Ian Hernandez
Inside China’s Street Food Scene: Chaos, Flavor, and Pure Magic
The Morning Rush: Breakfast on Beijing’s Boulevards The Morning Rush: Breakfast on Beijing’s Boulevards (image credits: pixabay) As dawn breaks in Beijing, the city’s street food vendors are already hard at work. According to a 2024 report by the China Cuisine Association, more than 70% of Beijing’s urban residents buy breakfast from street stalls at …
Varosha, Cyprus: Walking Through a Forbidden Ghost Town
The Shocking Silence of Varosha’s Streets The Shocking Silence of Varosha’s Streets (image credits: unsplash) Once a thriving resort town on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, Varosha now stands frozen in time. Walking through its deserted streets, visitors are struck by the overwhelming silence, broken only by the wind rattling broken window panes. In 1974, …
Myths and Mayhem: The Truth About Living in Bangladesh
Dhaka: Not Just Chaos, But a City of Surprises Dhaka: Not Just Chaos, But a City of Surprises (image credits: wikimedia) When people picture Dhaka, they often imagine unending traffic jams and noise, but the reality is much richer. Dhaka’s population reached nearly 23 million in 2024, making it one of the world’s most densely …
12 Bizarre Chinese Street Foods That Will Surprise You—Yes, Bugs Too
Fried Scorpions: The Crunchy Snack Turning Heads in Beijing Fried Scorpions: The Crunchy Snack Turning Heads in Beijing (image credits: unsplash) Walk down Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing and you’ll see skewered scorpions wriggling on sticks, ready for a quick fry. Fried scorpions, a staple of Chinese street food culture, have become a viral sensation …
Retire Early and Travel More: 10 Places to Live for Under $1K
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Digital Nomad Paradise Chiang Mai, Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Digital Nomad Paradise (image credits: unsplash) Chiang Mai has become a magnet for retirees seeking low costs and vibrant culture. According to the 2024 Numbeo Cost of Living Index, a single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent) average just $530. Modern one-bedroom apartments …
10 Countries Where Buying a Home Is Nearly Impossible
Hong Kong Hong Kong (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong stands out as one of the world’s least affordable housing markets, and recent figures confirm the crisis is only worsening. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report, the median house price in Hong Kong is now over 20 times the median gross annual household …
Why “Travel Shaming” Is Back—and What It Reveals About Us
Pandemic-Era Guilt: How COVID-19 Changed Travel Norms Pandemic-Era Guilt: How COVID-19 Changed Travel Norms (image credits: unsplash) The COVID-19 pandemic left a deep imprint on travel culture, turning vacations into morally charged decisions. According to a 2023 survey by Morning Consult, 43% of Americans reported feeling judged for traveling during the pandemic, a sharp increase …
The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Gloomiest to Skip)
Finland: The Reigning Champion of Happiness Finland: The Reigning Champion of Happiness (image credits: pixabay) Finland has held the number one spot in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report for seven consecutive years as of 2024. This Nordic country consistently scores high due to its robust social safety nets, low corruption levels, and strong sense …
9 Countries Where Purchasing a Home Feels Impossible
Hong Kong: The World’s Most Expensive Property Market Hong Kong: The World’s Most Expensive Property Market (image credits: unsplash) In 2024, Hong Kong remains the most unaffordable place on the planet to buy a home. According to the Demographia International Housing Affordability study, the city’s median house price is nearly 18 times the median annual …
Top 10 Most Joyful Nations—And 3 Struggling at the Bottom
Finland: Joyful Consistency at the Top Finland: Joyful Consistency at the Top (image credits: unsplash) Finland has held onto its title as the world’s happiest nation for seven consecutive years, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report. This ranking is not just about wealth; it reflects strong social trust, low corruption, and an exceptionally effective …
