Category Archives: Earth

Quickening Ecological Restoration On St. Kitts

May 23, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

May, 2024. UNESCO. On International Day for Biological Diversity, we highlight the remarkable efforts underway to accelerate ecological restoration at St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve on the island of St. Kitts. Home to thousands of species, this UNESCO-designated site spans vast marine areas, forested ridges, agricultural hills, cloud forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Despite its rich biodiversity, 32% of the land is degraded, necessitating urgent restoration efforts. St. Mary’s is the first site to benefit from the expertise of volunteer scientists from the UNESCO Earth Network project, aimed at collecting key data, implementing restoration plans, and identifying sustainable livelihood opportunities.

St Mary’s Biosphere Reserve’s main challenges

Like many Caribbean islands, the socio-economic history of St Kitts and Nevis was marked by a heavy dependence on the lucrative sugar trade. Thanks to governmental efforts to diversify the economy since 1970s, the federation turned to tourism development, which brought unprecedented opportunities to improve the livelihood of locals. However, when the tourism industry came to a near standstill between 2020 and 2021, St Kitts and Nevis saw a 14.5% drop in its GDP, followed by another 4.3% contraction in 2021.

In addition, as a Small Developing State (SIDS), it faces a number of natural challenges accentuated in the last decade by climate change, with more frequent and violent natural disasters, including hurricanes and seismic events. The effects of climate change highlight the need to protect tropical forests and promote resilient and biodiversity-friendly agriculture.

What does agriculture have to do with biodiversity conservation?

UNESCO/Joan de la Malla

One of the primary goals of St Mary’s Biosphere Reserve is to conserve biodiversity, particularly one of the most emblematic species of the area, the critically endangered leatherback turtle. It may not seem obvious, but this goal is closely related with sustainable agricultural practices.

As explained by Dr Kimberly Steward (Ross University), leachate and chemicals used in farming end up on the beach and affect nesting zones as well as the algae, food and refuge for the leatherback and other turtle species.

What were the objectives of the UNESCO Earth Network mission to the biosphere reserve?

UNESCO/Joan de la Malla

With the generous support of the Government of Italy, the Earth Network project embarked on a mission to St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve site to promote and work on ecological restoration. The initiative addressed specific challenges associated with agricultural practices, tools and methods of the St. Mary’s Biosphere Reserve site: cultivation, preservation and monetization of sustainable and biodiversity-led agriculture processes.

Furthermore, an inventory of biodiversity loss, i.e., soil-erosion, tropical forest depletion, diminished mangrove cultivation, extent of fauna and different species of birds, bees and other pollinators etc., was prepated. The mission also analysed potential employment opportunities based on sustainable, biodiversity-friendly agriculture practices and tools, i.e., better use of tropical forests as sources of new fruit and vegetable cultivation, and introducing new seed varieties more tolerant to heat and drought; and examined opportunities for the creation of small enterprises associated with sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity.

Development of the mission and its first achievements

UNESCO/Joan de la Malla

The mission was conducted in two phases, both led by volunteer expert, Dr. Haydi Berrenstein. The first field mission took place from 20 – 24 February 2023 to collect data, assess the situation and exchange with local experts, as well as to interview local stakeholders.

A second mission took place in August 2023, when the Earth Network volunteer expert and local community members worked together to formulate technical advice towards an ecological restoration plan in line with available good practices and assess the feasibility of a local biodiversity inventory.

Additionally, in August 2023, a plan to improve their practices began to be implemented, through the creation of a Seed Bank, the development of natural fertilizers and a whole Biodiversity Agricultural Reforestation plan. The overall aim is to embrace better use of tropical forests, enhance the cultivation of new fruits and combat soil erosion.

Furthermore, the knowledge generated through the mission was consolidated and included in the UNESCO Biodiversity Portal, which provides real-time data from UNESCO-designated sites, as well as top-notch solutions.

Featured image- St. Kitts/Nevis natural springs.

Travel

Tourism is Back to Pre-Pandemic Levels, but Challenges Remain

May 21, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Developing countries (in terms of their income economies) such as Africa are also seeing gains.

One year ago- The pandemic had all but decimated the tourism industry in South Africa

Earth

Botswana Elephant Trophy Hunt Still Shockingly Legal

April 24, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Botswana’s president recently threatened to send 20,000 elephants from Botswana to Germany in a feud over stricter regulations on trophy imports. Find out why President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s claims about hunting simply don’t stack up and how animal-friendly approaches in Botswana actually help conservation goals and the economy.

Earlier this year, Germany proposed stricter limits on trophy imports, which led to controversy and claims from President Masisi that it would further impoverish Botswanans.

Trophy hunters worldwide are attempting to justify their killing by making outlandish claims to hide their conservation harms and economic exploitation.

According to Dr. Keith Lindsay, a renowned conservation biologist with over 30 years of research and hands-on experience conserving African elephants, including population management, nothing could be further from the truth.

While there are challenges for African countries that have elephant/human conflicts, many have found proven solutions that respect elephants without killing or trapping them.

The way to create harmony with elephants is to know the facts first.

Elephant populations have not “exploded,” as President Masisi claims. Botswana’s elephant population has not increased significantly for about two decades.
Trophy hunting funds corruption and does not bring in significant net revenue for conservation. The ones that profit are sports hunting companies, a few government officials, and community trust members who siphon off funds. Very little goes to the hundreds of households sharing the meager proceeds, which Dr. Lindsay says is “enough for a pair of socks.”
According to the numbers, hunting does not keep elephant populations in check, as President Masisi claims. A 2022 survey of elephants in Botswana indicated there were about 132,000. The hunting quota in 2024 is 400 elephants, which is less than 0.3%. It’s not enough to make a dent in their population, even if all 400 were killed, but it is a risk to all older male elephants and large-tusked elephants, who hunters target despite their vitally important role in elephant societies.
Botswana banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted it in 2019 to give the impression it would boost the economy, but elephants are much more valuable alive.
Live elephants contribute a much greater amount to the economy than dead ones. Per Dr. Lindsay, “Photographic ecotourism, even in Botswana, employs more people and contributes more to the national economy, including through multiplier effects on value chains of suppliers to the industry than does the minimal amount from trophy companies.” Only a few countries in southern Africa exploit wild animals as a resource through killing and consumption.
Conflicts from elephants eating crops and killing people are not due to elephant overpopulation but to human populations expanding into elephant territories and growing vegetation that elephants like to eat.
Many conservation experts advocate against killing keystone species on ecological grounds. The minority who stand to gain from trophy hunting often attempt to marginalize all who oppose hunting and killing elephants as “extremists” despite being the vast majority.
Organizations like Ecoexist and Elephants Without Borders are working successfully with local farmers on practical approaches to human-elephant coexistence to resolve conflicts where they exist.

Elephants are not products to buy and sell. They are majestic living beings who deserve to live free as they have for thousands of years on the lands of their ancestors.

For the Silo, Courtney Scott / In Defense Of Animals.

Featured image: German sport hunter kills old Bull elephant in Botswana. image courtesy of National Geographic.

Travel

This is Where Canadians Want to Travel to This Summer

April 22, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

The trending destinations Canadians want to go on vacation this summer based on Google searches.

Where do Canadians want to go on their summer vacation in 2024?

With soaring inflation prices and the cost of essential shopping skyrocketing, millions of Canadians will plan to cut back on vacation spending. According to data from Ipsos*42% of Canadians say they plan to minimize their spending on vacations in 2024 as a way of dealing with the increased cost of living. Now, as the season changes into spring, more people are wondering what this summer has in store for them from a vacation perspective.

Are Canadians really looking to cut costs when it comes to their annual trip? Or has the economy got us looking outside of our usual go-to destinations?

Our friends at Top10casinos.ca, have used Google search data looking at terms around ‘summer vacations’ to find out which destinations around the world are most in-demand by Canadians looking to book their summer vacation in 2024. So, whether you need some inspiration for your next big trip, or just love a good list, here are the trending destinations Canadians want to go on vacation this summer based on Google searches.

Revealed: Canada’s Top 10 Most in Demand Summer Vacation Hotspots in 2024

Research Reveals New York Will Be Canada’s Favorite Summer Vacation in 2024 – Getting 1.9 Million Searches Every Month

With 1.9 million monthly searches and a 6% increase in searches in the last 30 days, the metropolis of New York is officially Canada’s most desired destination for a summer vacation this year. Analyzing individual attractions that Canadians are most interested in visiting, searches for ‘new york broadway shows 2024’ are up 9,900% and people searching for ‘new york yankees schedule 2024’ are up 5,800%. For Canadians looking for an early Spring vacation, searches for ‘new york weather in April’ are up 750% in the last 30 days.

City Break Destinations Incredibly Popular for Canadian Summer Vacations in 2024

Half of the top 10 most-searched for summer vacation spots by Canadians are city break destinations with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Honolulu topping the list. The data shows that Vancouver residents are getting heart eyes for San Francisco. In the last month, there were 16,550 searches for summer vacations in the Golden Gate City and searches for ‘Vancouver San Francisco cruises’ are up 29% since the same time last year.

The Cold European Country of Iceland Has the MOST Search Increases – Ranking Above Beach Favorite, Mexico Beaches, relaxing by the pool and all you can drink cocktails are usually synonymous with summer, but according to our study, Canadians want to escape the heat in favor of colder climes. With an average of over 689,980 monthly searches and a huge 122% increase in 30 days, Iceland surprisingly ranks in front of Mexico as a go-to vacation destination this summer. Looking at why Canadians might be interested in visiting the land of ice and fire, searches for ‘northern lights’ are up 10,900% and people looking at ‘portugal v iceland’ have increased 1,043% on Google. According to the regional data, Niagara Falls residents in particular are looking for a totally unique experience this summer, with searches for ‘Iceland summer vacation’ up 200% since the same time last year.
Cuba Revealed as Canada’s Most Desired Beach Destination This Summer – Ranking Above Mexico and Costa RicaWith more than 712,000 monthly searches and an increase of 36% in 30 days, Cuba is revealed as Canada’s most desired beach vacation destination for summer 2024. According to the data, Canadians are researching long distance swimming in the country, with searches for ‘swim from cuba to florida’ up 3,500% and ‘vacations to cuba’ up 333%.
The Dominican Republic Ranks in Top 10 With over 97,000 monthly searches for ‘The Dominican Republic summer vacation’ and a 35% increase in the past month – it’s evident the Caribbean Island will be one of the most coveted destinations by Canadians this summer, which is why it features in the top 10. When analyzing search trends on a city level, Montréal has seen a 25% increase in residents’ searching for the beautiful beach spot, and Ottawa shows a 20% surge.

Mapped: Most Desired Vacation Destinations Across Canada, Revealed

Las Vegas Named the Most Desired Destination The gambling capital of the world is the most searched for city across the 10 cities of Alberta with searches spiking by nearly half (48%) since the same time last year. With 1.7 million monthly searches and a 12% increase in Canadian’s searching for the desert oasis summer vacation, Las Vegas has seen a 6% increase in search increases than topspot New York, the city also ranks above favorites Cuba and Mexico.
Greece Ranks Second as Research Reveals European Summer Vacations Most Popular with Ontario ResidentsThe data shows there’s a rapid number of Canadians looking to experience a European summer vacation this year, with both Greece and Italy coming up top in Ontario. Looking at the most searched for destinations, searches for Greece’s picturesque Santorini have increased by 67% since the same period last year across Canada, and Italy’s Rome have spiked 25%.
Costa Rica is the Most Desired Destination by Two ProvincesFilled with rugged rainforests, pristine lagoons and beautiful beaches, it’s little wonder the Central American country of Costa Rica is the most desired by two parts of Canada. Provinces of Quebec and Manitoba both had Costa Rica as their favorite destination, with searches for the tropical country up by an average of 81% across 10 cities in Quebec since the same time last year. Looking at locations on a city level, searches for ‘all inclusive Costa Rica vacations’ are up 300% in Quebec City, highlighting a need to escape busy metropolitan life.
Toronto’s 3 Favorite Summer Vacation Spots are all City DestinationsResidents hailing from Ontario’s capital, Toronto, are interested in keeping the summer city spirit alive, with 3 favorite destinations also being city spots. According to the data, Toronto’s favorite destination is Dubai with a 49% increase in searches since the same time last year. Closely followed by Rome (22%), and Miami (20%).

Methodology

Using articles around the topic of “bucket list travel destinations”, “best vacations in 2024” we were able to collect a list of approx 100 dream global travel destinations. To allow for us to make sure we’re focusing on those who want to holiday in these locations we assigned the prefixes “summer vacations in” to all locations. These terms were then entered into keywordtool.io to collect the average monthly search volume and search trends (over the last 12 months) per state.
Search volumes and trends were gathered using https://keywordtool.io/
All data correct and accurate as of 11th April 2024

Sources

https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/canadians-cut-back-2023-and-plan-continue-cuts-2024

For the Silo, Amanda Evans

Earth

Once Vibrant Expanse Of Sea Now Covered With Trash

April 17, 2024 The Silo 2 Comments

My name is Ivan Macfadyen and I am a seasoned sailor with many voyages in the World’s oceans. My last Pacific crossing has raised an ominous alarm- I’m used to seeing turtles, dolphins, sharks and big flurries of feeding birds. But this time, for 3,000 nautical miles there was nothing alive to be seen. This once vibrant expanse of sea was hauntingly quiet, and covered with trash.

Experts are calling it the silent collapse.

Although very few of us see it, we are causing it — overfishing, climate change, acidification, and pollution are devastating our oceans and wiping out entire species. It’s not just the annihilation of millennia of wonder and beauty, it impacts our climate and all life on Earth.

But we have a fleeting window still to act and this could be the year to turn the tide — the UN is considering an initiative to stop dumping and pillaging in the high seas, and announced back in 2015 that they will help create the largest single marine reserve ever in one of the most pristine areas on earth!

Lack of political will is the only real obstacle to getting more of these agreements moving.

My apocalyptic sailing voyage is a clarion call to action. Let’s get started on making everyone aware of the situation right away.

Right now, fishing boats are scraping the ocean floor clean, and over 80% of sea pollution is coming from fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics pouring off shore land. The reports are dire: in less than 40 years, our oceans could be completely fished-out.

In 100 years, all coral reefs in all the oceans might be dead.

But just as wilderness parks work to rehabilitate life on land, the same happens in the ocean. If our governments create big enough marine reserves and enforce protection laws, the ocean can regenerate.

Famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau said: “people protect what they love.” Let’s inspire millions more people to fall in the love with the ocean and defend its treasures.

We are in a precarious moment when there are still fewer marine mammal extinctions than there are on land, and when ocean ecosystems have shrunk less than those on land. We have not yet passed the tipping point for our oceans, but we will if we don’t act soon and at a scale that rivals the enormity of the problem. There is no other community in the world that can do that like we can. For The Silo, Ivan Macfadyen.

Earth

Ontario Storm Chasers Warn Public Through Photography

April 9, 2024 The Silo 2 Comments

LightningSpencerStillswebsize — Photo shot in London, Ontario. Shot during a tornado warning for Middlesex county. photo: S. Sills

Did you know on average 12 tornadoes strike Ontario each year? That’s why David Chapman (@northof44pics) and I (@wxspencersills) commit our springs and summers to capturing severe thunderstorms on video and through photography.

My name is Spencer Sills and I am a chaser located in South Western Ontario. I have been chasing storms for about 20 years. I became obsessed with the weather and more specifically severe weather in 1996. On April 20, 1996 a tornado had hit Williamsford, Ontario. This was my first experience with a tornado and it has become a permanent fixture in my mind, partially due to the fact there was still snow on the ground the day it had hit.

Then in the summer of 2011, there were fourteen confirmed tornadoes including the Goderich F3 tornado as well as three tornadoes during the August 24th severe weather outbreak during the late afternoon and evening. I was unable to be out during either of these days but what I was able to do was keep the public informed of the current severe weather as well as help give warning for the tornadoes.

cold core funnelWebsizeSpencerStills — Photo shot in South West London, Ontario. A waterspout advisory was in effect for Lake Huron and Erie, while on the way to Lake Huron I came across this Cold Core Funnel off of a early morning thunder shower. image: S. Sills

A Summer from years ago was…interesting. I witnessed more than my fair share of active weather. I encountered five funnel clouds, several gust fronts or more commonly known as squall lines here in Ontario, and hail from pea size to golf ball sized in Seaforth. I’ve also encountered strong wind storms which included a storm in Birr, Ontario which uprooted several large trees.

My personal worst storm occurred on June 7, 2011 in Elora, Ontario. A large and intense cell came through late at night bringing with it 80-90 km/h winds, heavy downpours, frequent lightning and quarter-coin size hail. I was fortunate to not be injured during this storm because I was in a tent at the time and had no warning beforehand other than a loud lightning strike before it hit. There was a severe thunder storm warning with the cell but our campground chose not to relay that information to campers and I only found out about the warning once I put on my portable radio after the storm came. That same storm went on to produce a tornado warning over Hamilton but did not spawn a tornado that night. It did however cause extensive wind damage in the city.

Cloud to Ground LightningWebsizeDavidTChapman — Cloud to Ground Lightning: photographed by D. Chapman

My chase partner is David Chapman. David and I both grew up within minutes of each other but never met until recently due to the power of twitter. From twitter I was able to glean that we both have similar interests and goals which will allow us to mesh well together. [ Check the hashtage #WX on twitter for tweets related to extreme weather CP ]

Hello Silo readers. My name is David T. Chapman and I am a professional photographer with a passion for storm photography. I developed an interest in weather when lightning hit my house in Guelph, Ontario, years ago. The thunder was terrifying and the rain was so heavy that even though I was only three years old at the time, I have clear, vivid memories of the storm. My interest in weather was rekindled in the late 1990’s when I spotted my first multi-vortex tornadoes with my dad and brother. Since then, I have followed the weather every day to determine the best time for photography in all kinds of conditions.

Waaaay back in 2011 , the Ontario storm season was an active one. It allowed me to get a personal record number of lightning photographs in one season with 105, not including sheet lightning shots. My first storm was in April, when a very weak storm pushed into the Niagara region. Something that you don’t see very often is a thunderstorm with snow on the ground, but that night I had both. But the storm chasing season really didn’t start seriously until the end of May when an evening storm rolled through Southwestern Ontario right into my area. The squall line formed directly to our west and there was no way around it. We had to puncture the core of the storm to try to find a dry slot. We were hit hard with heavy rains, strong winds and continuous lightning.

Anvil CrawlerWebsizedDavidTChapman — Anvil Crawler: photographed Southeast of Hamilton, Ontario image: D. Chapman

One of the hardest things to get is a lightning photograph when there is a downpour because it blurs the image. The first line of storms went through when we crossed an open field area and then we were hit by a strong second line of storms. Extremely strong straight lines came at us with winds easily in excess of 90 km/hr. We got into position, but unfortunately, with the rain still pounding our photography team, it made it impossible to get crisp, clear lightning shots. It wasn’t until after the storm had passed that the back end of it lit up and we were able to capture some very beautiful lightning.

The summer carried on with sporadic thunderstorm activity consisting of small thunderstorm cells with intense lightning and hail. Generally, with smaller storms, you only get 4 to 5 lightning shots. I’ve come back after chasing a storm perfectly with only 1 or 2 lightning shots to show for it. It wasn’t until the outbreak of thunderstorms that our team had a very successful night of shooting. On that night, Faith Beni and I ended up in St. Mary’s, Ontario. There were tornado watches all across Ontario, the most I had ever seen. The thunderstorm cell that we were interested in was towards Nairn, Ontario. We left the Niagara region at 5:30 p.m. and got to St. Mary’s around 7:45 p.m.

Without daylight left, the thoughts of getting a tornado quickly changed to an opportunity for lightning photographs instead. One of the most dangerous things to do is to chase a tornadic thunderstorm in the dark, which is why our team has a policy to not chase these types of storms at night. We tend to focus on weaker storm cells that don’t have the tornadic potential but still have lots of lightning. The night of the 24th, though, was different. It seemed that any storm cell had the potential to drop a tornado. We pulled back to St. Mary’s and then we started getting reports of rotation heading to St. Mary’s.

In just under 2 minutes, I saw 4 reports of rotation for St. Mary’s. We started to get pounded with large hail and the the hydro went out. We left St. Mary’s and pushed north towards what looked to be some late evening twilight. We got to the back of the storm and were able to photograph the lightning that was in it. We got some of the best anvil-crawlers that I have ever seen. Anvil-crawlers are a particular type of lightning that can either go for short distances or for distances over 100 km.

This year for the first time, Spencer Sills and I will be working together to get some very powerful images. Our biggest goal is to get a photograph of a tornado. Last year, I was close 3 times. The first was in Grimsby, where an EF0 hit and damaged a small gazebo. Eric Chapman and I were right on the storm but unfortunately we could not see the tornado because of heavy precipitation. The second was the Nairn tornado and the third was a rotating wall-cloud that I photographed towards Bryson, Quebec.

Spencer and I often hear about how tornadoes don’t happen here. We want to let the public know that they can and do occur here, in South Western Ontario so that watches and warnings should always be taken seriously. The Goderich tornado in 2011, in which one person died, is a grim reminder of just how intense tornadoes can be and that they do, in fact, affect Ontario residents.

NairnWebSpencerStills — Photo shot in Nairn, Ontario. Tornado damage in Shady Pines Campground in Nairn. A tornado touched down the previous night and bent these pine trees in half, the tornado also caused extensive tree damage in the area as well as damaged a house and destroyed a metal silo. image: S. Sills

David and I both have experience in chasing storms, and take safety very seriously. We will be travelling with a First Aid kit just as well as weather alert radios and radar to help us along our way, we hope that we don’t ever need the kit but it’s always a great idea especially if others are in need of help, we could very well be the first people on the scene of a possible tragedy so we must be prepared. We will be posting pictures and videos throughout the season but do not recommend that anyone attempt to recreate either of them and place themselves in danger.

I will be working with David Chapman in hopes to help warn others as well as capture these storms through video and photography to share with others who may not get to experience them. We are ready to combine our passion for storms to get the best results possible and share those results with others.

Earth

This Eclipse is Different

April 8, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Eclipses

When the Earth, Moon, and Sun line up in space, we can see an eclipse. NASA studies eclipses from the ground, in our atmosphere, and in space, influencing solar, planetary, and Earth science.

Today on April 8, the Moon’s shadow will sweep across the United States and Canada, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.

Against a black background is a total solar eclipse. In the middle is a black circle – the Moon. Surrounding it are white streams of wispy light, streaming out into the sky.

The total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017, was photographed from Madras, Oregon. The black circle in the middle is the Moon. Surrounding it are white streams of light belonging to the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona.

NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

In 2017, an estimated 215 million U.S. and Canadian adults (88% of U.S. adults) viewed the solar eclipse, either directly or electronically. They experienced the Moon pass in front of the Sun, blocking part or all of our closest star’s bright face. The eclipse in 2024 could be even more exciting due to differences in the path, timing, and scientific research.

Wider, More Populated Path

The path of totality – where viewers can see the Moon totally block the Sun, revealing the star’s outer atmosphere, called the corona – is much wider during the upcoming total solar eclipse than it was during the eclipse in 2017 and is expected to occur for viewers along the Great Lakes at 3:33pm EDT. As the Moon orbits Earth, its distance from our planet varies. During the 2017 total solar eclipse, the Moon was a little bit farther away from Earth than it will be during the upcoming total solar eclipse, causing the path of that eclipse to be a little skinnier. In 2017, the path ranged from about 62 to 71 miles wide. During the April eclipse, the path over North America will range between 108 and 122 miles wide – meaning at any given moment, this eclipse covers more ground.

The 2024 eclipse path will also pass over more cities and densely populated areas than the 2017 path did. This will make it easier for more people to see totality. An estimated 31.6 million people live in the path of totality this year, compared to 12 million in 2017. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

A map of North America. Sweeping from Oregon to South Carolina is a thin, gray path labeled 2017. Sweeping from Mazatlan, Mexico, through Texas, across the U.S., and entering Canada through Maine is a wider gray path labeled 2024. — This map shows the path of the 2017 total solar eclipse, crossing from Oregon to South Carolina, and the 2024 total solar eclipse, crossing from Mexico into Texas, up to Maine, and exiting over Canada.To see a map showing which areas will experience the partial solar eclipse and which areas will experience the total solar eclipse today April 8, 2024, click the arrows.Ernest Wright/NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

A map of the contiguous U.S. shows the path of the 2024 total solar eclipse stretching on a narrow band from Texas to Maine. — This map illustrates the paths of the Moon’s shadow across the U.S. during the 2024 total solar eclipse. Today April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North and Central America creating a path of totality. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely blocks the Sun while it passes between the Sun and Earth. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk and those standing in the path of totality may see the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) if weather permits.To see a map comparing the 2024 eclipse and the 2017 eclipse paths, click the arrows.NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; Eclipse Calculations By Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

You don’t need to live within the path of totality to see the eclipse – in April, 99% of people who reside in the United States will be able to see the partial or total eclipse from where they live. Every contiguous U.S. state, plus parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will experience at least a partial solar eclipse.

Longer Time in Totality

Today, totality will last longer than it did in 2017. Seven years ago, the longest period of totality was experienced near Carbondale, Illinois, at 2 minutes, 42 seconds.

For the upcoming eclipse, totality will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds, in an area about 25 minutes northwest of Torreón, Mexico. As the eclipse enters Texas, totality will last about 4 minutes, 26 seconds at the center of the eclipse’s path. Durations longer than 4 minutes stretch as far north as Economy, Indiana. Even as the eclipse exits the U.S. and enters Canada, the eclipse will last up to 3 minutes, 21 seconds.

During any total solar eclipse, totality lasts the longest near the center of the path, widthwise, and decreases toward the edge. But those seeking totality shouldn’t worry that they need to be exactly at the center. The time in totality falls off pretty slowly until you get close to the edge.

Heightened Solar Activity

A blue image of the the Sun's atmosphere. In the middle is a dark blue circle, surrounding it are faint white streams of light. A large burst of light shoots out from the center in a circle into all directions. — NASA/ESA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) captured this video of a coronal mass ejection on March 13, 2023.NASA/ESA/SOHO

Against a black background is a solar eclipse. There is a large black circle in the middle of the image – the Sun. On the top right of the circle is a bright white sliver of light from the Sun. On either side of the sliver of light are small spots of pink looping away from the circle – prominences. — Some prominences are seen as the Moon begins to move off the Sun during the total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, above Madras, Oregon.NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Every 11 years or so, the Sun’s magnetic field flips, causing a cycle of increasing then decreasing solar activity. During solar minimum, there are fewer giant eruptions from the Sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. But during solar maximum, the Sun becomes more active.

In 2017, the Sun was nearing solar minimum. Viewers of the total eclipse could see the breathtaking corona – but since the Sun was quiet, streamers flowing into the solar atmosphere were restricted to just the equatorial regions of the star. The Sun is more magnetically symmetrical during solar minimum, causing this simpler appearance. During today’s 2024 eclipse, the Sun will be in or near solar maximum, when the magnetic field is more like a tangled hairball. Streamers will likely be visible throughout the corona. In addition to that, viewers will have a better chance to see prominences – which appear as bright, pink curls or loops coming off the Sun.

With lucky timing, there could even be a chance to see a coronal mass ejection – a large eruption of solar material – during the eclipse.

Expanded Scientific Research

A rocket launches against a blue sky. A cloud of dust gathers below the rocket.

The third rocket launched on Oct. 14, 2023, during the annular solar eclipse leaves the launch pad.

WSMR Army Photo

During the total eclipse in 2024, NASA is funding several research initiatives that build on research done during the 2017 eclipse. The projects, which are led by researchers at different academic institutions, will study the Sun and its influence on Earth with a variety of instruments, including cameras aboard high-altitude research planes, ham radios, and more. In addition to those projects, instruments that were launched during the 2023 annular solar eclipse on three sounding rockets will again be launched during the upcoming total solar eclipse.

Two spacecraft designed to study the Sun’s corona – NASA’s Parker Solar Probe and ESA (European Space Agency) and NASA’s Solar Orbiter – have also launched since the 2017 solar eclipse. These missions will provide insights from the corona itself, while viewers on Earth see it with their own eyes, providing an exciting opportunity to combine and compare viewpoints.

To learn more about the 2024 total solar eclipse and how you can safely watch it, visit NASA’s eclipse website.

By Abbey Interrante
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

Travel

Overcome Travel Anxiety Ahead Of This Years Season

April 3, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

A whopping 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2023.

Undoubtedly, travel has become an integral part of many people’s lives. And while it can bring many joys, it can also cause stress.

With travel season fast approaching, the experts and our friends at HAYPP wanted to help those struggling with travel anxiety by providing helpful tips on how to best overcome it.

Five healthy ways to overcome travel anxiety

1. Understand your anxiety

To be able to best cope with your travel anxiety, you need to have a good understanding of the things that actually cause it. Pinpoint specifically what is making you feel anxious about your trip – is it that you’ll be on the road for hours, that there would be things out of your control, that you would have to be surrounded by a lot of people at an airport? Once you understand what triggers your anxiety, you can ensure to plan ahead for the best ways to handle those triggers.

2. Create a detailed plan for your trip

One of the reasons for experiencing anxiety when travelling is that you’re being taken out of your comfort zone and won’t have full control over everything. To help ease that anxious feeling, try to plan out your trip in as much detail as possible. Write down an itinerary, either on paper, or you can make use of a trip planner app like TripIt, Wanderlog, or Sygic Travel, for every day that you can follow, which will give you a sense of control, but it’s equally as important to think of alternative plans of action for anything that could potentially not go as planned, so that you’re prepared.

3. Learn to use relaxation techniques

Deep breathing by taking long breaths through the nose and then exhaling slowly through the mouth is a technique proven to help reduce any feelings of stress. Another useful way to calm your mind is by meditating, which can take many different forms from listening to music to focusing on your breath. To make sure you find the mindfulness technique that works best for you, try out a few different ones before your trip, so when the time for travelling comes you can use the most efficient one to set your mind at ease.

4. Ensure you have things that bring you joy

Having things with you that generally bring you joy can be extremely useful in distracting you from your negative feelings. These can include physical items like a journal in which to write your thoughts, a book to read, or a game to occupy your attention. Alternatively, you can create a playlist of songs you love or make sure you have your favourite TV show (or movie) with you, as these will keep your mind occupied, decreasing your feelings of anxiety.

5. Take care of your physical health

Being physically active is a great way to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Even if it’s just a long walk, make sure to incorporate physical activity in your days, especially the days leading up to your trip and if possible, during the trip as well. Spending some time outside and connecting with nature, be it only by visiting a park, can have a positive effect on your physical and mental being, which in turn will help reduce your anxious thoughts.

For the Silo, Caitlin Purvis.

Earth

Canada’s Changing Climate: What Key Cities Could Look Like With ‘Dune-Ification’

April 2, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

How Climate Change Could Transform Cities into a Dune-Like Landscape

Dune’s cinematic and literary success reflects our fascination with desert landscapes. But the vast deserts of Arrakis, the movie’s fictional planet, hold a deeper meaning. They serve as a cautionary tale for our own planet threatened by desertification.

A new study by our friends at Top10Casinos.ca reveals how Canadian and other global cities threatened by climate change would look in the Dune Universe as TikTok searches around Dune: Part Two and climate change spike 7,700% in just 30 days.

Dune: Part Two, is already reaching massive box office milestones surpassing $150 million usd/ $204 million cad, and TikTok searches for the ‘new dune movie’ have soared 4,606% in just 30 days. In the past month, searches around the movie’s desert-like filming locations have increased 141%, while queries related to ‘climate crisis 2024’ have spiked 3,100% in the social media platform.

Known for its amazing cinematography and striking desert visuals, Dune’s landscape is something that makes it instantly recognisable. But the movie’s vast deserts are more than just a stunning backdrop. They serve as a stark warning of a potential future for our own world impacted by climate change.

Do Canada’s iconic outdoor skating rinks face a frosty future? While bundling up for harsh winters is a national pastime, a worrying trend is emerging. Since 1950, winter temperatures have soared by over 3°C, outpacing global warming by a factor of three.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto, once known for its predictable seasons, is grappling with the impacts of climate change. The city is experiencing a rise in average temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves that strain infrastructure and threaten public health. Winters are becoming shorter and less severe, with unpredictable precipitation patterns bringing both heavier downpours that overwhelm storm drains and periods of drought that stress green spaces and water resources.

Vancouver. British Columbia

Like many coastal, seaport cities, Vancouver is feeling the brunt of climate change. Rising temperatures are a key concern, with projections for hotter, drier summers and wetter winters. Sea levels are also on the rise, threatening coastal areas with flooding. The City of Vancouver itself is planning for up to a 1.4 meter rise by 2100, which would inundate parts of the city during major storms.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal’s climate is expected to experience significant changes due to climate change. Average temperatures are projected to rise by 1.5-2.3°C by mid-century, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves. This can strain infrastructure, harm public health, and disrupt outdoor activities. The city is also likely to see increased precipitation extremes, with heavier rainfall events and the potential for more flooding.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Studies suggest Lakes Erie and Ontario, feeding the Niagara River, could see water levels drop a meter by 2050 due to increased evaporation and less snowfall. This decline could impact the Falls’ power and beauty. Additionally, more extreme weather events like flooding could damage surrounding areas. While milder winters might extend tourism, climate change poses significant ecological and aesthetic challenges.

Methodology

We researched cities most at risk of desertification using: https://www.tomorrow.city/cities-at-risk-from-desertification/.
We then input these cities into Bing’s Image Creator AI generation tool using a specific prompt to make the images look like a Dune landscape.
Search volumes and trends were gathered using https://keywordtool.io/.

Travel

Astrocartography Means Travel Destinations Based On Astrological Sign And Time Of Year

March 21, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

With spring on the horizon, you may be scratching your head about where to vacation this year. Luckily, according to astrology, your star sign could be the key to whether you are destined for sun or slopes.

With this in mind, our friends at BonusFinder Canada sought to discover the ideal holiday destination for each zodiac sign based on their astrocartography lines (a form of locational astrology which allows people to decipher which physical locations are best suited to them based on their birth chart) with the help of celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman. Do you agree or disagree with these suggestions? Leave us your thoughts at the bottom of the post.

Psychic and Wiccan Priestess Inbaal Honigman.

Your star sign’s dream destination according to astrocartography lines:

Aries (March 21-April 19): Alaska

Active and unusual Aries would be best adventuring through the idyllic landscapes of Alaska. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful views and the largest national park, Aries will always have somewhere to explore here.

Taurus (April 20-May 20): Los Angeles

Great food and extensive views are a true joy to a Taurus, and it doesn’t get bigger and bolder than Los Angeles; with over 30,000 restaurants and stunning wide-open beaches, Taurus will love everything about LA.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): New York

Always awake and ready to party, Geminis will fall in love with the city that never sleeps, New York! From visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art to watching an extravagant Broadway show, Geminis will never be bored day or night.

Cancer (June 21-July 22): Iceland

For a dreamy and easygoing Cancer, Iceland is the destination of choice. Between magical views of the northern lights and geothermal lagoons, Cancer will never tire of relaxing in one with nature.

Leo (July 23-August 22): Bordeaux

The luxury fiend Leo must visit Bordeaux, the historic capital of Aquitaine, famous for its excellent wine culture. Between scenic beaches and exclusive vineyard tours, Leos will be able to find their true self.

Virgo (August 23-September 22): Rome

The ideal destination for the neat and traditional Virgo is Rome, where they will undoubtedly relish an enlightening guided tour of the city’s ancient architecture and feel at home in the chic modern shopping areas.

Libra (September 23-October 22): UAE

Classy and elegant Libras would adore the high rises in the desert of the United Arab Emirates; between luxury hotels and a mass of incredible culture, Libras will love discovering what this country has to offer.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): Sri Lanka

Mysterious and original Scorpios can enjoy going off-grid in the temples of Sri Lanka. While exploring the rich heritage of the Gangaramaya Temple or coming up close to wildlife, Scorpios may find a little serendipity.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Tokyo

The adventurous and well-traveled Sagittarius will love the unique streets and incomparable cuisine of Tokyo. Between climbing the Tokyo tower and sightseeing Mt. Fuji, Sagittariuses will always have things to explore.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): Melbourne

Mature and hardworking, a Capricorn likes diversity and friendliness, and the best place for this is Melbourne. Named the friendliest city in the world* and home to the exotic Royal Botanical gardens, a Capricorn will feel right at home here.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18): New Zealand

January is the month of Aquarians – unique and free-thinking, they will want to get truly lost in nature in New Zealand. With luscious open spaces and an abundance of beautiful scenery, Aquarians can do just that.

Pisces (Feb 19-March 20): Hawaii

Romantic and shy Pisces‘ ideal travel destination is Hawaii, surrounded by water and an expanse of warm beaches. With volcanic national parks and surfing clear waters, Pisces will love getting back in touch with their aquatic roots.

Inbaal Honigman, celebrity psychic and astrologer, explains:

“Applying astrology to well-being, romance or shopping is increasingly popular, but astrocartography isn’t often consulted… yet.

“Astrocartography is an extension of each individual’s star chart so that you can find the best locations for yourself worldwide. For example, the ‘Sun Line’ would be where you feel most yourself. Your ‘Venus Line’ is the best place to build your home, and Jupiter is the best place for holidays.”

For the Silo, Eve Loffman.

Travel

Canada Garden Ranks Seven for Most Beautiful Spring Flowers

February 22, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

The Butchart Gardens, Canada, is the seventh most beautiful spring flower spot in the world, according to a new study.

#7 worldwide- Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia.

With springtime on the horizon, there are beautiful gardens all around the world filled with flowers getting ready to bloom. But which of these spots deserve a place on your travel bucket list?

Looking at flower locations across the globe, our friends and experts at Japan Rail Pass analyzed a variety of factors – including Google reviews and ratings, Instagram hashtags, and the vibrancy of the flowers in spring – to give an overall score and determine which flower spots you absolutely should not miss this spring.

The most beautiful spring flower spots around the world

Rank	Flower spot	Location	Rating	Reviews	Instagram hashtags	Vibrancy/10	Score/10
1	Keukenhof Tulip Gardens	Lisse, NL	4.7	52,812	692,146	9.96	9.7
2	Shinjuku Gyoen	Tokyo, Japan	4.6	36,115	856,056	7.29	9.3
3	Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew	London, UK	4.7	44,465	764,996	6.49	9.2
4	Nabana no Sato	Mie, Japan	4.4	5,327	507,008	9.34	9.0
5	Dubai Miracle Garden	Dubai, UAE	4.6	75,704	139,165	8.78	8.9
6	Island Mainau	Konstanz, Germany	4.7	28,977	170,895	7.90	8.7
7	The Butchart Gardens	B.C., Canada	4.7	21,596	102,258	7.54	8.3
8	Valley of Flowers National Park	Chamoli, India	4.7	3,432	115,940	8.43	8.3
9	Yangmingshan National Park	Taipei, Taiwan	4.5	24,267	129,546	6.63	8.3
10	Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden	Cape Town, South Africa	4.8	29,003	51,526	7.78	8.2

Please find the full dataset here.

Keukenhof Tulip Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands – 9.7/10

Credit – Sutterstock_Marina Datsenko

According to the research, the most beautiful flower spot in the world is the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens of Lisse, Netherlands, which has exhibited spring flowers to the public since 1950.

The tulips in spring achieve an almost perfect vibrancy score of 9.96/10, proving just how bright and colourful these stunning gardens are.

Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo, Japan – 9.3/10

Credit – Sutterstock_Benny Marty

Next in the rankings, is the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, Japan. From the wide variety of cherry blossoms in the national garden, it is the Somei (Yoshino cherry) that bloom in spring.

The beautiful Japanese garden has over 856,000 Instagram hashtags, more than any other spot in the top 10, with people all over the world travelling to view the cherry blossoms.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London, UK – 9.2/10

Credit – Sutterstock_Charles Bowman

The third most beautiful spring flower spot according to the study is in London, England: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

With almost as many Instagram hashtags as Shinjuku Gyoen (764,996) and 44,465 reviews, it is clear that the flowers found here, cherry blossom, bluebells, and magnolias to name a few, are beloved by many.

Nabana no Sato, Mie, Japan – 9.0/10

Credit – Sutterstock_martinho Smart

In fourth place is the Nabana no Sato flower park, located in the Nagashima resort in Mie, Japan.

The spot is known for its illuminations throughout the park in winter through to spring, as well as the blooming cherry blossoms and tulips which scored a 9.34/10 for vibrancy in the study.

Dubai Miracle Garden, UAE – 8.9/10

Credit – Sutterstock_Sergii Figurnyi

The fifth most beautiful spring flower spot in the study was found to be the Dubai Miracle Garden in the United Arab Emirates, which occupies over 72,000 square metres, making it the largest natural flower garden in the world.

With over 75,000 reviews since its opening in 2013, and a vibrancy score of 8.78/10, it is clear that this impressive garden deserves its place in the top five rankings.

Methodology:

1. Japan Rail Pass wanted to find out which are the best flower spots around the world to see in Spring.

2. To do this they collected data on 25 popular flower locations around the world including the following variables:

Google ratings and reviews.
Instagram hashtags (using all relevant hashtags including where applicable local language versions)
Vibrancy score.
- Vibrancy score is a measure of how vibrant / colourful the flowers are. To do this an image of the main flower typically found in Spring time at each location was passed through a colourfulness detection algorithm. https://pyimagesearch.com/2017/06/05/computing-image-colorfulness-with-opencv-and-python/

3. Finally, all 4 variables were combined using weighted averages of percentrank/normalization to give an overall score out of 10.

Travel

How Casa Velas Hotel Puerto Vallarta Tops Inclusive Resorts

February 12, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Nestled within an upscale residential neighborhood, just a short five-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta airport, the AAA Four Diamond Casa Velas stands as a serene, adults-only boutique resort exemplifying standards in the luxury all-inclusive sector.

As part of the prestigious Velas Resorts portfolio—renowned for being the only chain with four properties in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the top 25 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico—Casa Velas continues to exceed expectations with its unique charm and bespoke hospitality. Unlike traditional hotels, this Spanish hacienda-esque resort feels like a private estate replete with attentive staff members who add a personalized touch to the guest experience.

The 80 traditional, artwork-adorned Mexican-styled suites at Casa Velas are designed for utmost comfort, each featuring a private terrace with a plunge pool or in-suite Jacuzzi, hypo-allergenic pillows, goose down feather duvets, free WiFi, satellite TV, safe deposit box, coffee maker, bathrobes and slippers and L’Occitane bath products, as well as a fully stocked mini bar. Guests can choose from five room types: Master Suite; Grand Class Suite; Ambassador Suite; Governor Suite or the Presidential Suite.

For those seeking copious privacy and space to spread out, the 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom Presidential Suite is a haven offering a top-end luxury escape.

The space, suited for up to eight guests, boasts original artwork by Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante, a large dining room, living room, master suite with a spacious marble-laden bathroom and an expansive terrace with an oversized plunge pool and Jacuzzi. It also comes complete with its own butler and bartender. It’s worth noting that Casa Velas actually has Bustamante’s sculptures in the majority of the suites, allowing most guests to enjoy the captivatingly authentic artwork.

Amidst its Spanish-style architecture and captivating interior design, the resort is ensconced in a lush garden setting on the 18-hole Marina Vallarta Golf Course. The tropical landscaping and abundant flora and fauna woven throughout the entirety of the hotel create a breathtaking setting, attracting wildlife—including Koi ponds and “pet” snapping turtles.

For golf enthusiasts, Casa Velas guests receive special access and discounts at Marina Vallarta and Vista Vallarta Golf Clubs.

For its part, the par 71 layout of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course, designed by Joe Finger, is rife with flourishing vegetation, wildlife-laden lagoons and beautiful views of Banderas Bay. Guests can also enjoy discounted golf privileges at two other top 18-hole, 72 par golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf located at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club only 20 minutes away.

Casa Velas guests can soak up the sun at its private pool cushioned in a tropical landscape that overlooks the golf course. Its swim-up Aqua Bar ensures refreshments—including local brews, tropical drinks and classic Mexican cocktails crafted from premium liquor brands—flow all day through.

The newest offering at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta allows guests to experience pure relaxation with their own “Wellness Cabana.” Available in the intimate space of their suite, or at the botanical garden adjacent to the spa labyrinth, wellness-focused amenities include aromatherapy, a personal speaker with calming meditation music, spa water, a MUSE meditation headband and mandala adult coloring books, among other items.

For those desiring to unwind and explore off-site, the resort also provides complimentary shuttle service to the private Táu Beach Club, offering guests a beachside retreat with cushioned loungers, cabanas, food and beverage service for lunch and dinner and a pristine infinity pool and Jacuzzi area proffering idyllic panoramic views of the sparkling sea. Plus, the property is a mere fifteen minutes from the popular downtown area, where there are art galleries and the famed El Malecon boardwalk.

Also making Casa Velas a standout is its elevated gourmet food and beverage program, which raises the bar for all-inclusive hotels globally.

The on-site, AAA Four Diamond Emiliano restaurant offers guests unlimited access to gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The intimate, romantic indoor/outdoor dining space provides lovely vistas of the pool and vibrant golf course beyond. Each evening, Emiliano features a five-course gourmet tasting menu created and overseen by head chefs from its sister resort, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Rotating each night, menus include Mexican, French and Italian-Mediterranean.

A novel offering is the resort’s “taco therapy”—Casa Velas’ latest food and beverage offering for guests assisting in anxiety and stress relief, improving sleep quality and boosting antioxidants. The new tasting experience features four curated tacos that provide holistic benefits for the mind, body and soul.

There are an array of other activities at the resort as well. “Workshops range from arts and crafts such as natural jewelry and abanicos, to culinary workshops such as the Molcajete option, where guests explore Mexican culinary traditions,” said Enrique Sinencio, the resort’s General Manager. “Another activity is DIY Botanical Cocktails, where guests can pick their ingredients for their drink at the onsite garden. Perfect for creative beverage concoctions, the garden features rosemary, lavender, mint, basil, lemongrass, peppermint, a Mexican tea called epazote, aloe vera, sage, nopales cactus pads, thyme, tamarind, jackfruit, mango, guava and more. Our mixologist will use the selected ingredients to make a personalized botanical cocktail to enjoy on the Koi pond-dotted terrace. Varieties of fruits, herbs, vegetables and botanicals are also used in the cuisine and spa treatments at Casa Velas.”

For the health conscious, a spa food menu is available as well.

Casa Velas’ commitment to excellence extends to its impressive on-site organic botanical garden, where the resort grows its own herbs, flowers and vegetables. These fresh ingredients find their way into cocktails and culinary creations, adding a farm-to-table element to the dining experience. The beverage offerings at Emiliano, and throughout the entirety of Casa Velas, are equally impressive, featuring premium domestic and international premium wines and liquors. Also enjoyable are sprit-induced nightly events like wine pairings and beer, tequila, wine, martini and other F&B tastings that foster socialization among guests.

Relative to in-suite victuals, the resort’s in-suite mini bars also depart from the ordinary by offering healthy, freshly-made options on-demand. This includes two different selections of crudités—a “Mexican turnip” with a combination of carrots, cucumber and jicama; and another including celery, beetroot and pineapple. These come complete with three different choices of dressing: mango, chipotle or basil, to enhance flavor while keeping the snack light and healthy. Guests can also choose from a menu of freshly made juice options available year-round.

Speaking of health, also included in the daily rate for all-inclusive Casa Velas guests is access to its fully equipped gym. A visit to the property also would not be complete without experiencing services at its on-site ABJA Spa. The 6,500 square foot sanctuary offers a wide variety of massages, body wraps and facials, a hydrotherapy area, spa boutique and beauty salon.

Notably, Casa Velas is just as committed to the environment as it is to providing impressive guest experiences. “Our luxury resort’s environmental responsibility is a driving force behind the entire operation, from conservation efforts and recycling, to planting our own herb garden,” Sinencio notes. “From natural composting and fertilizing of our on-site gardens, to water-saving initiatives, solar heating and meticulous separation and processing of all waste and recyclables, Casa Velas sets the benchmark for green tourism and hospitality in Puerto Vallarta and beyond. We also recycle burned cooking oils to a supplier for conversion to biodegradable fuel. Local companies are in charge of processing glass, plastic, metal, cardboard and toxic material to handle their recycling, and proper disposal.”

“In addition, we clean the sand daily of any foreign debris,” Sinencio continued.”

“Teams of more than 30 employees are organized monthly to thoroughly clean, sweep, dig and sift the sand for extra cleaning. Designated containers are strategically located for the recycling garbage around the property. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Casa Velas has implemented rigorous health and safety protocols in accordance with local and international guidelines. This includes enhanced cleaning procedures, regular sanitization of common areas and the adoption of contactless services where possible. We keep our guests informed through various channels, including our website, social media and direct communication with booked guests. We want everyone to be aware of the measures in place and feel confident in choosing Casa Velas for their stay.”

So pristine the locale, it’s become a highly-coveted option for weddings and other important events. The resort boasts a 3,600 square foot Convention Center that is ideal for meetings, seminars, formal banquets, cocktail gatherings or a spectacular and elegant wedding for up to 300 people. The center of the space is adjacent to the resort’s garden area and the Marina Vallarta 18-hole championship golf course. To ensure a memorable, hassle-free event, Casa Velas provides professional services for planning weddings from beginning to end. With settings by its beautiful pool area or the Táu Beach Club terrace surrounded by sand and sea, Casa Velas offers unforgettable scenery for the special wedding day.

For utter and complete privacy, groups requiring up to 80 suites can take over the entire hotel to ensure fully private access to pools, beach areas, gardens, activities and restaurants. While at the restaurants, the “bubble buyout” offers a group their own personalized menus prepared with everyone’s diet in mind. Along with having the resort to themselves and custom cuisine, group activities range from DIY mixology with ingredients from the onsite botanical garden, yoga, Mexican wine and craft beer tastings, casino night and more.

With various international dignitaries and multiple Mexican presidents having experienced the resort’s hospitality, Casa Velas continues to redefine the all-inclusive category. This pristine property is an ideal choice for discerning travelers who value a personalized and pampered luxury travel experience.

For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B.

Source: https://travel.usnews.com/hotels/best-all-inclusive-resorts-in-mexico/

Travel

Study- Most Stolen Hotel Items

February 9, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

Study: Theft in Hotels

Which items are stolen the most?

German version

Fig. 1: Distribution of items most frequently stolen in hotel rooms © Wellness Heaven — Fig. 1: Distribution of items most frequently stolen in hotel rooms. 1,376 hoteliers took part in the survey. Click to enlarge.
Source: Wellness Heaven | Download Image | Download Data

Munich, February, 2024 — Stealing soaps or pens seems harmless for many hotel guests, however, some are so bold that they carry TVs, pianos, mattresses or even stuffed animals out of the hotel. Wellness Heaven has asked 1,376 hotel managers which items are most commonly stolen. In particular, we observe a striking difference in the theft behavior between guests in 4-star and 5-star hotels.

Friends: Chandler & Ross Load Up on Hotel Amenities

Ross Teaching Chandler the 101 on Theft in Hotels
“You have to find the line between stealing and taking what the hotel owes you.”
Source: YouTube.

The main result of the study: towels and bathrobes are stolen the most – perhaps as a goodie for the next spa break? These two objects of desire are closely followed by hangers, pens and cosmetics. In addition to these “ordinary” items, there is a number of spectacular outliers that suggest a brisk imagination of the delinquents:

The most bizarre stolen goods

Bathroom Fittings

Highly skilled craftsmanship was required of those guests who managed to steal bathroom fixtures, the head of a rain shower, a hydromassage shower, a toilet seat, a drainpipe or even an entire sink, as reported by a Berlin hotel.

A Grand Piano

A hotelier from Italy: “Once I walked through the lobby, I noticed that something was missing, and soon after I learned that three unknown men in overalls had taken away the grand piano, and it never reappeared, of course.”

Room Numbers

In a hotel in England a guest had unceremoniously removed the numbers from his hotel room door. “We didn’t notice until the next guest could not find his room”, the hotel director declares.

Stuffed Hunting Trophies

In a hotel in France, a guest was caught trying to steal a stuffed boar’s head. At a later date, he did receive this trophy: friends bought the precious piece from the hotel and gave it to him as a wedding gift.

Sauna Benches

In a hotel near Salzburg, the wooden benches from a sauna were stolen. The “private sauna” was located on the terrace of a spa suite. The benches were made of fragrant pine wood, which probably stirred up the guest’s desire. Only when a subsequent guest criticized the absence of the benches (“Where should I sit in the sauna? I can’t relax while standing.”), the hotelier noticed the theft.

HiFi System

A hotel owner from Germany reports on how the entire stereo system of the spa area disappeared: Thieves had apparently dismantled the entire sound equipment overnight and loaded it in their car before they left.

Flowers

The management of a resort in the Maldives reports that it buys new flower arrangements several times a week to replace the missing ones. Maybe the demand for flowers is simply too high due to the many marriage proposals?

Thieving preferences by nationality

When classifying the delinquents by nationality, a different picture emerges. It turns out, for example, that German and British hotel guests follow a rather boring theft behavior: In addition to towels and bathrobes, primarily cosmetics and toiletries are in the focus.

In contrast, Austrians snitch in a more pleasure-oriented way: dishes and coffee machines appear high up in their theft ranking. It seems they cannot get enough to satisfy their thirst for coffee. For US Americans, pillows and batteries appear as the prime objects of desire.

Italians seem to prefer wine glasses as a hotel souvenir, while the hair dryer ranks high up in the Swiss ranking. The French, on the other hand, steal in a more spectacular manner: they represent the nation that is attracted mainly to TV sets and remote controls.

Dutch hotel guests see in their souvenirs above all the practical benefit: Their favorites include light bulbs and toilet paper.

Fig. 2: Differences in theft behavior between guests of 4-star and 5-star hotels.© Wellness Heaven — Fig. 2: Differences in theft behavior between guests of 4-star and 5-star hotels. Click to enlarge.
Source: Wellness Heaven | Download Image | Download Data

Guests of 5-star hotels prefer expensive items: TVs & mattresses

A total of 740 hoteliers from 4-star hotels and 636 from 5-star hotels were surveyed to determine the behavior of thieves depending on their wealth. As it turns out, “Greed is good” seems to be a reliable motto especially for the well-heeled 5-star clientele.

The probability of tablet computers being stolen in 5-star hotels, is 6 times higher in comparison to the 4-star segment. Similarly, artworks are popular objects of desire in luxury hotels (4.3 x higher theft probability). TV sets (4.9 x) and mattresses (5.4 x) are also being stolen a lot more frequently in 5-star hotels. This is quite astonishing: 11.8% of 5-star hotel managers mourn the loss of mattresses, while only 2.2% of 4-star hotels seem to be affected. In total, 91 hoteliers indicate the theft of mattresses in our survey, so at least that many were stolen in their hotels.

4-star hotel guests are content with less spectacular gifts: towels and hangers tend to be in higher demand than in 5-star hotels. The typical 4-star hotel guest is especially fond of practical items such as batteries and remote controls (theft probability 2.8 and 4.4 x higher, respectively).

Coffeemakers

The coffeemaker, which is so popular among Austrian guests, is also sought-after by luxury-minded 5-star guests, as we observe a 4.8-fold increase in theft statistics.

Toilet Paper

Hoteliers’ theft reports about toilet paper rolls only reach us from the 4-star segment. For luxury travellers, there seems to be no additional need for hygiene in this area.

Luxury Mattresses

Even expensive luxury mattresses (often worth several thousand euros) are not immune to disappear: the probability for their theft is 5.4 times higher in 5-star hotels. How exactly the bulky goods are transported unnoticed out of the hotel remains a mystery. On request, some hoteliers informed us that this only happens in the middle of the night – using elevators which lead directly to the underground parking.

Tablet Computers

Tablet computers, often referred to as “SuitePads” in the high-priced room categories, are stolen 6.0 times more frequently in 5-star hotels. Such tablets usually have a value of approx. 480 euros and tend to be a popular souvenir among luxury travelers.

Blankets

To complete their sleeping experience at home, some luxury oriented guests add the hotel’s blanket to their luggage. Theft of this object is 1.9-fold increased in 5-star hotels.

Trends in hotel thievery

Comparing data with our 2019 survey on theft in hotels, “Mini Fridges” have emerged as a new item of desire. 3.3% of surveyed hoteliers indicate theft of this device, leaving the mini bar not only empty, but also warm. Not cool! The theft of mini fridges is 2.5 x more probable in 4-star hotels.
In comparison with 2019, several items of theft are on the rise: coffee makers (6.9% -> 11.4%), mattresses (4.2% -> 6.6%) and tablet computers (12.0% -> 18.3%) have increased significantly. On the other hand, phones (4.8% -> 3.4%), cutlery (33.6% -> 27.5%) and lamps (4.3% -> 4.1%) have decreased in theft probability.

Methods

On the methodology of this survey: The multiple-choice answers were randomized, multiple answers were possible. For example “Towels” in Fig. 1: 79.2% of surveyed hoteliers have indicated that towels were stolen at their hotel. The survey was conducted in September and October 2023.

A total of 1,376 responses were evaluated, the result can be considered as representative. The 1,376 hotels whose management participated in the survey are located primarily in Europe. 740 hoteliers were surveyed in the 4-star segment, and 636 in the 5-star segment.

Wellness Heaven

Wellness Heaven (https://www.wellness-heaven.de) was founded in 2006 by quantum physicist Dr. Tassilo Keilmann. The hotel portal reviews spa and luxury hotels in Europe und Asia. With 53 million page impressions annually, Wellness Heaven is the leading spa hotel guide in German-speaking countries. The 18 Wellness Heaven hotel testers regularly evaluate selected hotels and rate them on the basis of a standardized test procedure. The website focuses on hotels in Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and the Maldives.

Earth

AI Predicts Canada Tourist Spots After 100 Years Climate Change

February 1, 2024 The Silo 1 Comment

Whilst climate change is at the forefront of most countries’ consciences, the issue is highly pressing here in Canada where we experience climate change at twice the world’s average due to our northerly location. Do you believe in the stated extreme effects of climate change or do you believe in a milder alternative? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this article.

With this in mind, our friends at BonusFinder Canada utilized technology to predict exactly what Canada’s most popular tourist spots could look like in 100 years time if we do not intervene and try to combat climate change. To do so, they asked OpenAI to write predictions for five top tourist hotspots (Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Notre-Dame Basilica, Hopewell Rocks, Confederation Bridge) based on factors such as global warming, overpopulation and extreme weather, and used these descriptions to generate AI images.

Niagara Falls – no intervention

Niagara Falls – positive intervention

Key changes without intervention:

● Significant reduction in water flow, affecting local ecosystems and the availability of freshwater resources.

● The falls are no longer safe to get close to due to erosion.

● The once lush surroundings have been replaced by concrete and pollution due to overpopulation.

CN Tower – no intervention

CN Tower – positive intervention

Key changes without intervention:

● Toronto is now largely inhospitable due to global warming and extreme weather events.

● Fires are not uncommon due to global warming and an abundance of refuse.

● Toronto faces major impacts of climate change, including higher temperatures, reduced air quality, and persistent heatwaves.

Notre-Dame Basilica – no intervention

Notre-Dame Basilica – positive intervention

Key changes without intervention:

● Extreme weather events, including severe heatwaves, have damaged the Basilica’s exterior and interior.

● The area surrounding the Basilica is overpopulated and increasingly inhospitable.

● The basilica remains heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources, worsening the effects on the environment.

Hopewell Rocks – no intervention

Hopewell Rocks – positive intervention

Key changes without intervention:

● The main structure of the rocks has collapsed.

● The surrounding area is heavily urbanized and polluted.

● The beach is now dangerous, marshy and overgrown, but still attracts many tourists when the bay is uncovered, bringing further pollution and structural damage with each passing year.

Confederation Bridge – no intervention

Confederation Bridge – positive intervention

Key changes without intervention:

● Confederation Bridge has collapsed in areas, rendering the huge structure unusable.

● The water around the bridge is now full of concrete, industrial waste, pollution and urban runoff.

● Small portions of the bridge still stand in the water, serving as a reminder of our failure to act and combat urbanization and overpopulation.

For the Silo, Clara Tan.

Earth

Philippines Strengthens Coastal Ecosystems- What Canada Can Learn

December 4, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Following Indonesia, the Philippines joins the World Economic Forum’s Blue Carbon Action Partnership to safeguard crucial coastline ecosystems in South-East Asia.
Mangroves and other littoral biospheres provide a critical buffer against climate change globally, but environmental degradation is putting them under threat.
Momentum builds at COP28 for the conservation and restoration of these critical blue carbon ecosystems, for the benefit of people, nature and the climate.
Learn more about the World Economic Forum’s work at COP28 here.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 2023 – The Government of the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources announced yesterday at COP28 that it is joining the World Economic Forum’s Blue Carbon Action Partnership to accelerate the restoration and conservation of coastal ecosystems.

South-East Asia is home to almost one-third of mangroves globally, with nearly 20% of the world’s mangroves in Indonesia alone.

Blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes store up to five times more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests and have been receiving greater attention in recent years. Yet, these ecosystems are under threat of destruction. These important carbon sinks also provide support for livelihoods, food security, shoreline protection and habitat for numerous.

Eelgrass (seagrass) distribution on Canada’s sea coastlines are under threat.

Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada (2020).

The importance of eelgrass to ecosystems was shown after a widespread wasting disease outbreak along the Atlantic coast of North America in the 1930s resulted in a 90% loss of eelgrass. It is estimated that populations of migratory Brant geese along the Atlantic coast, which rely heavily on eelgrass outside the breeding season, declined by as much as 90%. Declines of clams, lobsters, crabs, scallops, cod and flounder were also reported following the loss of eelgrass.

Eelgrass beds are highly productive and several studies have indicated that eelgrass beds contribute to the sequestration of “blue carbon” in marine sediments, providing a valuable ecosystem service in coastal areas.

“Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves are critical to life in the ocean and to those who live alongside it. Increasingly, we are also recognizing their vital role to buffer us against the worst effects of the climate crisis,” said Alfredo Giron, Acting Head of the Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action at the World Economic Forum. “When blue carbon benefits are recognized and valued by governments and businesses, who commit and invest in the restoration of mangrove, seagrass and salt marsh ecosystems around the world, everybody wins – people, nature, climate and ultimately, the planet.”

The newly launched National Blue Carbon Action Partnership in the Philippines will convene, coordinate and support implementation to scale high-quality blue carbon action, representing nearly 700 billion metric tons of carbon sequestered in mangroves and seagrasses in the country.

“The Philippines, endowed with rich biodiversity and extensive coastlines, is home to vast blue carbon ecosystems. We look forward to working with the Blue Carbon Action Partnership to facilitate the inclusive, whole-of-society approach to developing a shared ambition for blue carbon, community resilience, inclusive development and unlocking the Philippines’ potential to provide nature-based climate solutions for the rest of the world whilst supporting our programs for protected areas and preparing the country for participating in the new blue economy,” said Antonia Loyzaga, Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines.

The Philippines partnership is the second to be launched after an agreement last year with the Government of Indonesia, which has also strengthened its partnership agreement with the World Economic Forum at COP28 and is preparing to launch its National Blue Carbon Action Partnership secretariat. Combined, the Philippines and Indonesia house 4 trillion tons of carbon in their blue carbon ecosystems, which is the carbon equivalent of over 11 trillion of barrels of oil consumed.

There is increasing demand for blue carbon ecosystem restoration and conservation to attain the multifaceted benefits these ecosystems provide, including food security, support for livelihoods, coastal protection and carbon storage. Working with its government partners, the Blue Carbon Action Partnership can support connecting finance with countries that have established policies to receive blue carbon ecosystem investment.

“The ocean is our largest buffer in tackling the climate crisis and it plays an essential role in climate change mitigation, resilience and adaptation as well as regulating the global weather system. It is encouraging to see the ocean gaining increasing prominence as a natural resource for accelerated climate action,” said Giron.

Earth

Supervolcanoes: Earth’s Sleeping Giants

November 28, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Have you ever heard of supervolcanoes? They’re like regular volcanoes but way, way bigger. Imagine a giant sleeping beneath the Earth’s surface, capable of waking up and changing the world as we know it. That’s what supervolcanoes are like. They’re fascinating, a little scary, but incredibly important to our planet. Let’s explore these giants and understand what makes them so special and powerful.

What Are Supervolcanoes?

Imagine a volcano so big that when it erupts, it changes the whole world. That’s what a supervolcano is! Unlike regular volcanoes that look like mountains, supervolcanoes are more like giant holes in the ground called calderas. They’re massive, and they can erupt with such force that they release thousands of times more lava and ash than any regular volcano. This isn’t just a small eruption; it’s like the Earth opening up, releasing its power in a way that can affect the entire planet. The amount of material that comes out of these eruptions can cover whole countries in ash and even change the climate across the globe!

According to the Daily Star, Italy’s super volcano is ‘close to eruption’.

Where Are They?

You’ll find these sleeping giants hiding in plain sight in various parts of the world. One of the most famous supervolcanoes is Yellowstone, located in the United States. It’s a breathtakingly beautiful park now, but beneath its serene landscape lies a massive supervolcano. Other well-known supervolcanoes include Toba in Indonesia and Taupo in New Zealand. These sites are often tourist attractions, known for their stunning natural beauty. However, few visitors realize the immense power that lies dormant just below their feet. These supervolcanoes have been quiet for thousands of years, but their history tells us they have the power to reshape the Earth.

The Big Eruptions

The eruptions of supervolcanoes are not common, but when they do happen, they’re a force to be reckoned with. One of the most significant eruptions in human history was the eruption of Toba, which happened around 74,000 years ago. It was so enormous that it likely caused what scientists call a volcanic winter. This means that the eruption was so massive it threw so much ash and particles into the atmosphere that it blocked out sunlight, causing the Earth’s temperature to drop. Imagine a winter that lasts for years, all because of one volcanic eruption! This event was so impactful that it even left a mark on human evolution.

These eruptions are unpredictable, much like the thrilling unpredictability of playing new real money slots online at places like blog.tonybet.com. Each eruption is a reminder of the raw power of nature, capable of changing the course of history. When these supervolcanoes erupt, they unleash energy that is hard to comprehend, and their effects can be felt globally, affecting climate, landscapes, and even human life.

In 2018 Indonesia’s Krakateu erupted in an amazing display of power.

Studying Supervolcanoes

Studying supervolcanoes is like being a nature detective. Scientists are really interested in these huge volcanoes. They want to figure out how they work, what causes them to erupt, and when they might wake up again. This can be a tricky job because supervolcanoes don’t erupt very often, so there’s not a lot of times to see them in action.

To learn about these giant volcanoes, scientists look closely at the rocks and dirt around them. These aren’t just any rocks and dirt; they’re special clues left behind by the volcano. They can tell stories about what the supervolcano did a long, long time ago and what it might do in the future.

These scientists also use cool tools and machines to help them in their work. They have special instruments that can ‘listen’ to the ground for rumbles and ‘look’ deep inside the Earth. They study maps and use computers to make guesses about what the supervolcano will do next.

By studying supervolcanoes, scientists learn not just about volcanoes, but also about the Earth itself. It’s like putting together a giant puzzle. Each piece they find helps them understand more about our amazing planet and how to keep people safe if a supervolcano decides to wake up. It’s a big job, but these volcano detectives are up for the challenge!

Can We Predict Eruptions?

Predicting when a supervolcano will erupt is a bit like trying to guess when a big storm will hit. It’s not easy! Scientists are like detectives looking for clues. They use special tools to keep an eye on the supervolcano. They watch for tiny earthquakes that shake the ground. They also look for changes in the shape of the land, which might mean something is moving under the ground. These tools help scientists see what’s happening deep inside the Earth.

Even with all this watching, scientists can’t say for sure when a supervolcano will erupt. They can’t mark a date on the calendar like we do for birthdays. But they can give us a heads-up if they think an eruption might be coming. It’s like being told there might be rain so you can bring an umbrella, just in case.

Living with Supervolcanoes

Living near a supervolcano might sound like living in a scary movie, but it’s not as frightening as you might think. People who live near these giants are not alone. They have scientists and the government looking out for them. Together, they make plans for what to do if the supervolcano starts rumbling. They think about safe places people can go and the best ways to get there.

These plans are like safety drills in school. They help everyone know what to do if something big happens. Knowing there’s a plan can make living near a supervolcano less scary. It’s about being ready and knowing how to stay safe, just like we learn to stop, drop, and roll in case of a fire.

The Role of Supervolcanoes in Nature

Supervolcanoes are not just about fiery eruptions. They are a big part of our planet. They help make the Earth look the way it does. When they erupt, they can change the land, making new mountains and valleys. The ash they send into the sky can fall back down and help plants grow. It’s like a giant, natural garden makeover.

These big volcanoes have been around for a very long time. They have seen dinosaurs come and go, and they have watched the Earth change in many ways. They tell us stories about our planet’s past and help us understand how the Earth works. They remind us that our planet is always changing and full of amazing natural wonders. So, supervolcanoes are not just about big eruptions; they are a key part of the Earth’s story, helping shape the world we live in today.

Guatemala volcano Volcan del Fuego

Supervolcanoes and the Climate

Have you ever thought about how supervolcanoes can change the weather around the whole world? It’s true! When supervolcanoes erupt, they send lots of tiny particles and gases high up into the sky. These particles can spread out and cover the sky like a giant umbrella, blocking some of the sunlight from reaching us down on Earth. When less sunlight gets through, it can make the temperature all over the world a bit cooler. This is like nature’s way of turning down the Earth’s thermostat! It’s amazing how something as big as a supervolcano eruption can reach up to the sky and affect the whole planet.

Learning from Supervolcanoes

Supervolcanoes are like giant, open books that teach us so much about the Earth. Scientists study them to learn about different things. They can tell us about the Earth’s history, like what the environment was like a long time ago. They also teach us about how the ground moves and shakes, which is really important to understand for keeping people safe from earthquakes and eruptions.

But that’s not all. By studying supervolcanoes, scientists can even learn things about other planets! This is because other planets might have volcanoes too, and learning about supervolcanoes on Earth can give scientists clues about what to look for in space. So, supervolcanoes aren’t just about lava and ash; they’re about discovering the secrets of our planet and even the mysteries of outer space!

Supervolcanoes: Sleeping Giants of the Earth

Supervolcanoes are like the sleeping giants of our planet. They’re huge and powerful, but they spend most of their time quietly resting. These giants remind us that the Earth is always changing and full of wonders. They are like natural teachers, showing us the incredible power of nature. Even though they can be a bit scary because of their power, they are also fascinating and important to learn about.

Supervolcanoes teach us to be prepared for nature’s surprises and to respect the Earth. They show us that even though we might think we know a lot about our planet, there’s always more to learn. Every time a supervolcano erupts, it’s like the Earth is telling us a story about its power and history. So, next time you hear about a supervolcano, remember that it’s a part of our Earth’s amazing story, and it’s something to be curious about, not just afraid of.

Conclusion: The Mighty Sleeping Giants

Supervolcanoes are one of Earth’s most amazing and powerful features. They remind us of the incredible forces that shape our planet. While they can be a bit scary because of their power, they’re also fascinating and important to understand. Just like the excitement of playing games at play new real money slots online, the story of supervolcanoes is filled with wonder and awe. They’re Earth’s sleeping giants, holding secrets of the past and keys to our planet’s future.

Earth

World Economic Forum to Accelerate Multistakeholder Climate Action at COP28

November 21, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

The World Economic Forum will advance multistakeholder initiatives for enhanced climate solutions at the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC. The Forum will focus on key priority action areas including industry decarbonization and net zero, energy transition, food, nature and innovative finance.COP28 takes place from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and serves as an urgent call to action to the global climate crisis.Learn more about the Forum’s work at COP28 here.

Geneva, Switzerland, November 2023 – The World Economic Forum will convene heads of state, ministers, business leaders, philanthropy and civil society to advance climate action at the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28) at the Expo City Dubai, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Forum’s focus at COP28 is to address priority action areas including industry decarbonization and net zero, energy transition, food, nature and innovative finance.

“We have to take a holistic approach to address the environment crisis, with people at the heart of the agenda, focusing on restoring and protecting nature ecosystems, strengthening community resilience in the face of water stresses and extreme temperatures, while stopping the pollution of our land, sea and water,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Fostering a sense of inter-dependence, mutual trust and support as well as active collaboration between governments, the private sector, philanthropy, civil society and communities is needed to build a more harmonious relationship among communities and with the planet. COP28 is an opportunity for the World Economic Forum to provide a platform for multistakeholders to take stock on progress, enhance partnership efforts and explore new ideas and solutions together to safeguard our global commons.”

The discussions in Dubai will build on outcomes from the Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings 2023, which reflected on progress made on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and created momentum in addressing the climate and nature crises and advancing an inclusive energy transition.

As part of the COP28 programme, the Forum will hold several sessions aligned to the meeting’s thematic areas. Most of the sessions will take place at the COP28 Blue Zone, which is accessible to UNFCCC-accredited media.

Insights and initiatives

The following Forum announcements and publications will be released at COP28.
22 Nov.: Net Zero Industry Tracker 202322 Nov.: Financing Energy Transition Projects with Industrial Clusters in Europe26 Nov.: Biodiversity Credits: Demand Analysis and Market Outlook27 Nov.: Biodiversity Credits: A Guide to Support Effective Use29 Nov.: Launch of Scope 3 Action Plan from the Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders29 Nov.: Navigating Article 6: Opportunities for the Middle East and North Africa30 Nov.: Grassroots to Boardrooms:Social Innovation Partnerships for Climate Adaptation30 Nov.: Catalysing Climate Action in Asia: Unlocking the Power of Philanthropic-Private-Public Partnerships30 Nov.: Policy Action to Mobilize Climate Finance and Market Responses 1 Dec.: Taking Stock of Global Business Efforts on Adaptation4 Dec.: Joint Communiqué: CEOs from the Leaders for a Sustainable MENA Sign Joint Letter to Pledging Net Zero by 2050 and to Reduce 200MT CO₂ Emissions by 20304 Dec.: Roadmap for Enabling Measures for Green Hydrogen in the MENA Region4 Dec.: Fuelling the Future of Shipping: Key Barriers to Scaling Zero-Emission Fuel Supply5 Dec.: Circularity in the Built Environment: Maximizing CO₂ Abatement and Business Opportunities5 Dec.: Using a People-positive Approach to Accelerate the Scale-up of Clean Power: A C-Suite Guide for Community Engagement Find more about World Economic Forum insight publications here.

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org).

Travel

Largest Luxury Picnic in Secret Location Returns to Palm Beach

November 16, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Le Diner en Blanc returns to West Palm Beach for its 2023 edition.

This elegant and secret affair has become THE foodie & dancing holiday event of the year and on Saturday, December 16, 2023, a new secret location will be revealed and guests will dine and dance under the stars.

Le Diner en Blanc is an event that transports guests into another world while celebrating the local community. The sea of people adorned in white is Instagrammable while meeting new people or reuniting with longtime friends. The theme this year is “From Paris, With Love,” with dinner à la française will be the centerpiece – conversation and champagne will flow with French-inspired entertainment. Then the night will be closed with one of the best DJs, dancing shoes are a must.

Le Diner en Blanc in West Palm Beach is hosted by Modernique & Co. Project Management with over 12 years of experience in Hospitality Management and Event Production. Fabie Reid, Project Director and Co-host of Le Diner En Blanc says, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing this spectacular event to picturesque Palm Beach County. Over the years, we’ve taken this event to various stunning locations, from Boca, and Riviera to downtown West Palm Beach, and each time, it’s been a captivating experience to witness our community come together at our carefully guarded secret venue. This event serves as a remarkable opportunity to not only unite our residents but also to showcase the splendor of this region to those from beyond our county borders.”

“Very excited for this year’s theme ‘From Paris With Love’ where the guests will be transported to a Parisian adventure without leaving Palm Beach County,” Jessica Palmer, head leader of Le Diner En Blanc West Palm Beach.

Le Diner en Blanc wants to help boost the local economy by encouraging attendees to shop locally and discover some of the most spectacular event venues served by local vendors such as but not limited to Ganache Bakery Absolute Party Rentals, Trindy Gourmet, and Epic Catering that get transformed with the picnic setting.

To maintain the uniqueness of Le Diner en Blanc, every guest observes certain requirements such as:

Dress code: head-to-toe in white only. Elegance and Originality are key!

Jewelry and shoes can be silver gold, or nude

Table setting & picnic items: all white!

French-influenced event where only wine and/or Champagne are served.

As per the county of Palm Beach in the state of Florida, USA, guests cannot bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy some wine or Champagne must reserve online through Le Diner en Blanc’s e-store. However, guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.

To ensure that the location secret is kept undisclosed until the last minute, guests meet at the assigned departure location and are escorted by a Diner en Blanc volunteer table leader for bus departures or pedestrian groups.

So, the event location is left as clean as when guests arrive, they are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers, and litter.

Guests are to bring:

A small picnic basket or white cooler comprised of fine food, white tablecloth, and serviettes as well as proper stemware and white dinnerware. (Tables & chairs are provided at the event)

A catered meal option can be pre-ordered online and picked up on-site, for those who do not wish to pack their own. Guests wishing to do so must reserve online through Le Diner en Blanc’s e-store.

Le Diner en Blanc – West Palm Beach gratefully acknowledges Champagne Pommery as national partner and, Vie de Rêve and City of Wellington as official local partners of the 2023 edition of Le Diner en Blanc.

To get the opportunity to be part of the experience, people can sign up now by visiting westpalmbeach.dinerenblanc.com/register adding your email then click Validate to enter your name. Once on the list, an invitation will be sent to you by the end of the day.

About the Hosts of Le Diner en Blanc – West Palm Beach

Le Diner en Blanc – West Palm Beach is hosted by Modernique & Co Project Management Firm with a specialty in Hospitality Management & Event Production. The visionary team brings over a decade of expertise to amplify brands and creative ventures. With an unwavering commitment to client success, we offer innovative solutions from project inception to completion. Our multifaceted experience spans diverse industries, providing tailored strategies, trend-spotting, and cost-effective operational support.

For the Silo, Kat Fleischman.

About Le Diner en Blanc

Le Diner en Blanc is so much more than an event. It’s a unique cultural movement that empowers friends of friends to gather and celebrate their shared passions for life, food, fashion, and community, year after year, with a pinch of mystery and a large serving of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed all in white, guests arrive at a secret location for a chic picnic en masse. They bring their own tables, chairs, picnic baskets—all the trimmings—to sit down with friends and make new connections in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. The location remains secret up until the very moment of arrival. Over the course of the evening, guests from all backgrounds eat, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, as they appreciate the night’s magical experience.

To this day, over 120 cities in 40 countries have joined the ever-growing and international network to celebrate gourmet cuisine, offer extraordinary entertainment, and bring together vibrant individuals and bon vivant around the world. While Diner en Blanc International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, every event in every city is hosted by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the original Parisian concept and wanted to bring it home and dress it up with local flair. For more info, photos, and videos of Le Diner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

To keep up to date on event announcements, visit westpalmbeach.dinerenblanc.com or

DinerEnBlanc.WestPalmBeach DinerEnBlancWPB dinerenblancwestpalmbeach

#dinerenblanc #debwestpalmbeach2023 #debWPB2023 #dinerenblancwpb203

Featured image- Shanghai Diner et blanc

Earth

Canada’s Golden Eagle And The Acela-1 Express Train

November 7, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

The Golden Eagle is one of the best known and largest birds of prey in North America. The adult birds are dark brown in colour with golden-brown feathers on the back of their head, neck and upper wings.

Golden Eagles use their strength, agility and powerful talons to snatch up prey including mice, rabbits, squirrels and even fox and young deer.

They are very swift and can reach speeds over 240 km per hour while diving in on their target. <240 km/h is about 150 mp/h- the top cruising speed of the American Commuter Acela- 1 express train. Watch the following video clip and note at the 1m 8s mark as the Acela passes the station at about the same speed that the Golden Eagle achieves in a dive. Wow!

Golden eagles usually mate for life.

They build huge nests in high places including cliffs, trees, or even telephone poles and may return to this same nest for several breeding years.

The Golden Eagle is listed under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007, which protects it from being killed, harmed, possessed, collected or sold, and protects the habitat from damage or destruction. For the Silo, Dixie Greenwood.

Travel

World Travel Ranking For Foodie Destinations

September 18, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

As many dedicated foodies will know, hunting for the most incredible food spots when traveling requires a savvy approach. There are plenty of bustling food markets, charming eateries, and hidden culinary gems around the world to explore – but where are the best cities to be a foodie?

To find out, our friends at Spin Genie looked at various factors, such as the average cost of visiting a restaurant in different parts of the world, the cities with the most restaurants, and the most Instagrammable food spots.

Whether you’re looking to try out sizzling street food in Bangkok or seeking the ultimate Michelin-star experience in Paris, we’ll reveal the ultimate travel guide for food lovers and unique spots to indulge in flavourful cuisines from across the globe.

The Best Foodie Cities Around the World

1. George Town, Malaysia – 7.86/10

George Town takes the crown as the best foodie city, scoring 7.86 out of 10. The colourful, multicultural capital is surrounded by stunning colonial streets and is described as a center for vibrant culture, street art, and the country’s best street food.

Also in the top place for its wide range of affordable food spots, George Town has plenty to offer food lovers, from Michelin-starred feasts to street eats. Teksen Restaurant is a top choice, serving delicious dishes since 1965. The well-known Chinese restaurant among its locals has won the hearts of serious foodies with its traditional Cantonese cuisine infused with a local twist.

2. Taipei, Taiwan – 7.31/10

Taipei follows closely behind, scoring 7.31 out of 10. The food capital of Taiwan offers an array of things to experience and explore, from the island’s fascinating temple culture and architecture to its indulgent food at affordable prices.

Some of the best food spots for quality, flavourful dishes and good service in the capital include Din Tai Fung, which has been serving traditional Chinese dishes since its opening

in the 1980s. Another top-rated restaurant is Raw, a French-style restaurant with vibrant cuisine infused with Taiwanese flavours.

3. Osaka, Japan – 7.24/10

Described as the economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region, Osaka is a large port city known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and hearty street food. If you’re looking for some of the best food spots in Japan, Osaka has plenty to offer.

Osaka Cuisine Asai is a Michelin-star restaurant that serves various course meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients daily. With such a vibrant food scene, it’s no wonder the popular city completes the top three, scoring 7.24 out of 10.

The Most Affordable Foodie Cities for a Quick Bite

1. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Average cost at a cheap restaurant: C$1.98

Chiang Mai grabs first place as the foodie city with the most affordable meals at a cheap restaurant. On average, meals are incredibly inexpensive, costing just C$1.98. Some of the best cheap eats in Chiang Mai include The Breakfast Club, a bakery restaurant at the heart of Chiang Mai, and Tong Tem Toh, a popular restaurant specializing in Northern Thai cuisine.

The Most Expensive Foodie Cities for a Quick Bite

1. London, England

Average cost at a cheap restaurant: C$34.70

London tops the list when it comes to the foodie city you’ll most likely pay more for, even while dining at a cheap restaurant. The capital city harbours some of the world’s best hotels, bars, and restaurants, but sometimes at a hefty price.

With over 300 Michelin-star restaurants in the city alone, it’s no surprise London has a wide range of food hot spots that tend to be more expensive. In fact, on average, you can expect to spend C$34.70 for a meal.

Foodie Cities with the Most Affordable Mid-range Restaurants

1. George Town, Malaysia

Average cost at a mid-range restaurant: C$13.46

George Town tops the list for having some of the most affordable meals at a mid-range restaurant. On average, a meal for two costs as little as C$13.46, much lower than in many other major foodie cities.

One of the most popular areas for street food is New Lane; here, you can find stalls selling everything from BBQ chicken wings to rice noodle rolls at highly affordable prices.

Foodie Cities with the Most Expensive Mid-range Restaurants

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Average cost at a mid-range restaurant: C$160.21

Described as a classy city with many small independent galleries and cafés, Copenhagen offers diverse worldwide cuisines, from Taiwanese to Ethiopian food spots. There are also around 68 Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants within the city.

It comes as no surprise that the city is the most expensive for a meal. As a matter of fact, it costs as much as C$160.21 for a three-course dinner for two. If you’re seeking a Michelin-star experience for a moderate price, Selma is a great restaurant to experience traditional Danish lunch.

The Foodie Cities with the Most Cheap Restaurants

1. George Town, Malaysia

Total number of cheap restaurants: 280

Number of cheap restaurants per 10,000 population: 17.7

With many favourites, such as Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow, New Lane Street Food stalls, and the Tai Tong Restaurant, it is no surprise that George Town grabs first place as the city with the most affordable joints. There are just under 300 cheap eats to discover in George Town, with roughly 17.7 cheap restaurants per 10,000 population.

The Foodie City with the Most Mid-range Restaurants

1. Paris, France

Total number of mid-range restaurants: 8,410

Number of mid-range restaurants per 10,000 population: 36.6

The capital of France and a major European city, Paris, is one of the global centers for art, fashion, culture, and, of course, food. Known for its cafe culture, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a bite.

Le Truffaut, Maison, and Le Cadoret, which serve classic French food, are just some of the hottest restaurants in Paris right now.

The Foodie City with the Most Fine-dining Restaurants

1. Paris, France

Total number of fine dining restaurants: 709

Number of fine dining restaurants per 10,000 population: 3.1

Once again, Paris tops the list for the foodie city with the most fine-dining restaurants. The city has, on average, 3.1 fine-dining restaurants per 10,000 of the population. From Odette to Atelier Maître Albert, the city has an impressive 709 fine-dining restaurants in total. This comes as no surprise as the famous capital is home to some of the most renowned restaurants in the world.

The Most Instagrammed Foodie Hotspots

1. Melbourne, Australia

Instagram hashtags: #Melbournefoodie

Number of Instagram hashtags: 2.8 Million

Melbourne takes the crown for the most Instagrammed food spot with a whopping 2.8 million posts for the hashtag #Melbournefoodie. Some of the most Instagrammable dining experiences include Sebastian, a restaurant reminiscent of the sunny shores of San Sebastian; The Kettle Black, a café featured in Vogue Living; and Higher Ground, a one-of-a-kind location with three levels of dining space and 15-meter high ceilings.

Highest-earning Influential Foodies

1. Gordon Ramsay

Potential earnings: C$64,965 (£37,740)

When it comes to the highest-earning foodie influencer in the world, it comes as no surprise that the British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay tops the list with an impressive potential earnings figure of C$64,965 (£37,740) per sponsored post on Instagram.

During his career, the multi-Michelin-starred chef has opened a string of successful restaurants worldwide, including the UK, France and Singapore. Also a star on the small screen, Gordon Ramsey has been featured in shows such as MasterChef US, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell’s Kitchen, and Hotel Hell.

Thriving as one of the most famous restaurateurs today, the MasterChef has some top-tier restaurants for foodies to visit, such as the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay located on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea, London. Holding three Michelin stars, foodies can expect nothing but the finest seasonal ingredients for the most elegant modern French cuisines.

The Best Foodie Cities in the US and Canada

1. Savannah, Georgia – 7.86/10

Savannah tops the list as the best foodie city, scoring 7.86 out of 10, known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, charming architecture, and its rich, vibrant history. The city’s food scene is just as impressive. From plentiful coastal cuisines to flavours from around the world – Savannah knows how to serve a good time and a good meal.

A top foodie destination in Savannah for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike is the Olympia Cafe. After more than three decades in business, the dining establishment thrives, serving up a storm with its much-loved traditional Greek and Mediterranean menu.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada – 7.78/10

In second place is Nevada’s finest – Las Vegas, with a score of 7.78 out of 10. The food scene in Las Vegas has grown to become a so-called “Gourmet Rooms” galore hailed by celebrities.

From Bardot Brasserie to Wing Lei, the first Chinese restaurant in the United States to be awarded a Michelin star, the city has every genre of food imaginable, all at various price points.

3. Atlanta, Georgia – 7.26/10

Ranking in third place is Atlanta, scoring 7.26 out of 10. From century-old diners to award-winning eateries, Atlanta offers some of the best dining experiences in the country and is described as one of the nation’s best food cities. The city caters to all tastes and palates, whether you prefer classic southern cuisines or top-tier modern dishes.

Bacchanalia is one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, offering guests a complete dining experience. You will not be disappointed if you opt for their signature dishes or divine four-course tasting menu.

Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Affordable Quick Bites

1. Savannah, Georgia

Average cost of a meal at a cheap restaurant: C$16.26 (US$12.00)

When it comes to foodie cities with the most affordable meal at a cheap restaurant, Savannah grabs first place with an average of C$16.26 (US$12.00) for a decent plate of food.

If you’re looking for a new dinner spot to try out, Savannah has an array of places to add to your list, including southern favourites such as The Olde Pink House. Whether you’re in search of classic southern cuisines such as shrimp, grits, and buttery biscuits or a plant-based brunch, you won’t run out of options.

Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Expensive Quick Bites

1. Saint John, New Brunswick

Average cost of a meal at a cheap restaurant: C$35.41 (US$26.13)

Home to a variety of cafes and restaurants that offer an array of colourful cuisines, international dishes, and the ultimate Canadian comfort foods, Saint John tops the list as the foodie city with the most expensive meals at a cheap restaurant. On average, you can expect to pay C$35.41 (US$26.13).

Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Affordable Mid-range Restaurants

Most Affordable Mid-range Restaurants US Canada

1. Winnipeg, Manitoba

Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: C$75.89 (US$56.00)

Winnipeg has many great food spots. In fact, a couple of the city’s restaurants are seen as some of Canada’s best eateries, with an average price of C$75.89 (US$56.00). If you’re looking for a trend-setting eatery in Winnipeg, Deer and Almond is the perfect blend of global and local flavours.

Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Expensive Mid-range Restaurants

Most Expensive Mid-range Restaurants US Canada

1. Seattle, Washington

Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: C$162.63 (US$120.00)

Surrounded by the Olympic mountains and evergreen forests, Seattle is a hub for many attractions, entertainment, and food and drink spots. The beautiful food scene in the city offers visitors anything from local seafood to downtown gems.

Whether you want to try classic or unique cuisine, Seattle offers it all, from Pacific Northwest cuisine inspired by Filipino-American flavours to contemporary dishes bursting with rich seasonings. However, these delicious cuisines come with a hefty price tag. The average meal cost at a mid-range restaurant in Seattle is C$162.63 (US$120.00).

The Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Cheap Restaurants

1. Victoria, British Columbia

Number of mid-range per 10,000 population: 11.2

A great place for food lovers to explore and enjoy the local culinary scene is Victoria. The Canadian city has a host of hidden foodie gems and fine dining hotspots that will leave you spoilt for choice.

The city not only has a thriving culinary scene, but it is also the top destination with the highest number of cheap restaurants in both the US and Canada, with an estimated 11.2 affordable restaurants per 10,000 population.

Foodie Cities in the US and Canada with the Most Mid-range Restaurants

1. Victoria, British Columbia

Number of mid-range per 10,000 population: 36.7

Also the top foodie city with the highest number of cheap restaurants, Victoria once again tops the list with the highest number of mid-range restaurants in both the US and Canada.

Whether it’s mouth-watering Chinese cuisine or Danish baked goodies, the city has enough colour and flavour to satisfy culinary cravings at any price point. As a result of its large, diverse range of eateries, Victoria has approximately 36.7 mid-range restaurants per 10,000 population.

The Foodie Cities with the Most Fine-dining Restaurants in the US and Canada

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Number of fine dining per 10,000 population: 2.3

From Michelin-starred restaurants to world-class cuisine, Las Vegas offers a memorable dining experience. The city tops the list with an estimated 2.3 fine dining establishments per 10,000.

Whether it’s indulging in traditional French fare at Joël Robuchon or immersing yourself in the mouth-watering experience of Japanese delicacies at the world-famous Nobu in Caesars Palace, even the most demanding culinary appetite is guaranteed satisfaction.

The Most Instagrammed Foodie Hotspots in the US and Canada

Most Instagrammed Foodie Hotspots US Canada

1. New York City, New York

Instagram hashtags: #NYCfoodie

Number of Instagram posts: 2.1 Million

As a city bursting with character, it is no surprise that New York City takes the top spot for the most Instagrammable dining experiences. From floral-covered interior designs to chic modern rooftops, the Big Apple really does have something for everyone.

Filled with iconic landmarks, the popular city bagged over 2.1 million posts on Instagram using the hashtag #NYCfoodie.

Highest-earning Influential Foodies in the US and Canada

Highest-earning Influential Foodies US Canada

1. Chrissy Teigen

Potential earnings: C$182,849 (US$135,150)

With several best-selling cookbooks under her belt, the American model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen is crowned first place as the highest-earning foodie influencer on Instagram across the US and Canada.

The popular star has also been featured on several cooking channels, such as Cookies and Cocktails and Chrissy Teigen’s Hungry. She also launched her own cooking website back in 2019. Therefore it’s no wonder that the well-known star is estimated to make a whopping sum per sponsored post on the social media platform.

Some of Teigen’s favourite food spots include Giorgio Baldi, a popular restaurant on the Pacific Coast and Via Veneto, a lively Italian eatery in Santa Monica that combines organic and locally sourced ingredients with its creative cuisines.

Methodology

Using a list of articles such as Time Out and Luxury Columnist, we created a seed list of the top foodie cities around the world. With this list, we then used Numbeo to source the average cost of a cheap restaurant as well as the cost of a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant. Please note that each currency used was also taken from Numbeo. This data was collected on 01/08/2023.

Then, using Trip Advisor, we gathered data on the number of cheap, mid-range, and fine-dining restaurants by using the relevant filters on the site. The data collected was solely based on the number of restaurants from within each city, not including nearby areas. Data collection of this was completed on 21/08/2023.

To calculate per 10,000 population, we used City Population to search for each city’s population. We took the most current data available for each location and only considered cities with more than 50,000 population. This data was completed on 16/08/2023.

To find out which cities are the most Instagrammable, we used Instagram to search for various hashtags relating to each city e.g. #[CITY]foodie. This data collection was completed on 22/08/2023.

Using various articles from Google, our friends also compiled a list of the top foodie influencers, considering how many followers they have on the social media platform. We then calculated their highest estimated potential earnings per sponsored post by using the Instagram Influencer Sponsored Post Money Calculator. The data collection for this section was completed on 23/08/2023.

Travel

Euro Holiday Destination Searches Skyrocket By 6700 Percent

August 5, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

As searches for “European holidays” skyrocket by 6700%¹, a must-visit list of the best cities in Europe has been announced.

Our friends at Spin Genie analyzed the average price and the number of days it would take to view the tourist attractions of major European cities to create a list of the 11 best places to visit in Europe.

11 of the Best Places to Visit in Europe:

City	Country	Average Hotel Price (per night)	Recommended Length Of Stay
Rome	Italy	€70-€200	5-7 days
London	England	£100-£300	4-5 days
Paris	France	€100-€300	4-6 days
Amsterdam	Netherlands	€80-€200	3-5 days
Prague	Czech Republic	€60-€150	3-4 days
Barcelona	Spain	€80-€150	5-6 days
Santorini	Greece	€150-€300	3-5 days
Budapest	Hungary	€70-€150	4-5 days
Reykjavik	Iceland	€100-€200	3-4 days
Berlin	Germany	€70-€150	3-4 days
Vienna	Austria	€80-€150	3-4 days

Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Spin Genie says “As one of the most influential continents in the world, Europe is home to a vast range of diverse and culturally rich countries. From impressive historical architecture to quaint towns and delicious foods, every country offers travelers a unique and vibrant experience.

“Whether you want to indulge in fine French cuisine, relax in ancient baths or transport yourself back in time, Europe is the perfect place for bucket list adventures.”

Dom continued “Budget-conscious travelers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.

“Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.”

The team also named their top 5 un-missable tourist attractions.

Trevi Fountain, Rome

“One of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is a bucket list attraction.” Dom at Spin Genie comments “Toss a coin into the stunning Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Admire its Baroque design, intricate sculptures, and cascading waters, and make a wish for your return to the Eternal City.”

The London Eye and Tower Of London, London

London has a range of iconic landmarks, from historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

Eiffel Tower, Paris

No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Ascend to the top for panoramic city views or enjoy a leisurely picnic in its surrounding gardens.

Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam

The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmart is the perfect place for lovers of colour, beauty and flowers to visit. Admire colourful displays of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs and take home a piece of Amsterdam’s floral heritage.

Santorini Volcano, Santorini

Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni’s and Palea Kameni’s volcanic islets. Hike up to the active volcano’s crater, bathe in the hot springs, and learn about the volcanic geology that shaped the island.

FAQs

What are the most beautiful cities in Europe?

Beauty is subjective; however, there are a few European cities that are renowned for their beauty.

Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, boasts a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. The city’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and attractions like the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio showcase its artistic grandeur.

Other beautiful cities include Paris, Prague, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Santorini, and Rome.

What are the largest cities in Europe?

The largest cities in Europe by population include Moscow, London, Saint Petersburg, Berlin and Madrid.

Moscow, the capital of Russia, stands as the largest city in Europe, both in terms of population and geographical expanse. This thriving metropolis blends a rich history with modern cosmopolitanism. From the iconic Red Square and the majestic Kremlin to the opulent St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow showcases a fusion of grandeur, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures

What are the oldest cities in Europe?

Europe is a treasure trove of history, and it’s home to some of the oldest cities in the world. These cities have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth of civilizations, and the shaping of European culture.

Plovdiv, located in Bulgaria, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with evidence of settlement dating back over 8,000 years. The city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including an ancient theatre that is still in use today.

Other cities include Athens, Rome, Cadiz, Argos, Larnaca, and Byblos.

Which are the cheapest cities in Europe to visit?

Budget-conscious travellers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank.

Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.

Some of the most affordable cities in Europe to visit include Krakow, Lisbon, Warsaw, Athens and Bucharest.

What are the safest cities in Europe?

Europe is generally considered safe, but some cities have lower crime rates than others.

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. With its efficient public transportation system, well-maintained streets, and low crime rates, Zurich offers a safe environment for travellers to explore its beautiful Old Town, enjoy the pristine Lake Zurich, and immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Other safe cities include Copenhagen, Vienna, Helsinki, Stockholm, Munich, Amsterdam, Geneva and Oslo.

What are the most romantic cities in Europe?

When it comes to romantic cities in Europe, certain destinations evoke a sense of enchantment and timeless love. Paris, often called the “City of Love,” tops the list. With its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, and stunning landmarks, Paris provides the perfect backdrop for romantic strolls, candlelit dinners, and unforgettable moments.

Other cities include Venice, known as the “Floating City,” which is a dreamlike destination that exudes romance; Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, captivates with its timeless beauty and artistic heritage; Santorini, a picturesque Greek island and Prague, with its fairytale-like architecture.

These cities have an irresistible charm that evokes romance and captivates the hearts of couples seeking a truly enchanting experience.

Earth

Why I Am Hooked On Ontario Heirloom Tomatoes

July 27, 2023 The Silo 3 Comments

I’m a tomato snob. I can’t help it. I’ve had the best and will never go back.

The first summery taste of a home-grown tomato, fully matured on the vine and still warm from the sun is one of the great taste pleasures of summertime. You need to experience it to appreciate it.

The poor imported supermarket version of the tomato just doesn’t compare. And in reality, it can’t. The imports are picked when they just start to show some colour, before their texture and especially their flavors have had a chance to develop. Then they travel, sometimes halfway around the world.
Consequently on the store shelves we see these hard, bland-tasting, thick-skinned things that misrepresent what a tomato could be.

In fact, modern tomato varieties are developed specifically for this kind of handling, packaging and transport. Thick skins, uniformity of size and shape are all desirable attributes to producers. Unfortunately, flavor isn’t. But we want tomatoes, so we take what we can get. However, with a little effort, we can get better. Why not grow your own? It’s easy. And why not grow specifically old-fashioned varieties? They taste a million times better than the imports and you aren’t paying for the oil to get them here.

Why I’m hooked on heirloom tomatoes.

The variety of colours, shapes, sizes, and even flavours, is almost endless. And it is a lot like collecting antiques. In my own garden experience I’ve grown everything from the marble-sized ivory-coloured White Currant to the enormous red Sicilian Saucers. The fabulous tasting Black Krim (originating from the Isle of Krim in Russia) is my absolute favourite of all tomatoes, with it’s lovely burgundy skin and marbled magenta and green interior. The appearance, flavour and variety in the heirlooms simply cannot be approached by the mass-produced types.

Though tomatoes originate in ancient Mexico, the heirlooms in my own collection were developed, some as far back as centuries ago, in France, Italy, Germany, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, USA, Russia, and the list goes on. Some of their names are descriptive: Black Cherry, Green Grape, Big Rainbow, Indian Stripe, the absolutely beautiful Persimmon, and the absolutely weird Purple Calabash. And some of them bear the names of their sources: Andrew Rahart’s Jumbo Red, Aunt Gertie’s Gold, Marianna’s Peace, Martha Homestead, and my favourite named – Olga’s Round Yellow Chicken Tomato – all varieties discovered and saved by home gardeners, often passed down through families for generations, and shared with friends.

And so, through the efforts of seed-savers throughout the world, the tomatoes are spared extinction and continue to be enjoyed for their wonderful flavor, but not by the masses. Only by snobs like me. And maybe you.

For the Silo, Rick Posavad.

Earth

UN Invests 8 Billion USD In World’s Poorest Countries To Grow World’s Food

July 17, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Rome, 17 July 2023 – In 2022, despite conflict, climate change and the continued stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic which threatened the food security and livelihoods of millions of rural people, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) invested US$7.96 billion in rural areas in the world’s poorest countries, according to its annual report released today.

“2022 was a particularly challenging year for rural people the world over. Rural communities have acutely felt the effects of this triple crisis on their food systems, which are a critical source of livelihoods – as well as essential nourishment – for them, and for the millions of people who depend on them,” said IFAD President Alvaro Lario in the report foreword.

“We need to support rural people to cope with present crises. But we also need to invest in building food systems that can support and nourish their families and communities, and help feed the world into the future.”

The annual report captures the organization’s activities, special initiatives and new funding sources as well as impact data. Analysis of the 2022 total rural development project portfolio reveals that 90% of core resources went to low-income countries (LICs) and lower middle-income countries (LMICS). IFAD has since committed to increase that ratio to 100% going forward. Data verification also showed that more than 90% of IFAD’s climate finance is invested in initiatives that enable rural people to adapt to climate change. In addition, it showed that more than half of project participants are women.

In 2022, IFAD launched the Crisis Response Initiative to protect livelihoods and strengthen resilience in 22 countries most in need as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. It focuses on tailored interventions to prevent hunger and food insecurity arising, while supporting sustainable food systems.

In 2022, impact data reveals that between 2019-2021, as a result of IFAD’s investments: more than 77 million people increased their incomes; more than 62 million people expanded their productive capacities; more than 64 million people improved their market access and 38 million people strengthened their resilience. IFAD is the only international financial institution that systematically measures the impact of its investments.

Assessments of the Rural Poor Stimulus Facility – IFAD’s COVID-19 response initiative launched in 2020 to help people survive pandemic-caused financial losses while protecting the global food supply – showed that at least three quarters of participants maintained or increased their levels of production and income, despite the impacts of the pandemic.

“Doing more to get more finance is critical; but we also have to continue to ensure that the people who need it most are the ones who benefit. This is another part of what makes IFAD unique, and we are maintaining our commitment to devote 100% of our core funding to the poorest countries,” wrote Lario. For the Silo, Julie Marshall.

Read the report

IFAD is an international financial institution and a United Nations specialized agency. Based in Rome – the United Nations food and agriculture hub – IFAD invests in rural people, empowering them to reduce poverty, increase food security, improve nutrition and strengthen resilience. Since 1978, we have provided more than US$24 billion in grants and low-interest loans to fund projects in developing countries.

Travel

Visit Our Friends to the South in Buffalo & Take In July 4 Celebrations

July 4, 2023 The Silo 1 Comment

obeliskMacKinleyMonumentnearcityhall — The Obelisk- MacKinley Monument near Buffalo City Hall

If you’re looking for a spur-of-the-moment day trip from Niagara, Canada side, I have the answer for you.

A visit to downtown Buffalo can be your answer. It’s about an hour away nestled on the American side of the Peace Bridge and it’s a place still oozing with charm. The older downtown area offers a step-back-in-time experience. Forget the Chicken wings; the historic buildings here make a statement about style and sophistication.

July Fourth Fireworks Galore!

There are many places to catch amazing fireworks displays in and around the city core.

Canalside Fireworks, Fourth of July, Fireworks in Buffalo NY

Cool Architecture and Art Deco Stylings

IMG_0068buffalocityhall — Fantastic architecture abounds in Buffalo- here is Buffalo City Hall, a fine example of Art Deco styling

Old City Hall
Start your day of exploring with a visit to Buffalo’s Art Deco City Hall. It dominates everything in the downtown area. Built during the early 1930’s (at the height of the great depression) this is a must see. The building is open free of charge Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Take the elevator to the 22tnd floor, and then walk the stairway to the observation area. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the Empire State building in New York City. You’re rewarded with an awe inspiring view of the city, Niagara River and nearby Fort Erie. Free tours of City Hall are offered Monday to Friday at noon. Just meet in the lobby and a volunteer will put you through your paces as he or she walks and talks about the history of this Buffalo charmer. I was convinced, I was in a time warp. Docent (an American term which usually refers to a historic tour guide),

docent_dictionarymeaning — The term docent is an “Americanistic term” but has roots in the Germanic language

Rick Smyth, a retired teacher explained the meaning behind the many murals and statues that adorn the inside of the building. He said, “They tell about the friendship between Canada and the United States that has extended since the end of the War of 1812″.
Niagara Square
Outside City Hall is Niagara Square .Dominating the square is a monument built to honour the memory of William McKinley, the 25th president of the United States (1897-1901) who was assassinated in Buffalo at the Pan American Exposition in 1901. If you love old architectural buildings and their history you’ve hit the jackpot. Take your pick, the perimeter of the square beckons you. All of these century old buildings have stories to tell. Escorted walking tours can be arranged at www.buffalotours.org or 716-852-3300.
Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is three blocks to the east of City Hall. It’s a park in the centre of the downtown. The block, which was once square, is lined by many of the city’s tallest buildings including the Liberty Building, and Rand Building. The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library (www.buffalolib.org) is an interesting place to explore. You can a get a first hand glimpse of the manuscripts of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. by Samuel L. Clemens, better know by his non de plume, Mark Twain lived in Buffalo between 1869 and 1871. The library is open daily at 8:30 am, except Sunday, free of charge. This block is surrounded by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Metro Rail light rail rapid transit, which runs about 12 blocks above-ground along Main Street in what is called the Free Fare Zone. Try it you’ll love it. The ride really is free.
Live Theatre
You’d be hard-pressed to leave this area without visiting one of the many historical theatres that offers touring Broadway shows, concerts, opera, dance and classic film series. Shea’s Performing Arts Center (www.sheas.org) on Main Street, built in the style of 1926 European Opera House, has an outstanding line-up of live entertainment. Greats like George Burns and Frank Sinatra have performed here in the past.

Find a tall building downtown (like the City Hall building) for a great panoramic look of the skyline.

Where to Eat
When the hunger pains start to come on I recommend the Spot Coffee Restaurant (www.spotcoffee.com) at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Chippewa Streets. This independently owned coffee shop is more authentic than places like Starbucks. They have good reasonably priced food and plenty of it. Uneven floors, wood tables and exposed brick make this the perfect neighbourhood eatery. They open at 7 am and close at 11 pm. It’s where I like to hang out during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade takes place this year on Sunday, March 18 and begins at 2pm.
Downtown Parking
Street parking is reasonable here. Be sure to carry lots of American 25 cent coins to feed the $1 an hour meters. Lot parking is about $8.00 for the day.
For More Information TELL ’em The Silo sent ya ;>
www.visitbuffaloniagara.com or 1-800-283-3256.

For the Silo, George Bailey.

Earth

Great Barrier Reef: Australia to put in place urgent safeguarding measures requested by UNESCO

June 8, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Paris, June, 2023 – UNESCO welcomes Australia’s decision to implement urgent new protection measures to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef recommended by UNESCO. The measures include a ban on fishing with gillnets. The Australian government formalized its commitments in a letter addressed to Audrey Azoulay, the Director General of UNESCO this week.

“The Great Barrier Reef is a fragile jewel of world heritage. For many years, UNESCO has not ceased alerting the world to the risk of this site losing its universal value forever. We have proposed several concrete measures which provide a roadmap for tackling the problem. I am delighted that the dialogue between our experts and the Australian authorities has now resulted in a set of formal commitments,” said Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General.

For many years, UNESCO has sounded the alarm on the Great Barrier Reef.
In 2021, with regard to very worrying data on the reef’s poor state of conservation, experts at the Organization went as far as to recommend the site was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This warning had global resonance.

The fruits of a long process of discussion
In March 2022, a UNESCO-IUCN joint mission travelled to the Great Barrier Reef in order to examine the reef in even greater detail, and to dialogue with all the relevant actors: public sector decision-makers, scientists and non-government organizations (NGOs). In their report, the experts confirmed that due to the threats posed by pollution, over-fishing and the rise in sea temperatures, the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef was worrying. UNESCO and the IUCN also emphasized that the implementation of corrective measures could significantly improve the state of conservation of the reef, listing ten precisely-defined actions the Australian authorities should take. In July 2022, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General, met with the new Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and recalled the urgency of taking action. A discussion between UNESCO experts and the Australian authorities followed, with the aim of establishing an implementation plan for the ten priority measures including costs and timetable. This process has just been completed. In a letter addressed to Audrey Azoulay, the Minister of the Environment, Tanya Plibersek announced that the urgent new measures for the protection of the Great Barrier Reef UNESCO had requested, would be carried out.

Key Measures
In the letter the Australian government committed notably to: Create no-fishing zones in a third of the World Heritage site by the end of 2024, and to ban gill net fishing altogether by 2027; Reach water quality improvement targets by 2025, by significantly reducing pollutant discharges from farmers and industrialists, and restoring flora and fauna in drainage basins; Set successively more ambitious CO2 emissions reduction targets, in alignment with efforts to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. This comes in addition to the measures already announced by the Australian authorities in recent months. UNESCO will closely monitor the effective implementation of these measures. The state of conservation of the Great Barrier Reef will be examined again by the World Heritage Committee at its 45th extended session (September 10-25, Saudi Arabia).

https://youtu.be/bb01n4uQZL0

Earth

A world first: The City of Lahti pilots a deposit system to encourage recycling of textile waste

June 6, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Residents of the City of Lahti in Southern Finland live close to nature. More than one in two live less than 300 metres from a quiet area. In Lahti, an area is defined as quiet when there are mainly natural sounds and no traffic noise, for example. Quiet places in Lahti include the extensive outdoor areas of Salpausselkä ridge system, many parks, and protected natural areas. www.lahti.fi

Inspired by the country’s highly effective deposit system for beverage containers, the Finnish city is piloting an incentive-based system for recycling textiles. Finns recycle up to 97% of aluminum cans, will a small reward inspire them to sort and recycle their old fabrics?

The average European throws away 11kg of textiles every year*. Around the world, a truckload of textiles is landfilled or incinerated every single second. Separate collection of textile waste is set to be rolled out across the EU by 2025, but to change our bad textile habits, a lot of work is needed. Lahti’s textile deposit hopes to inspire a change in consumer behavior.

“As a pioneer in urban environmentalism, Lahti has set a goal of being a waste free city by 2050. The textile deposit is a great example of an everyday innovation that directly aims to minimize the amount of waste and showcases the potential of discarded textiles as a raw material for industries and design,” says Communications Director Veera Hämäläinen from the City of Lahti.

New Waste Act promotes circularity

Finland took a step towards a circular economy for textiles at the beginning of the year, as a new law requiring cities and municipalities to make separate collection bins for textile waste available to all Finns came into effect. The separate collection of textile waste makes it possible for discarded clothes and household textiles to be reused as recycled fiber.

“Our future depends on a circular economy, but it can’t just be the consumers’ responsibility to take care of recycling. With this pilot we want to ask what countries, cities and companies can do to help make recycling easier and more attractive to people. Deposits have worked well before, maybe there could be one for textiles in the future”, says Kimmo Rinne, Development Manager at Salpakierto, a municipal company that handles waste management in the Lahti Region.

The textile Deposit asks if an incentive can inspire locals to recycle

The pilot on a textile deposit aims to investigate if a citywide reward system can incentivise locals to recycle their textiles. At the pilot stage, Lahti residents can exchange a bagful of textiles for vouchers for local services, such as cafes or passes to a local pool. Initially, the pilot will run during the first weeks of June. Cities have a major role in making recycling easy for people. As a leading environmental city, Lahti wants to be in the forefront of leading the conversation on how cities can lead the change into a more sustainable lifestyle.

The City of Lahti is also launching a national design competition that aims to find new and creative uses for discarded textiles. The competition runs from now to 13 August 2023. With the design competition Lahti wants to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the field of circular economy. The competition is organized in collaboration with the Sustainable Lahti Foundation, LAB University of Applied Sciences and Salpakierto.

The textiles collected in Lahti will be processed into recycled fiber at Finland’s largest textile processing facility in Paimio. In the spirit of circular economy, the recovered fiber can be used in the production of new products, such as thread, insulation materials and acoustic panels. For the Silo, Veera Hämäläinen.

*EU Commission: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/QANDA_22_2015

Lahti
Lahti tackles future challenges together with residents, companies and the educational sector. A sustainable future calls for action, which is why Lahti will achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. As the leading environmental city in Finland, we offer our citizens everyday life that is both smooth and sustainable.

Travel

Top 8 Places to Visit: The Most Beautiful Destinations Around the World

May 29, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Our planet is incredibly beautiful! On every continent, even on the tiniest island lost in the vast ocean, there are striking places, meeting which leaves a long-lasting memory. Gritty fjords and impregnable cliffs of northern cities, idyllic corners of tropical coasts, clouds on the tops of mountains and flowing rivers in deep canyons, man-made and natural monuments will bring even more positive emotions than generous casino offers. Everyone is sure to find their paradise on earth. And you don’t always have to go far away – often there are places of fabulous beauty right next to us, if you only look around.

Jaisalmer

The golden city of Jaisalmer is often ignored by travelers because of its remoteness. But once you visit this place, you will not be able to forget it. It is an exotic city in the great desert of Rajasthan. It has incredible architecture, craft shops and of course camel rides in the silent desert.

Amazon

The most full-flowing and one of the longest rivers on the planet was named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2011. The Amazon and the rainforest along its course are populated by many rare plants, animals and fish, many of which are relict or endangered.

10 Things To Do in Fez Morocco — Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide

Fez

Morocco is an inexpensive version of an oriental fairy tale. And Fez is the second largest city, home to palaces, old markets, and quaint cafes serving Moroccan mint tea with local pastries.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

When the impregnable Neuschwanstein was built in the south of Germany in the 19th century, it immediately became a magnet for all those seeking peace and security. Its fabulous outline became the prototype of the palace built in Disneyland, where Sleeping Beauty lived, fell asleep and then met her love.

Windhoek

If you have always dreamed of seeing Africa’s “rusty” deserts and animals in their natural environment, now is the time. Unlike other parts of Africa, Namibia has many safaris. It is home to many African animals: giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and elephants. It’s also a low-cost place.

Antarctica

Antarctica is an amazing continent. It’s the coldest, even though it’s at the South Pole. Relative to the World Ocean, Antarctica is elevated more than other continents, it has the lowest relative humidity, the strongest and longest wind blows and the most significant solar radiation. At first glance, this is a harsh land consisting solely of ice. But it is not! Here you can find algae, mushrooms and even flowers – isn’t it an occasion to see it all with your own eyes!

Mostar

Mostar is an ancient city and untouched section of the Ottoman Empire. The place is unique in that it coexists two different cultures (Europe and Asia), two religions (Islam and Christianity), and connects them by a medieval arch bridge (Star Most), the history of which is as unique as the city.

Montenegro

Travelers who decide to come to Montenegro will be greeted by massive mountains, ancient Roman villas, clear waters, and incredible scenery. In addition, there are chic Adriatic beaches in Budva, Becici and on the Island of Sveti Stefan. And also the famous spa resorts of the Bay of Kotor. For the Silo, Batya Gill. Featured image: Jaisalmer India Desert City

Travel

Great Snacks To Take Everywhere

May 25, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

It is late and you are on your way home, but there is no open store to get something to eat – does this scenario sound familiar?

Or it’s maybe early in the morning and you just pulled an all-nighter and you can hear your stomach making noises… Or you may be out in the middle of the street after your work and you forget to eat, and you are starting to feel dizzy.

Is this something that you can relate to? If yes, you know that you need to think about your diet.

It is easy to forget to eat when you have a busy day, especially when you are on the run with no store or restaurant around.

This is why strategic snacking should be part of your daily routine. If anything, you should think of snacks as something that literally saves your life when you are super hungry.

Let’s see how you can also have a delicious and easy-to-carry snack with you no matter the time of the year.

Drink Your Snack

Snacks should be healthy.

Yes, this may be easier said than done, but with so many options on the market, you can actually have a healthy snack.

For example, you don’t have to buy industrial pretzels if you can carry an apple with you, right?

Still, if even bringing an apple puts you under a lot of stress, you should think about an even easier solution, such as a drinkable yogurt: this sort of snack is a great source of lean protein, usually packed with vitamins and minerals such as calcium and vitamin D, packed with numerous flavors from banana to peach.

The great thing about drinkable yogurt is that you can mix it with other ingredients such as oats or use it as a dressing for your fruit salad. Fast and healthy!

Cheese And Whole-grain Crackers

Cheese and whole-grain crackers are a great snack idea if you want something that is easy to pack but enables bigger bites.

This is something that you can bite throughout the day and even use as an addition to a salad.

Spread cheese across crackers and you will have a quick snack in no time.

Beef Jerky

You cannot pull an entire day without meat? If so, you should plan ahead and think about having a meaty snack on you, such as beef jerky.

This is something that is a mandatory part of every road trip, but it can serve while you are at work as well.

Beef jerky is packed with protein, and as such, it is one of the best food items to keep your hunger under control.

If possible, choose organic, and grass-fed beef jerky from a local store, and avoid shopping for beef jerky from the gas station.

Did you know there are even tasty vegetarian jerky options?

You’ve got many snack choices to choose from once you start dealing with preparation.

In no time, you will discover that there are many food items that you can carry with you easily, throughout the day and eat as you go.

A little prep will be needed, but it’s nothing you won’t be able to handle.

Extra Seven Snacks To Take Everywhere

Berries
Nuts
Hard-boiled eggs
Protein bars
Carrots
Grapes
Dried fruits