What Is It Really Like To Travel WEST AFRICA Solo? (No Car)

Posted on December 3, 2019December 11, 2019 by dev

Many travelers will tell you West Africa is the toughest part of the World to travel solo. I traveled West Africa solo over several months, just me and my back-pack, no own car/motorbike and with 0 flights on my trip from Senegal and all the way to Togo. Here’s what it was really like!

Lost 7 kg and reached Togo.. Senegal to Togo, MADE IT!

West Africa Is Forgotten?

On the hunt for wild chimpanzees in Liberia.. Joined by a corrupt police officer

Traveling for the sake of traveling and seeing as much of this kaleidoscope of a world we all live in is about the only reason most of us ever need to travel. Variation is always the inspiration for me. It’s amazing how different (and of course similar) life is across the globe. It’s a great feeling to know this first hand and at least get a foot on each of the World’s major regions. With this in mind, West Africa with all its mystic, alluring place names and sense of adventure is somewhere ignored… or perhaps just tucked away in a corner, way off any round-the-world ticket and just waiting to be explored.

Dangers of West Africa?

In a small village with wild crocodiles in Burkina Faso

For most English speaking travelers it’s way down the list. Let’s be fair, it’s hot, on the whole comparably expensive (flights, visas) and with few noteworthy attractions. What you’ll read about West Africa – the crime, malaria, disease, conflicts, poverty, corruption and lack of infrastructure – might also worry you to a certain extent. Having noted all this, many are still very much attracted to the region and what they imagine will be a lot of virgin ground, few travelers and many of those friendly African smiles you’ll encounter. For me traveling West Africa solo has been one of the greatest adventure travels ever!

Lots of Challenges On The Way

Traveling West Africa solo with no car over a long period of time will bring you a lot of challenges. Cars will most certainly break down, there’s always complications of getting around, basic facilities, lack of tourist infrastructure, etc., and from a budget independent travel perspective is on the whole not fun, not easy, not cheap and certainly no picnic. But.. Traveling West Africa has been one of my favorite travels this year. I have been to more than 130 countries in total, and this year I have visit +40 countries (new and old ones,) but West Africa stands out as something really special to me. Maybe because it was the most challenging trip, where I also lost 7kg, but also because of many other things. This trip was memorable!

Most Scary Incidents of My Life

With a Police Officer from Mali, the day after a terrorist attack where 140 people were killed 30 km away from me

I will honestly never forget this West Africa trip, both for the good and for the bad. A big terrorist attack in Mali, a near-death experience (read the story here!) and getting caught in the middle of shootings and explosions in Liberia (read here!,) but I will also remember West Africa for so much good stuff.

So Cool – No Tourists Around?!

Kambadaga Falls in the middle of Guinea.. One of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen!

Tell me one other region in the World, where you’ll hardly meet any other tourists? There are very few people traveling in West Africa. Not a great place to go if you want to meet other people, but if you want the most unique adventures, it’s a perfect place to go. Like being the only tourist at the Kambadaga Falls, after riding a motorbike for hours through some very difficult jungle terrain with terrible roads. So rewarding!

The Hardest Area In The World To Travel?

Stunning views over Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone

Let me be honest with you, West Africa is the hardest area I’ve traveled in. I still remember crossing from Guinea-Bissau to Guinea after a bumpy ride through the jungle on a tree platform in the middle of nowhere during the night. The story is here: The Scariest Border Crossing From Guinea Bissau To Guinea

Closing in on Mali.. Always two guys on 1 seat in West Africa

It didn’t make it much easier to not have my own car, but having to jump on trucks, shared cars, mini busses etc. I loved the adventure in that and getting to live 100% like a local West African-citizen, but to be fair you’re packed in like no where else. I remember we sat 2 guys and a kid on the front seat next to the driver when crossing into Mali, and I had the shift in between my legs, so the driver had his hand in between my legs most of the ride and it was so painful with so little space. My back hurt! In West Africa the car/bus leave when it’s FULL, not one minute before.. And you can always squeeze in one extra person!

Some places the roads are good, some places the roads are bad and some places the roads are non-existent.

What Is Good To Know In West Africa?

Only person at Banfora Cascades Waterfalls in Burkina Faso

1: French Speakers

Remember they speak French in most of the West African countries. I spoke absolutely zero French before coming here, but I taught myself a bit a long the way, because it is very helpful to speak in West Africa. Very few people in the Francophone countries speak English. Now, even with reasonable French, it can be quite hard to get a bottle of water! You can still survive without speaking French (I did,) but I must admit it would’ve been pretty helpful to speak a bit. But again, I learned the necessary on the road as always.

Speaking a bit of French now in Grand-Bassam, Ivory Coast

2: Avoid Scams – Be Patient

I’m very proud to say I didn’t get scammed in West Africa (on a large scale), first of all because I’ve spent a long time in Africa and I know when to be patient and when to be mad, and I make sure to always know the price before I buy anything, because if there’s no price list it can happen sellers will try to charge you a huge amount of money. I have written a really helpful guide on: How To Avoid 7 Scams In Africa

3: Rip Off

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve met so many lovely people in West Africa. But the problem in some countries/areas is that you’ll meet police or people who wants to rip you off. Behind this is the culture of ‘the rich SHOULD give to the poor’. So if you’re asked for 2 dollars for water, it’s not seen as a rip off, just rebalancing the money distribution. If you are on a tight budget you will have to work pretty hard to get the right price on things. I remember taking a photo of a flag pole in Ivory Coast that a local Ivorian guy had just taken seconds before me without any problems. When I took the photo the police yelled “no, no, no!” and took me to the Police Station for 5 hours, where I had to talk to so many different Police Officers.. I kept my patience and explained myself well, and therefore I managed to not pay anything. You’ll most likely meet cops, who are like ‘Devils in Uniform’ who’ll try to rip you off in any way possible, but as long as you’re not scared and keep your cool, you can manage situations like this. It’s a patience game.

I try to always agree a price before I go anywhere! On a motorbike in Togo

4: Bring Cash

There are plenty of working ATMs, but don’t rely on everyone in every town to work. Bring a big amount of cash reserves with you. The CFA currency is used almost everywhere in West Africa and it really cuts down hassle.

No ATM’s here.. On my way to the Kinkon River in Guinea

5: Be Happy And Enjoy

The real West Africa, the music, age old traditions, dances, mystique and big smiles. West Africa is an experience in itself. Go with a positive attitude and don’t let delays or anything destroy your mood. When being in West Africa you just have to go with the flow, and see what the day brings. Be happy and enjoy!

Chilling with a nice family in English-speaking Ghana

Ready To Travel West Africa?

You’re now ready to travel West Africa. To be fair, it’s an adventure of a life-time and I honestly hope I’m able to do it again one day, because I made some memories I’ll never forget on this trip, both good and bad, but I still get a big smile on my face when I think about how raw and cool it was to travel West Africa solo.

Gustav

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13 Things NOBODY Knew ABOUT ME (honest truths)

Posted on November 12, 2019November 26, 2019 by dev

1: Every Night – To-Do List

In Doha, Qatar. Almost every night I do a to-do list for the next day!

Almost every night I write a to do list on my phone for the next day. It’s not every time I manage to do it all, but it helps me to get an overview of what’s needed to be done and usually I try to do the most important things first. It has helped me a lot to be more productive, even though science says it’s not always good to do a to-do list. For me it is.

2. Silent Sleeper

Baku, Azerbaidjan. Maybe I’m sleeping behind the glasses – who knows?

I sleep very silently (I was told) – and one time I was forgotten on a kindergarten trip, because nobody could hear me sleeping, so they just left without me. Lucky for me they came back 30 minutes later, when they realized they had forgotten the silent sleeper.

3. White Hair, Everywhere

In a little village in the west of Uganda. I have a lot of white hair

I have the most hairy legs and arms, you’ll ever see (tons of white hair.) I’ve only seen one guy with the same amount of white hairs as me, my Danish/American friend Alfred Thomas @partyalf on Instagram. We are in our own blonde, hairy league 🏆

4: Introvert

Having the time of my life at Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.. But also I’m a big introvert!

I’m actually a BIG introvert! When I travel I become more extrovert, but I’m an introvert with great pleasure in spending time alone. I need social breaks often. I personally think everyone should spend some more time alone, to better understand themselves and their direction in life, and if you’re an introvert like me, you should see it as a strength and not a weakness, because you’re able to reflect alone, while others need to be social all the time! As long as you don’t become lonely (I rarely have that feeling), being an introvert is super awesome!

5: I’m A Lonely Child

In Seoul, South Korea. +90% of my trips are self-paid! Spoilt? Maybe I am a little, but not that much!

– I’m a lonely child! Maybe it made me more introvert, who knows? I’m used to being alone and I love it. ‘You’re a lonely child, so you’re spoilttttttt!’ Heard that comment a lot, but actually not really! I have some very loving parents, but I come from a normal Danish family and my parents told me from the beginning: “If you want to travel you’ll have to pay yourself,” and hard work and smart thinking has been the key to my traveling. Sometimes I had the money, sometimes I didn’t (then I just saved more and worked harder,) but somehow I always found a way to travel! Lonely child or not, things were never given to me, selective decision making has been the key for me, and I’ve worked hard to be able to travel.

If you’re willing to make the sacrifices it takes, you can do it too!

6: LITTLE TV TIME

Dead Sea, Israel. Rather make some unforgettable moments, than sitting in front of a TV

– I watch very little TV! I only really like watching my favorite team (Real Madrid) play football! I simply need to watch them play wherever I am in the World, weird habit, but it’s a must! It does happen I watch documentaries I can learn something from and I watch the News once in a while if they’re not too sensational! UGH, hate it! I think it’s mostly a waste of time to watch TV and I’m more of an active person than a passive person, so I would rather do something productive. I did watch some episodes of Fresh Prince of Bel Air on a flight trip recently and that was pretty hilarious! All being said, time you enjoy wasting is never wasted, and it happens I have something totally stupid reality TV playing in the background when I’m home, while I work on my computer, but in general I watch way less TV than the average person and I’m not updated on any TV-Series! SO SORRY! But ask me any travel questions and there’s a good chance I know 😉

7: ROUTINE KIND OF GUY, HMMMMMM NO

Badab-e Surt, Iran. Impulsive trip to Iran with nothing planned?! Let’s do it!

– I’m not a routine kind of guy. I honestly wish I was, it would make a lot of stuff easier. But I usually never have 2 similar days in a row. Having a 9-5 job, a house, a girlfriend, a nice car, two kids and a dog would be super nice, but even though I might soon have the age for that (27 now,) I think I will wait a bit. I STILL WANT ADVENTURES! I don’t have 2 of the same days after each other and to be fair I actually like it! If I make a travel video, I usually never produce it the same way as the last one I did. I don’t wake up the exact same time 2 days in a row. Impossible! And 60-70% of my time, I don’t put an alarm for the morning or schedule too much. Maybe I should get better at this! Will improve my routines in 2020…. I promise!

8: A True Night Owl

Enjoying Bahrain at night in 2017. But I work more focused in the night!

I work better in the night than I do in the day. I easily get distracted during day time, but when the night comes and I have the feeling everyone is doing nothing or sleeping, I’m more focused and more motivated to work! It’s a thing I work daily on changing, because it’s better to get a proper night of sleep, wake up a bit early (not too early, right?) and then get something out of the day. Another one for the upcoming year!

9: Family Guy

My father turning 60! BIG DAY! My best friend and idol in being a good person!

I’m a big family guy with my nearest family, and in between my travels, work etc. I always make time to visit my parents and grandparents and spend time with them. Would never make up excuses to not see my family, because they did so much for me as kid and I really like spending time with them. You never know what tomorrow will bring and I don’t want to live my life with any regrets!

I LOVE MY FAMILY AND I’M NOT EMBARRASSED TO SAY SO!

10: Influencer? Wait… What?!

West Baray, Cambodia! Just a normal Danish guy who loves to travel

– I don’t consider myself as an influencer, and I think most people calling themselves influencers are quiet annoying and usually not very inspiring! I’m just Gustav, a Danish guy who loves to travel and loves to inspire others to see the World 🌍

11. Irritated Eyes

In Tbilisi, Georgia! Sunglasses are always good to hide your irritated eyes

I have irritated eyes a lot of the time, maybe it’s because of my perfume, grass and dust allergy, but sometimes my eyes get red and sometimes I can’t look too long on people, because my vision gets blurred and my eyes get dry. It’s annoying when you want to take a good selfie or make a good video somewhere, but you look like someone who drank all night yesterday, yet the reality is just different. My eyes are just irritated sometimes!

12. Looong Hair

I started getting long hair in the early 2015, and remember getting many comments in Australia that I look liked Kurt Cobain! I honestly prefer my short hair, but it was a fun time and I think everybody should try some new styles out and do whatever they want and try stuff out, without thinking about what other people say or think!

Live your life, take chances, be crazy. We only have this one life to live, so why worry about what others think? Let’s make some funny memories and enjoy this life while we’re here!

13. Not Perfect

Rainy day on a motorbike through Ivory Coast.. Perfect life? Not at all, but some good stories to tell in the end

Sometimes I seem to have the most perfect life, because I travel a lot, but I’m not perfect and my life isn’t either. I struggle with a lot of the same problems as you might do. What makes me ‘different’ from others is I’m an optimistic person, and if I fail in one thing, it doesn’t mean I have to fail in the next thing. More smiling, less worrying. Keep going! I’ve failed plenty of times, but your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of our lives. Tough situations build strong people in the end! You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward, take it step my step, we all have our own clock! Maybe you find your passion at 25, maybe you find it at 80, just never give up and always be grateful for the small things in life!

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Keep going, even in the hard times!

Now you maybe know me a bit better.. Did you enjoy reading my honest truths?

Gustav

5 Things You’ll Love About Karachi Pakistan

Posted on October 18, 2019October 18, 2019 by dev

I just spend 2,5 days in Karachi for my round-trip around Pakistan. These are the 5 things you’ll love about the biggest and most hectic city in Pakistan, Karachi.

1. City On The Move

I have been to many big cities around the World, and if you go to most big cities there are usually higher risks of criminals trying to harm you, scams, etc., but in Karachi it felt different to me. It has the distinct feel of a city on the move, but people are still greeting you with a welcoming feeling. People seem to be on the go in Karachi, and it gives a wild energy, and it’s really fascinating to observe this city on the move.

2. Food And Cuisines

Karachi is known as the city by the sea, so it has some mouth-watering fish markets and restaurants.

You can find food from all over Pakistan here in Karachi, to match your tastes. Go to Hyderabad Colony for the most authentic Hyderabadi achars, or go to Burns Road for the best kababs, haleem and other desi foods. Or, if you like to have karak dhoodh patti chai, then head to the tea shops around Cantt Station. For gola ganda head to Dhoraji Colony, if you like spicy ‘disco aaloo’ go to the thelas in Kharadar, or if the legendary Bihari Kabab is more to your taste, you should head to Meerut Kebab house.

3. Cosmopolitan Feeling

Beautiful architecture and cosmopolitan feeling in Karachi

Karachi is relatively young, but it has some of the most interesting architecture. A good way to explore this is to drive around the Old City — Kharadar, Mithadar, Saddar, Elphinstone Street, M A Jinnah Road, Napier Road, and their surrounding areas. I was in Karachi mid October, and would strongly recommend to do your city tour early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the insane heat in the middle of the day.

I was told you will find far more women drivers in Karachi than in any other Pakistani city, and in general Karachi has a distinct cosmopolitan and urban feel to it, which is super cool. This city is alive!

4. The Prices

Karachi is among the world’s top 10 cheapest cities in the World again in 2019, and the megalopolis called home by over 16 million people, has remained in the top 10 cheapest cities in the World consistently over the past decade, even ranking as the cheapest city a few times. The surveys are measuring the comparative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment, and Karachi is just unbelievably cheap! Furthermore the Pakistani hospitality is unreal, so you’ll have so much free stuff, and when you sometimes try to pay for something or split the bill, it happens that a Pakistani person won’t let you. Hospitality is great in Karachi!

5. The Adventures

Karachi is a city for a traveler who loves a wild adventure. Jump on the colorful buses, take a rickshaw ride, throw yourself out in the wild, hectic and lively streets of Karachi, and just breath in the cool craziness of this huge city. Karachi is an experience well-worth it, and I’m honestly so excited to explore the rest of Pakistan after some adventurous days in Karachi.

Some would say don’t go to Karachi, and I would say go to Karachi! If you only visit Lahore, only visit Islamabad or only visit Karachi, you haven’t been to Pakistan. Then you’ve only been to a city in Pakistan! Try out the biggest city in Pakistan and promise me to explore the rest of Pakistan too. That’s what I’m planning to do, because it’s such a beautiful country. I’m feeling the good vibes and beauty already!

With Pakistani police man inside the Tomb of the Founder of Pakistan, Karachi

Pakistan Zindabad… Next stop: Lahore! Before heading to the mountains.. Can’t wait to see what this country has in store!

Gustav

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7 Reasons Why I Love Indonesia (Pro Traveler-Tips!)

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

I just spend 10 days traveling around Indonesia, my country number 125, and these are 7 reasons why I love Indonesia. A country I know I’ll return to sooner or later again!

1. The Friendly Locals

One of the biggest reasons why I love Indonesia is because they have such friendly locals, and I experienced that on all of the islands I visited in Indonesia, even in Bali, where I maybe thought it would be too overcrowded with tourists, so the locals maybe wouldn’t be that nice any longer. In fact, they were very friendly there too! I’ve traveled to over 125 countries, and I’ve only experienced very few countries, as friendly and welcoming as in Indonesia. The locals are genuine without wanting something in return. You feel welcomed wherever you go if you show respect towards the locals.

Even the staff at the border control were chatting with me and smiling. They were extremely helpful and always had a smile on their face, when I was entering Indonesia – something that’s very unusual at border controls.

Indonesia is definitely one of the friendliest and nicest countries I have visited in the world!

2- Nature

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Stunning view in Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia

The nature in Indonesia is incredible. The views are spectacular and the country is rich in both flora and fauna. Here live many species of animals and plants that are endemic – which is awesome!

Whether you’re looking for hiking among beautiful mountains, an amazing wildlife or just wants to relax on the beautiful, sandy beaches – Indonesia offers everything and much more, it’s so scenic, and one of my favorite places to visit was this picturesque beach in Nusa Penida Island, which was so visually perfect.

You can read My Awesome Way to Find the Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida From Bali Here!

3. Prices Are Cheap

Buying a $1,5 dragon fruit in Bali, Indonesia

Whether it is buying a $1,5 dragon fruit in a market in Bali, renting a $5 scooter for the whole day in Nusa Penida island or shopping in Jakarta, prices are relatively cheap in Indonesia. Indonesia is a friendly, beautiful and affordable destination with good value for your money. It’s cheap to take a taxi, go on guided tours, eat food, accommodation and much more! Remember to download Grab, which is the perfect transportation app for all over Indonesia. If you compare the standard to other destinations in Asia, you’ll understand what I mean by saying that Indonesia offers good value for the money you pay!

4. Wildlife

With a Komodo dragon in Komodo island, Indonesia

The fascinating Komodo dragon, the Sumatran tigers, the Javan rhinoceros, the Borneo elephant, the Sumatran orangutan, the exotic babirusa or the Black Macaques.. The list goes on! The wildlife is on another level in Indonesia. Here sitting with a Komodo dragon, which only can be found on a few Indonesian islands in the World. There are only 5,000 komodo dragons left worldwide. Psychical features of a dinosaur, a deadly lethal venom and they can grow up to nearly 4 meter long with a top speed of 20 km/h. One of the craziest animals I’ve ever been close to!

5. Relaxed Muslim Country

One of the largest mosques in the World, Istiqlal *Mosqu*e, Jakarta

Islam is the most adhered to religion in Indonesia, with 87.2% of Indonesian population identifying themselves as Muslim. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the World, with approximately 225 million Muslims all over the country. In fact, Indonesia is a very relaxed Muslim country and as long as you don’t do totally stupid stuff, it’s a very open-minded place to be, where you can still drink alcohol and have a bit of fun if you feel in a party-mode. Indonesia is relaxed, not super strict and I kind of like that!

6. Thousands Of Islands

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Bali, Komodo, and Gili islands are some of the most famous ones, but the fact is that Indonesia is almost entirely made up of islands in various sizes. Each island has its own charm and their own experiences to offer. There are total number of 17,508 islands of which about 6000 are inhabited in Indonesia, so there are plenty of adventures to take. Padar island was memorable to me for the incredible sights!

7. Everyone Is Family

No matter who you are and where you’ve been, you’ll find yourself a new family in Indonesia. Whether it’s friendly neighbors, hospitable coworkers or happy kids, everyone belongs to a community that takes care of each other. Sure, the archipelago has countless attractions to entice tourists, but it’s the warmth and sense of belonging that invites people to stay.

Thank you for this time Indonesia and I’m already excited to come again back here soon.

Gustav

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What Is It Like Visiting Brunei?

Posted on September 19, 2019September 19, 2019 by dev

Brunei is a tiny nation on the island of Borneo of 0.4 million people, surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea. Brunei is known for its beaches, bio diverse rain forest, Mosques and oil reserves.

Brunei, the size of the star, my country 124

Heard Different Opinions About Brunei

I heard a few different opinions about Brunei, before it was finally my own time to visit this tiny nation and have a look at the country with my own eyes. One of my travel friends told me it was his least favorite country and a country he had some really bad experiences in. He told me he didn’t want to revisit the place at all! I still came here with an open mind as always and wanted to make my own impression.

Love or hate Brunei? Lots of different opinions about this tiny country

The Sultan Of Brunei Isn’t The Most Popular Guy On Earth

Yes, we can’t neglect talking about this guy when talking about Brunei, because he is the most influential man by far in the country. The Sultan of Brunei who wants gay people stoned to death and who lives a lavish lifestyle with £19k haircuts, it’s even rumored he once paid Michael Jackson £13m to sing for his birthday. With a personal wealth of £15billion, the Sultan of Brunei is the second wealthiest monarch in the World, behind the King of Thailand, and he has been on the throne since 1967 and ruled the country.

Recently the global community has boycotted staying in some of the Sultan’s Hotels around the World, because the Sultan of Brunei wants gay people stoned to death. He has actually brought in a law to punish gay sex with death by stoning.. But like with any other country with bad leadership, I think it’s unfair to say a whole population and country is a sh*t place, because of one ‘Man in Power,’ who makes some super retarded laws and comments. There’s a big difference between the leaders of a country and the people who live there, and I think it’s an important distinction to make, yet I still obviously thought a bit about these stupid things the Sultan has done before visiting the place. Hard not to, right?!

What Is Brunei Like To Visit?

Brunei has some of the most beautiful mosques in the World

1. The Mosques

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, Brunei

Brunei’s mosques are well-known for their beauty and elegance, and after 124 countries I can assure you of the fact that Brunei has some of the World’s most picture-perfect mosques. Traditional and futuristic elements are perfectly blended in the architecture of these mosques. For example, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which uses a mixture of Mughal and Malay elements in its design. It has carpets from Saudi Arabia and chandeliers from Britain. The Ash-Shaliheen Mosque in Brunei looks like a mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco, and the Jame Asr Hassanil Mosque looks like something taken out of a Hollywood-movie. The country also has mosques that stand on stilts on a river!

2: World’s Biggest ‘Water Village’

Kampong Ayer, World’s largest settlement on stilts

Kampong Ayer, in Brunei’s capital, is the world’s largest settlement on stilts. Kampong Ayer literally translates to “Water Village” in Malay, and it’s quiet easy to visit the village.. Plus you can do it cheaply! You can just go to the Habour Front and negotiate a cheap price with some of the many locals, who are boating around most of the day in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. Kampong Ayer is called ‘Venice of the East,’ but forget all about paying 100 euros for a boat ride here, unless you want to of course. You can go for less than $10 usually, it depends on the person in the boat, but a must-visit place surely!

It’s really cool to walk around the water village and see the way the locals live here, you’ll actually find around 3% of the country’s population on these stilts. Fascinating!

The Population

Other travelers told me people were rude in Brunei, and I was actually attempted scammed on a long boat ride through the mangrove in Brunei, so I had to jump off the boat in the middle of the jungle and make my way out, more about that story later, but one bad experience obviously won’t make it or break it for me.

The feeling in Brunei was different than I expected. I was picturing a country with people who weren’t especially welcoming to outsiders, a country with extremely strict rules, etc. I guess I was expecting Brunei to be as sterile and “orderly” as Singapore, while also somehow feeling like a major Gulf city.

What I found was the opposite. The people were very warm and welcoming. Everyone was informal. I didn’t feel like I was in a police state, the capital and the country side felt very Southeast Asian. There was a lot of natural beauty and no other tourists.

Can You Travel To Brunei In Good Conscience?

I don’t like “supporting” countries with ridiculous laws like earlier stated. At the same time, I think there’s so much to learn from visiting a place you have a negative impression of, and finding out that it’s nothing like what you were expecting.

That’s not to discount some of the horrible laws in place, but rather to say that it’s worth separating out the laws created by a non-democratically elected Leader from the people who make up the country.

In terms of the destination as such, Brunei is a pretty country, yet it’s not the most exciting place on Earth, but I had a great time here. I did all of TripAdvisor’s Top 5 in Brunei, and I’m sure you can find better Top 5’s elsewhere in other places, but there still was something charming about this tiny country!

It was an interesting experience. Goodbye Brunei, my country 124.

Gustav

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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

gus1thego.com

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

gus1thego.com

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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