Faroe Islands – The Last Paradise On Earth

Posted on December 11, 2018May 22, 2019 by dev

Why You Need To Go To The Faroe Islands

Unspoiled, Unexplored, Unbelievable. Visit the Faroe Islands and explore Europe’s best kept secret.

Gasadalur village is located in the west of Vagar Island and it’s a natural beauty that is tucked between lush green fields and soaring rocky mountains.

Yes, I might not be the the most objective person speaking about Faroe Islands, because my roots are from here, but I can assure you one thing, having been to nearly 100 countries; The landscape in the Faroe Islands is out of this World.

You’re stepping right into a fantasy tale. I have now been to the Faroe Islands 13 times, and when I come back here, there is still something that will draw my breath in awe, as I constantly question myself if I am still on planet Earth… Without a doubt, the landscapes in Faroe Islands are extremely majestic, and one of the islands’ true wonders would be the village of Gasadalur which is home to one of the most surreal waterfalls that exists in this world: Mulafossur.

Lítla Dímun, population of zero, the smallest of the main 18 islands in Faroe Islands.

You don’t have to worry about crowds (yet).

The 18 Faroe Islands have a total population of around 50,000, and is still appealingly low on tourists compared to neighboring countries like Iceland, Norway and Denmark.
With both Atlantic Airways and SAS competing on the route between the Faroe Islands and Copenhagen, Denmark the prices of tickets have decreased and there has been an increased awareness on the Faroe Islands as a tourism-destination. You are still able to hike many places in Faroe Islands pretty much for yourself, which make the beauty of the country stand out even more.

The Sheep Islands. The name Føroyar (Faroe Islands) literally means Sheep Islands.

In fact, sheep outnumber humans nearly 2:1.

The name Faroe Island originally means Sheep Island. And you can understand why. Over 70,000 sheep live here. That is more sheep than the entire population of the country. As you can see, sheep is an important part of the culture and history. They have always been a symbol of the Faroe Islands along with the national bird, the puffin.

The coziest capital city you’ll ever see.

The capital of Tórshavn (pop. 20,885) is also the largest city on the Faroe Islands, settled behind a busy harbor on the east coast of Streymoy Island. Within the 66.8-square-mile city are eighteenth-century churches, a handful of museums, a tiny Old Town, and rows of brightly painted houses.

Epic hiking opportunities.

Take Kalsoy, for example, a long, slender island with verdant hills and vertical cliffs. The best way to enjoy the island is to hike to Kallur Lighthouse, which sits on a northern promontory and grants panoramic views of five other islands on clear days.

Best time to go to Faroe Islands

Remember high season is from June to August, summer in the Faroe Islands is a marked contrast to the rest of the year.

There’s daylight for up to 22 hours, and locals pour into the streets to enjoy food festivals, outdoor concerts and nature. Winters are usually dark, stormy and cosy.

There are many puffins to see – around 10 times as many as there are humans.

Did you know?

There are a total of three traffic lights in the Faroe Islands – all located in Tórshavn. The population of the Faroe Islands consists of 80 different nationalities and there are only two international fast-food outlets in the Faroe Islands: Burger King and Sunset Boulevard.

Helpful Faroese phrases from me to you

Hello: Halló (hahloh)
Thank you: Takk fyri (Takk fi-reh) or Takk (Takk)
Yes: Ja (Ya)
No: Nei (Ney)
Goodbye: Farvæl (Far-vyel)

I’m sorry: Orsakið meg (Or-sha-kee mey)
Excuse me (getting attention): Orsaka (Or-sha-ka)
Excuse me (begging pardon): Umskylda (Um-shil-da)
How much does that cost?: Hvat kostar tað? (Kvat kost-ar tay?)
Is there someone here who speaks English?: Dugir nakar her eingilskt? (Du-cheer nak-ar her ain-gilsk?)
Help!: Hjálp! (Yolp!)
Cheers!: Skál! (Is-kol!)

Chilling in the little village Funningur, Faroe Islands

Do you want to learn the BEST and most helpful Faroese phrases then click here.

Are you ready to go to Faroe Islands now? I hope to see you there next time!

– Gustav

gus1thego.com

What To Think Of When Going To Kuwait?

Posted on December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 by dev

Going To Kuwait? Then read this!

Kuwait is a Muslim country and while not as conservative as many of its Gulf neighbours, you should behave and dress in a respectful way.

You have to respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that you do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

Don’t Do’s In Kuwait

The following are illegal in Kuwait:

Homosexual acts
Importation and use of alcohol
Importation and use of pork products
Pornography
Drink driving

In terms of dress code, Kuwait is fairly relaxed, however, to avoid unnecessary attention women should not wear short skirts, sleeveless shirts or low necklines. Bikinis are fine at the hotel pool, but not on public beaches.

The Emir of Kuwait is venerated. Prison terms of up to seven years can be imposed for challenging the authority of the Emir or insulting him – whether by speech, writing, drawing or any other means of expression.

Taking photographs of or near government buildings or other infrastructure, including oil fields, can lead to detention. It is also forbidden to take photographs at some shopping centres.

Alcohol is totally prohibited in Kuwait. It may not be imported, manufactured or served. Some expat-geared restaurants offer “special” tea, but unlike neighbouring states; Bahrain, Qatar and UAE, alcohol cannot be even served at hotels or by permit holders.

So, apart from the ever present threat of terrorism and “abstract” drivers, Kuwait has to be one of the easiest and safest countries for travel in the Gulf region.

Climate of Kuwait

July in Kuwait was the hottest month ever recorded on the planet. The epicenter of the global heat wave was Kuwait, where the temperature in Mitribah hit 129.2 degrees, making it the hottest place on Earth. People in Kuwait will literally escape from their country in July and August, because the temperatures get extremely hot.

Having coffee with my Kuwaitian friend Mohammed and his friends in Kuwait City

The Kuwaitian People

I was shocked when reading that Kuwaitian people are among the most unfriendly people in the World, because it’s very far from my own experiences in Kuwait. I was invited for coffee more than 10 times and the Kuwaitian people were very curious about what brought me to Kuwait. My best advice dealing with the Kuwaitian people is to respect them and their culture and they will respect you back.

I will forever remember my Kuwaitian friend Mohammed, who made my stay in Kuwait absolutely unforgettable with hospitality rarely seen anywhere else.

Rich, safe and just about crime free Kuwait is a great entry point to the Muslim world of souks, mosques and that all important warm Arabian hospitality.

I hope to re-visit Kuwait one day.

– Gustav

gus1thego.com

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ethiopia?

Posted on December 11, 2018December 11, 2018 by dev

1: The landscapes are incredibly scenic

Arid plains, spectacular mountains, lush green areas, and vast lakes define Ethiopia’s scenic landscapes. The country boasts 70% of the mountains on the African continent. Whether you are in the Semien Mountains or the Danakil Depression, every corner of the country offers a view pleasant to the eyes.

2: Tasty food with extensive choices

From the raw meat delicacy to an extensive vegetable dish, Ethiopia’s cuisine is as diverse as it is flavorful and one you should experience. Meals are usually served on a common platter to encourage dining together. Injera, the country’s staple food, makes a frequent appearance on the dining table. People eat using their right hand and use injera to scoop up food served alongside it.

3: You can go back in time

It’s still 2011 in Ethiopia! The Ethiopian calendar follows the ancient Coptic calendar, which makes it fall seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. The difference in the two calendars comes in the calculations to determine the Annunciation date of the birth of Jesus Christ.

4: Home to over 80 ethnic groups

Ethiopia is a melting pot of different cultures, with over 80 ethnic groups and languages spoken. After a look at the different traditions, you will hardly feel like you have visited just one country. The Hamer Tribe, the Banna tribe, the Mursi people, and tribes of the Omo valley are a few of the many ethnic groups with spectacular, traditional ways of living. Staying with the Banna tribe was an experience of a life-time!

5. The Wildlife

Ethiopia, as well as having beautiful scenery, also has beautiful wildlife. Ethiopia has many national parks, such as Awash National Park, Abijatta Shalla Lakes National Park, Mago National Park, and more. These parks, along with the lakes of the Great Rift Valley, are home to rare species of birds and animals, such as the Mountain Nyala, the African antelope, the Walia Ibex, the mountain horned goats, and the Ethiopian wolf.

Gustav in the surburbs of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Compared with many African countries, Ethiopia is remarkably safe – most of the time. Serious or violent crime is rare; against travellers it’s extremely rare. Outside the capital, the risk of petty crime drops still further. So, as much as it is safe to travel around Ethiopia, you need to realise that sometimes not-so-nice situations may happen – as they can and do happen in any city in the world. Just be ready for them, so you’re not disappointed.

I really enjoyed my 10 days in Ethiopia. Hopefully not my last time here.

– Gustav

gus1thego.com

The Top 5 Things To See In Dubai

Posted on December 8, 2018December 12, 2018 by dev

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa gained the official title of “Tallest Building in the World” at its opening on January 9, 2010 with a total height of 830 m. Dubai’s most known claim to fame.

There are three different observation levels open to the public. The first two are part of the misleadingly named At The Top, which includes floors 124 and 125 at 452m (not actually at the top, but just over half way up the building). Then there’s luxury lounge, SKY, on level 148, which sits at a height of 555m.

It costs 50USD for access to At The Top during peak hours, and you can pretty much spend as long as you like up there. Hefty pricetag sure – but it’s the tallest building in the whooooole world. A ticket for SKY (which costs a princely 140USD for just 30 minutes) will also get you into At The Top.

In my opinion is At The Top-ticket fine, view is pretty much the same! You can book in advance to ensure you get the best time, and if you’re banking on seeing sunset, book at least 90 minutes before to get the most out of it.

Remember: You won’t actually make it to the very top of Burj Khalifa, as there are expensive luxury apartments up there and the owners like some privacy. Still the view of Dubai from top is epic!

2. The Fountains

A nice follow up to the pricey Burj Khalifa is the lazer/light/water show at the bottom of the building. Every night from six PM, they show an amazing combination with the fountains every half an hour – oh, and it’s free.

3. Desert Safari

It’s the middle-east folks, and for most visitors here it’s the only middle eastern country they’ll likely visit, so it’s the main chance to hang with the nomadic Bedouin tribe, ride over sand dunes in a Range Rover, sleep in a tent in the desert and see the most amazing night sky imaginable. You don’t want to miss that!

4. Ski Dubai

Skiing is possible in the Middle East, and yes it’s awesome, and yes it’s pretty expensive, like most tourist attractions here. You can hire literally everything you need, so turn up in your shorts and flip-flops yet within thirty minutes you’ll be on the slopes. Pretty impressive Dubai, well played.

5. Burj Al-Arab

Dubai’s first iconic building has been bumped down the list since the Burj Khalifa opened, but still the gorgeous curves and the islamic-inspired architecture of one of the World’s only 7 star-hotels is still something amazing to marvel at. There are a lot of cocktail bars, where you can gaze out on the Burj, as it changes colour throughout the night, beautiful.

Good luck, and happy travels.

Gustav Rosted in Dubai — 4th visit to Dubai, 2018

The Boy With The Blue Eyes

Posted on December 4, 2018December 4, 2018 by dev

Africa has many stories to be told and today I’ll be telling you just one of them about Abushe, the Boy with the Blue Eyes, from Jinka, Southern Ethiopia, whom I met by a strange incident on my travel!

You probably have never even seen an African with blue eyes. Me neither actually, until that day I went for a walk with my local friend Abraham in the center of Jinka, Ethiopia. Abraham spoke to me the night before about a boy, he had taken care of for 3 years, making sure he went to school and had food to eat. I told Abraham it was an incredible gesture of him, since Abraham was only 20 years old, and I told him I would like to meet that boy.
I had no idea that I was going to meet Abushe.

Abushe’s wondrous blue eyes stem from a condition called Waardenburgh syndrome. Only 1/300,000 babies are born with this rare genetic condition which changes the pigmentation of the eyes. He had blue eyes like I’ve never seen before in my life! They were like two tiny planets, with the friendliest face to go with them.

Abushe is a 10 year old kid living on the streets of Jinka, who lost his father in an early age. Abushe’s mother lived far outside of the city, and couldn’t afford the bus ticket for Abushe to school, so he stayed with his grandmother, and depended on her and Abraham. All he had for clothing was the red tank top he was wearing, nothing else at all. Some people in Jinka told me he was an outcast because of his eyes. “If it is not normal, it is evil” is something a lot of cultures think, hence why poor Abushe has been cast out.

I told Abraham this: “Tell Abushe that no matter what anyone says about his eyes, or about him being abnormal, he should always remember that he is really special and his eyes are a gift.”

Abushe and Gustav in the streets of Jinka

For the 3 days I was with Abraham and Abushe, we had a great time, and I will remember the laughs we shared, and I especially remember one episode when I had a 10 birr (Ethiopian money, like 0,30 dollars) falling out of my pocket, and Abushe took my arm and said: “Mr Gustava, you have big money falling out of your pocket,” with a smile to me. That hit my heart. Such a humble kid and so mature for such a young boy! Everyone could learn a lesson from his positive outlook on life. His grandmother viewed his rare syndrome as a “gift from God.”

Me too.

Good news is that Abraham told me a sponsor family was now trying to adopt Abushe and get him to Paris, France. I genuinely hope the best for this kid.

I’ll forever remember The Boy with the Blue Eyes!

I asked Abushe which hand sign we would do for the picture, and he had no doubts!

gus1thego.com

Follow me on Instagram @gustavrosted