The apocalypse is coming: how people are coping around the world

21 December 2012. The end day of the ancient Maya calendar, and the day, many believe, the world will end. As 21st December approaches, people around the world are preparing themselves for the apocalypse. Though the Maya didn’t say much about what would happen next, many members of the public have rushed to fill the void. They are foreseeing all manner of monumental change – from natural disasters, to doomsday, to a new age of enlightenment. So while us Brits are preoccupied with Christmas shopping and other jovial festivities, many people all over the world are taking this Armageddon talk extremely seriously…

China

A very dedicated farmer prepares for the apocalypse in China by inventing a survival pod he hopes will be of use during the arrival-of-the-end, by providing protection against natural disasters. The airtight sphere has space for around fourteen people, contains oxygen masks and seat-belts, and is designed to remain upright in water. Liu Quiyan from the village of Qiantun, Herbei province, says he was inspired by the 2004 Asian tsunami and by the ‘brilliant’ apocalyptic Hollywood movie ‘2012’ to develop the pod. The pod, nicknamed ‘Noah’s Ark’ may be able to float on water, but will it be able to survive the end of the world? If the world is to end in a couple of weeks, I’m not sure I would be happy being one of the (un)lucky fourteen who will spend their last moments on earth in a fibre-glass shell.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8217001/French-village-which-will-survive-2012-Armageddon-plagued-by-visitors.html

Russia

In the meantime, Russians are preparing for the world’s end by shopping for candles and vodka. To prepare for the Mayan doomsday Russian shoppers are clearing out the shop shelves in the country’s far north and east, where it is believed the apocalypse will supposedly hit first. And what do Russians need for the end of the world? Vodka of course. And imaginatively, lots of candles and matches, which have been going for three to four times the normal rate.

Meanwhile, authorities are trying to bring a little sense back to the public. As the Daily Beast has announced; Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev rejected the Mayan cosmology. “I do not believe in the end of the world,” he explained. “At least, not this year”. You would think this announcement would have been enough to calm the public paranoia, but then again, when has the words of a prime minister ever been taken seriously by everybody? Unsurprisingly, the promises of officials are not comforting everybody, and many still believe the two-week-long time of “complete darkness and silence” is still very much going to happen. At least that explains the candles. And vodka? Well at least people can drink themselves to oblivion when the time comes.

Even Russian news websites are publishing survival recommendations – among them, “move to a country house, and make sure you have a stove, plenty of water, and firewood.” Most people in Russia have country homes, called dachas, so surely there should be no need to panic. If anything, their chance of survival is higher than the rest of ours. However, many Russians are still unprepared to take chances. One Russian businessman Valentin Sveridov, 45, decided to not waste any time and evacuated his wife and seven-year-old son from Moscow. He describes his terror when he read on the internet how the capital will be like hell-on-earth. There will be – in his own words; “Rivers of blood, hundreds of rotting dead bodies, and deadly epidemics.”

However, the Russian businessman remains optimistic. “Russians are made to survive,” Sveridov says, “we are used to living on the edge of apocalypse – they turn the electricity off almost everyday in my home village in the far east.”

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/12/11/russians-prepare-for-world-s-end-buy-candles-and-vodka.html

Netherlands

It seems that this fear of an apocalyptic end is wildly sweeping the rest of Europe. In the Netherlands, thousands of Dutch citizens are preparing for 2012 by stocking up on emergency survival supplies, with the most dedicated even purchasing life rafts. However, it seems some are quite optimistic about the possibility of the world ending, and are even welcoming the prospect. Petra Faile, a person recently interviewed by Press TV, has recently stated; “you know, maybe it’s really not that bad that the Netherlands will be destroyed”. He adds that he doesn’t like living in the country anymore because of immigration and how the government continues to allow people in the country. He sounds like a very friendly man.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/netherlands/2187871/Dutch-prepare-for-Maya-apocalypse.html

France 

In the meantime, the small, sleep village of Bugarach, population 189, is being inundated by large groups of fanatic outsiders who believe the peak of the village’s mountain is an “alien garage”. According to them, extraterrestrials are quietly waiting inside the Pic de Bugarach for the Armageddon to start, at which point they will leave, taking a few lucky humans with them. Outsiders see Bugarach as their ticket to a better place, and the village mayor, Jean-Pierre Delord, is worried about the effect these visitors are having on the sleepy village. “This is no laughing matter,” Delord recently told The Daily Telegraph.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/ufo/8217001/French-village-which-will-survive-2012-Armageddon-plagued-by-visitors.html

Mexico

However, the apocalypse isn’t only inspiring dread: some are eagerly putting on their yoga-pants and grasping their meditation beads, and joining a global counter-movement promoting the date as the start of a new era of hope. Thousands of New Age fanatics are expected to fill ancient sites across Mexico in the days leading up to it. One of the biggest movements is Birth 2012, which is using the Mayan date to suggest a global spiritual reset.  Hotels near the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza have been sold out, with many rooms booked in advance. “We’ve activated this campaign for three days of love,” said movement co-founder Stephen Dinan. “Let’s have generosity and kindness be the operative fare, rather than people hunkering down in fear.”

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2012/12/11/mayan-apocalypse-world-awaits-big-day/

To be honest, Stephen may have a point. If the world really is going to end, why not ‘spread the love’ instead of cowering in your basement with a candle and a tin of soup. But it seems that while the rest of the world is ‘preparing’ for the End, us Brits are simply going about our daily business of work, sleep and Christmas shopping. To us, 25th December, Christmas day, seems like a far more exciting date than the supposed Day of Reckoning. Some may call us naive, maybe even stupid, but if the world is truly going to end in two weeks won’t we be having the last laugh? Surely when faced with something inevitable, it is better to carry on living and making the most of your time, instead of fearfully  stocking up your food cupboard or searching for E.T.

And if the end doesn’t come? Well we aren’t going to look like the silly ones now are we.

10 of the best foods from around the world

1. Fish and Chips, England

As a Brit this is definitely going to be my food of choice. Over the years fish and chips have become an iconic British food staple. It is the perfect treat to accompany your day at the English seaside, and is best served with mushy peas and lots and lots of salt and vinegar.

2. Peking Duck, China

I don’t mean the foil-wrapped kind you can get from your local Chinese takeaway, I mean the real deal. If you are lucky enough to visit China, this classic roast duck with it’s garlicky sweet crispy skin  is the thing to try. Even ordering it will be a delight as you watch the duck being carved in front of your eyes, and served with steamed pancakes, spring onions and hoisin sauce. Finger licking stuff.

3. Escargots, France

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name, these little gems are none other then the slimy snails you can find in your back garden. Considered a delicacy in France, while you may not fancy them as a treat, they are definitely something you should ‘try before you die’. Thankfully they are usually smothered in garlic butter. This helps you forget what you are actually eating. Well, kind of.

4. Moussaka, Greece

The national casserole in Greece is a must-try if you are visiting the country. The Greek answer to the Italian lasagna  this dish is made of a layer of ingredients such as eggplant, beef or lamb, and artichoke. Have with a good glass of Greek wine and a shot of Ouzo to finish.

5. Hot dog, New York

Some say no trip to New York is complete without a famous street vendor hot dog. This iconic fast food staple has been refined over the years and now caters to a variety of different taste. Some of the different toppings include gherkins, cheeses, mustard and caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless. Buy and enjoy one as you walk around central park.

5. Green curry, Thailand

Though many of us are already avid lovers of this sweet curry, nothing beats tasting it in it’s native country. Famous for it’s green color  this curry consists of coconut milk, eggplant, pea aubergine, sugar, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil leaves. Not as spicy as it’s sister the ‘red curry’, this native dish instead has a refreshing and original taste to it. Traditionally served in a bowl with white rice on the side, enjoy while on the beach watching the fire dancers in Ko Samet.

6. Goulash, Hungary

A personal favorite  this Eastern European dish is perfect to warm the cockles of your heart on a cold and wintry night in Budapest. Goulash is essentially a soup or stew of meat (normally beef), noodles, potatoes and vegetables, and seasoned with paprika and other spices. Indeed, it is the paprika which gives this dish it’s spice and what it is most famous for. Originating in Hungary, you can also find goulash soup throughout the eastern region of Europe. Perfect accompanied with crusty bread.

7. Jerk chicken, Jamaica

Without a doubt, wherever you go in the Caribbean, be it Jamaica or another beautiful island, you will surely come across the dish of Jerk chicken. That is if you are adventurous enough to leave the compound of your hotel and experience the lives of the locals. There are several ingredients which give this dish it’s intense flavor. One is the scotch bonnet pepper, one of the hottest chilies in the world. Jerk’s other iconic flavor is allspice, called pimento in Jamaica, where it grows wild. Traditionally, Jerk meat is slowly roasted over a fire made from pimento wood. It is best served with the traditional rice and beans.

8. Pasta bolognese, Italy

How can I make a list of the top ten best foods around the world and not include the country of Italy? Of course the classic Pasta Bolognese would be on the list, and no bolognese dish tastes as good as the one you get from it’s home town of Bologna. Bologna’s signature dish, the thick, rich sauce contains ground chuck, ground veal, and pancetta. Plus onions, carrots, tomatoes, red wine and cream. So this is not a dish to try if you are on a diet. If you are visiting the region of Bologna any time soon, enjoy a night of good music, good wine, and good pasta bolognese. It would be sacrilege not to.

9. Pierogies, Poland

The ultimate comfort food, pierogies are made from dumpling dough, and are traditionally stuffed with a potato-and-cheese filling. Normally served with sauerkraut  and on a cold winters day, this is comfort food at its best. A great alternative is to make sweet pierogies, using cream cheese, sugar and berries to fill them. These are good, trust me I know, my Grandma used to make them.

10. Baklava, Turkey

Last but not least, to finish up why don’t you try something a little sweeter? Turkish baklava is a desert that combines filo pastry, walnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a honey-lemon syrup. This is a great dish for any one with a sweet tooth who wants to try traditional Turkish cuisine  Why not enjoy with a hot Turkish apple tea? Or if your feeling a little more adventurous  why not try Turkey’s tipple of choice, Raki. This boozy aniseed beverage will have you in the mood for a party in no time.

Bon Appetite!

10 Gift Ideas For Travel Lovers

With Christmas creeping up, it’s about this time of the year when the stress of Holiday shopping tends to have us in it’s icy grip. It’s hard finding original, personal and loving gifts for all the different people in our life. However, I know most of us have a friend who is always off on adventures. We spend time looking through the photographs of their worldly escapades, and listen to their wanderlust stories (admittedly with a little jealousy). So, thankfully this Christmas there are endless ideas for those with itchy feet. Here are 10 of my favourite that would bring a twinkle to the eye of any avid wanderer.

Sardinia 35mm Lomography Camera

Perfect to capture those all important shots while on your adventures. this arty camera captures unique and retro photographs; something your traveller pal will love. Say cheese!

Better than fiction: True travel tales by Lonely Planet

An anthology of the best travel writing out there. A great read that will inspire your friend’s own travels.

Oxfam Donate a Goat

The perfect gift for all those Greenpeace Eco-Warriors out there. if you have a friend with a passion for charity and fund-raising, why not treat them to a gift which keeps on giving. By donating £25 to oxfam, the poor communities of malawi will receive a goat; a vital companion to the local economy. My bet is, your charitable friend will rate you in much higher esteem with this thoughtful idea. 

Moleskine Notebooks

They come in an array of sizes, colours and formats; these iconic notebooks are the perfect way to jot down all those travel plans and memories. So, if you know your friend is planning an exciting trip soon, get them one of these so they can share all their stories with you when they get home.

Etch-Me Map

The perfect gift for all those globe-trotters out there. A snazzy way to file away and ‘tick’ all the places they have been to on the map. It also makes a great home decoration.

Make the Most of your Time on Earth book

What else is there to say? This makes the perfect present for the wanderlust. Full of beautiful photography, inspirational ideas and fantastic tips; this will guide your friends in their future travels. 

Decorated Love Padlock

Do you have a friend who is a hopeless romantic? Or do you know a couple off on a winter break? If so this is the perfect gift for them. Just decorate a padlock and present it to them with instructions – they are to ‘lock’ their love with a person of their choice in a city of their choice using this padlock. Simple but thoughtful.

Passport cover and Luggage Tags

A simple but useful gift that any traveller would love. If you want to be a bit more creative try to find a personalised one on the internet.

Herschel Backpack

Cool, retro and a necessity. A great gift for the guys out there who are planning a city break or weekend away.

Travel Beauty Products

This is a fantastic treat for your ‘girly’ friend who loves being pampered. There are loads of travel packs out there, and the best are the packs for planes. If you are unable to find any why not make your own? Just think of things like hand moisturiser, eye mask, lip balm etc. It will ensure your friend is fully prepared next time she boards a plane. (Just make sure all liquids are under 30ml)

7 wacky places to lay your hat: quirky accommodation from around the world

When thinking about going away do you ever long for something a bit different? Something a bit more adventurous? When planning that all important break from day-to-day life, spending your time researching the same predictable and generic hotels can sometimes fail to create enthusiasm.

We have all been there. I’ve lost count of the number of humdrum hotels I’ve spent past summers in. Don’t get me wrong, they can be the perfect solution to a week or two of relaxation from work or study. But sometimes these ‘conventional’ hotels can merge into one, and all your past holiday memories can merge into one, and soon all the countries that you have visited have merged into one, leaving you with a huge ball of ‘sameness’.

If the picture of you lounging beside the pool drinking a strawberry daiquiri, and snoozing to the tunes of Bob Marley is starting to get a little old, why not try something a little different and opt for a one-of-a-kind place to stay.

Staying somewhere a little different can bring excitement and adventure back to your holiday. Though I am the first to admit my love for a good old fashioned pool/sunbathing holiday, it’s nice to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while and try something new.

Stepping away from the sun-lounger and onto new territory, you will create fantastic new memories that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Plus, when you do decide to book that much needed week of pure relaxation, you will enjoy and appreciate it so much more.

The Hobbit Motel, Otorohanga, New Zealand

If you are a Lord of the Rings fanatic, this may just be your slice of heaven. Situated in Woodlyn Park, are exact replicas of the Hobbit homes that are in the movie. However there is no need to crouch wherever you go as the inside is considerably more contemporary, ensuring comfort.

 Hotel Igloo Village, Kakslauttanen, Finland

 

Hotel Igloo Village is one the coolest and quirkiest places I have ever seen, and actually makes me feel giddy at the thought of staying here. Imagine sleeping in an igloo made of snow, in the middle of a wintry forest, with the Northern Lights dancing above your head? Complete snowy bliss! Surrounded by Lapland’s stunning scenery, Hotel Igloo Village offers 31 cabins near the vicinity of UrhoKekkonen National park, along the road leading to Nordkap and the Arctic Ocean. In addition to the accommodation, whoever stays here is in for a treat and a truly action-packed break. Think dog-sledding, ice fishing and vodka. I will go there. One day…

 

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

 

Perfect for those who are seeking something a little different but love their comfort. If you ever wanted to sleep 20ft under the waves of the Indian Ocean, surrounding by vibrant coral reef and exotic sea creatures, then this is the perfect place for you. This suite is located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and is usually open as a restaurant. However, for its 50^th anniversary the Conrad has converted the restaurant into a glass-encased suite, but at a price. It can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 per night, so this slice of underwater heaven is definitely for rich people. Oh I can dream…

 

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia Turkey

Fantastic for nature and history lovers, the Yunak offers guests a choice of six different cave houses and thirty different cave rooms that date back to the 5^th and 6^th centuries. All the rooms are furnished with respect to their environment, while still offering modern comfort and charm. The more luxurious suites come complete with Jacuzzi and steam shower. Perfect for those who want to step back in time…

The Mangrove, Koh Chang

In a far flung corner of the east is Koh Chang national Marine Park, where you can find an array of 50 or so islands. At the center is Koh Chang Island itself, which offers lush jungles and exquisite beaches. The Mangrove bungalows are situated in woodland over looking the sea. Everything is low-key and natural, and you can find hammocks, outdoor bathrooms and cushion-clad hideouts. For those who are a fan of The Beach and want to experience what being shipwrecked truly feels like.

 Spherical Tree House, Vancouver Island, Canada

Living in these spherical pods high up in the tree-tops, it is easy for your imagination to run wild with fairies and elves, and other woodland creatures. For those who love nature, this is the ultimate place to stay. You can feel the forest all around you, and the sphere gently rocks when the wind blows, creating the ultimate sleeping experience.

 The Ark, Wiltshire, England

For those Brits who are looking for adventure a little closer to home, inventive woodworker James Noble’s latest incredible creation should be the top of your list. This gothic-inspired structure, which much resembles an old fashioned gypsy wagon, sits by a river and under an apple tree on a quiet corner of a Wiltshire farm, with views of the nearby village. This is a fantastic ‘glamping’ experience and is complete with a campfire and all other amenities to ensure your seclusion. However, don’t be fooled into thinking there is nothing to do here. The site is fantastic for walks and hikes, and guests can visit the surrounding areas of Stonehenge and traditional English market towns; the perfect ‘staycation’.