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Articles by Wesley Grover
Travelfish #428: The case for staying put
Hi all, So this week I’ve got a lead on a piece that asks why are people still travelling? There’s also a piece on Burma’s Salween River, yet more bad news out of Cambodia, and an appalling story about mistreated elephants in Indonesia. Then there’s a great story on a positive outcome in Laos, an enormous bird in Malaysia, some musing on old buildings in Singapore, more Thai national park problems and comics doing good work in Vietnam.
How to Battle Your Inner Demons and See the Positives in Hardship
Personal development happens when you’re faced with hardship and adversity. That’s true whether you’re embarking on an epic outdoor pursuit alone or waiting out a global pandemic. It forces you to battle your inner demons. To understand what it’s like to cope with that at an extreme level, we spoke to Captain Liz Clark, a surfer, sailor, and environmentalist. In 2006, she set sail from California, venturing south to Central America and into the Pacific aboard her 40-foot sailboat, Swell.
How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Loneliness in Isolation
When you’re alone with your thoughts in isolation for weeks on end, it takes its toll. Boredom is one thing, but a lack of social interaction can start to wreak havoc on your sanity and heighten feelings of unease and self-doubt. It’s something thousands of people worldwide have struggled with as COVID-19 hit its peak.
How to Use Meditation to Cope With Loneliness and Negative Self-Talk
When COVID-19 hit and isolation became the norm for majority of the world, many found it difficult to cope with loneliness. Grappling with a global pandemic understandably heightens feelings of fear and anxiety. To better manage negative thoughts and self-talk, we tapped one of the world’s greatest solo adventurers, Colin O’Brady.
How to Turn Fear Into Power and Mindfulness
It’s difficult to comprehend navigating a blistering Antarctic snowstorm without another living soul in sight. Or to journey into the unknown and make the first ascent of a rugged mountain in the Himalayas entirely alone. For many of us, a solo adventure of this nature is the sort of fear-inducing, sphincter-clenching type of situation to avoid at all costs. Yet, there’s a rare breed of explorers who are drawn to and take pleasure in these high stakes—who turn fear into power.
What It’s Like to Be an American Expat During a Global Pandemic
In early March, I boarded a bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with no intention of reaching the final destination. Rather, I was going to cross the border into Cambodia, receive a stamp in my passport, then walk back across to Vietnam and renew my visa before catching a bus destined for my point of origin, where I have lived for several years.
Le 7 migliori destinazioni per l’arrampicata su roccia nel Sud-est asiatico
Pensate ai paesaggi del Sud-est asiatico e nella vostra mente probabilmente verranno evocate immagini di terrazze di riso, spiagge di sabbia bianca e boschi di fitta giungla verde. Ma altrettanto presenti ovunque sono spettacolari pareti calcaree, che ricoprono l’entroterra dal Myanmar all’Indonesia. Sin da quando gli arrampicatori hanno sentito parlare di questa meta all’inizio degli anni ’90, questo sport ha conosciuto una crescita costante.
Is Penang Island the Best Food Destination You’ve Never Heard Of?
George Town, Malaysia - March 22, 2016: Hands of the senior man cooking kway teow noodles in asian wok at the Kimberly Street Food Night Market on March 22, 2016 in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. (Getty Images) Located in the Strait of Malacca just off the coast of mainland Malaysia, Penang Island is the type of place that will haunt you forever.
The most beautiful rock climbing destinations in Southeast Asia - Lonely Planet
Picture the landscapes of Southeast Asia and your imagination will likely conjure up images of sloping rice terraces, white-sand beaches and thickets of dense green jungle. But equally omnipresent are the region’s dramatic limestone cliffs, which pepper the countryside from Myanmar to Indonesia.
How Climber Adam Ondra Is Training for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
When rock climbing debuts at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, it will likely be remembered as the watershed moment of a once-fringe activity gone mainstream. Undoubtedly, the sport has experienced a surge in popularity over the past few years, with films like Free Solo and The Dawn Wall helping to broaden the appeal as climbing gyms pop up around the country, but Tokyo will officially put it on the map.
Angler Oliver White on Fishing in Bhutan for 'A Thousand Casts' Doc
At 39 years old, Oliver White is giving The Most Interesting Man in the World a run for his money. He’s been kidnapped by a machete-wielding maniac in the Bahamas (he escaped); worked as a fly-fishing guide in Chile until a client, hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, offered him a job in finance; and most recently, was invited by the royal family of Bhutan to fish their rivers for the rare and elusive golden mahseer.
What's the Best Ski Pass to Buy for the 2019-2020 Season?
As Vail Resorts and Alterra Mountain Co. continue to gobble up every mountain in sight in a quest to duopolize the business of skiing, one thing is for sure: ski passes aren’t as simple as they used to be. Of course, there’s also an upside for you, the end user: with the right pass, you can hit powder stashes all around the world this winter and even next summer.
Meet the doctors who helped rock climbing take off in Laos
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The 9 US National Forests With Certified “Epic” Biking Trails
The U.S. National Forests are the forgotten stepchild of American adventuring, forever in the shadow of our beloved National Parks. Why, exactly, we’re not sure. As it turns out, our national forests are home to most of the country’s most epic mountain-biking trails — and we’re not just using hyperbole here. Each year, the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) designates a list of trails as IMBA Epics.
The 9 US National Forests With Certified “Epic” Biking Trails
The U.S. National Forests are the forgotten stepchild of American adventuring, forever in the shadow of our beloved National Parks. Why, exactly, we’re not sure. As it turns out, our national forests are home to most of the country’s most epic mountain-biking trails — and we’re not just using hyperbole here. Each year, the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) designates a list of trails as IMBA Epics.
These 5 Globe-Spanning Yacht Charters Were Built for Adventure
RCL Exclusive 1 min ago RealClearLife has partnered with InsideHook, the essential lifestyle guide for adventurous and established men. Sign up to get the best of InsideHook’s recommendations and advice delivered to your inbox every weekday. The life of a yachtsmen isn’t just about days of leisure and getting tipsy topside.
These 5 Globe-Spanning Yacht Charters Were Built for Adventure
The life of a yachtsmen isn’t just about days of leisure and getting tipsy topside. While some may be content with docking in fancy marinas and stumbling back and forth from steak dinners and shuffleboard games, there’s a hell of a lot more excitement to be found at sea. We’re talking about remote wave breaks in the South Pacific, subaquatic exploration in Antarctica, and, sure, maybe a little getting tipsy topside.
5 of the Most Epic Motorbike Loops in Southeast Asia
There’s more to Southeast Asia than street food and temple-hopping. That said, one of the most visceral pleasures of the region can involve both of those things: getting behind the handlebars of a motorbike and heading off the grid. The limestone karsts, the lush jungles, the layered rice terraces — these are all tableaux that demand an intimacy you simply can’t achieve by car, bus or train.
The Best Adventure Festivals, Competitions, and Expeditions to Do in 2019
Craving an excursion in the wilderness? It doesn’t always have to be about solitude and self-sufficiency. If you gravitate toward adventure that revolves around community and camaraderie, get excited: There are a ton of upcoming gatherings where you can immerse yourself in nature, while soaking up good vibes with likeminded people.
The 10 Best Fly-fishing Lodges Around the World
A day of fly-fishing leaves the mind calm and relaxed. The body, not so much. With long hours spent wading into rivers and casting under the sun, it’s a labor of love that’s physically exhausting. The good news is traveling the globe in search of the best fish doesn’t require sacrificing comfort at day’s end with a surplus of luxury fly-fishing lodges.
The 10 North American Ski Resorts That Offer the Best Bang for Your Buck
The Epic Pass is sold out. The IKON Pass? Gone. If you’re one of those ski bums who’s not so great at planning ahead and missed out on the season’s best multi-resort passes, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. For the right person, the Powder Alliance and Mountain Collective can both be good options that are still on the table, but if you’re more of a daytripper looking for a hot deal, these are the top resorts across North America where the terrain is steep and the prices cheap.
The Best Resorts and Hotels to Visit in Asia
Hotels shouldn’t be an afterthought. There are plenty of dreamy spots that offer experiences that rouse and reinvigorate—and, in some cases, are worth a trip in and of themselves. But when it comes to rankings, “best” is a subjective term. Some travelers prefer swanky, urban accommodations while others gravitate toward low-key lodgings that are off the grid. Fortunately, Asia’s diverse geography, culture, and experiences mean there’s something for everyone.
The best UNESCO Global Geoparks to visit in 2018
UNESCO recently unveiled its new Global Geoparks – sites of geological significance that are carefully managed to promote responsible development, conservation and education, while supporting local communities. Venture off the beaten path and get back to nature at these stunning spots. Situated 280km from Hanoi in Vietnam’s rugged north, Cao Bang’s distinctive landscape is defined by karst cliffs that tower over picturesque rice terraces.
The Most Epic Outdoor Adventures to Take in Southeast Asia
5 Street Foods from Southeast Asia That Will Blow Your Mind Untamable jungles sit above soaring cave systems. Tropical waters hold World War II shipwrecks waiting to be explored. Across the region’s 11 countries, there are endless bucket-list experiences. These are the ones that promise to deliver a shot of adrenaline.
Major Frederick Russell Burnham Es Más Macho
Major Frederick Russell Burnham was the well-rounded badass we all aspire to be. He panned for gold in the Yukon, excavated ancient artifacts in Mexico, and hunted bandits across the American Southwest. He was the swashbuckler’s swashbuckler, commanding respect and admiration from such figures as Theodore Roosevelt, Cecil Rhodes, and Ernest Hemingway.
There's a $100 Banh Mi in Saigon, and People Are Actually Buying It
It's hard to tell whether chef Peter Cuong Franklin is absolutely crazy or an absolute genius. In a city where the average monthly salary is roughly US $200, this gastronomic deviant is slinging banh mi for $100 at his newly opened restaurant, Anan Saigon. As a reference point, the street value of Vietnam's most famous sandwich—a baguette spread with pork, pâté, and pickled vegetables—is ubiquitously a dollar or less in Ho Chi Minh City, still known locally as Saigon.
A Glass of Wine and a Shibboleth For Transplanted Peoples
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Apulia is one of Italy’s largest wine-producing regions and, my family being oenophiles, we relished the presence of good wine during our visit. Accompanying the excellent Pugliese food were a number of regional wines, but the most memorable was a Salice Salentino rosato, made from the Negroamaro grape. We tried the wine in the town of Calimera, which we visited in order to experience Griko culture.
By Natalie Thomas Verified, Noah Lederman, Alexander Theodosiou, Wesley Grover, Robert Foyle-Hunwick
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Roads and Kingdoms
Drinking Cheap Beer in the Ruins of Pablo Escobar's Summer House
Burned out graffiti-covered shells of buildings do not normally attract those seeking a cool afternoon beer. There are far more upmarket locations along the rolling green hills surrounding Lake Penol, a few hours drive from the city of Medellín. Nor does the Club Col beer which the smattering of guests are drinking differ from other Colombian bars. However, none has the same pulling power as this small complex jutting out on its own narrow peninsula into the lake.
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