nestlé employee Dimitris Vakondios was unable to find hot water to make instant coffee during his break, so he decided to make it with cold water and shake it. Frappés are often consumed without extra flavorings, or “Skétos,” but can incorporate milk and sugar according to individual preferences.

How to make a frappé:

Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee and 2-3 cups of cold water to a shaker, blender or frother. If you are looking for a sweeter flavor, also add 2 teaspoons of sugar. If using a shaker, shake for 30 seconds. If using a blender or frother, mix for 15 seconds.
Add the blend to a glass with ice. You can stir in milk at this point if you would like to do so.

Yuanyang—China

Yuanyang coffee. Mx.Granger. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Translating to “Lovebirds Tea,” this Chinese beverage is a mix of two common drinks: Coffee and milk tea. The exact origin of Yuanyang is unknown, but the beverage is believed to have been created by a street vendor in Hong Kong, and it continues to be a popular drink in that city today.

How to make Yuanyang:

Brew black tea in 4.5 cups of water. While your tea is steeping, brew 4.5 cups of coffee. There should be a one-to-one ratio between the coffee and tea.
When the tea and coffee are finished brewing, pour them in a large bowl or carafe.
Add ¾ cups of half and half milk to the mix, and add sugar if desired. Stir everything together.
Serve.

Buna Tetu—Ethiopia

Buna Tetu ceremony. BryanBot. CC BY 2.0.

Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, and it continues to play a large role in the country’s culture. Buna Tetu is a coffee ceremony to celebrate important events and milestones. To ensure the coffee is available to guests at all times, it is typically served in three rounds, Abol, Tona and Buna. The coffee is served the strongest in Abol, and it loses strength every serving after.

How to make Ethiopian coffee:

Wash ⅛ cups of unroasted green Ethiopian coffee beans. Put the beans in a pan and roast them over a source of fire, moving the pan left and right by the handle to avoid burning the beans. Let cool once roasted.
Use a grinder to grind the beans to a powder.
Pour 2 cups of water into an Ethiopian coffee pot, or “Jebena.” Add coffee to Jebena.
Let coffee cool, then enjoy with sugar, honey, salt or even butter.

Cà Phê Trứng—Vietnam

Cà Phê Trứng, or Egg Coffee, was created by bartender Nguyen Giang in 1947 during a milk shortage in Vietnam. In place of milk, Giang used whipped egg yolks to create an airy consistency to the coffee. The beverage continues to be a popular drink in Hanoi, the city of its creation.

How to make Cà Phê Trứng:

Put 2 egg yolks, ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Whisk for 10 minutes to create a cake batter like consistency.
Brew 2 ounces of ground French roast coffee in your desired method.
Put half a cup of the coffee aside, and distribute the rest of the coffee into however many cups are served.
Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of the whipped egg into each cup.
Pour the remaining half cup of coffee into each of the cups. You can also add cocoa powder to the top of the beverage for extra flavor.

Café Touba—Senegal

Café Touba cart. George D. Manta. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Originating in the holy city of Touba, this way of making coffee was created as a peaceful protest against French rule, as the Senegalese declared that they would make more use of the drink that was claimed to energize the colonizer. This coffee combines spices such as ginger and nutmeg to create a unique flavor.

How to make Café Touba:

Gather a mix of spices, such as selim pepper, nutmeg, ginger, coriander seeds, cardamom, and black pepper.
Coat the bottom of your pan with avocado oil and heat on medium. Lightly roast the selim pepper.
Add the roasted selim pepper to a bowl or food processor with the cardamom (removed from its pods). Add the coriander seeds, ginger, and nutmeg to mix and grind.
Add more oil to your pan and toast ground spices.
Brew your coffee in your desired method and add ½ teaspoon of the ground spices. Stir and brew for 30 seconds.

Kaffeost—Scandinavia

Leipäjuusto cheese. Veikk0.ma. CC BY 2.5.

Everyone knows about wine and cheese pairing, but have you ever thought about combining coffee with cheese? This recipe originated in northern Scandinavia, and is widely enjoyed in the Nordic countries today. This simple mix of ingredients creates a unique beverage that combines the bitterness of coffee and the saltiness of cheese.

How to make Kaffeost:

Cut pieces of Leipäjuusto cheese into cubes and place at the bottom of a cup.
Pour freshly brewed coffee into the cup immediately after.

Café de Olla—Mexico

Café de Olla. Protoplasmakid. CC BY-SA 4.0.

This Mexican coffee recipe translates to “Coffee in a pot,” as it traditionally would be made in a clay or enamel pot. This beverage is often consumed in the winter, and combines coffee, cinnamon and raw, dark sugar.

How to make Café de Olla:

Place 4 cups of water, ⅓ cup of dark brown sugar (Piloncillo), and ½ a stick of cinnamon into a pot. Simmer until the sugar dissolves.
Add brewed coffee and stir.
Cover the pot and let steep for 5 minutes.

Kopi Joss—Indonesia

Originating in Yogyakarta, this Indonesian beverage is made with charcoal to help balance the natural acidity of coffee. Some describe the charcoal’s effect as giving a burnt-sugar caramel flavor to the coffee.

How to make Kopi Joss:

Burn a piece of charcoal until it is red in color.
Put 2 tablespoons of ground coffee and 2 tablespoons of sugar into a glass.
Add hot water to the glass.
Add the piece of charcoal to the beverage.

Flat White—Australia and New Zealand

Now a popular drink in North America, the flat white was originally served in either Australia or New Zealand; some think it may have evolved in both. The beverage resembles a latté, however it lacks a foam layer on top to embolden the flavor.

How to make a flat white:

Brew 2 shots of espresso into a cup.
Steam milk in a pitcher at 131-154° F.
Swirl milk in pitcher to create smoother consistency.
Pour steamed milk into a cup of espresso in a circular motion.

Marocchino—Italy

Invented in Alessandria, Italy, Marocchino coffee combines the flavors of espresso and cocoa. It was influenced by a similar variety called “bicerin coffee,” which was common in Turin. “Marocchino” means “Moroccan” in Italian, and this word is typically used to describe leather used to make fedoras, which are popular in Alessandria. The layer of cocoa in the coffee resembles this leather, giving the drink its name.

How to make marocchino coffee:

Brew a shot of espresso into a cup.
Froth 3-4 oz. of milk to create a light consistency.
Sprinkle a layer of cocoa over the espresso.
Spoon a layer of the frothed milk on top of the cocoa layer.
Sprinkle cocoa powder on top of the milk.
This beverage is meant to be layered, but you can stir at the end to combine flavors.

7 Spectacular Global Theatres Stealing the Show

July 4, 2023

From Elizabethan Theatre to Peking Opera, these are 7 diverse storytelling formats that create awe-inspiring fusion of entertainment and ritual.

Peking Opera, the Legend of the White Snake. JS Dust. CC BY 2.0.

Theater stands out as an extraordinary art form that embodies the vibrant cultures spanning the globe. It not only boasts the distinction of being the oldest form of artistic expression but also captivates audiences by showcasing the essence of life and tradition. In the days preceding the advent of television and the internet, theater reigned supreme as a source of entertainment, and every aspect of it, from costumes to stage design, holds immense cultural significance. Whether we delve into the realms of renowned Greek and Shakespearean theater or venture into the lesser-known stages of India's Kathakali and Indonesia's Wayang Kulit, each theatrical masterpiece offers a profound and memorable experience.

1. Noh Theatre—Japan

Classical Japanese musical performance of Noh theater at the festival.Jim Epler. CC BY 2.0.

When exploring Japanese stage art, one’s imagination is often filled with vivid images of menacing masks, ritualistic movements, and enigmatic dialogues. Yet, these elements merely scratch the surface of Japanese performing art. Among them were the two prominent forms, Noh and Kabuki. The very term “Noh”, derived from the Japanese language, embodies the essence of “talent” and “skill.” Emerging as one of Japan’s oldest performing arts, Noh’s formalization took shape in the late 14th century, with roots in the traditional Kagura dances, a reverent homage to the gods for bountiful harvests. In stark contrast to Western theater, Noh does not have explicit plotlines, offering an abstract emotional experience. A single overpowering emotion such as jealousy, rage, or sorrow dominates the central character, portrayed through highly stylized performances. Symbolistic aesthetics play a crucial role, with distinct masks representing various character archetypes—Gods, Warriors, Women, the Deranged, and Demons. Noh explores themes of love, loss, aging, and the supernatural. UNESCO acknowledged Noh as a valuable intangible cultural heritage in 2001, solidifying its significance.

While many Noh plays are lost in history, nowadays, there are still around 200 captivating pieces that continue to enthrall audiences. Among them, “Atsumori” as a classic. This poignant tale unveils the tragic fate of Taira no Atsumori, a young warrior slain by Kumagai no Jiro Naozane during the Genpei War. As Kumagai, now a monk, revisits the battlefield, he encounters Atsumori's ghost. The story of Atsumori's demise is retold by a villager, leading to a confrontation where Atsumori realizes the absence of true enemies. Derived from the renowned “Tales of Heike,” depicting the intense struggles between the Taira and Minamoto clans, “Atsumori '' captivates Noh audiences.

2. Kathakali—India

Kathakali performance.Aleksandr Zykov. CC BY-SA 2.0.

India’s vibrant Kathakali theater enchants the senses with its dazzling array of colors, intricate costumes, and captivating dance performances. Born on the shores of Kerala over 300 years ago, Kathakali weaves together elements of dance, dramatic storytelling, and mythological traditions. Drawing inspiration from the intricate temple sculptures of the 16th century, the dance sequences in Kathakali often portray the distinct square and rectangular positions characteristic of that art form. The very term “Kathakali” signifies the art of storytelling through dance drama, and the narratives themselves have been passed down through generations via oral tradition. These tales are often related to deities, demons, and other mysterious characters.

To bring epic stories to life on stage, Kathakali performances are typically held outdoors on a bare stage, accompanied by seasoned musicians. The heartbeat of a Kathakali production lies in the rhythmic pulse of percussion instruments like the Chenda and the Maddalam, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. As the melodies intertwine with the beats, the actors, adorned in elaborate makeup, step into their roles — a process that takes several hours to complete. The distinctive makeup style enables the performers to communicate a range of emotions through codified facial expressions, meticulously synchronized with the sung verses known as “padams.” The music serves as the lifeblood, infusing each movement and gesture with depth and meaning.

One of the most beloved tales performed in Kathakali is “Nala Charitam,” derived from the Mahabharata. This epic story spans four nights, narrating the journey of King Nalan and his beloved Damayanthi. Advised by Sage Naradan, they face plots from Goddess Kali, leading to separation. However, a hunter rescues Damayanthi, while Nalan finds solace in Kosalam. With the assistance of Kesini, they reunite, reconcile misunderstandings, and rediscover happiness.

3. Greek Tragedy—Greece

Ancient Greek theater in Delos. Bernard Gagnon. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Greek tragedy, one of the world’s most renowned ancient performance arts, finds its origins in the sacred rituals of Dionysus, the god of pleasure, fertility, wine-making, ecstasy, and theater. Spanning from the late 6th century BCE, Greek tragedies delved into the tragic downfall of heroes due to their inherent flaws, incorporating a mix of spoken and sung narration along with divine interventions. Accompanied by the Greek chorus, the dramatic actors engaged in dialogue, typically in iambic tetrameters, a poetic meter consisting of three iambic units (unstressed-stressed syllable pairs) per line. This rhythmic structure infused the lines with a sense of cadence and harmony. The theater was accessible to the public, as the cost was kept low through subsidies provided by the polis, or city-state. Performances took place outdoors, featuring a chorus and three actors who portrayed all the roles. These plays were often staged in competitive settings, allowing the audience to vote for their favorite, reflecting the preferences and tastes of both the Greek elite and ordinary citizens.

Renowned playwrights Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides have left an enduring legacy with their masterpieces of Greek tragedy. One such opus is Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex,” also known as “Oedipus the King.” This play, believed to have been performed between 430 and 426 BCE, stands as a pinnacle of achievement in classical Greek drama.The story revolves around the haunting concept of fate’s inevitability. Oedipus, the central character, finds himself bound by a prophecy that foretells his patricide and an incestuous union with his mother. Compelled by the prophecy, Oedipus is forced to abandon his home of Corinth, and unwittingly journey to Thebes. However, this pursuit comes with great suffering, as Oedipus inevitably faces hardship as a result. “Oedipus Rex” examines profound themes of fate and truth, captivating audiences with its exploration of human nature, forcing them to contemplate their inexorable destinies.

4. Elizabethan Theater—United Kingdom

Inside Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Andrew_j_w.CC BY-SA 2.0.

When discussing theater, the name that immediately springs to mind is none other than William Shakespeare. However, it was the vibrant cultural landscape of Elizabethan theater that set the stage for Shakespeare’s glorious triumphs. One of the most significant accomplishments of this era was the establishment of professional acting groups, which mirrored the structure of modern-day theater and captivated audiences with their mesmerizing performances.

Scene from Winedale Shakespeare Festival.Ajleon. CC BY 2.0.

Shakespeare, undoubtedly the shining star of Elizabethan theater, embarked on his theatrical journey at an open-air playhouse in Shoreditch. It was a time when public playhouses were just beginning to emerge in the then-bustling London. Not only was Shakespeare an exceptional playwright, but he also graced the stage as a talented actor. He joined a renowned theater company and remained loyal to them throughout his illustrious career. During his remarkable tenure at The Globe Theatre, an iconic London venue where Shakespeare’s King’s Men theater company took center stage starting in 1599, debuting an extraordinary collection of over 30 plays that continue to hold a prominent place in world literature. Among his unparalleled creations are timeless tragedies like “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” which have endured the test of time, captivating audiences with their profound exploration of human nature and themes of suffering, equivocation and remorse.

“The Tempest” embodies the essence of Shakespearean plays, blending tragedy, comedy and the transformative power of art to reflect the complexities of human existence within the grand collection of Elizabethan theater. The sorcerer Prospero, a master of illusion and manipulation, orchestrates a captivating tale of shipwrecks, revenge, and redemption on a mystical island. Amidst this magical turmoil, love blossoms, treachery unfurls, and forgiveness emerges triumphant. The play’s allure lies in its openness to diverse interpretations: is it an allegory of Shakespeare's farewell to the stage, or a reflection on European colonization of foreign lands?

5. Tango Theater—Argentina

Tango show in Buenos Aires. Audrey_sel. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Coming into its own in the late 19th century, Tango has its roots in the vibrant neighborhoods of La Boca in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where a blend of European, African, and Argentine influences converged. This fusion of diverse cultures gave birth to a unique dance that tells stories of passion, longing, and resilience. In the heart of Buenos Aires, the Tango is more than just a dance; it is an art form that embodies the spirit of the city. From its early roots in small ensembles, such as the tango sextet, with piano, double bass, violins, to the larger tango orchestras, or guitars, drums, vocalists, and tango dancers, the Tango Theatre presents a diverse range of musical expressions. Here, the Tango comes alive, showcasing its elegance, sensuality, and emotional depth.

Tango’s journey is a testament to its enduring allure. Initially shunned by mainstream Argentine society as indecent, it found unexpected recognition and adoration in the upper-class circles of Paris, thanks to Argentine intellectuals who introduced it abroad. From there, the Tango quickly swept across Europe and the Americas. As it returned to its homeland, it evolved and transformed, reflecting the changing times and influences it encountered. Famous tango theaters, such as La Ventana in San Telmo, distinguishes itself from the rest by showcasing not only tango but also a rich array of folkloric music. This captivating show offers a well-rounded experience, featuring music and dance from various regions of the country. Many Tango folk styles, from the lively rhythms of chamame to the vibrant melodies of chacarera and Zamba, come from provinces like Salta and Santiago del Estero in the northern interior.

6. Wayang Kulit—Indonesia

Wayang kulit from Indonesien performed at Paris.Dalbera.CC BY 2.0.

In Indonesia, master puppeteers captivate audiences with mesmerizing stories in performances of Wayang Kulit, or shadow puppetry. Meticulously crafted from buffalo hide, the puppets boasted intricate designs that brought characters to life. Traditional oil lamps gave way to modern lighting, illuminating the stage and infusing the ancient spectacle with new magic. Inspired by Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, the performances transported spectators to mythological times. Wayang Kulit gave birth to other art forms, including three-dimensional puppets and wooden figures manipulated by rods. Through witty actions, puppeteers conveyed social and political criticisms, creating a legacy of cultural significance. Passed down through generations, Wayang Kulit wove together indigenous myths, Indian epics, and Persian heroes, forming a rich tapestry of folklore and tradition.

Yogyakarta, Wayang Kulit. Arian Zwegers. CC BY 2.0.

The ancient Ramayana takes center stage in the Wayang Kulit tradition. In a distant land, Prince Rama and the beautiful Princess Sita find themselves exiled to the depths of the forest. Amid the wilderness, an evil and cunning demon king named Ravana set his wicked eyes upon the exquisite Sita, devising a sinister plan to possess her. Upon discovering Sita's abduction, Rama's heartache turned into fierce determination. With unwavering courage, he embarked on a perilous journey to rescue his beloved princess. This epic battle between good and evil has become a timeless legend, celebrated through the artistry of Wayang Kulit, captivating audiences with its riveting storylines and masterful puppetry.

7. Peking Opera—China

Havoc in Heaven Peking Opera. Chenwen. CC BY 2.5.

China boasts a diverse array of over 300 opera types, and among the most celebrated is Peking Opera. Regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese art, Peking Opera has a remarkable history spanning 160 years. This captivating art form combines singing, acting, recitation, and martial arts to bring stories of history, society, and everyday life to the stage. The music of Peking Opera sets the rhythm and atmosphere, while the elaborate costumes and symbolic makeup vividly depict the personalities of the characters. Peking Opera is an art that is carefully passed down through generations via master-student training, ensuring the preservation of China's cultural heritage. Alongside Greek tragedy and Indian Sanskrit opera, it stands as one of the ancient operas of the world. Breaking free from the limitations of time and space, Peking Opera employs a unique style that blends reality and illusion, captivating audiences with stunning performances. For an authentic experience of this renowned opera, the Liyuan Theatre, located in Beijing’s Qianmen Hotel, offers a luxurious setting for up to 1000 viewers. The theater features a traditional stage where actors adorned in exquisite makeup bring the stories to life, immersing the audience in the captivating world of Peking Opera. It is an opportunity to witness the richness of Chinese culture and indulge in the beauty of this cherished art form.

One of the most significant plays in the Peking Opera tradition, “The Drunken Concubine,” is set in the Tang Dynasty, and its plot revolves around Yang Yuhuan, a beloved concubine of Emperor Xuanzong and one of ancient China's Four Beauties. The opera portrays the poignant love between the emperor and Yang. Through heartfelt lyrics, Yang expresses her emotions, symbolically embedding them onto the moon, as it rises above the island. The opera's moon-themed lyrics make it especially fitting to enjoy during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite cultural barriers, Peking Opera continues to captivate audiences worldwide. “The Drunken Concubine” has been performed in various countries, including Russia, Austria, and North Korea, demonstrating the art form’s international appeal.

From China’s Peking Opera to Indonesia’s Wayang Kulit, these vibrant performance arts create a magnificent fusion of entertainment and ritual. While this article highlights the emblematic theaters of specific countries, it is merely a glimpse into the vast treasure trove of world theater. Regardless of language or cultural variances, the power of storytelling resonates universally in the realm of theater, captivating audiences with its emotive depth and captivating beauty.

Hope is a Chinese international student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina studying sociology, statistics, and journalism. She dreams of traveling around the globe as a freelance reporter while touching on a wide range of social issues from education inequality to cultural diversity. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she is eager to explore the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking Asian cuisine, reading, and theater.

5 Wildfires Around the World in 2023

June 29, 2023

The increasing temperatures and drier conditions created by climate change have caused bigger and more dangerous wildfires.

Wildfires are occurring more frequently, burning hotter and causing more destruction than ever before. In the US alone, the top five years for the largest acreage burned have occurred since 2007, with the top three all within the last eight years. Climate change causes warmer and drier atmospheric conditions, leading to more intense and longer-lasting wildfires. The years with the most burned acreage tend to also be the years of the warmest temperatures on record, suggesting the role of climate change-induced aridity in the intensity of these natural disasters. Here are examples of wildfires that have occurred in 2023 so far.

Chile - February 2023

Wildfire smoke in Chile. Lacasadeljotta. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Wildfires in south-central Chile led to 24 deaths and about two thousand injuries, burning over 800,000 acres of land. These fires arose from a phenomenon referred to as “La Nina,” which explains the occasional cooling of ocean temperatures, leading to rainier and colder conditions in the north as well as drier and warmer conditions in southern regions, such as Chile.

Spain - March 2023

Wildfire in Spain. Sergio Torres. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Fires originating in the province of Castellón marked the beginning of this year’s wildfire season for Spain. Forcing over 1,800 people to evacuate, the blaze spanned over 10,500 acres of land. Though these fires were destructive, the country experienced even more devastation last year, with about 500 wildfires and the burning of about 756,000 acres of land.

Russia - May 2023

Wildfire damage in Russia. Ivan Simochkin. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Wildfires in the Russian Ural Mountains and Siberia have led to at least 21 deaths and many injuries. These inferno covered 280,000 acres of land, destroying hundreds of homes. The cause of these fires was a heat wave likely caused by climate change, and the degree of destruction has been attributed to lack of resources and in and the sheer isolation of in the locations of these fires’ origins.

United States - June 2023

Smoke from California wildfires. Frank Schulenburg. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Like Spain, the United States experienced a brutal wildfire season in 2022, especially in western states. For example, fires in the state of Oregon burned over 400,000 acres of land in 2022 alone. So far in 2023, Oregon has experienced 18 wildfires and the burning of over 17,000 acres of land. Other US states, such as Arizona and California, have also had multiple wildfires recently.

Canada - June 2023

Forest fire in Canada. Stefan Doerr. CC BY-ND 3.0.

The Canadian province of British Columbia experienced its worst wildfire on record this June. The fire occurred in Donnie Creek, burning 2,063 square miles of land. The summer of 2023 is projected to be the worst wildfire season ever for Canada in terms of damage, as the country experiences warmer and drier conditions than usual.

In recent years, the most wildfire damage has occurred in the month of July, with an average of 1.7 million acres burned in this month between 2002 and 2020. With this statistic, it can be inferred that there will be even more destruction to come from wildfires in 2023. More than 80 percent of wildfires are caused by humans, often through cigarettes, campfires, and other common products and activities. Fires are becoming deadlier due to atmospheric conditions resulting from climate change, as drier and warmer temperatures make the environment more flammable and induce larger fires. Indeed, the wildfires in Chile, Spain, and Oregon were likely caused by human activity. With this information, it is important to spread awareness about wildfires and to be cognizant of possible environmentally-harmful behaviors.

Here are some ways you can help prevent wildfires:

Ensure that you properly extinguish your camp fire.

Douse your camp fire with a bucket of water twice, stirring it in between. Before leaving, check to make sure the ground is cold.

Avoid engaging in fire-related activities during dry conditions

Dry atmospheric conditions increase flammability. Avoid building fires, using fireworks, or engaging in any other fire-related activities on dry days.

Avoid driving or parking on dry grass.

The exhaust of one vehicle alone can exceed one thousand degrees. As dry grass is highly flammable, it is best to not park or drive in these areas.

Put used matches in a cup of water or closed container.

Ensure that you are being conscious of how you dispose of your matches to avoid accidentally igniting them. Put used matches in a cup of water or a closed container (to starve any embers of oxygen) before disposing of them.

Another way of making an impact is to donate to wildfire relief organizations. Many organizations help revitalize areas that have been devastated by wildfires.

Click here to donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief .

Click here to donate to the UN Crisis Relief.

Alexandra is a student at The College of New Jersey studying psychology and journalism. She is a lover of coffee, dancing, and visiting new places. Being raised with her Greek culture has inspired her interest in cultural customs around the world. She is a passionate writer and hopes that her work will make an impact in the future.

Eat for Under $15 at these 7 Global Cuisine Restaurants in NYC

June 20, 2023

Let your tastebuds travel without leaving the Big Apple.

Chinatown in New York City. Norbert Nagel. CC by 3.0.

Beyond its famous museums and fashion, New York City is recognized as the food capital of the United States. Every year foodies flock to the city’s restaurants for unique menus and interpretations of global cuisine. But this top-notch culinary environment typically comes—quite literally— with a price. New York restaurants are often criticized for their exorbitant prices. But fear not, there are plenty of restaurants in the city that offer authentic international cuisine for a reasonable price. Whether you are a college student on a budget or a lifelong fan of global cuisine looking for food made with a lot of love, these restaurants will leave both your stomach and your wallet happy.

1. Super Taste

Hand-Pulled Noodles with Lamb. Jason Lam. CC by 2.0.

Located in the famous culinary neighborhood of Chinatown, Super Taste may be the most well-known restaurant on this list. If you find yourself craving Chinese food, Super Taste is a classic, must-go stop. The most notable dish on the menu is their hand-pulled noodles. These silky and addictive noodles can be paired with chicken, beef, or mutton at the customer’s request. But if you aren’t in the mood for noodles, the five for $10 pork and chive dumplings drenched in sweet-spicy chili oil are always a crowd pleaser. Although there is limited seating inside, Super Taste is perfect for on-the-go enjoying. Their menu can be found here.

2. Pyza

Borscht topped with sour cream. Liz West. CC by 2.0.

Warm and delicious, Pyza serves Polish food so good it could be mistaken for a home-cooked meal. Located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, this restaurant specializes in plates piled high with food that makes you feel like family. Its menu features traditional dishes like stuffed cabbage, tongue in horseradish sauce, and various types of pierogies. A stand-out dish is their chicken cutlet, breaded and paired with a dollop of sour cream. Their soups range from a reasonable $5-$8, so tuck in with a bowl of borscht and enjoy the homey atmosphere. Additional items and prices can be found here.

3. Birria-Landia

Brooklyn location of Birria-Landia. Andre Carrotflower. CC by 4.0.

This Mexican spot may differ from most foodies’ perceptions of a typical restaurant. Instead of a usual sit-down experience, Birria-Landia started as a single Jackson Heights food truck. The operation has since expanded to include additional trucks in the Lower East Side, the Bronx, Jackson Heights, and Williamsburg. Their specialty dish, birria, features tacos topped with fresh cilantro and salsa paired with a rich, smooth dipping broth. The meat of the tacos—often beef—is first marinated in mixtures of spices and dried chillies before being cooked low and slow in broth. This lengthy process creates mouth-watering and juicy tacos that can be enjoyed for only $4.50. In addition to their exceptional tacos, their consummé broths, tostadas, and quesadillas can be found here.

4. Kassim’s Bakery

Aalu Roti. Guarav Dhwaj Khadka. CC by 4.0.

Whether you prefer your dishes savory or sweet, there is something for everyone at this Queens restaurant. Kassim’s serves a wide variety of Caribbean lunch and dinner foods, but also offers a tasty variety of pastries and baked goods. One of the menu’s highlights is the selection of roti; each variation of the dish is under $10. Roti is a wheat flatbread that at Kassim’s is paired with beef, chicken, duck, goat, and pachownie (innards of lamb). After finishing a main dish, customers can explore Kassim’s dessert menu. Their cassava pone is perfect for those with a sweet tooth; cassava, also called yuca, has an edible root often used to make starchy desserts. More of Kassim’s sweet and savory treats can be found here.

5. Punjabi Grocery & Deli

Samosas paired with chutney. K Spoddar. CC by 4.0.

Can you claim to have visited New York if you didn’t find yourself in a deli at some point during the trip? Although it also doubles as a grocery store, this Lower East Side joint’s Indian food makes it stand out. Even better, the deli only serves vegetarian food, making it the perfect spot for travelers with this dietary restriction. At only 50 cents, Punjabi Deli might have the most affordable Samosas in the city. They also offer an assortment of rice dishes where customers can mix and match different vegetable options to create the perfect bowl for only $6 or $8, depending on if you want a small or large meal. The $2 chai is a perfect way to wash everything down. More exciting dishes and beverages can be found here.

6. SVL Souvlaki Bar

Grilled kebabs. Glen Edelson. CC by 2.0.

From spanakopita to greek fries, SVL Souvlaki Bar combines tradition with innovation to create unique Greek food. They have two Queens locations, with one on Steinway Street and the other on Astoria Boulevard. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of this quick and fresh spot is their “build your own” options. You can customize salads and bowls, or even create entire plates filled with pita, kebabs, vegetables, and sauces. Their iconic SVL sauce combines sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors— it is the perfect way to top off any customized dish. Or, if the extent of customization is intimidating, you can always enjoy classic chicken souvlaki kebab for only $4.50. Even better, the Bar’s food is made with hormone-free meat and fresh produce. Read more about their ingredients, mission, and menu here.

7. Bunna Cafe

Injera topped with assorted vegetables. Kurt Kaiser. CC by 2.0.

If you’re looking for more of a sit-down experience, Bunna Cafe is the perfect destination. They are a Black-owned and vegan Ethiopian restaurant located in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The restaurant’s family-style meal environment creates the perfect atmosphere for hearty food paired with good conversation. Scoops of vegetables are served in piles on injera, a fermented sourdough flatbread. Customers can select a variety of different sides, mixing to create new flavors and combinations. Or, if you’re dining alone, the $12 lunch special comes with individual scoops of four different items. Although, with such generous portions, you may want to bring a friend to share. Further details about their menu and strong variety of sides can be found here.

Carina Cole is a Media Studies student with a Correlate in Creative Writing at Vassar College. She is an avid journalist and occasional flash fiction writer. Her passion for writing overlaps with environmentalism, feminism, social justice, and a desire to travel beyond the United States. When she’s not writing, you can find her meticulously curating playlists or picking up a paintbrush.

8 Independent Bookstores From Around the World

June 12, 2023

From shiny cafés to ancient theaters, here are some of the best independent bookstores to put on your travel list.

With more people ordering books online, it is more important than ever to support independent booksellers. jmm. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

For those of you that never travel without a book, or always finish the one you bring on the plane, this list of independent bookstores around the world could inspire you to make a reading detour on your next trip. While floor to ceiling bookshelves are the norm on this list, each shop has its own unique character, history, and traditions. Most importantly, they all boast an impressive selection of literature, some showcasing fresh local talent while others house rare ancient gems.

1. Topping & Company Booksellers - Edinburgh, Scotland

Located at the base of Edinburgh’s Calton Hill, Topping & Company Booksellers houses a massive selection of literature. Edinburgh News. CC BY-NC 2.0

The first Topping & Company bookshop opened in the town of Ely back in 2002, but the newest addition to the independently owned chain is one of the largest in the UK. The Edinburgh branch opened in 2019 and houses three floors of handcrafted floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and over 70,000 individual volumes, drawing in readers of all ages and interests. Their first floor has an impressive display of valuable rare and signed editions of various books, while the upstairs areas are split into specific genres ranging from award winning fiction to business and economics. Readers can use the signature Topping sliding ladders to grab a book off of the top shelves, or settle down into one of the many reading nooks scattered throughout the store to enjoy free servings of tea and biscuits. The store also holds a number of events throughout the year, hosting both established authors and rising stars, making it one of the premier literary hubs in Edinburgh.

2. Clarke’s Bookshop - Cape Town, South Africa

The facade of Clarke’s Bookshop on Long Street is favorite amongst locals who have been visiting for decades. Clarke’s Bookshop. CC BY-SA 2.0

Established back in 1957 as a secondhand bookstore by local Anthony Clarke, Clarke’s Bookshop is one of the longest running independent booksellers in South Africa. During the Apartheid Era, reading material was heavily censored by the country’s white supremacist regime and books deemed controversial often had to be smuggled in. Clarke’s was one of the few places that offered customers a wide variety of genres at an affordable price, and continues to live up to this legacy of intellectual tolerance today. While they still carry a large selection of previously used volumes, the shop began to specialize in African and South African specific works in the 1970s and has grown its collection exponentially since then. The store’s focus is to uplift South African stories and authors, with two entire floors dedicated to Africana works written by emerging South African authors. Clarke’s also has an impressive collection of rare texts that are no longer in print, and supply a number of libraries both locally and around the world.

3. Strand Book Store - New York City, USA

The iconic storefront of the Strand Bookstore in New York City has stood there since 1927. Ajay Suresh. CC BY 2.0

This could not be a list of independent bookstores without including Strand Book Store, located in midtown Manhattan. Founded almost a century ago by the then twenty-five year old Ben Bass, the store takes its name from the famous London street frequented by writers like Charles Dickens and William Thackeray, among others. Today, the Strand is proudly the largest bookstore in New York City and carries over a whopping 2.5 million volumes as well as an impressive selection of literary themed merchandise from stickers and magnets to tote bags and onesies. For those on a budget, the pavement outside the store is lined with its famous dollar carts, although finding a reasonably priced gem inside the store is always an option as well. Alternatively, if you have run out of space on your bookshelf at home and are looking to refresh your library, the Strand will also be happy to help provide a new home for your books and will make you an offer in either cash or store credit. From fashion almanacs to the newest fiction bestsellers, the Strand quite literally has it all.

4. Epigram Books - Singapore

The iconic floor-to-ceiling bookshelf in Epigram only contains titles published or written by Singaporeans. Nicholas Tan. CC BY-SA 2.0

In addition to being a bookstore, Epigram Books is also an established independent publishing house in Singapore working to showcase local poets, playwrights, and authors. In fact, the bookstore did not open properly until late 2022 after existing as a pop-up store around the city for a year. Hailed by many as being the best and one of only a few purveyors of Singaporean and Southeast Asian narratives, locals often enjoy browsing their beautiful wooden shelves while enjoying a coffee by in-house baristas. In 2015, they launched the Epigram Books Fiction Prize which takes creative writing submissions from all over Southeast Asia. All of the books shortlisted for the annual prize are always made available front and center in the store, along with an incredible collection of literature published by other Singaporean houses. Epigram’s tagline, “Hold Singapore in Your Hands,” speaks to its goal of creating a space in the literary world for local talent—one of the tables in their store is reserved for authors and artists to chat with readers and help visitors find inspiration amongst the shelves.

5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid - Buenos Aires, Argentina

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is located in a converted theater built over a century ago. Lorena Vb. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

For those of you who love music just as much as books, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is the perfect destination. The building was first opened in 1919 as a theater for ballet, opera, tango, and musical performances with a seating capacity of over 1,000, but eventually became a bookstore in 2000 after a short stint as a recording studio and radio station. Many have named this incredible space “the world’s most beautiful bookstore” because of its intricate frescoes and gilded bookshelves, but the atmosphere inside El Ateneo is as warm and welcoming as your neighborhood bookshop. The café built on the stage of the grand hall offers coffee and pastries to visitors who simply want to sit back and admire the emporium’s Latin architecture, while those looking to purchase have access to thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and more. While the space welcomes over a million people every year, the orchestra and mezzanine areas as well as the luxury boxes have been converted into quiet reading spaces where you can enjoy Argentina’s rich literary tradition and history.

6. Wuguan Books - Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Navigating Wuguan Books can be tricky given the almost total lack of light in the store. Jonny Diamond. CC BY-SA 2.0

If you have ever been told not to judge a book by its cover, this store makes it hard to do much else. Located in an art center that used to be a warehouse, Wuguan Books immerses visitors in almost complete darkness with only dim yellow lights illuminating the covers, while a small handful of reading lights are scattered through the space. The design was carefully thought up and executed by award winning architect Chu Chih-kang, who wanted the books to feel as if they were floating, and fully committed to the atmosphere by using thick carpets to absorb the sounds of footsteps and dark shelves that melt into the background. The goal was to allow people to really focus on the books without any other sensory distractions, so visitors are also required to follow rules which prohibit flash photography or flashlights. The store also houses a coffee bar and sells a variety of other merchandise, but is only accessible to those over the age of 18 due to the sensitive topics covered by some of the books. In an age where Instagram worthy aesthetics are all the rage, the inability to digitally document this space only adds to its intimate setting.

7. Another Story Bookshop - Toronto, Canada

The colorful window display of Another Story showcases a small fraction of its diverse selection. Arden Wray. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Just over thirty years ago, local Torontonian Sheila Koffman founded Another Story Bookshop in the basement of a downtown building with the goal of putting “diverse books into diverse hands.” She sadly passed away in 2017, but her efforts to provide a platform for authors who were queer or people of color live on in the store’s new location in the Roncesvalles Village neighborhood and through its loyal employees. The prevailing theme of the store is social justice, which becomes evident from its wide selection of both fiction and non-fiction for young readers and more seasoned ones. In fact, half of the store’s inventory caters specifically to children, and they also provide books to a number of local schools. The staff put in effort to locate stories and titles that are not available elsewhere in order to ensure that marginalized narratives, including and especially those of indigenous peoples, are heard. The staff’s hard work to ensure that every book they carry has a message that is, in their best judgment, the best way to pay tribute to Sheila’s founding vision.

8. Libreria Acqua Alta - Venice, Italy

All of the books in Libreria Acqua Alta are stored in waterproof containers to keep them dry during high tide. a2zphoto. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Books and water typically do not mix, but the staff at the Libreria Acqua Alta in Venice have found a solution. The shop is located on an island in the middle of one of the city’s countless canals, and all of its precious books are stored in various waterproof bins, bathtubs, and even a full-sized gondola. True to its name which translates to “Library of High Water”, this innovation provides a safe sanctuary when the tide rises and water floods to a few inches in height. The store is fantastical in every way, with giant leather-bound volumes stacked haphazardly against the wall, ships’ wheels and other maritime gadgets scattered across the piles, and an entire staircase made of books. For those looking to make a literary purchase, the store has an amazing inventory of both new and secondhand books in a variety of languages as well as a large collection specifically about Venice. On the other hand, the store also offers a number of vintage souvenirs and is home to a handful of friendly cats for those who simply want to experience another bookstore heralded as among the most beautiful in the world.

Tanaya Vohra

6 Must-See Islands off the Coast of Chile

June 12, 2023

Traverse the natural gems and explore the historical sites of Chile’s outre-mer.

Penguins off the coast of Chiloe Island. Mary Madigan. CC BY 2.0.

One of the westernmost countries of South America, Chile has gained fame for its gorgeous mountains and fjords, its delicious street cuisine, the integral place futbol has in its people’s everyday life, and perhaps even its complex political history. The distinct cultural and travel experience the country offers does not apply only to its mainland, but also to the islands that surround it. In fact, Chile’s islands house some of the most individual and exclusive travel experiences and institutions:

1. Isla Magdalena

Off the coast of Isla Magdalena. Iamblukas. CC BY 2.0.

Isla Magdalena’s lush landscapes are home to everything from the circa 120,000 Magellanic penguins characteristic of southern South America, the National Monument for Penguins that explores and explains the members of this colony, and a magnificent view of the Strait of Magellan discovered by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The Isla Magdalena Lighthouse, another landmark, also rests on the island and contains many exhibitions that detail its history and traditions. Travel to Isla Magdalena by public ferry or private speedboat (for about 2 hours) after a fruitful day on the Chilean mainland; the island is 608 sq mi.

2. Robinson Crusoe Island

A view of Robinson Crusoe Island’s mountains. Ashley Basil. CC BY 2.0.

Robinson Crusoe Island’s name comes from the titular Daniel Defoe protagonist and explorer who travels across the sea to a deserted island. Certainly, all visitors feel like explorers on Robinson Crusoe Island. Guests can snorkel or scuba dive along the island’s coral reefs, observe shipwrecks scattered across its coast, birdwatch, hike in the area’s luscious rainforests, visit ruins left from plundering pirates, and enjoy the local cuisine, especially the lobster. You can even partake in day-long fishing trips to score fresh lobsters! A ~2 hour flight from Santiago or an hour-long water taxi journey drops guests off at this adventure-filled island; the island is 18.5 sq mi in area.

3. Chiloé Island

A view from Ancud on Chiloé Island. Ik T. CC BY 2.0.

Chiloé Island’s landscape defines it: the Chiloé National Park highlights much of this breath-taking landscape with green terrain, rivers, lakes, and stunning forests. For those further intrigued by the island’s natural beauty, horseback riding around the island quenches the explorer’s thirst. But this island is not only a place of natural beauty; history remains an important part of Chiloé Island culture. The churches of Chiloé, mostly built in the 17th century and showcasing Spanish colonial design, are monuments to the island’s rich history. The Ancud Regional Museum (Museo Regional de Ancud) also puts much of the island’s history, its mythology, and its indigenous residents under the spotlight. As with many other Chilean islands, water sports like kayaking and fishing also contribute to the visitor experience. A circa 30-minute ferry ride across the Canal de Chacao drops guests off on Chiloé; the island is 3,241 sq mi.

4. Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego

Snow capped mountains of Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. James St. John. CC BY 2.0.

South America’s largest island, Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, is part of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago off the coast of the southernmost tip of South America. A ~2 hour ferry ride across the Strait of Magellan drops visitors off at this island first dubbed “Land of Smoke” by Ferdinand Magellan. Walk the footsteps of explorers like Ferdinand Magellan and Charles Darwin on Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego as you immerse yourself in the island’s spectacular flora, which includes many species of trees like the beech and conifer, and fauna the fauna of Parque Pinguino Rey (King Penguin Park) and the foxes, flamingos, and condors found all around the island’s mountains; the island is 18, 530 sq mi

5. Navarino

A view of the Dientes de Navarino Mountains. Dimitry B. CC BY 2.0.

Navarino, another island that is far south of the Magellan Strait, is a worthwhile travel destination for outdoorsy adventurers. Hikers will enjoy walking among the island’s snow capped mountains and fishers can discover a multitude of rivers and even high-altitude lakes. One of the most beautiful routes for active visitors is the Dientes de Navarino (Teeth of Navarino) Trek. This somewhat frightening name refers to Navarino’s mountains through which many travelers enjoy hiking. The culturally inclined can visit Puerto Williams, the island’s only town and the past residence of indigenous Yaghan people. Puerto Williams’ museums offer insights on the isle’s Yaghan past and its weighty and resonant history. Access to Navarino is available by a 30-minute boat ride from the port of Ushuaia; the island is 35.7 sq mi.

6. Riesco Island

A view of the Fitzroy Canal from Isla Riesco. Z_thomas. CC BY-SA 3.0.

Riesco Island’s must-see features range from Patagonian ranches to historical coal reserves. The bleating sounds ring across the island, while its cattle fields are still dominated by gauchos, or South American cowboys, and remain a sight to behold for those visitors who crave a distinctive cultural experience. The island, one of the largest islands in Chile and accessible from Patagonia through a 30-minute boat ride across the Fitzroy Canal, is also known for its coal reserves; in fact, coal mines such as the Invierno (winter) Mine, Magdalena, Elena, and Josefina are historical locations of note. Riesco sightseers should also watch out for glaciers lining Riesco’s coasts; the island is 1,970 sq mi.

Su Ertekin-Taner is a first year student at Columbia University majoring in creative writing. Her love for the power of words and her connection to her Turkish roots spills into her satire, flash fiction, and journalistic pieces among other genres. Su hopes to continue writing fearless journalism, untold stories, and prose inspired by her surroundings.

7 Less Traveled Wonders of the Natural World

May 3, 2023

As urban spaces dominate more and more of the world, it is important to remember the natural beauty the Earth has to offer. Here is a list of 7 less popular but equally enchanting wonders.

10 Places to See Before They Disappear

May 3, 2023

The casualties of industrialization and climate change.

7 Real-Life Atlantises Hidden Around the World

April 27, 2023

Exploring the hidden history of sunken sites.

Diver exploring a sunken city. Linnaea Mallette. CC0 1.0

Although travel traditionally highlights cultural landmarks, distinctive experiences, and historical sites on land, much history lies where our eyes alone cannot take us – particularly under the sea. Underwater cities and towns which have been immersed in the soaking abyss of seas, lakes, and reservoirs through natural disaster or human shenanigans provide a time capsule into the defining characteristics of their era. The corpse of the city including its many artifacts can be explored through diving and even glass bottom boats. Here are seven of the most intriguing sunken cities to visit around the world.

1. Baiae, Italy

Emperor Claudius; nymphaeum submerged in Baiae, Italy. Ruthven. CC0 1.0

The ancient Roman town of Baiae overflowed with luxuries in its time: Roman elites built villas and spas fed its famous hot springs, and palace parties proliferated. That is, until an army of the Muslim Caliphate army sacked the resort city in the 8th century. By 1500, the luxuries had faded away and the town was left abandoned. The volcanic vents that had once been the joy of Roman bathers led to a steadily increasing water level and eventually, the majestic city was submerged. Now, the once-present luxuries of the city–its marble statues, mosaics, sculptures–can be viewed through glass bottomed boats and on snorkeling or scuba diving tours.

2. San Roma de Sau, Spain

The half-submerged church of San Roma de Sau. Josep Bracons. CC BY-SA 2.0

All that remains to be seen of San Roma de Sau, a thousand year old village in Catalonia, is the spire of its Medieval Romanesque church. The church, now reemerging due to drought and low water levels in Spain, reminds visitors of the artificial flood in the 1960s that sank the lightly populated town. The Catalonian government’s decision to create a reservoir forced the townspeople to leave their land, taking their valuables and their dead with them. The reservoir’s beginning led inevitably to the end of San Roma de Sau.

3. Dwarka, India

The Dwarka lighthouse on the coast of Gujarat India overlooks the submerged city of Dwarka. VasuVR. CC BY-SA 4.0

Known as “India’s Atlantis,” Dwarka is not only an intriguing travel spot, but also a religious relic. This ancient sunken city located in modern-day Gujarat appears in the Mahabharata as Krishna’s city; the city supposedly sunk in the Arabian sea after Krishna’s death according to the text. 20th century marine archaeological explorations proved its existence outside of literary myth and have uncovered stone anchors, pillars, bastions, pottery, inscriptions, stone sculptures, as well as bronze, copper, and iron objects in Dwarka. Visitors can dive off the coast of Beyt Dwarka, a neighboring island, to view the submerged city.

4. Shi Cheng, China

A sunken artifact in Shi Cheng. Nihaopaul. CC BY-SA 3.0

Shi Cheng, much like many other of the sunken cities on this list, was flooded deliberately. The ancient city was the casualty of a 1959 hydroelectric dam and consequent artificial lake, , which now envelops and obscures this “Atlantis of the East.” Located 40m under Qiandao Lake, Shi Cheng offers a snapshot of Imperial China. The city brims with stone architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties; stonework of lions ( fitting, as the city’s name means “lion city” in Mandarin), dragons, phoenixes, and historical inscriptions lay within the five entrance gates of the sunken city.

5. Port Royal, Jamaica

An image of Port Royal before the city was sunk. Wellcome Library, London. CC BY 4.0

The 1692 7.5 magnitude earthquake that submerged Port Royal did nothing to erase its rich history. The town, captured by the British from Spain in 1655, became the center of English life in Jamaica. The Englishmen brought the slave trade to the region, as well as an abundance of merchant and artisan activity. The town also possessed a strong scene for sex workers and pirates. Now, the submerged town still maintains its buildings and artifacts like skillets, pots, barrels, ceramics, and a pocket watch found by Edward Link in 1950–all underwater. Travelers can explore the 40 feet deep city through diving.

6. Thonis-Heracleion, Egypt

Thonis Heracleion. Courtesy of Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Founded around the 8th century BC, Thonis-Heracleion was a distinguished city, one of great importance especially for merchants who frequently passed through the port to enter Egypt. The liquefaction of the city’s clay soil and ultimately the city itself resulted from various natural disasters including an earthquake, tsunami, rising sea levels, and subsidence. As a consequence of these catastrophes, the city eventually collapsed into the surrounding water. Much of the city’s culture and lifestyle remain preserved in watery depths, however. Temples, colossal statues - the most famous being the 5.4 meter tall God of Hapy - inscriptions, jewelry, coins, ritual objects, ceramics, goblets, and the sarcophagi of animals all endure, frozen in time.

7. Potosi, Venezuela

Underwater church of Potosi. Juan Tello. CC BY 2.0

Much like San Roma de Sau, only a part of a gothic church spire juts out from the underwater city of Potosi. The waters of the Uribante Reservoir flooded the town in 1985; the Venezuelan government hoped that a hydroelectric dam could replace the 1200 residents of the town. Houses and churches were abandoned in 1985 for the scheduled flooding. Yet, the gothic church of Potosi has re-emerged due to severe droughts in Venezuela, most probably a result of the natural disaster, El Niño. 30 years after the flooding of the city, its church’s structure has been uncovered.

The 10 Most Pet-Friendly Cities Around the World

April 25, 2023

From the solemn streets of Berlin to the lively waterways of the Netherlands, here are 10 places to visit with your beloved furry friend by your side.

Traveling with a Dog. Garryknight. CC BY 2.0.

Traveling with a pet can be challenging, but that doesn't mean you have to leave your furry companion behind. From the sunny beaches of Menorca, Spain, to the charming streets of Bruges, Belgium, and the historic sights of Budapest, Hungary, there are plenty of pet-friendly travel destinations waiting for you and your four-legged pal. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family trip, these locales offer plenty of activities and attractions good for travelers with pets. So pack your bags, grab your leash, and get ready to explore these fantastic pet-friendly cities around the world together!

1. Menorca, Spain

Woman with dog in Menorca. martinvarsavsky. CC BY 2.0.

Picture yourself lying in the warm Mediterranean sun, the calm waves of the sea lulling you to sleep. Now picture your best friend by your side, tail wagging in delight. This peaceful sight can be seen on the picturesque Balearic Island of Menorca, one of Spain's most pet-friendly locations. Menorca provides something for every pet owner looking for a little adventure. Visitors to Menorca and their four-legged companions are met with open arms, sandy shores, and a treasure trove of history to explore.

There are several pet-friendly accommodation choices available in Menorca, including charming countryside getaways and elegant beachfront hotels. At Es Barranc Vell, for instance, dogs of all sizes can stay for free while cats can be accommodated upon request. Meanwhile, Sol Menorca is a fabulous option for pets of all sizes, with a fee of only EUR 30($32.72) per night.

If you are searching for the perfect beach getaway, Binigaus Beach is the perfect place to start, with its soft sand and crystal-clear waters allowing dogs between 7 pm to 9 am. Other dog-friendly beaches to visit are Cala Fustam and Cala Escorxada. And if you are feeling adventurous, take a hike on the Cami de Cavalls, a trail that winds around the entire coastline of the island. Although dogs are not permitted in some areas for environmental reasons, there are still lots of gorgeous spots to enjoy together. Remember to keep your pet on a leash and follow the trail regulations.

2. Bruges, Belgium

Most Photographed Dog in Burges. Dennis Jarvis. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Bruges is a city that has a heart for animals. This picturesque Belgian metropolis had over 1.3 million registered pet dogs in 2020 alone, making it a veritable dog lover’s heaven. You will witness people petting their dogs whether you are strolling through historic districts or seated in an animal-friendly cafe. Bruges’ pet-friendly culture has deep roots, with historical structures such as the famed 15th-century Poortersloge serving as a reminder of the city’s enduring devotion to animal companions.

There are plenty of ways to discover Bruges with your furry friend, and one of the most exciting options is to hop aboard a canal boat tour— it is a fantastic opportunity to take in the city’s breathtaking sights. Before embarking, double-check with fellow passengers and tour operators about their pet rules. Meanwhile, Minnewater Park offers a peaceful and tranquil location for a leisurely walk, jog, or picnic with your canine friend.

Of course, a trip to Bruges would be nothing without sampling the delectable Belgian cuisine. Numerous city eateries welcome pets, including Cambrinu, a beautiful bar with over 400 varieties of Belgian beer, and pets are invited to join their owners for a drink.

Bruges has got you and your furry friend's back when it comes to finding pet-friendly accommodations. Among the best are The Doghouse, a luxurious bed, and breakfast located in the heart of Bruges that caters specifically to dogs and their human companions.

3. Budapest, Hungary

A cat on the street of Hungary. Osbornb. CC BY 2.0.

Budapest, Hungary, is renowned for its beautiful Danube River vistas and rich culture, but it also has Europe’s greatest dog-to-human ratio, with 22.8 dogs for every 100 humans. The city has many pet-friendly cafes where residents can have coffee with their canine companions, as well as various dog parks where pups can play and exercise.

One of the best places to take your pet in Budapest is the Margaret Island Dog Run. This wide, grassy field provides limitless playing for your furry buddy. It is also a great way to meet new people and share travel stories with other dog lovers.

Many pet-friendly lodgings are available in Budapest, such as the Aria Hotel Budapest, which welcomes one pet up to 8 kilograms for a EUR 61($66.47) refundable deposit each night. Both dogs and cats are welcome. And don’t miss La Mimosa Budapest (Black Dog), where dogs are treated as VIPs and may be given a refreshing glass of water. If you want to indulge in Magyar flavors while enjoying the company of your furry friend, head to Meenza’s open patio and savor some delicious Hungarian egg noodles.

4. Berlin, Germany

Dog on the Beach, Fehmarn, Germany. Torsten Behrens. CC BY 2.0.

Don’t be fooled by Berlin's solemn reputation; the city also has a playful and furry side! In fact, it has twice been crowned Germany’s most dog-friendly city in 2011 and 2012. And, with 70% of the city's hotels pet-friendly, you and your four-legged companion can wander to the fullest.

In Berlin, dogs are permitted on buses, trains, and trams, but are not allowed on the seats. When it is time for a river cruise, go to Stern und Kreisschiffahrt, where dogs are welcome on their steamboat rides along the Spree. At Reederei Riedel, your pet can even serve as an honorary captain!

Berlin's dining scene welcomes four-legged friends to the table. Plenty of eateries provide water bowls for pets, and you might even see some big dogs lounging out with their owners at Oslo Kaffebar.

Berlin’s pet-friendly mentality is also reflected in the city’s numerous dog parks and green spaces. With over 100 public parks and over 70,000 hectares of forest, the city provides plenty of space for pets to stretch their legs. Mauerpark and Berlin Wall Trail are popular locations for both pet owners and their four-legged companions.

5. Krakow, Poland

A dog sleeping in the owner's shop in Kazimierz, Krakow, Poland.Ted and Jen. CC BY 2.0.

Krakow is a young and vibrant city with charming cobbled streets in an old town surrounded by a large urban green belt but is also a city that welcomes pets with open arms. Many of its historical sites including, the city’s Galicia Jewish Museum and Polish Aviation Museum, as well as the Kino pod Baranami movie theater allow canine visitors.

When it comes to accommodations, Sheraton Grand Krakow goes the extra mile to make your pet feel at ease. They provide specific dog beds as well as food and drink bowls that are strategically arranged throughout the room. And they're not the only ones: there are 928 pet-friendly hotels in Krakow! This city was placed seventh in Europe, with 62% of hotels accepting pets.

In Krakow, your pet is welcome to accompany you on your exploration of historical monuments and open areas, as well as to join you for a meal or drink at one of the numerous pet-friendly restaurants and cafés. Take a stroll around Old Town Market Square and the cobblestone streets, where the influence of World War II can still be felt. Off-leash enjoyment may also be had at Montello Dog Park, where your pet can run around while you enjoy the views of Montello Lake from the fenced-in area.

6. County Armagh, Ireland

A dog under the sunset in Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh. Caroline Johnston. CC BY 2.0.

County Armagh, in Northern Ireland’s center, is a pet-friendly oasis with a breathtaking landscape, captivating history, and a warm welcome for pets and their owners. Its pet-friendly house swaps and lodgings make it the ideal break for exploring the woods and natural scenery with your four-legged buddy.

There are plentiful pet-friendly options in County Armagh when planning a private stay, including the elegant Blackwell House near Scarva. Their “Pups and Pyjamas” package includes a pleasant overnight stay with special snacks and a luxury pet bed for your animal friend. Crannagael House, a registered 18th Century Georgian house, is another excellent option. Well-behaved dogs that can get along with resident pups Toby the Yorkie and Jack the Westie are more than welcome to stay.

If you are looking to explore County Armagh’s scenic trails and parks, Gosford Forest Park is the ideal destination. With miles of pathways winding through historic woodlands and gardens, you and your four-legged partner can enjoy a calm afternoon stroll or an exhilarating morning hike. For some light refreshments, Toby Jug Bar is your go-to destination - a pet-friendly pub that offers the perfect blend of drinks and snacks, perfect for soaking up the warm, friendly atmosphere.

7. Milan, Italy

Dog park, Parco della Resistenza, Milan. Guilhem Vellut. CC BY 2.0.

Milan, Italy’s fashion city, is more than just high-end couture and designer labels. It is also a pet owner’s delight. This city has a long history and culture of welcoming pets, with plenty of dog parks, 580 pet-friendly hotels, and many pet-friendly restaurants to pick from. Many hotels in the city provide amenities and services tailored to your pet, such as designated pet spaces, food and water bowls, and snacks. The Michelangelo, Baglioni, and Principe di Savoia hotels will make you and your pet feel right at home, with large rooms and pet-friendly rules.

Milan is also a fantastic pet-friendly tourist location. Take in the splendor of the Duomo di Milan, an exquisite cathedral in the heart of the city. Or take a walk in Milan’s oldest public park, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, where dogs are welcome. Parco Sempione, a large city park with a specific dog area, provides plenty of space to play and interact as well.

When it comes to getting around Milan with your furry companion, there is no need to worry. Pets are allowed on all public transport services, and it is easy to bring them along — just make sure you have your pet passport with you.

8. Tel Aviv, Israel

A dog and a man resting under a tree in Tel Aviv, 2016. TLV. CC BY 2.0.

Dogs rule the roost in Tel Aviv, where the dog-to-human ratio is an astonishing 1:17. The city is known as “The Mediterranean Capital of Cool,” and has four dog-friendly beaches as well as 70 dog parks. Its most famous beach is located between the northern Hilton beach and the religious beach, where you will discover a slew of joyful, wet pups splashing in the waves. Should you want to spend time in the sun with your dog, head to Alma Beach in the south. Dogs are welcome to play while you soak up some sun.

Tel Aviv has an abundance of dog-friendly parks, such as Park Hayarkon and Gan Meir. You can let your pet run around freely without disturbing other parkgoers. Pet-related businesses abound in Tel Aviv, including pet stores, groomers, and veterinary clinics. Three to four pet establishments can be found on one street in the dog-friendly Florentin area!

The love of pets has no bounds for Tel Avivians. All year long, its residents conduct pet-friendly events, including the much-anticipated annual Dog Day, where dogs and their people can enjoy a day of lively games and spirited competitions.

Residents’ affection for dogs in Tel Aviv originates from their pups’ position as surrogate offspring for urban millennials who are delaying marriage. Israelis, influenced by kibbutz culture, see their pets as companions who help alleviate the loneliness that frequently comes with city living.

9. Quito, Ecuador

Quitenos and dog. Yamil Salinas Martínez. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Quito, a city known for its rich history, gorgeous architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings, has recently become even more dog-friendly. The municipal government has opened up areas to the public, giving rise to sprawling parks in the heart of the city. These parks welcome dogs of all sizes! Quito's parks are usually teeming with joyful pups and their owners, from the iconic Parque La Carolina to the Parque Metropolitano.

With 178 pet-friendly hotels to select from, Quito has the perfect lodging for you and your four-legged buddy. In terms of activities, Quito has an abundance of pet-friendly options. Take the TeleferiQo to the summit of Pichincha, where you can hike with your pet and enjoy stunning views of the city. After your trip, head to Café Mosaico and order anything from their dog menu.

10. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Biking with the dog in Amsterdam.FaceMePLS. CC BY 2.0.

Amsterdam is a city that will steal your heart — and your pet’s — with its renowned meandering canals, vibrant tulips, and wooden paddles. Amsterdam has much to offer pet owners who want to bring their companions along for the ride.

With 76 hotels in the city admitting pets, Amsterdam's pet-friendly reputation is well-deserved. For example, at Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam, guests of any size are welcome to bring their dogs and cats of any size, and the hotel provides facilities such as pet beds, bowls, and treats to guarantee a comfortable stay.

Amsterdam has many opportunities for exploring the city with your pet. Take a stroll around Dam Square, which is home to the majestic Royal Palace, or rest in the lush greenery of Sarphatipark, where your pet can cool down in the pond. And when you are ready to take a break, bring your tiny dog along for a free ride on public transportation. (excluding trains, where a separate pet ticket is required).

After exploring Sarphatipark, make your way to De Pijp, a busy student quarter with bustling terraces and a varied choice of restaurants and cafes. Keep a watch out for dog bowls outside restaurants, which indicate that dogs are welcome.

It is crucial to evaluate a city's development in animal welfare and services when determining where to travel with your pets. Fortunately, there are numerous pet-friendly travel destinations around the world, such as Menorca's quiet beaches, Bruges' quaint alleys, and Budapest's historical delights. There are plenty of activities and attractions for pet owners to enjoy, whether they are traveling with family or a significant other. More pet-friendly establishments are likely to appear in the future, providing new and exciting experiences to individuals who appreciate the company of their furry buddy.

How Fast Food Adapts to Local Tastes Around the World

April 12, 2023

Exploring unique regional items from KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and other fast food giants.

Fast Food Mull. Tim Reckmann. CC BY 2.0.

Fast food is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. Whether you are craving a burger in Beijing or a pizza in Paris, you can always rely on fast food chains to provide a consistent, reliable experience. However, in the modern world, fast food chains are constantly adapting to local tastes and incorporating unique ingredients to create various flavor combinations. Here below is a flavor adventure that explores the wacky and wonderful world of region-exclusive fast food items.

1. Kentucky Fried Chicken

Kentucky Fried Chicken in Shanghai. Gwydion M. Williams.CC BY 2.0.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC for short, has come a long way since its humble beginnings in Corbin, Kentucky. Today, the iconic fast food chain can be found in almost every corner of the globe, serving up crispy fried chicken to hungry customers worldwide. But while the Colonel’s original recipe may be the same everywhere, KFC has become famous for its wildly creative region-exclusive items. For example, in the United Kingdom, KFC has introduced the “Scoff-ee Cup”, a creation that combines a biscuit cup with white chocolate to keep coffee hot and fingers crispy. Meanwhile, in Asia, KFC has rolled out some innovative treats, like the Brown Sugar Boba Tea Tart, a pastry filled with milk tea custard and boba jelly, inspired by the popular Taiwanese drink.

But KFC’s regional items are not just about sweet treats. In Korea, the chain offers Tender-Rice, a combo of crispy chicken tenders and seasoned rice. And in Malaysia, customers can try the Wasabi Rice Wrap, a fusion of Japanese and Vietnamese flavors that is designed for people on the go. According to Ling Mee Jiuan, Senior Vice President of KFC Malaysia, the Wasabi Rice Wrap was designed specifically with young, busy consumers in mind. The local team wanted to create something that was quick, convenient, and bursting with flavor for people who are always on the move.

2. McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the poster child for the rapid spread of Western fast food across the globe. The term “McDonaldization” was coined to describe what started as a Speedee Service System, which prioritized efficiency, predictability, calculability, and control by offering a limited menu of 15-cent hamburgers, fries, and shakes. However, McDonald’s has slowed its pace and started introducing region-exclusive items that cater to local taste buds. For instance, in 2001, McDonald’s added the McFalafel sandwich to its menu in Egypt. This sandwich features three pieces of falafel, a patty-shaped fritter of Arab origin that is deep-fried and served with garnishes like tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and pickles, all wrapped in a freshly baked tortilla wrap and topped with Tahini sauce.

But McDonald's is not just adding local twists to its burgers - the company also creates entirely new menu items for specific regions, you can find the Teriyaki Burger, which features a savory teriyaki sauce and is served on a rice bun instead of a traditional burger bun. In South Korea, McDonald's offers the Bulgogi Burger, which features marinated beef and a spicy sauce made from Korean chili paste.

McDonald’s has also tailored its famous bread to suit local palates. In China, for instance, McDonald’s introduced the distinctive Black and White Burgers. These “half burgers” were packaged in a small box and were possibly inspired by the yin-yang symbol. The black burger consisted of a beef patty with chopped onions, black pepper sauce, and a black bun topped with white sesame seeds. The white burger, in contrast, featured a chicken patty with sweet and spicy sauce and a white bun with black sesame seeds. While some of these attempts at innovation were mocked, they demonstrate a willingness to experiment and accommodate local tastes.

3. PizzaHut

Pizza Hut Pizza in Japan.Yoko Nekonomania.CC BY 2.0.

Founded in 1958 by two Wichita University students, Pizza Hut has grown to become the world's largest pizza company, with over 11,000 restaurants in 90 countries. But Pizza Hut's success isn't just due to its massive size - the company’s commitment to innovation and customer service has set it apart from competitors.

However, some of Pizza Hut’s more unconventional offerings have raised eyebrows, and possibly even the ire of traditionalists. Weirder items, such as the “Double Sensation” in Singapore, may seem like two pizzas squished into one. The outer crust is stuffed with a melange of melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses that ooze out of holes in the crust, while the outer pie is topped with turkey ham, bell peppers, mushrooms, and salsa sauce. And for reasons beyond comprehension, a single cherry adorns the center of the pizza.

Meanwhile, Pizza Hut in China has added Peking duck as a meat topping to its menu, alongside specialized pizzas crafted with different veggies to complement the duck’s unique flavors. For many, duck is not a meat that adapts easily to other dishes. But for the daring foodies who are willing to try new things, Pizza Hut in China offers a delicious and adventurous take on traditional pizza.

4. Burger King

Burger King Halloween Whopper Black Bun. Mike Mozart. CC BY 2.0.

In 1953, Keith Kramer and his wife’s uncle Matthew Burns were struck with inspiration after visiting the original McDonald's in California. Their brainchild, Insta-Burger King, was born from their desire to create a unique restaurant experience. Equipped with a special grill machine, the Insta-Broiler, the duo set out to make their mark in the fast-food industry.

Now, with over 19,000 locations worldwide, Burger King is a force to be reckoned with in the fast-food world. While its competitors strive to innovate their international menus, Burger King takes a different approach—stuffing as much as humanly possible between two buns. Take, for example, the Bacon Lover, available in France and Switzerland, which boasts two flame-grilled beef patties, onions, tomatoes, cheese, bacon, and smoked sauce, all served between two bacon-studded buns.

But the Garlic Meat Beast in Japan takes the cake for the most outrageous offering. This monstrosity features a quarter-pound beef patty, teriyaki chicken breast, and garlic pork patty, all slathered in scallion miso sauce and topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, and bits of fried garlic. And if that’s not enough to satisfy the consumers, Burger King‘s Windows 7 Whopper hit Japanese locations for a limited time, featuring a whopping seven beef patties, plus all the usual fixings, for the price of $5.94, a nod to the release of Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system.

5. Taco Bell

Taco Bell Beefy Fritos Burrito. Willis Lam.CC BY-SA 2.0.

Taco Bell is the new kid on the block when it comes to multinational fast food chains, but it has made its presence known around the world with its Mexican-inspired menu. The company’s catchy slogans, from “Think Outside the Bun” to “Live Mas,” have resonated with customers in Asia, Europe, and beyond. But Taco Bell’s true innovation lies in what's inside the bun (or wrap). Take, for instance, the Kimchi Quesadilla, which can be found at Taco Bell locations in Korea. This fusion dish combines the traditional Korean dish of spicy fermented cabbage with spicy chicken and a blend of melted cheeses, creating a unique flavor that is all its own. Or consider the Chicken Tikka Masala Burrito in India, where grilled chicken, Mexican rice, onion, cilantro mix, and Tandoori Mayo Sauce are wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla, showcasing Taco Bell's willingness to experiment with unorthodox flavor combinations. Other region-exclusive menu items include the Shrimp and Avocado Burrito in Japan and the Chili Cheese Burrito in the United States.

6. Domino’s

Domino’s pizza in Japan with Lazagniano and Super Deluxe. Puamelia. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Domino’s, the pizza giant with over 17,644 restaurants around the world, has managed to achieve a global presence with its menu. However, their international menu seems to be an experimental playground that has no bounds. Japan’s Boba Tapioca Pizza is a clear demonstration of the chain’s willingness to embrace bizarre combinations that cater to local tastes. The pizza’s blend of black tapioca pearls and mozzarella cheese has gotten mixed reactions from customers. While it is true that some of Domino’s experiments are not well-received, the Lotta-Chocca Pizza in the United Kingdom has won the hearts of many, thanks to its unique fusion of pizza and milk chocolate. Domino's New Zealand has also managed to make an impact with its Apricot Chicken Deluxe, a delicious combo of chicken and apricot sauce.

From rice and curry to kimchi to Beijing duck, the amalgamation of western industrialization and local cuisine gives rise to region-exclusive fast food items that are uniquely flavorful, providing a glimpse into the cultural diversity that exists across the globe. The presence of such multicultural menus in fast food chains not only reflects the dynamism of global markets but also serves as a testimony to the importance of inclusivity and open-mindedness in our increasingly interconnected world.

9 Historical Women Adventurers Who Pushed Exploration in the Last 100 Years

April 12, 2023

Despite facing prejudice and skepticism, these intrepid women adventurers conquered the world’s toughest terrain.

9 Activist Movements You Might Not Know About

April 4, 2023

From Australia to Bolivia, social movements are paradigms of collective power and triumphs of the human spirit.

Sudanese Protesters Welcome 'Positive Steps' Taken By Ruling Military Council, demonstrators rally near the military headquarters in Khartoum, Sudan, Monday, April 15, 2019. Omer. Public Domain Mark 1.0

It's easy to brush off textbook knowledge as outdated, but academic theories of social movements can provide a powerful lens to understand the changes happening in the world. The 21st-century witnesses social movements erupting all over the world, led by activists fighting to bring about change. Sociologists categorize social movements as a form of collective behavior that emerges during the political, cultural, or economic upheaval. It is precisely this decentralization that gives activists immense power to effect change, leading the masses in protest against the upper crust. With that in mind, below is a list of nine groundbreaking social movements of the 21st century that you might have missed.

1. Equality Australia, Australia

Reason Party (Australia) supporters with placards at Yes Marriage Equality rally Sydney Town Hall 10 Sept 2017.Robert.CC BY-SA 4.0.

Despite progress in other western countries, Australia still faces criticism for a dearth of LGPTQ representation in politics. For example, in 2021, the Australian government under Scott Morrison almost passed a deceptively named religious discrimination bill that in reality had the potential to legalize discrimination based on sex, disability, and age under the disguise of religious freedom. This bill not only undermines the rights of the LGBTQ community but also perpetuates stereotypes and biases. The bill was shelved after religious lobby groups withdrew support and, due to Scott Morrison’s defeat to the Australian Labor Party in 2022, seems unlikely to be reintroduced.

To compensate for the lack of legal protection for the sexual minority population, Equality Australia, an organization dedicated to improving the lives and circumstances of the LGBTQ community in Australia, has launched multiple initiatives. It tackles the pressing issues that gay, trans and queer Australians face, from being able to freely express their identity to receiving adequate healthcare and support.

2. “Great March of Return” Protests, Palestine

Child survivors of Israeli massacres gather on the Gaza beach to finish an incomplete match.Catron.CC BY-NC 2.0.

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian exclave on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, 70% of the population are refugees suffering from the blockade by the Israeli military occupation. Essential needs like electricity, sanitation, and healthcare are a luxury for these refugees, who live constantly under the shadow of military clashes between Hamas and Israel.

The Great March of Return demonstrations (GMR), which began on March 30, 2018, brought a glimmer of hope to the Palestinian refugees in the Gaza Strip. The GMR was a call to end the Israeli blockade and the right of return for Palestinian refugees through non-violent protest at the Gaza border.

But while most refugees marched peacefully, Israeli forces have taken a brutal toll, killing at least 210 Palestinians and injuring over 18,000 since 2018, according to Gaza health officials. The aftermath of these marches has left many with life-long physical and psychological scars from generation to generation. A staggering 80% of all children treated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East were injured by gunshot wounds. In contrast to the aggressive response from Israel, the largely nonviolent Great March of Return “restored credence to the concept of peaceful struggle”, according to Palestinian journalist and peace activist Ahmed Abu Artema.

3. EndSARS, Nigeria

Protesters at the endSARS protest in Lagos, Nigeria 92. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Nigeria's history of police brutality and unjust criminal investigations reached a boiling point in 2020 when the world was shocked by a viral video of two men being dragged out of a hotel and shot by members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Despite being established in 1992 to arrest and prosecute those involved in violent crimes, SARS quickly became known for its human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, torture, extortion, and murder.

As the hashtag “EndSARS” quickly spread across social media, fueled by the support of high-profile celebrities like footballer Marcus Rashford and actor John Boyega, the movement transitioned from an online trend to a physical reality. Peaceful protests erupted in cities across Nigeria, from capital Abuja to metropolis Lagos, and in major centers like Ibadan and Osun, as the people took to the streets to demand an end to the police brutality and human rights violations. Though the Nigerian authorities made empty promises to disband SARS, the movement continues to fight for justice and accountability to this day.

4. India's Farmer Protest, India

Protests outside Odisha Bhawan New Delhi. Brick. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

In September 2020, as the pandemic and economic woes plagued the country, the Indian government passed three farm acts that many farmers regard as a breakdown of the existing, stable relationship with agricultural small businessmen.

The farmers were furious and took to the streets, shutting down railways, taking over highways, and protesting en masse in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh to demand change. On Nov 26, 2020, millions struck in Delhi, calling for a change in labor laws, but were met with violence and teargas. The protests coincided with the Covid outbreak, leading some to view the government's social distancing requirement as a conspiracy to shut down its critics.

After ten rounds of talks, the government agreed to grant farmers’ unions a rare concession in January 2021, with the Prime Minister allowing the repeal of the controversial reform due to public pressure. The Indian farmer protest highlighted the deep frustration with the government's handling of the agriculture sector, which 60% of rural households depend on for their livelihoods.

5. Subway Fare Protests, Chile

Students take part in violent Protests in Santiago de Chile. C64-92. CC BY 2.0.

In Chile, a tiny $0.0 was all it took to ignite social upheaval in 2019. What started as a protest over a 30 peso, equivalent to $0.04, exposed the massive wealth inequality in the country, where the per capita income of the bottom quintile is $140 a month.

During the height of the protests, high school students started to overrun the turnstiles, using the hashtag “Mass Evasion” on social media to encourage others to join the cause. The young protesters soon joined in mass demonstrations by many other Chileans who are frustrated with rising living costs, low wages, and an inadequate education system.

The protests and counterforce led to the death of at least 18 civilians, the burndown of 21 metro stations, and the destruction of several trains, buses, and buildings, including 200 supermarkets. Eventually Chile’s militarized national police managed to suppress the October riots, but the protests and their aftermath shed light on the ongoing fight against wealth inequality in Chile.

6. Velvet Revolution, Armenia

Velvet Revolution in Armenia. Armineaghayan.CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Velvet Revolution, otherwise known as the “Reject Serzh” civic initiative, is the archetype of a social movement that succeeded in overthrowing an entire regime without a single bullet fired. In 2018, the protest called for the removal of former President Serzh Sargsyan from his third consecutive term. Sargsyan took office as president in 2008, following a violent suppression of anti-government protests in which at least 10 people were killed. A youth movement was established soon after, contributing to the formation of current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party.

This peaceful protest was politically motivated, with support from human rights advocates, journalists, and information organizations. The demonstration started on March 18, 2018 when Pashinyan began his protest walk in Gyumri. It reached the peak when over 250,000 protesters gathered in Republic Square for the largest demonstration in Armenia's post-Soviet independence period. The movement was able to unite all Armenians regardless of political views and sparked hope for a lasting democratic government.

7. “Slipper uprising”, Belarus

Protests in Minsk, Belarus. Shnipelson. CC0 1.0.

The “Slipper Uprising” broke out in Belarus in 2021, as protesters used the simple yet powerful symbol of a slipper to push for change. The series of protests followed a controversial presidential election that declared Alexander Lukashenko, the incumbent Belarusian President, as the winner.

The call, “stop the cockroach” came from popular blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky's video, in which an elderly woman compared Lukashenko to the main character of the children’s poem “The Mighty Cockroach.” This nickname, combined with opposition supporters’ demand for Lukashenko's resignation, fueled mass protests in the streets.

Demonstrators showed their defiance against Lukashenko’s rule by waving slippers high in the air. Over 360 people were taken into custody for protesting in just one weekend, but the fire of dissent continued to burn. The “Slipper uprising” proved that even the simplest of symbols can be a catalyst for change.

8. Wildfire protest, Bolivia

March in favor of Evo Morales. Santiago Sito.CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The heat is on in Bolivia as hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets to voice their outrage over President Evo Morales’ government's response to the wildfires that ravaged the country’s forests in October 2019.

Many of the protesters were residents of Santa Cruz, Bolivia's largest city and home to vast areas of the biodiverse Chiquitano dry forests. Protesters called for a “punishment vote” against Morales in the upcoming presidential election. The rallies have drawn massive crowds, with an estimated 350,000 people marching through Santa Cruz in late October, according to reporting from Reuters. The growing public anger and frustration highlight the urgent need for action to address environmental justice and protect the country's precious forests.

9. “Million-man March”, Sudan

Demonstrators hold placards against the Khartoum regime, April 28, 2013. Sari Omer. Public Domain Mark 1.0.

Sudan’s "Marches of the Millions" was a massive demonstration held in the capital city of Khartoum on June 30, 2019. The nationwide protests were orchestrated by the Sudanese Professional Association (SPA), an influential activist coalition. The protesters had six demands, including a swift transfer of power to a civilian government and aid to the victims of government-initiated attacks.

The nationwide protest also exposed the danger of police crackdown, as national security agencies used violent tactics, such as teargas, to confront the marching citizens. Despite the violence, the protest movement continued, leading to the agreement between the military and its opposition in August 2019. The agreement marked the first step towards a democratic transition for Sudan.

From trending hashtags and posts that amplify the voice of activism on social media, to throngs of individuals marching in the streets and rallying for a shared goal, social movements embody the spirit of resistance against oppression and tyranny. It is through the eruptive energy of collective action that humans can truly exhibit their strength and determination in the face of injustice.

8 Ways to Get Started with Activism

March 1, 2023

A guide to making social changes through small steps.

Many of us care deeply about social causes and would like to get involved in activism, but struggle to take the first step. Maybe we fear the time commitment and have other pressing responsibilities with work, family or friends. Or maybe it’s just intimidating. Here are eight ways to get started as a part-time activist. They are all relatively easy and a great way to, as Gandhi said, “be the change you want to see in the world.”

1. Commit Yourself to Learning

The simplest and most overlooked step to becoming an activist is learning. Through consuming media that promotes or educates on social causes, you can discover a cause you’re passionate about, find an activist group whose mission speaks to you, and learn about the people, animals, countries, social groups, and environment that you want to advocate for. Read nonfiction books, research online media such as journals, websites and podcasts, or even just explore social media accounts by searching through hashtags. This is the first step.

2. Donate

Realistically, economic activism is the bread and butter that allows activist groups to create change, so donating to a cause you’ve researched can make all the difference. More funding and economic investment usually means more social impact, although the relationship is not always linear. Funding keeps activists paid, operations smooth, and costs of office space covered and can also add credibility to a nonprofit's cause.

3. Volunteer

If you can’t make a monetary investment to social activist groups, make a physical investment. Many hands make light work, and volunteering is a perfect outlet that doesn’t require a large time commitment or an official position. Much like donations, the more volunteers an organization has, the greater its potential impact. Volunteering also has the unique benefit of uniting people that are passionate about the same cause, and so can create a strong sense of community around an issue.

4. Vote

Some consider voting a civic responsibility. D.H. Parks. CC BY-NC 2.0

Political theorists may argue civic responsibility, but for many activist groups voting is also a way to express satisfaction or dissent for policies that affect their missions. Voting can mean giving a voice to the causes of social activist groups. Activists vote even if they are not convinced of the power of their individual voices, because social activism derives power from a collective voice. Even a small number of votes can be the difference between starkly different policies.

5. Writing Letters of Dissent

Expressing disagreement with the policy of a company, the politics of a government official, or legislation in general, helps put public opinion in the forefront. Writing on behalf of a particular activist group or a general social action mission can better express the anguish or anger felt toward a particular policy. A letter can contribute to a general dissent toward a policy which could, then, lead to revisions in legislation and corporate actions that threaten the activists’ goals.

6. Political Activism

Find a political candidate, whether local or national, whose mission and policies align with your own beliefs and advocate for their voice with your own. Helping a political candidate share their message might involve volunteering for a voter drive, canvassing for the candidate in your neighborhood to support their campaign or increase grassroots fundraising, or conducting phone calls to personalize the policies of the candidate to their constituents. Through political activism you can promote a candidate whose policies will truly make a difference in your life, your community and beyond.

7. Passive Activism: Petitions and Social Media

Passive activism often means supporting a cause through signing online petitions or using social media to like, post or repost, hashtag, or comment on a post that advocates for social change. While critics deride this form of advocacy as the easiest and, consequently, laziest form of activism, passive activism can build exposure and boost viewership for nonprofits, activists, and candidates. And it's how many more “active” activists get their start.

8. Protests

Amnesty International’s Refugee Day Rally against Britain’s asylum policy. Lewishamdreamer. CC BY-NC 2.0

Before any part-time activist can protest, they need to find a protest relevant to their desired cause and in a not-too-distant location. You can find local protests through the social media platforms of your city’s local government and more specific organizations. The Twitter and Facebook pages of activists and nonprofits in particular can serve as the social media catalysts for protest. Finding a protest also means checking up on the websites of your favorite activist groups under an “Events” tab, where such groups typically post protest dates and locations for protests. Some local governments even have protest calendars on their websites.

Nonprofits and Activist Organizations to Donate to or Volunteer for:

Climate Change

Sustainable Harvest International: Addresses climate, biodiversity, forest and soil restoration and human health in relation to the environment
Environmental Defense Fund: Addresses climate, energy, ecosystem, ocean, and health issues in relation to the environment
Sunrise Movement: Youth political action organization whose mission is to stop climate change and create jobs
Extinction Rebellion: Global pro-environment movement that uses nonviolent civil disobedience to compel government action on climate change and environmental protection

Human Rights

International Rescue Committee: Uses donations to fund global humanitarian aid
Amnesty International: UK-based global movement to end abuses of human rights
World Central Kitchen: Provides meals on the frontlines of humanitarian, climate, and community crises

Racial Justice

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP): Promotes civil rights and advocates for Black voices to end race-based discrimination
Black Lives Matter: A global organization dedicated to ending violence against Black people and racial injustice, and promoting the prosperity of Black communities

Women’s Issues

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network: Anti-sexual violence organization that provides victim services, raises awareness about sexual violence and works to achieve justice for survivors
Malala Fund: International nonprofit that fights for girls’ education by investing in education activists and holding global leaders accountable

Global Health

Doctors Without Borders: Mostly donation-based medical humanitarian project dedicated to caring globally for communities in danger
Partners in Health: International nonprofit that partners with local governments to bring medical care to poor areas

LGBTQ+ Rights

The Trevor Project: Provides and utilizes crisis services, peer support, LGBTQ activism, research, and public education efforts to end suicide for LGBTQ youth.
Ali Forney Center: Offers services like job readiness training, support, and shelter for homeless LGBTQ in New York to protect them from the dangers of homelessness

Veteran

Wounded Warrior Project: Provides programs and services to injured veterans, including mental health care, rehabilitative care and career counseling

14 Social Action Quotes to Motivate Your Activism

January 23, 2023

These are rough times to be an activist. With bigotry, nationalism, inequality, nihilism, and apathy on the rise, it's hard not to become fatalistic or disillusioned. But this is not the first dark time in history, and we are not the first activists to feel as if we're on the back foot. The great dissidents, resisters, freedom fighters, and iconoclasts of the past all faced dark times, and many of them left behind tips, suggestions, and guides for holding up a light against the enveloping dark.

Below are 14 quotes from great thinkers, writers, activists, and dissidents that will help inspire you through these dark times, and will get you thinking about what being an activist — and a human — really means.

"To do good, you actually have to do something." — Yvon Chouinard

Yvon Chouinard is perhaps best known today as the founder of the company Patagonia. Chouinard, who was a rock climber and an alpinist in his early years, has long been a supporter of environmentalist causes, and he has made an effort in his life to reconcile running a sound, profitable business, while also functioning sustainably. For 2016’s Black Friday Patagonia pledged every cent it earned on the notorious shopping day to grassroots environmentalist groups. As a result, the store earned $10 million dollars — nearly five times what they expected to make. Chouinard has since donated the entire company to a trust, which will siphon all profits to environmental causes.

"You cannot take what you have not given, and you must give yourself. You cannot buy the Revolution. You cannot make the Revolution. You can only be the Revolution. It is in your spirit, or it is nowhere." — Ursula K. LeGuin, The Dispossessed

Ursula K. LeGuin was one of this century’s great writers. She's best known for her science fiction and fantasy, which often carry themes about social justice, feminism, Taoism, and environmentalism. The Dispossessed is about a scientist named Shevek who lives on a planet inhabited by anarchists, and who comes to a nearby planet, not unlike ours, to try and foster communication with the scientists of that world. The downtrodden of the new planet, though, want him to lead a revolution — and Shevek knows that revolutions are not conducted from on high, but instead are lived.

"A step backward, after making a wrong turn, is a step in the right direction." — Kurt Vonnegut, Player Piano

Kurt Vonnegut was one of the best writers of the counterculture era. His gentle humanism never kept him from becoming overtly political, though: Vonnegut was a tireless advocate of the dignity of all human beings and fought for the freedom of speech throughout his life. Vonnegut, an atheist humanist, (a "freethinker," as he called it), often said his favorite speech was Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. This quote, from his first book, is a valuable reminder to anyone feeling frustrated by perceived regression. Steps back are fine, as long as we learn from them.

"If you wish to understand evil, you must understand the bark, the roots, the worms of the earth… Aphid eats leaf. Ladybud eats aphid. Soil absorbs dead ladybug. Plant feeds upon soil… Is Aphid evil? Is ladybug evil? Is soil evil? Where is evil in all the wood?" — Alan Moore, Swamp Thing

Alan Moore is the greatest comics writer of all time. You probably know him for V for Vendetta and his antihero's Guy Fawkes mask, which has since become an emblem of the Anonymous and Occupy movements. In Swamp Thing, one of his lesser-known works, he takes the old, two-dimensional, B-movie character of the Swamp Thing, and turns it into a tale about the nature of good and evil. Eventually, the title character has to ask -- is there such a thing as real evil? And if so, can it ever truly be defeated? It should be a welcome parable in these divided times.

"Stand up all victims of oppression

For the tyrants fear your might

Don't cling so hard to your possessions

For you have nothing if you have no rights

Let racist ignorance be ended

For respect makes the empires fall

Freedom is merely privilege extended

Unless enjoyed by one and all."

-Billy Bragg, The Internationale

The Internationale has been the anthem of the left wing since the late 19th century and is often associated with Soviet-style communism. But in 1989, as the Soviet Union collapsed, and the left began to redefine itself, folk legend Pete Seeger approached rocker Billy Bragg and asked him to rewrite the song's antiquated lyrics. Bragg's rendition puts less emphasis on war and violent overthrow, and more emphasis on human dignity, respect, and pacifism in the face of the dehumanizing forces of hate.

"Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."

-Neil Gaiman, Coraline

Neil Gaiman is one of the most beloved fantasy writers of our time. This quote is Gaiman's riff on a similar G.K. Chesterton quote, but it is important because it reminds us that our strength can come from the stories we tell.

"If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner."

— Nelson Mandela

When anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years, he had every opportunity to lead a violent overthrow of the white supremacist government. He could have taken power and purged his enemies. But instead, he chose to advocate for reconciliation and reconstruction. He died in 2013, but he will always be remembered by history as one of those rare people who were offered great power, but declined it in the name of the greater good.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." — Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali was one of the greatest athletes of all time. As a boxer, his dominance in the ring has rarely been matched. But perhaps more remarkable was his willingness to stand up for his ideals, even at his own expense. Because of his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, he was suspended from boxing for three of his most prime years. After a triumphant return in which he (again) became the Heavyweight Champion of the World, Ali retired and spent the rest of his days as an activist. He died earlier in 2016, and is remembered as one of the most iconic Americans of the 20th century.

"It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he'll look for his own answers." — Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear

The Kingkiller Chronicle is a fantasy trilogy about an adventurous wizard who has been orphaned at an early age and is attending a wizarding school. Yes, it sounds like Harry Potter, but it's just as good, and slightly more adult. This quote, from the second book of the trilogy (and the latest released) should be tattooed on the palm of every activist who has spent time searching for answers that they never find. Life is an exploration, and activists explore some of the darkest questions humanity has ever been confronted with. It's important to step back every now and again and recognize that the search alone has value.

"There are occasions when it pays better to fight and be beaten than not to fight at all."— George Orwell, Homage to Catalonia

As a young writer, Eric Blair (better known as George Orwell) traveled to Spain to cover the civil war that sprung out of Francisco Franco's fascist attempt to overthrow the country's Republican government. He ended up putting down his pen and picking up a gun. Orwell was eventually shot in the neck by a sniper, and then, for the crime of speaking out against the Stalinists who were undermining the other freedom fighters, was driven out of Spain altogether. That Civil War was lost, and Franco would rule Spain until his death in 1975. Orwell, however, never regretted standing up against brutality and repression.

"It could be worth bearing in mind that, if you really care about a serious cause or a deep subject, you may have to be prepared to be boring about it." — Christopher Hitchens, Letters to a Young Contrarian

Christopher Hitchens was one of the late 20th century's great writers and polemicists. He spent his early life speaking out against authoritarianism in all its forms, even when people began to get a little exhausted of hearing him talk. In the 21st century, he would turn his ire towards all organized religion, and he strangely left behind socialist roots and supported the war in Iraq. His life remains hard to pin down politically -- he frequently flirted with misogyny and Islamophobia -- but his 2001 book, Letters to a Young Contrarian remains a valuable guidebook for any freethinker and iconoclast.

"I do disagree with [the Quakers] over their slogan, 'speaking truth to power.' First of all, power already knows the truth… it's a waste of time. Furthermore, it's the wrong audience. You have to speak truth to the people who will dismantle, overthrow, and constrain power. Furthermore, I don't like the phrase, 'speak truth to.' We don't know the truth. At least I don't. We should join with the kind of people who are willing to commit themselves to overthrow power and listen to them. They often know a lot more than we do." — Noam Chomsky

Noam Chomsky made his name first as a pioneering linguist, but became truly famous as one of the most eloquent, intelligent political dissidents of his age. The breadth of his writings is truly staggering, and he's still churning out work at age 94. The granddad of the left is always controversial but even more thoughtful.

"No people goes down until their women are weak and dishonored." — Sioux saying, from A People's History of the United States

A People's History of the United States should be required reading -- most of us got one version of American history in high school, but Howard Zinn gives us the other version. He documents the lives of the poor, the marginalized, the downtrodden, and all the people who would otherwise have been forgotten by history. In his chapter on the lives of women in early America, he quotes the Sioux puberty ritual, which was designed to elevate women and hold them in communal respect. In an age where there's a resurgence in misogyny and violence against women, it's a valuable thing to remember: women hold up half the sky.

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy." — William Shakespeare, Hamlet

The Bard's greatest play features one of the Bard's greatest lines -- you know, aside from "To be or not to be." This line, spoken to the learned Horatio by the hero Hamlet, is one of the greatest calls for humility in the face of the mysteries of the universe in literary history. As activists, we act on our convictions, and it can be easy to forget that our convictions -- well, they may be wrong. Humility and a willingness to learn are one of the most valuable tools an activist can have in her utility belt.

Matt is a writer and blogger who focuses on travel, culture, politics, and global citizenship. His hobbies include scotch consumption, profanity, and human rights activism. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and his Kindle. You can check out his work at the Matador Network, or over at his website.

Where To Next? 20 Best Spots to Travel In 2023

January 4, 2023

From up-and-coming travel destinations like Rwanda to the otherworldly landscapes of Namibia, here’s the CATALYST list of the best places to travel in 2023.