Will Quebec Be Its Own Country? (Canada)

Posted on August 26, 2019August 26, 2019 by dev

After starting my 10 days journey in Canada in Toronto and Niagara, I arrived in Montreal and Quebec and spend some days there, and I noticed how different things are in the Quebec region, which left me with the question: Will Quebec be its own country?

Quebec Is Like Its Own Country

Quebec is one out of thirteen provinces and territories in Canada, and the second-most populous province in Canada, after the Ontario region, with around 9 million people living in the region. Quebec has never been an independent country, but some would say Quebec essentially is an independent country without the financial responsibility of independence.

Quebec – The Voting For Independence

In the voting for the Quebec Referendum in 1995 the proposal of independence was rejected by voters, with 50.58% voting “No” and 49.42% voting “Yes.” SO CLOSE AS IT COULD GET to be its own independent country, but it remained a part of Canada. But will it stay like this? Or will it seperate from Canada?

Architecture is much more French-inspired in Quebec City than in the rest of Canada

What Makes Quebec Different To The Rest Of Canada?

Sports

Quebec’s soccer team, partly funded by the Parti Québécois, competes only with places such as Tibet in a league of non-FIFA teams. Quebec does not have a separate Olympic team.

Language

Quebec’s Bill 101, passed in 1977, requires French to be given a primary position on commercial signs in Quebec, so when you for instance see a ‘Stop-sign’ in Quebec it says “Arret,” which is the French version of stop.

Quebec has had French as its sole official tongue since 1969.

Nature

No difference. Canada (and Quebec) both have super stunning nature!

Hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park, Quebec

Culture

Since 2006, Quebec has held its own UNESCO seat, so they have a separate vote on cultural issues. Similarly, Quebec has its own seat in La Francophonie alongside that of Canada. Canada’s national broadcaster operates in both official languages across Canada, with a predominately French-language presence in Quebec.

Flag

The flag of Quebec, called the Fleurdelisé (the Lily-flowered) represents the province of Quebec. It consists of a white cross on a blue background, with four white fleur-de-lis. It was adopted in 1950.

Powers

Unlike other provinces, Quebec has its own controls on immigration, employment, personal taxes and public pension plans. It also holds jurisdiction over health care and education, as do other provinces.

Banknote

Quebec uses Canadian currency – which includes royal symbols.

National anthem

Gens du pays, a 1975 tune, is used at Parti Québécois events and is widely seen as an unofficial anthem for the province of Quebec.

I really don’t know, but Quebec kind of feels like being its own country to me

Some Of Quebec’s Laws Are Different To Rest Of Canada

Quebec law is unique in Canada because Quebec is the only province in Canada to have a juridical legal system under which civil matters are regulated by French-heritage civil law. Public law, criminal law and other federal law operate according to Canadian common law. Quebec law follows a civil code, based on Napoleonic law and they have lots of exceptions compared to the Canadian law.

Montreal is the biggest city in the Quebec region

So Will Quebec Be Its Own Country?

The people I’ve talked to in Quebec think it will separate, but say they’re maybe not completely ready yet.

Lots of different opinions on a split-up, James Martin fom Toronto/Montreal says — “Quebec has no future in Canada, for all of us. I live in Montreal and Toronto and have a unique vantage point. Language is/was never the issue — it’s culture. For the good of both countries Quebec must separate. The tremendous economic advantages to both nations would be enhanced by incredible cultural growth for each.”

Peter Edwards from Victoria had a different opinion on seeing Quebec leaving Canada: “— I certainly hope not. However, it will never go without being pushed. A parasite does not voluntarily leave its host.”

Last but not least Mark Sidloi, Cote Saint-Luc, Que said: “— Does Quebec have a future in Canada? I surely hope so. It certainly would not have much of a future outside of Canada.”

Jacques-Cartier National Park. Quebec has beautiful landscape, just like the rest of Canada

Impossible To Predict – One Day Maybe

Québec’s future is maybe within Canada, maybe not. Lots of Quebecers would say it’s time to go, but one thing is certain, they aren’t European! Quebecers didn’t go through the French Revolution and their culture and language is different to France. Quebec’s language and culture is protected within Canada for now, and yes, independence would be very challenging indeed, but it’s certainly possible it’ll happen one day!

Discussing Quebec’s future in the streets of Quebec City with some local drinks

Excited to see what’ll happen in Quebec! What do you think will happen? Will Quebec be its own country?

Gustav

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5 Tips To Make Better Instagram Stories (Higher Engagement)

Posted on August 25, 2019August 26, 2019 by dev

Instagram Story is the new #1 big thing. Big companies integrate them in their Marketing Strategy big time, and you can actually make a profit on them. Instagram Stories has only been around for a few years, but it’s already managed to gain huge popularity, enjoyed by more than 400 million daily users.

I’ve watched my engagement on my IG-Stories go up 500% by following these 5 steps!

5 Tips To Make Better Instagram Stories (Higher Engagement)

In the beginning I had around 100-200 people watching my Instagram Stories, but I changed a few things and kept these 5 important rules in mind when I make IG-stories, and it literally changed everything. This has helped me to get much more engagement on my Instagram account, which is a new opportunity for me to travel even more and to get more attractive for companies who wants to collaborate with me.

Sky diving over the Iguazu Waterfalls in Brazil

1: Buy an IPhone (IPhone 11 or X)

Seriously, do it! I really recommend you to buy an IPhone to make better Instagram Stories. And get a good one like the new IPhone 11 or IPhone X with 256 GB like me, so you’ll have the best quality, with a good storage capacity. I had a Samsung Galaxy 9 before and the Android quality on the IG-stories is – sorry to say – really bad! I can guarantee you fewer people will watch your Instagram stories with an Android-phone or any old phone in general. That’s unfortunately how the human brain works; We want to see the World in HQ. I personally find stories made with Android phones slightly annoying, because of the slow movement, almost like it’s lacking – really sorry, Android users, but honest talk.. I’ve had Android before, but never again! If you want to make money on IG-Stories, then get a proper, new IPhone.

2: Find Your Niche

Maybe it’s fashion, traveling, food or fitness, or you’re just extremely funny or super attractive, but it’s important for you to find a niche and keep it in mind when you’re making Instagram Stories. My niche is obviously traveling, so when I post on my IG-Stories it’s usually travel-related stuff in one way or another, which makes pretty good sense, right? If you don’t have any niche, there’s a big chance people might skip watching your stories, because it’s maybe nonsense/not-interesting/without purpose.

Having tea with Fikro in Asmara, Eritrea

3: You’re Using People’s Time

A lot of people forget they’re actually using people’s time when they post an IG-Story. But hey, you’re using people’s time! The most luxury gift we have in this World is time, so make sure to give your followers something of value. Making 20 stories of you screaming in the camera to a Katy Perry concert, will make people watch 1-2 of them and then go on to next person’s story – 100%. Maybe you’ll even get unfollowed too after going to 4-5 similar concerts in a month trying to top your Katy Perry-performance, without any success at all… Unless you’re really attractive and are twerking to the camera, you might still have some horny boys watching your Katy Perry-singalong stories, but in most cases people will think stories like these are super annoying.

Nobody wants to see you talking for minutes about the quality of a vegan burger for minutes on your Instagram stories neither. Youtube is for stuff like that! If you have a 10 seconds video you want to post on your IG-story, and 5 of the seconds are good and 5 are completely useless, you can actually remove the 5 bad seconds. Not rocket science, right?

Rule number 1: Keep it interesting!

With my Algerian friend Djaber in Tipasa, Algeria

4: Make Your Followers Active

Make your followers active. Do Q&A’s (Questions and Answers,) where your followers can ask you whatever question they might want you to answer. The more your awesome personality shines through on your IG, the better chance you’ll have for higher engagement. Make a poll, question or a quiz in your story, but don’t spam people! Keep it interesting and keep the other 3 tips in mind always. Bringing a poll or a quiz occasionally is good to make your followers more active and increase the engagement. It helps growing engagement on your IG-account – trust me!

5: Bring Quality Content (Informative)

First of all quality content doesn’t have to be informative. I have friends which stories I truly love watching with no informative aspects whatsoever, but I enjoy them simply because they’re funny and unpredictable! Quality content is whatever leaves the person who watches with a good feeling, more knowledge or with a smile/laugh! Be you, be funny, be crazy, be innovative, be informative, most importantly don’t waste people’s time.. Bring quality content!

In Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales. Longest place name in the World

You’re Now CERTIFIED To Make Better IG-Stories

You’re now certified to make better IG-Stories! Remember this is only my humble opinion about how to make good IG-stories, but you might find some of the advice useful, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who feels this way, and remember these 5 tips the next time you’re going to a Katy Perry concert too!

Hardangervidda, Norway the largest plateau of its kind in Europe

Did you like the 5 tips? Do you agree with me?

Gustav

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3 Things Nobody Knew About Eritrea (Africa’s Most Secretive Country)

Posted on August 24, 2019August 24, 2019 by dev

Eritrea is a small northeast African country on the Red Sea coast. It’s bordered by Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south and Djibouti in the southeast. I was extremely lucky to spend 3 interesting days in Eritrea!

Africa’s Most Secretive Country By Far

Eritrea is called Africa’s most secretive country, and I can assure you the State of Eritrea is one of the hardest countries in the World to get a visa for. I personally had to fly to Stockholm and fight to get the visa over several days, and it was several months in the process. For my Norwegian friend it took 6 months to get the visa, so yes, this small African country is super difficult to visit, especially because of the war of independence with Ethiopia, which lasted nearly three decades. The Eritrean Government doesn’t really want foreigners to come.. Prolonged periods of conflict and severe drought have adversely affected Eritrea’s economy and it remains one of the poorest countries in Africa. I was told there still is a lot of land mines in Eritrea from the war, so you have to watch your steps when walking off-the-beaten path.

Around non-English speaking Eritrea the most difficult way possible with no phone

3 Things You Didn’t Know About Eritrea

1. Eritrea (after Egypt) has the second highest archeological historical discoveries in Africa

The number of archeological sites in the country which was 45,000 previously has now increased to 80,000. Eritrea is an ancient civilization dating back thousands of years ago. It is a land that had been inhabited by early humans for long. This informs its numerous archeological sites as proof of the early human habitation. It is considered the world’s archeological Eden.

2. Isaias Afwerki has been Eritrea’s only President since independence to present

Ethiopian Prime Minister Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki signed a peace deal in July 2018 and reopened the completely closed borders between the two countries

How many countries only had one President? Not many! Since Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia through a UN-supervised referendum, there has hardly been any elections despite the first one having been scheduled in 1997 after the adoption of the Constitution that declared Eritrea as a democracy.

Wars with Ethiopia was used as justification for postponing the first scheduled elections. Afterward, there have been mountains of excuses not to hold another one to date.. Therefore Isaias Afwerki is the only President Eritrea has ever had!

3. Eritrea has 10 languages such as Tigrinya, Arabic, English, Saho, Bilen, Afar, Kunana, Nara, Tigre, and Hedareb

In a park in Eritrea with flights which were shot down during the war

Being a multi-ethnic nation, Eritrea has many languages. Constitutionally, there is no preference for one language over another. However, practically, Tigrinya is the most widely spoken local dialect and English is very rarely spoken in the country from my experience.. I met only few people during my 3 days around the country, who could speak a little bit of English. People who could speak English had lived outside of Eritrea and was back there to visit. So learn yourself some Tigrinya, remember you can use it in Ethiopia too!

Tank graveyard.. Eritrea, what a special country!

Conclusion

Eritrea is a country with rich history and an old civilization dating back several thousand years ago. It has one of the ancient human habitats, evidenced by the high number of archeological sites that reaches almost 80,000. Public transport was illegal for tourists to take until 2018 and it’s very complicated to get around the country to say the least.

Trying to get around Asmara, Eritrea on an old bicycle

Should You Visit Eritrea?

However most people I met in Eritrea was nice despite the language barrier, and despite not having my phone in these region for a week, which didn’t make anything easier. Read about that story here! Eritrea’s capital city Asmara has been branded by UN-Habitat as a world heritage site and Eritrea has great marine tourist sites, plenty of flora and fauna and scenic terrain. Eritrea is a place worth visiting to learn more about the hidden treasures of Africa.

It was overall an interesting visit to Eritrea, which has went through so much brutality and still is suffering. I hope to come back one day, when the country is more developed, it was however fascinating exploring Eritrea at this time (it seemed to raw and pure) with no tourists whatsoever. Very unique experience!

Eritrean Nafka. You’re not allowed to take them with you out of the country, but I took a few with me as a special souvenir

Thanks for this time, Eritrea! See you again one day for sure, and I can’t wait to see the positive direction you guys are hopefully heading towards. Will follow this country closely and I’m sure thing will get better.

Very Italian-inspired capital, Asmara. Goodbye Eritrea!

Gustav

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1 Week In Somalia And Eritrea With NO PHONE

Posted on August 24, 2019August 24, 2019 by dev

I had one of the best days in Somaliland climbing mountains, seeing tons of camels roaming around and enjoying amazing Somali food, but to be honest the next day was one of the worst in my life.

Perfect First Days In Somaliland

A perfect day in Somaliland was coming to an end, which I had spend with local friends, whom I got in contact with through my phone which is 80% the way I get in contact with people. We went out on a roof top restaurant in the evening with views over Hargeisa and I ate camel for the first time in my life, which wasn’t as good as crocodile to be fair, but indeed good! A day with so many cool experiences and memories never to forget. We agreed to do some cool stuff the next day and would just text each other about meeting up somewhere in the city, using Whatsapp as I always use when I’m traveling, so I was really excited.. Everything was just fine..

Climbing a mountain in Somalia with my local friend, Lianura

Worst Day Ever Incoming

I went to bed in my fairly small $6 luxury penthouse suite in Hirad Hotel, Hargeisa in Somaliland thinking, “what an incredible day it has been..” What I didn’t know was the next day was going to be the worst day I can remember in a long time!

My Phone Was DONE

I woke up super early next day around 5 am and wanted to check my phone (IPhone X), and when I checked for a few seconds the Apps started to close down and my IPhone completely shut down within seconds. Damn, what was that?! I was in tears, how could I get in contact with Lianura and my friends here in Somaliland, how could I plan the rest of my Somalia and Eritrea trip (had around a week left) and how about my videos and pictures? I knew it was a while a go I did a back-up – and yes, I did lose a lot of files after having trying 24 hours to bring back my phone to life without any success at all! All I could see was a Apple-Logo shining bright on the screen. I was completely devastated and the next days all I could think about was, “why didn’t I back-up my phone properly?!” But lucky for me still have evidence from each country I’ve been to, but would honestly rather lose all of my stuff instead of videos/pictures from traveling. Remember to back-up your phone really often guys – I learned it the hard way!

Never seen so many camels as in Somaliland

Losing My Phone Was An EYE-OPENER

It was really tough to see my phone die, especially when you’re in Somalia and Eritrea and can’t contact your family for a week! What were they thinking, would they start an investigation, because they couldn’t get in contact with me? How could I now plan anything moving from Somalia to Eritrea, all the thoughts were running through my head.. Even all the important documents is on my phone, but now there was no other way than finding a way in these tough regions! I guess most people couldn’t do a week without their phone, I had to do a week without mine in Somalia and Eritrea and to be fair it was an eye-opener for me.

Had a special permission to visit a tank graveyard in Eritrea, without using my phone

Lesson Learned

No one spoke English of the persons I met in Somalia and Eritrea (after I left Lionora and her friends), but I had to be much more social and was 110% in the moment, which was actually beautiful to experience in a World where the phone takes away a lot of our time unfortunately. I think I learned a lesson from this experience, maybe it was destiny, a sign from above, even though I don’t believe much in stuff like that..

Around the non-English speaking country, Eritrea, in the most difficult way possible

Be Grateful Always

I was really sad about what happened with my phone, but I started to put things into perspective. How many people can’t see, how many people can’t walk, how many people have bad health, and I’m healthy and complaining about not having my phone? Come on, man.. Move on Gustav, you’re wrong, make this possible without your phone.. And I did!

We Grow From The Bad Days And Experiences

We grow from the challenges we face. We grow from the bad days and experiences, because that’s when we learn to appreciate things and that’s when we learn how to live with gratitude. You can’t have sunshine without a little rain, and even though you might be really sad right now about something, time will with guarantee heal you and you just have to move on and be grateful for what you have and enjoy the journey. Don’t let anything stop you from reaching your goals.

Somalia and Eritrea, thanks for this adventure!

Gustav

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The 5 Most Cool Things To Do In Montreal Canada (1.st Time Visitors!)

Posted on August 23, 2019August 24, 2019 by dev

I’m touring Canada at the moment for 10 days and I was lucky to have 2 days in Montreal, the largest city in Canada’s Québec province. Montreal is an interesting city you simply need to visit when visiting Canada. Here are 5 super cool things to do!

1. Mount Royal

Mount Royal view over Montreal is beautiful

Mount Royal is a large volcanic-related hill in the city of Montreal, immediately west of Downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The City of Montreal actually takes its name from Mt Royal, it’s really a beautiful hike to the top and the view from up there is simply amazing. Fun fact about Mount Royal is no building is allowed to be higher than the mountain, so in downtown area, buildings can’t exceed 120 metres in height and 223 metres as city-wide limit. One of the only cities were I’ve heard about such limit!

2.Visit Basilique Notre-Dame

You’re maybe crying tears about not visiting the Notre-Dame in Paris before it burned down, but there’s a good second option. To visit the Basilique Notre-Dame in Montreal! The church is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street, and the interior of the church is among the most dramatic in the World and regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Love that the vaults are in deep blue colors and with golden stars, very charming place. A true masterpiece!

Outside the Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

3. Enjoy the specialties

This is a no-brainer, and probably on everybody’s list already. But it was worth noting nonetheless! Neither of these dish look very appetizing, but trust me – once you’ve had your first bite, you’ll never want to have fries or a sandwich any other way. My favorite is the poutine and ask to get it with meat. Price is 10-12 Canadian dollar for a dish of poutine, but you simply need to try this dish in Montreal. It’s incredible!

Eating poutine in Montreal.. Long ago I tasted something that good.. Maybe I was just hungry

4. Stroll Around The City

You can’t really go wrong in Montreal. One of my favorite neighborhoods in Montreal is Plateau Mont Royal, but to be fair there are a lot of really interesting areas. Stroll around the city, eat some of the best bagels you can imagine, visit the Jean-Talon Market or walk on the beautiful St. Paul’s Street. The best way to discover it is to simply walk around Montreal, marvel at the beautiful architecture, browse the local shops, sit at one of the many cafés and indulge in some people-watching. Montreal also has an area called The Gay Village, with a lot of colorful lights and a bit suspect art too, but it’s…. Uhm, interesting!

Never thought I was going to say it, but I’m surrounded by snakes in the Gay Village in Montreal

5. Take a Montreal food tour

The best, and maybe most expensive bagels I’ve ever had. So good!

Montreal is nothing if not a foodie city. Montrealers love to treat themselves to a night out and have a good meal. In fact, Montreal technically has more restaurants per capita than New York City! Rememember to wear your eating pants for sure in this city.. I had my best bagel ever in La Fabrique De Bagel in Montreal.. Food is just in general really good here, yet prices are pretty expensive.

That’s It Montreal

Goodbye Montreal for now.. It was a lot of fun, happy I came here in the Summer time, as winters in most Canadian cities, including Montreal, are extremely cold. Make sure you visit in July or August preferably! Now I’m off to Quebec City where I’ll spend the next couple of days.. Can anybody teach me French?

Te voir.. Bonne journée!

Gustav

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Feeding Wild Hyenas By Mouth In Harar Ethiopia

Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019 by dev

My biggest regret from my first visit to Ethiopia was I didn’t go to Harar to see the wild hyenas. Or see wasn’t actually enough, I wanted to feed them by the mouth, as scary as it sounds!

Are Hyenas Dangerous?

Let’s get things straight, a hyena is not a dog or a cat or like your average pet.. Last time I saw hyenas were in the bush in Tanzania where they were tearing an animal totally apart on a safari. From my experiences one of the most dangerous sounds you might hear in the bush is the laughter – the laugh of a hyena, when it signals its excitement when it has found food. Then you usually know someone is going to die soon..

Mystical Connection Between Human And Hyenas?

It turns out the tradition of feeding wild hyenas in Harar dates back decades. They used to leave food offerings in the hills, so the hyenas wouldn’t eat the livestock in times of drought. Out of a sudden someone had the bright idea of luring the hyenas to the old city of Harar and then feeding them there.. So cool!

I found the mysterious place around 7 in the evening by incident, when I heard some crazy yelling. My local friend said it was the ‘Hyena Man’ and told me he was calling the hyenas to come and eat. I said: “Okay, let’s go and check it out..” We went close to the ‘Hyena Man,’ and the scream he made was so loud that we had to move away from him after 2-3 times of screaming. The yell sounded so crazy and funny, would’ve made a decent ringtone or alarm waking you up on a rainy, Monday morning.. That sound!

The Hyenas Started To Come

I was there as the only person with my local friend. The ‘Hyena Man” was now sitting with the hyenas circling around him. Brave guy who calls out to the hyenas every night and then feed them with scraps of meat. One local guy came to me and said that one time a hyena bit the ‘Hyena Man’ in the face and that they could be very unpredictable.. Just what I needed to hear.

It was completely dark and the first set of eyes shone in my direction, and then several more. The hyenas had arrived.

Hmmm, I thought, what the hell did you get yourself into this time Gustav?

Soon we were surrounded by several off them.

More People Started To Come

We were now around 5 tourists and lots of locals, and the ‘Hyena Man’ asked, who wants to feed the hyenas by the mouth? Nobody said anything and then I said: “I will.” A Japanese guy next to me said “good luck man,” and it was needed because hyenas have the second strongest bite of any land animal (the crocodile is number one), one can be somewhat apprehensive, especially as I was the first person there.. You never know!

I went right in the middle and had 3 of these hungry guys right behind me and then they started to get close to me. I felt like I was in the middle of a new ‘Lion King’-movie! Hyenas are not only strong, but huge as well.. I had eye contact with the biggest one and I could hear his deep, aggressive breath as he went straight to my face and took a bite of a piece of meat I had on my shoulder.

With the biggest hyena straight in my face. Hello there!

I was in the middle for some minutes and then it was the Japanese guy’s turn. He went in quickly, took a picture and then he was out again. The same with 3-4 American guys, they couldn’t get out quickly enough. I went in 7 times to the hyenas, really enjoyed their company and found it so fascinating being so close to these bush killers. I knew it was an experience I probably wouldn’t have again, so I wanted to spend as much time with them as possible. When I came out the 7th time, one Ethiopian guy said: “Bro, you’re absolutely crazy!” And asked me for my contact and called me the new Steve Irwin.. Very flattering indeed!

Goodbye Hyenas

After 45 minutes I left and wandered back in the dark with a big smile on my face. Right until I met 5 of these guys alone in the night in the streets of Harar! A bit nerve-wrecking, but fortunately nothing happened..

I love seeing wildlife, so being up close with one of Africa’s most dangerous predators was incredible. I will never forget it snapping that meat from right in front of my face.. My best kiss to this date, 100% sure!

Would you try feeding wild hyenas by the mouth?

Gustav

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5 Most Fun Things To Do In Baku Azerbaijan (Pro-Tips!)

Posted on August 14, 2019August 14, 2019 by dev

The capital of Azerbaijan is not what you’d expect! Azerbaijan’s capital, dubbed by Lonely Planet as “the architectural love child of Paris and Dubai”, is one of the fastest changing cities in the World.

Baku Is A Big Surprise?!

I was quite shocked when arriving in Baku, Azerbaijan to see how modern everything was in this capital, compared to the countryside when I crossed into Azerbaijan from Armenia. Baku is really cool! Let’s talk about the regime in Azerbaijan another day, but the capital of Baku is just magnificent! Dilapidated alleyways are now bustling with hipster cafes and international restaurants. The Flame Towers are a marvel of modern architecture. Millennials wander the streets dressed in the latest high-end fashion.

Yet Baku is not without its charm either.

At the center of Baku lies the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounding this time capsule are stone mansions and luxury boutiques. The blend of the old and new works effortlessly. There are a lot of tourist attractions around the city. The city is rapidly expanding and you will find many things to do in Baku to keep yourself busy and entertained. Here are 5 of my personal favorites in Baku!

Top 5 Things To Do In Baku, Azerbaijan

1: Check Out The Flame Towers

The colorful Flame Towers, Baku, Azerbaidjan

The Flame Towers are located on a hill overlooking Baku Bay and the Old City. It’s an iconic trio of buildings that transforms the image of the city from a forgotten place to a more modern day Baku. Not only does it transforms the city’s skyline, but it also pays respect to Baku’s history and predicts its strong future.

The design of the towers was inspired by Azerbaijan’s historical past of fire worship amongst locals. The buildings are shaped in a form of a flame, and are completely covered with top-modern LED screens that present movements of a fire.

From almost anywhere in the city you can see the Flame Towers, which dominate Baku’s skyline. I love this place, especially at night with its change of colors and everlasting beauty!

2: Walk Around The Old City

Old City or “Icharishahar”, is one of Azerbaijan’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s truly a unique, historical part of Azerbaijan and is located within the heart of Baku. The Old City is very clean and recently renovated. It’s a very beautiful and very artful town, surrounded by fortressed walls, adding to the character.

Walk through its cobblestone streets, see and touch the stones of the ancient walls, zigzag through narrow corridors and admire the intricate art on the doors. The Old City of Baku has a lot to offer. The town has a lot of aged buildings, a palace complex, mosques and the iconic Maiden Tower.

Lovely atmosphere and it truly is a place where time seems to have stopped in a wonderful way.

3: Check Out The Mosques

Heydar Mosque, Baku, Azerbaidjan. My country number 66

The Heydar Mosque is my favourite mosque in Baku, but most people would probably also tell you to go to visit the Bibi Heybat Mosque.

The Heydar Mosque is the largest mosque in the Caucasus. The mosque covers a total area of 12000 square meters and was built in 2012. Absolutely amazing place, love it with lights in it at night.

The Bibi Heybat Mosque is also one of the most interesting things to do in Baku, and even non-Muslims will enjoy exploring this wonderful piece of architecture. The present day structure is from July, 1998, and is a recreation of the mosque that was built in the 13th century by Shirvanshah Farrukhzad II Ibn Ahsitan.

Interestingly enough, the Bibi Heybat Mosque is the only religious building that was completely destroyed by Stalin in 1936, but it has been restored since and is now looking greater than ever before!

4. Climb Up The Maiden Tower

When visiting Baku you can’t miss climbing on top of Azerbaijan’s most recognized landmark, and the centre of the city’s historical importance. The Maiden Tower, or as locals call it Giz Galasi, is located in the Old City and is constantly surrounded by a hive of activity from the locals there.

It was built in the 12^th century as part of the walled city of Baku. The name Giz Galasi is better translated as “Virgin Tower”, named that because of its impenetrability. The Maiden Tower is part of UNESCO’s world heritage listing, looped in with the Old City and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace.

5.Visit The Mud Volcanoes At Gobustan National Park

The other of Azerbaijan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the Gobustan National Park, that attracts thousands of tourists annually.

This otherworldly site is a sprawling field speckled with bubbling mud volcanoes, anthropological sites and sizzling lakes.

In Azerbaijan there are around 300 mud volcanoes to be found at the shore, in the sea and on islands. That’s about 30% of the world’s total, and is a main reason people choose to visit Azerbaijan.

Azerbaidjan Was A Good Experience

Flame Towers with my friend Amar from Azerbaijan

I had a really good time in Baku, Azerbaijan, my country number 66, and I know you’ll definitely have a good time too in this wonderful city. I had a bit of a hard time crossing the border waiting many hours outside in the cold night from Armenia to Azerbaijan, but in the end Azerbaijan was all worth it!

Are you ready to go to Baku now?

Gustav

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7 UNMISSABLE Things To Do In Stockholm (Pro-Traveler Tip!)

Posted on August 1, 2019August 2, 2019 by dev

Welcome to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden! Stockholm is an awesome city break destination. Are you planning to go?! Here’s why you should!

Remember to download the free Swedish transportation app ‘SL’ to get around Stockholm in bus and metro. You pay 45 SEK ($4,5) and you’re able to use the ticket for 75 min in any bus/metro. Super easy!

Stockholm Is A Must-Go Destination

Stockholm is made on 14 islands and with more than 50 major bridges connecting the different parts, which make the city unique. After spending a few days here on my 16th visit to Sweden, I wanted to share with you ‘The 7 Unmissable Things To Do In Stockholm.’ An absolute MUST-GO destination!

Spending nearly 3 days here in end of July, 2019, I can tell you already the weather is not Stockholm’s greatest attribute. Nonetheless it’s a really cozy place with lots of charming streets and places that you’ll love!

Weather – Is Stockholm Cold?

I was literally two seconds away from not bringing a jacket to Sweden on my 1-hour flight from Copenhagen to Stockholm, thinking “hey, it’s Swedish summer,” but in less than seconds before leaving to the Airport, I made the decision to bring a jacket. Smart choice! Even though July/August are Sweden’s absolutely best summer months, Stockholm is located pretty north and bringing a jacket here is recommended in my opinion, unless you’re a true Swedish Viking which I’m not apparently. Danish viking though!

Shielded From The Worst Of The Arctic Weather?

Stockholm in sunshine is absolutely tremendous. The capital is actually shielded from the worst of the arctic weather by the mountains of Norway, so the weather here is more pleasant than foreigners first think.

Summers typically average from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius (63 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit,) which usually feels a bit colder with the wind in this extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. Winters are usually cloudy with rain and snowfall, with January and February being the coldest months, with the average minimum temperature of -4°C (24 Fahrenheit) and with some freezing storms moving in over the capital.

Walking around the stunning streets in Stockholm, Sweden @gustavrosted

7 UNMISSABLE Things To Do In Stockholm

This is the list of the ‘7 Unmissable Things To Do In Stockholm,’ and it’s the most perfect inspiration for a few days in the Swedish capital to keep you busy!

1. Gamla Stan

Stortorget Square, Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

Begin your trip by going back to Stockholm’s roots at one of Europe’s great medieval centres, spread over three small islands. The bustling, compact island of Gamla Stan is the city’s old town, with cobbled streets and colorful 17th- and 18th-century buildings, yet still the Old Town is actually dated back to the 13th Century.

Gamla Stan is home to the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the King’s official residence. Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s original city centre, and with its glorious labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways and rust-colored town houses, it’s one of my favourite places in Stockholm!

Walking around the Gamla Stan Area, Stockholm

2. Skansen

Skansen is the World’s oldest open air museum, and it attracts more than 1.3 million visitors each year, which is a very high number for Swedish standards.

Skansen was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius to provide an insight into how Swedes once lived. You can easily spend a day here and not see it all. Around 150 traditional houses and other exhibits at this hilltop – it’s meant to be ‘Sweden in miniature’, complete with villages, nature, commerce and industry.

Note that prices and opening hours and days vary seasonally; check the website before you go.

3. Royal Palace

With more than 600 rooms Stockholm’s Royal Palace is up there with the largest palaces in Europe.

The King of Sweden still lives here, most royal events and receptions happen at the palace and all the various departments associated with the royal family operate in these plush environs. Furthermore there are 5 museums to go and see.

4. Vasa Museum

Not the biggest fan of museums usually, but the Vasa Museum and this awesome relic from the 17th-century of the all-conquering King Gustavus Adolphus is super cool! It’s been revived at this museum in the west shore of Djurgården, Stockholm.

The Vasa was a 64-gun warship that went down on its first voyage in 1628. It remained in the deep for 33 years, until it was lifted to the surface and slowly was restored. The Vasa is only 17th-century ship of this scale to make it to the present day, which is indeed fascinating. The only negative thing is you can’t get a boat ride in ‘The Vasa’ in the plenty of canals in Stockholm and feel like an old Swedish pirate! Damn it!

5. Gröna Lund

Djurgården is also the scene for Sweden’s oldest amusement park, and although Gröna Lund first opened in 1883 it’s very much up to date.

New roller coasters are unveiled every few years, like the state-of-art “Insane” on which you’ll spend half the ride upside down.

Another, “Eclipse” is a swing ride more than 120 metres in height.

6. Södermalm

Södermalm, where Greta Garbo grew up, has a few ultra-cool neighborhoods with quirky shops and interesting places to go out.

Try SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) for one-of-a-kind designer boutiques, vintage shops and hip restaurants and cafes. Södermalm is, after all, more than just trendy shops, cozy cafés and some of the best bars in Stockholm. Walk around in Södermalm in Stockholm – I’ll recommend you a nice walk in the sunshine.

Stockholm is one of the coolest cities to walk around.. In sunshine!

Nytorget Square here is a fun night out in summer. Yes, I said it! Check it out!

7. Stockholm Public Library

The last thing on my ‘Top 7 List of Things To Do in Stockholm’ is with a free entry and what a place!

The Stockholm Public Library is one of the World’s most beautiful libraries, and changed the city’s relationship with books when it opened in 1928. That’s down to the monumental rotunda at the top of the building.

Gunnar Asplund designed the stunning library, and it’s held as a shining example of the Swedish Classicist movement. Again there’s no fee to enter, and many of the titles are in English if you’re in need of a quiet, rainy day activity, which of course can happen in Stockholm!

I hope you you will have a perfect time in Stockholm with great weather and I’ll see you next time, Sweden!

Gustav

gus1thego.com

Is Scotland A Country?

Posted on April 18, 2019April 20, 2019 by dev

The answer to the question is more complicated than you would think.

Is Scotland a country?

The question of whether Scotland is a country or not may raise some level of confusion because it can fall on either side of the argument. Scotland has its own flag, its own national identity and The Scottish Parliament has the power to make its own laws.

However, it can only make laws on certain areas. These areas are specified in the Scotland Act and are called ‘devolved issues’.

There are eight accepted criteria that form the basis of whether a region is an independent nation or not. A country needs to fulfill all of the criteria to be recognized as an independent State. Scotland meets some of them, but not all of the criterias.

My very first time in Scotland out of many. Here with the Loch Ness Monster

The 8 Criteria

To be an independent country you need to have these 8 criteria accepted!

1: The Territory Must Have Boundaries Recognized Internationally

Scotland has!

Scotland’s territorial extent is based on the Treaty of York of 1237 agreed between the Kingdom of England and Scotland and the subsequent Treaty of Perth of 1266 between Scotland and Norway. However, over time portions of Scotland’s territory were lost. The Isle of Man acquired by the UK and Shetland and Orkney lost to Norway. Scotland’s area is 30,414 square miles.

2: Population

Check too!

In 2017 there’s reported a population of 5,425,400, a rise from the 5,062,011 in 2001.

About 62% of the residents identified as being “Scottish only,” while 18% said they were Scottish and British. 8% of the population identified as “British only” while 4% identified as being of another identity only. Glasgow, with more than 1,2 million inhabitants living in the Greater Glasgow conurbation, ranks as Scotland’s largest city, eventhough Edinburgh is the capital of the nation.

3: An Organized Economy and Economic Activity

Hmmmmmm! This is a tough one!

A country needs to regulate both domestic and foreign trade and disburse the money.

In 2015, Scotland’s economy registered approximately 145 billion British Pounds in GDP. The per capita GDP of Scotland was among the highest in the EU same year. Scotland has an open mixed economy similar to what’s used in western countries, including the UK.

Scotland, however, does not regulate its domestic or foreign trade as the Scottish Parliament is not empowered to do so. Although the Bank of Scotland has the mandate to print money, it only prints the British Pound and does so on behalf of the Central Government.

4: The Power of Social Engineering

Yes! Or?

The Scottish Parliament retains the power to control education as well as social work and training. However, this power does not extend to social security. Scotland’s education system thus differs from that implemented in the rest of the UK.

5: Transportation System

It’s a UK thing!

Although Scotland possesses a transportation system, it is partially controlled by the UK. While Scotland manages rail strategy and funding, the UK, under the Network Rail Infrastructure Limited, operates Scotland’s rail network. Scotland manages ports and harbors and the road network while the UK oversees transport regulation and safety.

6: A Government That Offers Public Services in Addition to Police Power

Yep.. They control home affairs and law in Scotland! But..

The UK Parliament retains the mandate to oversee national security and defense in all parts of the UK. Scotland, through its parliament, has the mandate to control home affairs and law including the courts and the prosecution system.

7: Sovereignty

Nope!

Scotland lacks sovereignty as it is not an independent nation. According to the criteria of sovereignty, no other country should have authority over the particular nation’s territory. The United Kingdom maintains authority over the territory of Scotland

8: International Recognition

This criterion requires that other countries should recognize the sovereignty of the country in question. Scotland does not operate embassies in other nations, and it lacks external recognition.

Holding the Scottish flag in Edinburgh, Scotland

My thoughts – Is Scotland A Country?

Scotland is NOT a member of the United Nations.

But if I had been to every UN country in the World and not Scotland, it would just feel wrong..

If you you ask any British person, they would say, “yes, Scotland is a country”, much as Wales, England and Northern Ireland are. Scotland has an independent parliament, and have their own laws, and you’ll also see them represented by their own sports teams, though they share a military and an economy.

However, they’re also part of a union: the United Kingdom, which only have 1 seat in the UN, all ostensibly ruled by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. It’s been like that since 1706, with the Act of Union, which brought two countries together – two kingdoms of England and Scotland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

Scotland have considered breaking the union on several occasions and becoming a fully-independent nation once more (particularly in the wake of the Brexit), but they elected to remain part of the union, and the alliance between the nations remains pretty strong as it has been for centuries.

Life-size statue of the dog Greyfriars Bobby in Scotland, which Disney made a movie about

Scotland is surely a country within a country.

– Gustav

gus1thego.com

3 Days Itinerary Edinburgh, Scotland (First Time Visitors)

Posted on April 18, 2019April 18, 2019 by dev

I’ve just completed a new trip to Scotland, a country I’ve visited several times and been all around, and this is My Ultimate Itinerary for 3 Days In Edinburgh, Scotland, a small city packed with experiences!

Back in Edinburgh, Scotland, again, again

In the footsteps of inventors, artists, and writers, Edinburgh has plenty of things to see and do. I just spent 3 days in Edinburgh and explored much of the city and the Scottish heritage.

3 days in Edinburgh: Day 1 / 3

One of my favourite places to visit in Edinburgh is the upper end of the Royal Mile – known as Castlehill. Here, you’ll find the Castle, several cultural exhibitions, and a couple of incredible places to try local food and don’t forget about the whiskey, which Scotland is world-famous for!

Visit Edinburgh Castle

Every first visit to Edinburgh should begin with a visit to Edinburgh Castle.
Sitting atop Castle Rock, and dominating the city’s skyline, the settlement of the castle dates back to the 2nd century AD. It has played a big role in almost every Scottish battle and is thought to be the most besieged British fortress in history.

Now there’s no longer any British invasion up there, but instead there’s a small tourist invasion. It doesn’t take away any of the beauty of the place and the view from up there is absolutely stunning!

In the castle you’ll also find St. Margaret’s Chapel, which is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh and the Scottish crown jewels are also on display.

Scotch Whisky Experience

Scotch lovers and anyone that is interested in the national drink of Scotland should pay a visit to the Scotch Whisky Experience, a high-tech, interactive galleria of scotch. Tours range from a one-hour introduction to a three-hour experience with dinner.

The Scotch Whisky Experience also includes the Diageo Claive Vidiz Collection, an extensive collection of over 3,380 bottles of whiskey amassed by a Brazilian whiskey collector that was returned to Scotland in 2006.

You can get to taste the whiskey from the tour also.. Be careful in there – Scotch whiskey is surely among the best in the World!

St. Giles Cathedral

St. Giles Cathedral is located on the Royal Mile, just below the castle. Basically it’s positioned right at the heart of the Scottish capital.

St Giles’ was founded in 1124 and it has been a focal point of the Church of Scotland for almost a thousand years. The Cathedral has a warm atmosphere on the inside and is relatively small and compact with interesting features. Beautiful architecture with unique designs!

Walk the Royal Mile

I always walk a lot when I arrive to a new place and it wasn’t exactly planned here, but I I ended up walking the streets of the Royal Mile in the center, which had a cool medieval vibe.

The Royal Mile takes you back to the *medieval* period

The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s High Street, a bustling series of streets that run downhill from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. Located at the heart of the Old Town, the Royal Mile is as old as the city itself.

The stretch, which is just about one mile long, is lined with tourist shops, hotels, pubs and more.. You might even find a few Scots playing on bagpipes – not bad!

Admire the sunset from Calton Hill

Calton Hill is undoubtedly one of the best locations for a sunset in Scotland. A great spot to admire the view over Edinburgh, on one of Edinburgh’s main hills, right in the city centre.

Calton Hill is easily accessed. It takes about five minutes to get to the top of the hill from a staircase at Regent Road on the South side, Royal Terrace on the North side, or you can drive up and park – if you’re the lazy type!

3 days in Edinburgh: Day 2 / 3

Hike Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is the place where you can get the chance to climb an extinct volcano.

Edinburgh has two volcanic crags. One is Castle Rock, atop which sits Edinburgh Castle, and the other is Arthur’s Seat. Located in the Queen’s Gardens, Arthur’s Seat is a popular hiking and running destination for locals and visitors. There are several hiking routes to the summit.

On top of Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh, Scotland

Don’t pick the long off-road route like me, unless you like to venture off the beaten path! There’s an easier way up there, but once you’re up, it offers lovely views of the city to one side and the Firth of Forth to the other. Sunrise and sunset are great times to head to the top.

Water of Leith Walk

Leith is located in the north of Edinburgh, and during the shipping heyday was a major port town. It has undergone a major revival since the 1980s and is now home to a vibrant dining and shopping scene.

On the way to the Old Leith Docks, North of Edinburgh

3 days in Edinburgh: Day 3 / 3

If it’s your first time in Scotland, you should take a day trip out of the city on your third day. You can rent a car cheaply and go yourself, or you can go with friends, which will be the cheapest option.

Or you can take a full day tour, offered by Rabbie’s Tours, a local Scottish touring company, that will allow you to see the stunning Scottish countryside, take in a few castles and lochs, and perhaps even taste a little more whiskey. You can pick between some of these tours:

Loch Ness and the Highlands

The beautiful Loch Ness. No Loch Ness Monster at first sight..

This tour winds its way through the Rannoch Moor and Glencoe before arriving at the picturesque (and mysterious) Loch Ness. Guests will learn stories of the Scottish Highlands and have the chance to look out for the Loch Ness Monster on an optional boat tour of the loch.

West Highland Lochs and Castles

This tour explores the Western Highlands, stopping at places like Doune Castle, featured in both Monty Python and Outlander, Kilchurn Castle, set on the banks of Loch Awe, the medieval town of Inverary, and the conservation town of Luss. The route takes guests through the Arrochar Alps and along the shores of stunning Loch Lomond.

Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond

If your’re a Braveheart-fan, this is the Tour!

Mel Gibson, who portrays William Wallace, a late 13th-century Scottish warrior

Visit Stirling Castle, home to several great Scottish battles, and the William Wallace monument. This central region of Linlithgow has important historic significance to the Scots. Leaving Stirling, travel northwest to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and see Scotland in Miniature exhibit at the Trossachs before talking a nature walk along the shores of Loch Lomond.

You can do one of these tours easily yourself or you can go with a tour company like Rabbie’s Tours. It totally depends on which kind of traveler you are!

Stay in Edinburgh?

You can also choose to stay in Edinburgh on the third day as I did this time, as I have been to all the beautiful places mentioned above already and unfortunately for me the weather was pretty bad on my last day here this time, but if it’s your first time in Scotland, you should go to some of these places!
Trust me, it’s great!

If you’re insisting on staying in Edinburgh, you can either visit:

National Museum of Scotland

This place is huge and has something for everyone. The collections of the National Museum of Scotland reveal Scotland’s culture and history up to the present day and has among 12 million objects and specimens in the collection. Pretty awesome and it has a free entrance!

Take a walk

When I asked my Scottish friend about what he thought was the best thing to do in Edinburgh, he said: “Just walk around.”

Edinburgh is such a charming city, small and compact but with so many things to do and see and you just need to walk around. I agree with my Scottish friend, James.. Feel the place, eat the local food, drink the local drinks, get lost, chat to people, soak up the atmosphere!

Edinburgh is an experience you won’t be without and Scottish people are among the friendliest people you’ll find. Such a proud nation and the Scottish accent is just.. I dinnae ken.. Great!

Independence Day, Edinburgh. *Scotland* is a *country*, but not an independent *country, therefore not on the UN list*

Have fun in Edinburgh, Scotland!

Gustav

gus1thego.com

Follow me on Instagram @gustavrosted