Discussions
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Why is Japan Overrated?
The Land of the Rising Sun has long been seen as the ultimate clichéd fantasy destination of anime lovers and introverted dreamers alike. The praises for the land of samurai, sakura, and sushi are sung ad nauseam across social media and through the perspective of doe-eyed visitors alike. However, does the Japanese experience deserve such high praise? A surprising number of travellers find themselves feeling rather disappointed, while some might go as far as to say Japan as a whole is overrated! How could that be? What isn’t being talked about? It’s time to explore why some visitors might need to manage their expectations before touching down in Japan. The…
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What is Ghost Month and the Hungry Ghost Festival?
Do you believe in ghosts? That’s always been the divisive question separating the non-believers from the sixth-sensers; the logical from the “open-minded”. In Taiwan, however, this question has a much more definitive answer. The sincere belief in ghosts and the spiritual world is so deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture that as many as 70-90% of Taiwanese citizens acknowledge at least acknowledge its cultural significance. Even those who might not consider themselves true “believers” still observe many customs and superstitions surrounding the idea. Though you may be picturing ghouls and goblins coming to haunt your dreams, it’s not quite as morbid as you might think. In fact, there’s an entire month…
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Why is the UK so Overrated?
The British Isles in all its glory routinely finds itself at the tippy-top of countless travel bucket lists. From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the lush jungles of central Africa, people around the globe aspire to stroll through the streets of Shakespeare and Rowling. Yet the United Kingdom, despite its allure, stands as one of the most overrated travel destinations in the world. Its mighty reputation far outweighs its meagre offering, leaving many visitors disheartened when their romanticised vision of charming old Britain crashes down to Earth. But why is this the case? In spite of its enduring popularity, why do so many find the UK to be…
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What is it Like Living in China?
China is one of the most misunderstood nations on Earth. Tales of mysticism and peculiar oriental traditions travelled far and wide along the Silk Road and beyond, creating a cultural mythology like no other. Foreign nationals are few and far between in the lands of China; thus, a perspective on life in the beating heart of Maoist communism is more exclusive than a list of potential Premier candidates. As one of the few wai guo ren who has lived and worked amongst the hallowed streets that were once considered forbidden, what was life like living in China? As a bright-eyed, clueless Brit, I was equally uninformed and completely naive to…
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The Legend of Beddgelert: A Welsh Folktale
Amongst rugged mountain peaks, the distant echoes of Celtic kings dance among the shadows of ancient druids. Wales – the land of the unknown, the land of myths and tales that flow freer than the waters of the Menai Strait. Yet, one tale stands above all the rest. It’s a tale every man, woman and child blessed to have their hearts coursing with Welsh blood knows about this story. And that is why you’re here today. It’s time for you to learn the story of Gelert – Wales’ greatest folktale. This article may contain affiliate links, for which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers!…
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Why Do Asian Temples Have Nazi Symbols?
In the cultural and religious melting pots of Asian cultures, temples have always represented a tranquil oasis in the midst of an ever-changing world. These houses of worship have always been considered a place of serenity, peace and most importantly of all, love for thy fellow man. Thus, you can imagine my surprise when I first came across an unmistakable symbol that has long been associated with the fascist Nazi regime – the swastika. It turns out that temples across this stunning continent are covered with this notorious symbol. Not only that, they feature prominently in many religious designs to this very day! How could this be? Is there a…
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How I Met a Student in War-torn Ukraine
In a post-COVID world where online workspaces have become the norm, I like many others took the unprecedented career move of becoming an online teacher. Doing so allowed me to interact with people from across the globe hailing from all manner of cultural and ideological backgrounds. From Iran and Beijing to Sao Paolo and Moscow, each pin on the map fascinated me more than the last. Back in April 2022, I received a lesson request from the unlikeliest of places, somewhere I didn’t expect there to be any demand for extracurricular classes – Kyiv. Ukraine had been fighting a war of attrition for over a year at this point, fighting…
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How To Stay Safe When You Travel
While some people venture into an unfamiliar nation with nothing more than an overfilled backpack and a smile, others are riddled with fear at the very idea of travelling abroad. Anything further than the comfort of the Spanish seaside resorts or hotel pools of Cancun sends a shiver up many people’s spines. The question of whether or not it’s safe to travel is one that comes up often when backpackers are questioned by their families or their high-school classmates who never left home. The unpredictability is too much to bear. Fear not, fellow wanderer! In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to travel safely! This article may…
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What Is The Notting Hill Carnival Really Like?
In the vibrant tapestry of London’s social calendar, where each day brings its own unique charm, there’s one event that stands out amidst the crowd – the Notting Hill Carnival. It’s a moment of cultural celebration, a time when we come together in the joyful embrace of unity. However, beneath the colourful façade lies a much darker narrative which often creeps up across all social media platforms annually. Rampant and heavy drug use, outbreaks of gang violence, and frequent incidents of sexual harassment have become par for the course, or so many believe. But is this an accurate reflection of what unfolds at the carnival? What is the Notting Hill…
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Why is Bali so Overrated?
“Where is the best place you’ve ever been to?” is a common question among travellers. Names such as Thailand, Australia and the Maldives make regular appearances, and there’s little question as to why. Yet there’s one dreaded name that tends to elicit an eye-rolling groan from many – Bali. This tiny island in the distant corner of Southeast Asia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The mere mention of its name casts images of white sand beaches, infinity pools and cocktails on deck – the ultimate paradise. However, that couldn’t be further from the case. Bali has to be considered one of the most overrated…
