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SEX, DRUGS AND NUPTIALS (IN AMSTERDAM…)
This idea may sound crazy at first, but hear me out. What better way to get to know the city than with a local – wait for it – that you’re married to for a day? What a genius (well, has yet to be seen) idea it is for a destination to enable tourists to learn about and possibly respect it at a deeper level. Plus, let’s not forget the morning wedding ceremony is totally instagrammable. From The Guardian: “My marrying Julian for the day probably isn’t going to make Amsterdam a better place but, symbolically, this union between a resident and a tourist does have a strange poignancy. The red aisle that I walk down, the music, and the exchanging of thrift-store rings creates a powerful mood – although it’s a hug, not a kiss, that seals the ceremony.“ Babe, I’m not advocating this for me; I’m just saying, perhaps some of my friends?
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NOT GO-AN ANYMORE, RATHER, GO-KARNA
First of all, sincerest apologies for the title. Second of all, have you heard of Gokarna before? Even just saying it is kind of cool. For a long time, Goa was known as a hippie beach town in India (well to the West at least), but now it seems another small beach is becoming known as the hippiedom’s final frontier. Worth a visit before the masses, or is it already too late? From CN Traveler: “There was this girl. Israeli, I guessed. Amazing hair. Hula hooping. I made my way slowly towards her across the soft, fine sand of Om Beach. ‘We are all stars with people names,’ she said as I drew near. Which pretty much stopped me in my barefooted tracks. I wished I had a clue what she might have meant by that. I considered the possibilities. It reminded me of the weird English slogans you used to see on T-shirts in Japan: ‘The Bloom is Now!’ ‘Start to Stop the Keeping Warm Jar!’ ‘Precise Dwarf Bravery!’ I drew a blank and trudged on. ‘Thanks,’ I said.’” Now I wish I titled this blurb ‘Start to Stop the Keeping Warm Jar!’
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KAMUSTA KA?
If you know me at all, you’d know that I have a real soft spot for the Philippines. In full disclosure, I have not been there yet, but I have this fantastical view of it. I know in some places it’s dirty, poor, and run down, but I feel if you avoid those places, you’d end up finding one of the most magical, under-appreciated places on Earth. Apparently so does National Geographic (so I can’t be too wonky!). Here is the Filipino eco-friendly guide: “From bustling cities to stunning beaches and mountains, the Philippines has a lot to offer adventurous explorers. Here are a few tips, tricks, and resources for travelers looking to find fun in the Philippines.”
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ASIA, BEACHES
Sometimes I feel that I spend a lot of time writing about Mediterranean beaches. Probably because that’s where my ancestors are from, and well, I feel like it’s mine. However, we (I) shouldn’t forget that Asia has some pretty phenomenal beaches as well, as brought to our attention by Lonely Planet’s “These Beaches in Asia will Blow Your Mind”: “If you love life under the sea, then this is where you will want to be. Pulau Wayag is one of the many small islands in the Raja Ampat archipelago. The stunning atolls and striking karst (limestone) formations make for fabulous snorkelling and deep sea diving with the rocks supporting an enormous amount of sea life. After a day of diving, relax at the hotel? Dream on. This is a remote archipelago with very few facilities and that’s part of its charm. Most visitors to Wayag choose to base themselves on a live-aboard – a small cruise boat that provides food and board and drops anchor wherever you want to explore next.”
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PROBLEM: INSTAGRAM; SOLUTION: INSTAGRAM
Problem: Too Many People Want to Travel; Massive crowds are causing environmental degradation, dangerous conditions, and the immiseration and pricing-out of locals.
Solution: Instagram Ruined Travel. A New Generation Of Influencers Is Trying To Fix It.
Thanks,
Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!