(My Personal) Top Eleven Party Destinations

6:13 AM Jmo 1 Comments

             Half the fun of traveling to a new destination is checking out the party scene. Every city, every country, every culture has a different way of doing it up big. That being said, here are my top eleven party destinations that I have had the pleasure of making bad decisions in.       Drinking, dancing, local as well as backpacker atmospheres mix together, just like that wicked cocktail you had at that no-name bar, in these nightlife havens choices. To narrow it down to 10 would be silly. There's just too much fun out there to be had! And, what's a party without cranking the volume up to eleven?
11) Naha City, Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa street art

     With its island vibes and tech-charm that is synonymous with Japan, Okinawa is the perfect blend of laid back and upright. At first I was unsure of what to think of Okinawa. I loved mainland Japan and was a bit thrown off by the casual nature of the island and US military presence. But, that feeling quickly faded once I posted up at the local noodle bar and traded quips with my hostel mates, fellow travelers, and noodle chef behind the counter. 
     Okinawa is a holiday destination for many Japanese mainlanders and can obviously be seen as such. It's beautiful! And as I said before, far more casual than its mainland counterpart. Think Hawaii meets Japan. Colorful, traditional, Japanese arcades open up to American style bars and diners lining the alleyways and streets of central Naha City. Walk about, explore the numerous arcades, sneak off into alleys plastered with band posters; that's where the best hole-in-the-wall drinking holes are. And, may I suggest popping into a convenience store in between bars and purchasing yourself a sake "juice" box? 
      Be advised though if you find Naha City too tame for your party-thirst, stay away from the islands. These beautiful, yet sleepy, islands peppering the sea around Okinawa are virtual dead zones off-season. Unless you are part of a diving group, you'll be drinking alone.
     Okinawa is definitely tame compared to the other cities on my list, but this family-friendly option is full of surprises.
Cash: $$$ Okinawa, though a far different vibe from mainland Japan, is still Japan! Expect higher prices for drinks, food, and accommodation. 
Quick Tip: Sample the snake sake (habu sake or snake wine) and if you're lucky, a snake beer and curry infused with habu! Nothing like a little dose of snake toxin to get the party started...


10) Cairns, Australia

TABLE TOP DANCING IS UNDERTAKEN AT YOUR OWN RISK.

     Come for the Great Barrier Reef and koalas, stay for the classic Aussie-madness...        This tourist town runs rampant with partying locals and hostel workers at night, as long as you know where to go. Shops close early in Cairns as tourists head back to their accommodations and the city centre looks deserted from the surface. But that's because everyone is already at the bar! Cash: $$$$ A bit more backpacker friendly when it comes to drinks compared to Sydney, so don't worry too-too much.
Quick Tip:  Ready to dance on top of tables? Head to The Woolshed. Enjoy, and don't say we didn't warn you~

9) Michigan, USA

Friends and Founders.

      Michigan? Really? (some of you may be saying)  Well! My home state of Michigan not only makes the list because of its friendliness and welcoming party atmosphere, but also because of its beer. My dear Michigan, with over 120 microbreweries to its name, ranks 5th overall in the US. Drink up, dress down, and play on with a myriad of breweries dotting almost every Michigan travel destination.
      Like your beer mobile (Safe and legal, of course!)? Then take a spin on the Great Lakes Pedal Pub. This "green" pub is operated by a 15-person bike pedals its way around the various bars and pubs of the Grand Rapids City centre. What's better than having your stout and biking it off too?
Cash: $$$ Them microbrews aint cheap!
Quick Tip: Enjoy the festivals! There's no better way to experience the tastes and brews of Michigan than a summer festival. Festivals such as Arts, Beats, & Eats (metro Detroit area), Founders Fest (Grand Rapids), and ArtPrize (Grand Rapids) are all great ways to take in the party of Pure Michigan.

8) Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Our view from the "Helicopter Bar" in downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

           You can live the high-life for pennies to the dollar in this exploding metropolis. South East Asia is known for being a beautiful, and cheap, travel spot for young travelers and expats alike. And I'd go as far to say that, bang-for-buck, Ho Chi Minh tops the list.

           Enjoy the "fresh beer", also known as bia hoi, by day (Hey, it's low in alcohol! Don't judge!) and swank it up at the EON Heli Bar, located on the 51st floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, by night. I'm usually not one for over the top and elitist atmospheres and scenes; usually because my pocketbook can't support such audaciousness. But, Ho Chi Minh allowed me to live a slice of the high life (literally) without waking up the next morning with a bill worse than my hangover.
Cash: $ Cheap. So cheap.
Quick Tip: Stay safe! Ho Chi Minh has a high theft rate so it's best to leave your bag or purse locked away in your hostel rather than take it out with you. I suggest using a small wristlet or money clip to keep your funds on hand.

7) Hong Kong, Hong Kong 

Enjoying a brew in an English pub in Hong Kong

     With all of its distinct districts and cultural diversity, you will never be at a loss for something new. Hong Kong can be a tad overwhelming with its crowds, compact city streets, and niche cultures. But don't let that stop you. Treat it like Vegas or NYC and let it envelop you. 
     The Central District of Hong Kong has these ingenious things called "travelators". Picture the escalator at your local mall, but place it outside and have it connecting you to different levels of quirky bars and little restaurants bathed in neon. You can hop on and off the travelators to martini bars, British pubs, and high end shops. 
     Hong Kong is generally pretty pricey. But there are exceptions to this. Competition is high so look out for drink specials and happy hour deals. Drinks can range from $5 USD to $14 depending on your drink of choice.
Cash: $$$$ Hong Kong is made for high rollers. Bring your wallet.
Quick Tip: Hong Kong is like the New York City of Asia; every borough has a different feel and a different vibe. Don't stick to just one area. move around! Explore!

6) New Orleans, USA

The infamous Rue...

            New Orleans, Louisiana lives up to its reputation. It's mad. Plain and simple. I was on Bourbon Street, on a Tuesday afternoon, which also happened to be Christmas Day... and the streets were still alive with people, music, and Mardis Gras flair! Oh, and a woman mooning the streets below from her second story window...
     NOLA is famous and world renowned for its music scene. Take advantage of it! Actually, it's very difficult not to. Almost every bar, restaurant, or street corner has its own quartet or soloist. Whether it's Jazz, Cajun, Blues, or if you happen to take the mic and spit out some fabulous karaoke; leave your inhibitions at the door. Dance! Sing! Do it all! New Orleans is there for you to do so.
    When in town I highly suggest checking out Mulate's. It's a bit touristy, yes. But! It's also a great way to break yourself in to some Cajun culture. Watch the locals spin their partners around the dance floor and do your best to join in on the Cajun Two-Step.
Cash: $$$ As an infamous party stop, expect tourist prices.
Quick Tip:  New Orleans is like Vegas: It never closes. Therefore, don't worry about going during Mardi Gras or high season. The party will still be there waiting for you to show up!

5) Bangkok, Thailand

     This place... can get you into trouble. 
Swanky roof top bars over-looking the city, grungy backpacker hangouts, and ladyboy shows: Bangkok has it all; with little to no rules. (Well, maybe some rules... I don't think anyone wants to wind up in a Thai prison now do we?)
     Khaosan Road is the beating heart of Bangkok's backpacker scene. It's vibrant, colorful, delicious, and wide awake most hours of the day and night. This area not only has a booming nightlife, but it also caters to the backpacker budget. Here, you can make bad decisions on a budget! Yay! Just please...stay away from the all-in-one tattoo parlor-currency exchange-thai massage salon. Your future self will thank you for not having to explain where that questionable lower-back, butterfly tattoo came from...
Cash: $$ 
Quick Tip: If you happen to meet an older British man, named Robbie, in cut-off jean shorts, who bears a striking resemblance to Rod Stewart...listen to him and follow his nightlife suggestions. You won't be disappointed.

4) Chicago, USA

     Have you ever spent St. Patrick's Day in Chicago? No? Well, add that your Party Bucket List. Please? It's such a great time! (Psssttt...you don't even have to be Irish!)
     Aside from the season of green, Chicago has everything to offer in terms of party year 'round. And in my personal opinion, beats New York City by a mile. Brew pubs, electronic house clubs, jazz dens, drag shows...it has it all. Bring Stefon away from Weekend Update in NYC and have him test out the Windy City. There's no doubt the ultimate club kid will be converted.
      Be aware though! Clubbing in Chicago can get pricey quick! Even if you "know the DJ", you're looking to scrape by with a $14 Red Bull & vodka at any number of Chicago's dance clubs. Ouch!
Cash: $$$$  Don't look at your bank statement the next morning.  Just.  Don't.
Quick Tip: Take the train in from the suburbs and save money on parking, hotels, ...and drinks. Did you know you can legally drink on the metro commuter train going to and from downtown? Well, you can! (Except on St. Patrick's Day... sorry!)

3) Siem Reap, Cambodia

                    Explore the temples by day and the expat bars by night. Siem Reap is the no holds barred kind of night life that makes you wake up the next day with not only a hangover, but a free t-shirt from the bucket-sized cocktail you drank on a dare.

     The area of Pub Street lives up to its name and is within walking distance from many, if not all, of the hotels and hostels surrounding the area. Pub Street is full of eateries, fish spas, souvenir shops, art stalls, and everything else. The most notable bars on the Pub Street local would be the infamous Angkor What? and Temple Bar.  Enjoy, indulge, dance and play ...just don't bank on it being an authentic Khmer experience with a name like "Pub Street"...

Cash: $ Like most destinations in South East Asia, a little bit of cash goes a long way.
Quick Tip: Don't worry about getting all dressed up for a night on the town. The Siem Reap party scene is incredibly casual and full of laid back, most likely sweaty, backpackers. Relax, be yourself, and leave the makeup back at your hostel.

2) Sydney, Australia 

                     Definitely the priciest destination on my list, Sydney offers classy, old world, European charm with its fine selection of pubs in an area known as the The Rocks as well as the pumping, gritty, nightlife found in Kings Cross.

Our first night in Sydney we inadvertently stumbled into the oldest pub in the city. Upon entering and sneaking up to the bar, we coincidentally met whom I assumed to be the oldest man in the pub. He was stoic, dressed in a green tweed suit complete with wool sweater vest, and had the sweetest demeanor you could imagine. He knew right away we "weren't from around here" on account of this bar seemingly being a sort of unspoken, locals-only hangout. He took it upon himself to give us the best tour anyone could ask for on the backside of a coaster: All the pubs to hit up in Sydney. Gotta love it! And yes, we followed the coaster to our delight~

      Quick tip! Sydney is a beautiful city, with beautiful people. Take that into account when heading out on the town. Many places have a dress code so dress to impress!

Cash: $$$$$ Oi! This place is pricey!
Quick Tip: Walk! Taxicabs are expensive as hell in Sydney and it is best to avoid them when you can! The nightlife districts in Sydney are fairly close and walkable from one another. No worries, mate!

1) Seoul, South Korea

Op, Op, Opa Hongdae Style! ~graffiti in Hongdae, Seoul

      Never have I partied harder. Never. Korea is a dreamland bubble. And at the center of this dreamland is a cosmopolitain city called Seoul. And inside Seoul, if you are brave enough to venture, is a party utopia known as Hongdae. A hefty concoction of soju and neon lures you in with its individualistic street style and endless choices of weird and whimsical theme bars, hofs, restaurants, and clubs. This city will have a hold on you the moment you step off the KTX and you'll be brushing the glitter off your coat on the way home before you realized what happened.
     Start off or end the night with a visit to Hongdae Park. Don't let the term "park" dissuade you this park is barely family friendly come night; hosting anything from rap battles to pop-up kickboxing fights.
Cash: $$$ Save money by heading to a convenience store (conveniently located EVERYWHERE in Korea) and enjoy the fine taste of Cass from a can.
Quick Tip: Prepare yourself. You very well be up all night and not eve n realize it as you stumble out of the norebong (karaoke room) at 8AM still singing Don't Stop Believing. Seoul will do that to you.

____________________________________________________________

     Now,  I'm not advocating excessive or irresponsible drinking. A messy evening can ruin the night or even a trip for that matter! Be smart and have fun. And if drinking is not for you, that's cool too! Do you. There are plenty of things to do in these top party destinations without a drink in hand. (People watching probably tops the list...)

#AskASaffa: Q&A with a South African Traveling USA

8:55 AM Jmo 0 Comments

    Travel is a knowledge game-changer. There is no better way to learn about a place or its people rather than to dive in and experience it first hand. You come back bright eyed, exhausted, and self-examined; ready to embrace unfamiliar ideas and approach everything new with the experiences you've gained from the past.  But, that being said... What if the tables were turned?  What if the best way to learn about our own culture  is through the eyes of an outsider?
Thankfully, my South African boyfriend opted to be my guinea pig.       For three weeks we traveled the American Midwest armed with ears open to inquisitive minds along the way. From the heart of Detroit to the rhythm of Chicago, from the frigid waters of Lake Superior to the dark karaoke bars of the suburbs; we were drinking beer, eating way too much, and taking notes along the way.       We took to Twitter (@HeyyitsJmo ) and our Facebook Page , using the hashtag #AskASaffa, and asked you what you wanted to know about his experience here in The States. All questions were fair game and anonymity would be honored if requested. We were thrilled by your responses!  Inquisitive minds want to know... What did you think about The US anyway?

Grand Rapids, Michigan ________________________________________________________________________

Lake Superior Brewing Co, Grand Marais, Michigan

     What may be exotic and strange to some, may be commonplace for another. (Pretty sure that's a quote from Bizarre Foods host and chef, Andrew Zimmern...) This is what's exciting about travel and cultural exchange.        And, experiencing culture shock is good for you!  It allows you to absorb, adapt, and survive during bouts of unfamiliarity. It allows you to step outside your bubble, reevaluate it, then add to and edit your own way of life as a consequence of learning from it; shedding preconceived notions along the way.      Perhaps being examined by an outsider is reverse-reverse culture shock. We're safe in our bubbles and genuinely accepting of them. If we never leave them, it's difficult to engage with and consider other viewpoints. Seeing our 'things' through other people's eyes is a way to jump outside of our bubbles. It's good, it's healthy, it can lead to positive dialogue and exchange. And it can also instill a new sense of pride in where we come from.

Teaching Sustainability in Nepal: An Interview on Aquaponics

2:02 PM Jmo 1 Comments

"...people who DO things, can inspire the rest of us to go and DO things too.” -Maggie Doyne, BlinkNow Foundation
     The vision is a simple and beautiful one: 'We are one human family and that in the blink of an eye, we can change the world.' This is the mantra of the charitable organization BlinkNow, based in the Kopila Valley in Nepal.       Currently the BlinkNow organization is working to build a large, self-sustainable aquaponics system to feed the residents of the Kopila Valley community and I had the pleasure of interviewing one volunteer on the cusp of something great. 


But first... What is "aquaponics"?  Aquaponics is the future of sustainable food.

It is a combination of aquaculture (fish growing), and hydroponics (growing plants without soil).

These are self-contained systems which recreate the natural relationship between plants and wildlife. Fish and plants develop side-by-side and can be harvested to produce a healthy high-protein and nutrient rich diet.

The Project:

Step 1: Build a large, self-sustainable aquaponics system to feed the residents of the Kopila Valley community. Support the Kickstarter: Here!

These systems are easy to build, almost entirely self-sustainable, weather resistant, and use 90% less water compared to conventional agriculture. By building this system, we can help the residents of the Kopila Valley aim for complete self-sufficiency, massively reducing food costs and helping them provide for themselves a better quality of life.  

Step 2: Education.
What I really love about the project is that it's meant to leave a self-sustaining, lasting impact on the community. Education and training will be a large part of the community work. They aim to ultimately educate and leave a tradition in which the residents of the valley have the knowledge and ability to create their own aquaponics systems long after we leave. 

Support the Kickstarter: Here!

Sustainable development has never been more important in the world, and by training the teachers in the benefits and methods of aquaponics, we will be arming this community with the knowledge and skills to feed themselves for generations to come. 

Why am I talking about this?
Well, while I lived and traveled through South Korea, I met a man from the UK named Cal. Though I only met him briefly, he left a lasting impression. He was incredibly smart, talented, charismatic, and welcoming. Just the type of person you'd want to meet while on the road. So it's no surprise that, through the magic of Facebook, I found out that he has turned his talents to BlinkNow.

That's Cal!

I had the pleasure of catching up with Cal and asked him a few questions about his involvement in Nepal, aquaponics, and the "travel experience". Here's our chat:
1) Why Nepal? C) The project came first. Before the Kickstarter, before The Life Aquaponic was started, even before I knew anything about sustainable farming. It was all Carla’s idea. She had spent a lot of time reading about Maggie Doyne and BlinkNow’s incredible work with the people of the Kopila Valley, and had the idea that aquaponics would be a perfect way to feed and educate people who need it most. Carla actually approached me with the idea at a poker game. I had never even heard of aquaponics, but after a fifteen minute conversation I went home and delved into aquaponics research. Six months and a handshake later and here we are. Aquaponics, and indeed sustainable agriculture in general, is the future. Without a doubt. Fortunately, the places that will benefit the most from these food systems are also the places that are most receptive. Established and thriving countries with low poverty rates tend to be less open to non-profit innovation, especially in essential services, simply because of their high quality of life. Is life is so good, whatever they’re doing must be working.

Look at California, romantically considered to be one of the greatest places to live by so many people, but intensive commercial agriculture is close to making it unlivable. But change is slow, because the majority of people who live there lead comfortable lives. In areas with less food security, however, the ground is much more fertile for new ideas (if you’ll excuse the awful pun). Sustainable designs like aquaponics offers a new approach. If you tell somebody who barely earns/grows enough food to live that you know a way they can use a fraction of the water the currently use, eliminate fertilizer costs, grow food more quickly, with higher yields in a wider range of temperatures, they tend to sit up and listen. Nepal has had some well documented recent difficulties, and thanks to a number of organisations doing amazing work, is well connected internationally. It is my belief that ‘poor’ rural communities in areas like Nepal, India, and large swathes of Africa will prove to be a hotbed of agricultural innovation in the next 50 years, and the rest of the world will have to start paying attention. 2) How will this project change the lives of the people in the village? C) As little or as much as they want it to. There must be a catchy way to edit the ‘give a man a fish, you feed him for a day...’ adage to create a catchy soundbite for aquaponics… but I’m yet to find it. The best I can do is “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day… Teach a man how to fish, you feed him for life. Teach a man aquaponics, and you feed him (and his family) a much healthier, nutrient dense meal, with less effort and worry for life.” Our project is as much about education as it is about food production. The space we will be working with is limited, and the number of residents large, so it is likely that the actual system we create will supplement and improve current food purchases for the residents, rather than produce 100% of food requirements. The long term goal is to enable each and every person we can to create and maintain their own system.

A well managed aquaponics system can feed a family everything they need, using much less water, much less space, less labor, and no fertilizer. Obviously we can’t build a home aquaponics system for everybody, even in a small village. But by working with the school teachers and community leaders we can aim to leave a legacy in which every member of said village has the knowledge to build one for themselves. Imagine if you never had to go grocery shopping again, but could eat a healthy meal of fish and vegetables everyday. And the most it could ever cost you is the price of a bag of fish food per month. That is the change we are trying to make to people’s lives. Of course there are initial start up costs, but those pale into comparison to the savings in food and healthcare made over a lifetime. 3) In regards to travel, how has it impacted your perception on how other people live around the world? C) This is definitely the most difficult question to answer. It’s hard to talk about travel without resorting to tired cliches like “It really opened my eyes”, or sounding like a hippy. People talk about travel as an ‘experience’ but this really undersells it. Traveling is being endlessly slapped with a plethora of experiences. It’s like La Tomatina- the tomato throwing festival in Spain. You spend your time getting hit in the face, and you’re all red and rotten smelling by the end; but you have a big smile on your face, and a story to tell. I’ve met people who have changed me for the better, I’ve seen things I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and I’ve done things I’ll daydream about for as long as I can remember them.

  I have learned a real appreciation for the idea of a global community since I first left my little town in Northern England. Everybody’s place of birth is just an accident, a lucky dip, and people need help no matter where they happened to land on the Earth. People who need help deserve it no matter where they happened to be born. 4) Can you talk a little more about the importance of Sustainable Development? C) A very well studied person recently told me that 75% of the world will live in cities by 2050. Considering that even conservative estimates put the world population at 9.5 billion by that point, that is another 2 billion people (an extra 30%) that need food and water. Considering that many places in the world already struggle to support the people that live there, this is clearly a big problem. Whether you believe in man-made global warming or not, the fact is that the world’s climate is changing. Unpredictable weather patterns and human encroachment upon planetary boundaries means that food security will be more and more difficult to achieve as the population grows. You can survive without a house. You can survive without money. You can even survive without clothes. You can’t, however, survive without food or water. Africa has by far the fastest growing populations in the world, and also one of least food and water secure areas on the planet.

A recent UN report lists water scarcity as one of the biggest problems of the present and the future, and yet also points out that “there is enough freshwater on the planet for seven billion people but it is distributed unevenly and too much of it is wasted, polluted and unsustainably managed”. I don't know if 'unsustainably' is a word, but I do know that improving water management is massively important. Sustainable development is simply better management of the world’s resources. As population grows, everybody will be entitled to less and less of the available food and water. It is important to make sure that the planet remains habitable for future generations. This requires change in the way we feed people. And the way we live. 5) I love the plan to integrate the system into their teaching curriculum. Can you help explain why this is important? C) I covered this a little in an earlier question, and actually the educational component of the project is in my opinion the most important aspect. Simply arriving, building an aquaponics system and leaving would be useful; but limited. It would produce food, but what about if something breaks? What about the people who choose to leave? What if there is a flood and the residents have to relocate? Our plan to educate the teachers and leave them with specialised knowledge, useful learning materials, and a skeleton curriculum will mean that aquaponics can be a part of every resident’s skillset for life. Unlike physical objects, knowledge can withstand natural disasters, big changes, and can be carried with you anywhere, and through generations.

You can build an aquaponics system using a fishtank and a plastic tub. The educational guide we are putting together will include innovative designs, problem solving challenges, and every food technology that we can find. Although our main area is aquaponics, new ideas like windowfarms, vertical farming, keyhole gardening and many others are revolutionising the way that food is produced around the world. You don’t need acres of land and an endless supply of water to grow food. You just need the knowledge. That’s exactly what we want to teach people.

The more I travel and learn the more I believe that we are all in this together. Like the founder of BlinkNow, Maggie Doyne, said: "We are one human family..." So let's bind together and act for the future of our family.
Join and support the Kickstarter HERE.  And to learn more about BlinkNow and Aquaponics, please visit: BlinkNow, and The Life Aquaponic