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The Power of Graffiti in Amman
“This doesn’t anger me; in fact, it represents the ever-changing nature of street art” Allaedin says calmly with a wide smile across his face. I ponder his words while examining the coffee stain that drips down the wall, thrown purposefully over the face of the spray-painted figure. Her hair flows wildly, as if it were the waves of an ocean keeping afloat the origami boat, or is it an origami hat? We are standing at the first wall of our street art tour in Amman, the dusty capital of Jordan made up of seven steep hills. Walking atop these hills, the view reveals a sea of sandstone buildings that ebb…
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Berlin’s Battle for the Best Kebab
In my country, the United Kingdom, the kebab is an inevitable end to a heavy night of partying. Greasy, heavy and often full of regret, this late-night fast-food is far from a delicacy. Contrastingly, in Berlin, the kebab holds a different status. I tried out two of the most highly rated gemüse kebab shops in Berlin to better understand this quintessential German cuisine. This Turkish dish arrived in Germany in the 1960s, when thousands migrated from Turkey for work, bringing along their culture and, in this case, their cuisine. Since then, Berlin has become renowned for its kebabs, and this is far from the early morning grease we have back…
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Colombia: the good, the wonderful and the ugly
I’d taken the step. The flights were booked. I’d be on my way to Colombia in no time! The months leading up to my trip, however, made me somewhat apprehensive. ‘Don’t get kidnapped by drug barons’ one friend joked to me. The worry that washed over my relative’s face when I told her I was heading to Colombia sent my stomach turning. To add to my growing anxiety, a friend was telling me about his trip to Colombia only a few months before. His friend was shot in the face during a robbery gone wrong. By some miracle, she was okay but, if that didn’t instil fear, then I don’t…
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10 Best Restaurants in the charming Koh Yao Noi
The stunning paradise island of Koh Yao Noi is a hidden gem of peace and tranquility. Only a stone’s throw from tourist-haven Phuket, this island couldn’t be more different. Its calm, slow-paced atmosphere gives an insight into the authentic island life that characterises much of Southern Thailand. The people of Koh Yao Noi make a living from fishing, as we discovered from the many fishing boats around the island. Throughout the island, a sense of being encompassed by nature takes over. Distinctive sounds of the Tokay geckos can be heard all over, as well as the unique, and very loud, ‘wow’ call from the Asian Koel. Aside from the iconic…
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8 Wonderful and Wacky Things in Da Lat, Vietnam
Da Lat is a city located in the hills of Southern Vietnam. Featuring serene lakes, abstract architecture and cascading waterfalls, it conjures up images of a dreamland full of hidden surprises. In the early 1900s, the French used Da Lat as a resort destination. Now, remanence of this history defines Da Lat’s unique style as striking French architecture can be seen all over. On top of this, an abstract style of design is prevalent throughout the streets of Da Lat, from the ‘crazy house’, which transports you to a fantastical, dreamy world, to the wacky houses that you’ll spot around the city. So, here are some of the wonderful and…
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11 Amazing Things in Hanoi
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11 Amazing Things in Hanoi
Located in Northern Vietnam is Hanoi. The city stuck in time. Despite being the capital, its development into the modern world is far behind that of Ho Chi Minh; the globalised, metropolitan city of the South. Exploring Hanoi’s old streets, you will discover a true sense of Vietnam’s culture. From informal dining traditions of small plastic chairs and tables on the street to the tranquil temples that offer a moment of serenity, Hanoi is a city full of surprises. Not to mention, the chaotic streets where scooters defy gravity with their impressive balancing skills. Although, amid the chaos, I felt a sense of calm. There seemed to be an underlying…
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8 Wonderful and Wacky Things in Da Lat, Vietnam
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The Best of Malapascua Island
Malapascua is an island just off northern Cebu in the Philippines. Measuring just 1.5km across, it only takes 20 minutes to walk around the whole island. From relaxing under swaying palm trees to getting up close and personal with majestic sharks, this island truly is a paradise. The main talking point is, of course, the thresher sharks. With their uniquely long tails, many people come to get a sighting of these rare ocean-dwellers. I had the pleasure of diving with them and, I can safely say, it was one of the most memorable things I did during my trip around South east Asia. During your stay, there’s a lot more…
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The Best Things to do on Siquijor Island
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The Best Things to do on Siquijor Island
Siquijor island is located in the Central Visayas region, just south of Negros island. It is known as the island of healing, witchcraft and everything mystical. With tourism only existing here since 2018, Siquijor has an authentic Filipino feel and is still very untouched. This island has the kindest hearts, the most incredible adventures and the most beautiful beaches. From enchanting trees to majestic waterfalls, there is an air of mysticism around the island. I fell in love with Siquijor and I hope you will too! My experience… For me what made Siquijor so special were the people. For example, when my friend’s card got stuck in the ATM, all…
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The Best of Malapascua Island
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Two Weeks of Wildlife in Sabah, Borneo
Borneo, the third largest island in the world, is a paradise brimming with exotic wildlife and nature. Located in Southeast Asia, it is divided by three territories; Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. I spent 2 weeks in Sabah, Malaysian territory, during which I experienced an amazing wildlife adventure. Like me, many people are drawn to Borneo to get a glimpse of the majestic orangutan, but there is opportunity to see so much more. This 12 day itinerary will lead you into the rainforests of Sabah to reveal some of the most exotic wildlife on the planet, including species iconic to Borneo, for example the hornbill. Sabah contains so much beauty and…
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14 must-see things to do in Palermo, Sicily
I ended up in Palermo sort of by chance. My brothers and I have Italian heritage and went on the journey of getting our citizenship. We moved to a small village for a few months as we waited to be recognised as Italian citizens. As we were so close to Palermo, we spent a lot of time there and I grew to love the city. When I think of Palermo now, all sorts of images come to mind. Arabic-style mosaics on shop fronts, crazy roads full of scooters and donkeys and bustling markets with bursts of colour. On the other hand, I think of the sunny beaches, dreamy views from…
