In these trying times, everyone is doing their best to cope with the sudden changes in our routine and lifestyle brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter how quick or slow we ride the “new normal” wave, one thing is sure — we are all trying to adjust the best way we can.

Some of us have revisited passions that, for the longest time, were pushed to the back of our minds or the bottom of our priorities. Some have been trying to explore new hobbies and discover new skills to make better use of our time, distract us from what’s happening, or trying out a new project or business idea.

If you want to take advantage of this time to learn a new skill, Klook has launched its Home-Based Experiences, including diy activities and virtual workshops. here are some of the Klook-curated workshops and projects. We also provided links where you can see the details and book.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Acrylic painting kit with Tutorial Video
Online diy Playdough Workshop for Kids
Soy candle Making kit with online class Voucher
Adobe creative design Workshops
Doodle and coloring Kit
Basic Bartending online Course
Coffee Brewing kit with online class Voucher
DIY Herb Gardening
More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

Acrylic painting kit with Tutorial Video

Photo provided by Klook
Beginners and even those without experience in painting need not be intimidated when you book your kit and the video tutorial. You won’t have to think about the types of brushes and the color paints because those will be provided already. along with the step-by-step instructions, the tutorial video also includes color mixing and brush stroke techniques. The kit usually contains canvas, palette, paints, and paintbrushes. note that this might vary depending on the availability of the materials. select the pick-up date that suits your schedule best. here are your painting subject options:

Starry night by Van Gogh

Sunset forest Mountain

✅ get painting kit HERE

Online diy Playdough Workshop for Kids

Photo provided by Klook
Here’s another online workshop that kids and parents will surely enjoy — playdough-making workshop. using natural ingredients and tools in the kitchen, discover how easy it is to create your own non-toxic play dough that can last for months. This workshop is organized by flow Retreats, a wellness lifestyle company. The workshop runs for an hour.

✅ book online WORKSHOP HERE

Soy candle Making kit with online class Voucher

Photo provided by Klook
Whether doing it for a gift idea or for personal use, soy candles can help our mind and body relax. get your own soy candle-making kit and avail of the inclusive online class voucher. The online class schedule is on Saturdays, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM. The starter kit is composed of vital oils, natural wax, and dried flowers. select a pick-up date for the kit; choose between Thursday or Friday schedule.

✅ get candle kit HERE

Adobe creative design Workshops

Photo provided by Klook
Adobe creative design includes video editing, 3D design, vectors, visual effects, graphic design, and other marketing tools. Each workshop is good for three days; it requires three hours per day. These workshops will be facilitated by industry experts and professionals. There are eight kinds of workshop to choose from. You will find the coverage when you click the link provided below.

Adobe Dimension3-Day online Workshop

Adobe Illustrator3-Day online Workshop

Adobe Photoshop3-Day online Workshop

Adobe Premiere 3-Day online Workshop

Adobe Indesign 3-Day online Workshop

Adobe XD UI/ UX 3-Day online Workshop

Adobe spark 3-Day online Workshop

Adobe After effects 3-Day online Workshop

✅ check WORKSHOPS & rates HERE

Doodle and coloring Kit

Photo provided by Klook
Customize your own canvas bag by coloring your chosen pre-printed design. The design themes for the canvas bags revolve around nature, local destinations, and Philippine culture. The kits provide worthwhile activities for families during community quarantine and help promote local tourism. For a minimum purchase of P1000, the delivery charge is waived for Metro Manila and Rizal province residents. Pick-up dates are scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays. These are your package options:

Doodle Canvas tote Bag

Doodle Canvas coloring set + Doodle Drawstring Bag

Doodle Canvas coloring set + Doodle Canvas tote Bag

✅ get coloring kit HERE

Basic Bartending online Course

There are several bartending courses online. The one on Klook will teach you how to make simple cocktails by showing you basic bartending techniques. just follow the lead of the professional instructors/bartenders.

✅ book KLOOK BARTENDING course HERE!

Coffee Brewing kit with online class Voucher

Photo provided by Klook
Hello, coffee addicts! want to level up and enrich your knowledge about coffee? This coffee-brewing starter kit will also grant you access to a live class on Saturdays (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM). decideon the live class schedule and coordinate with the management. select your pick-up date for the kit — Thursdays and Fridays only.

✅ get kit + online class voucher HERE

DIY Herb Gardening

Photo provided by Klook
For most people, gardening is therapeutic. during this community quarantine, some have turned to gardening to pass the time or to relieve stress. Foodies will be happy to know that you can have your own edible herb garden kit and have it delivered to your home (Metro Manila area only). choose from these five bundle options:

Italian Cuisine Bundle

Asian Cuisine Bundle

Tea Time Bundle

Steak Seasoning Bundle

Salad and Garnish Bundle

✅ get garden kit HERE

2020 • 7 • 10

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Posted: 1/12/21 | January 12th, 2021

Some things just aren’t implied to be. Sometimes, no matter exactly how much you want something, the world seems to conspire against you.

While I believe you make your own fate, I do believe the world has a method of saying, “Hey, the timing isn’t right. You ought to rethink your plans.”

So it was with my relocation to Mexico.

Last year, I composed exactly how I had organized to relocation there for the winter.

I needed a mental break, wished to save money by renting out my apartment, as well as had a number of buddies living there. My goal was to work, eat tacos, have a bit social bubble, as well as spend a great deal of time socially distanced at the beach.

But, thanks to a new administration business that refused to enable me to sublease my apartment, those plans withered away. as well as while I’m not above having somebody online there “under the radar,” many people in Texas requirement a vehicle — as well as a car parking pass for my building would certainly need my residential or commercial property administration company’s approval.

Thus there would be no winter season in Mexico for me.

But I found something during this process: Mexico is awesome.

Yes, I understand I’m late to this party. So late that the holds are cleaning the dishes as well as asking me where the heck I was all night.

Mexico is not some undiscovered land. nowhere I went might be thought about “off the beaten path.”

But while it was not my very first time in the country — I’d briefly touched its shores as part of a cruise as well as when spent three days in a resort on a press trip method back in 2011 — it was my very first time truly seeing it.

Before this trip, I never provided Mexico much thought. It’s just a few hours away from Austin, so I had always figured I might go there anytime. Why go to Mexico when I might see French Polynesia instead?

People seldom check out their own backyard. To many, travel is about long flights as well as faraway destinations.

So it was for me for a long time. though in recent years Mexico increased higher on my listing of locations to go to as much more buddies raved about it, it just never seemed to make it to the top. I’d make plans to go, only to be distracted by a shiny item (i.e., some other country).

Oh, exactly how I regret that after seeing what I’d been missing!

Mexico is magical.

In the six weeks I was there, I spent close to three in Tulum (which was terrible), one in Playa del Carmen, five days in the Yucatán, as well as two weeks in Oaxaca.

The original plan was to spend a few weeks in Tulum then relocation to Playa del Carmen, where some buddies lived. We’d type our bit social bubble, as well as I’d get some work done as well as stay up until March. however by week three, I understood that wasn’t going to happen. I hated Tulum as well as I didn’t truly vibe with Playa. (Here’s a long publish on why I hated Tulum in situation you missed it.)

Playa was nice. There was a beautiful beach, some great restaurants as well as bars, as well as great deals of digital nomads. I can see myself going back, satisfying people, as well as partying on the beach. however in the age of COVID, that’s not what I wished to do, so Playa didn’t truly feel like the location to be best now.

Between that as well as my house situation, I realized my stay in Mexico was concerning an earlier end than planned.

But what to finish with my staying time that was likewise COVID safe?

While in Tulum, a buddy as well as I took a vehicle to Yucatán — which was like crossing over into Shangri-La. Suddenly, the roads got better. Masks were being used everywhere, there were limitations on group sizes, as well as company hours were limited. right here was somewhere that took COVID seriously — as well as I liked it. The area felt safe, as well as its situation count (only a few lots a week in the entire state) showed that.

It was likewise the very first time because I landed that I truly felt like I was in one more country, not someplace developed for tourists who desired a “safe” version of Mexico. I liked the Spanish architecture, the amazing as well as diverse cuisine, and, of program — as clichéd as it is — the people. So numerous people just wished to stop as well as talk, as well as I felt a great deal of hospitality there.

In Mérida, we discovered Mezcalería La Fundación, a mezcal bar suggested by a few bloggers, however it seemed closed. On a whim, I chose to walk around the block to this hot canine restaurant I had seen as well as ask if they understood if the bar would be open later.

“The bar closed permanently since of the pandemic,” she replied.

“Crap,” I stated relying on my friend. “I assumption we’ll go to the market now.”

The server relied on the other man in the shop and, in Spanish as well quick for me to understand, started talking, as well as then relied on me. “This man will take you to a location nearby. It’s extremely good.”

So we complied with a complete stranger back down the street toward the closed mezcal bar. At first, I believed there had been some miscommunication, however he knocked on one more door instead, one so barely visible I had walked past it twice. A guy came out, words were spoken, as well as we were told to go in.

“Whoa,” I exclaimed. “We’re in a mezcal speakeasy!” I was beaming, as I like speakeasies as well as elegant mixed drink bars.

“Ohh, this is not the speakeasy,” the bartender said. “For that, comply with me.”

He walked to the far end of the bar, then opened the bookcase into one more trick bar. A bar within a bar!

“What’s this bar’s name?” I asked.

“We have no name,” the hostess said.

“How do people discover this place?”

“You have to have our number. It gets shared by word of mouth.”

After a few drinks in the trick bar, we satisfied the owner, Roberto. He utilized to work in marketing however got exhausted of it as well as started a mezcal brand. The bar we were in, Acervo, opened a year back however was kept relatively secret. The speakeasy, which has no name, social media, or site however does have a gorgeous outside garden, was started best before the pandemic.1

On hearing we were going to Oaxaca, he provided me the number of his friend. “He’ll instruct you all about mezcal.”

Then into the night we went; music as well as dancing filled streets as well as plazas.

Even against the backdrop of the pandemic, Yucatán, as well as particularly its capital, Mérida, adhering to public health and wellness rules, showed that you might balance life as well as COVID as well as still keep situation counts low. (Admittedly, this is aided by their capability to be able to do outdoors as well as spaced apart.)

But, while I liked Mérida, it was Oaxaca that truly made me swoon.

Have you ever showed up somewhere as well as before you understand it, something in the air just tells you that this location is best for you? That it’s whatever you ever desired as well as you’re going to be in like with it forever?

That was Oaxaca for me. The food, the mezcal, the architecture, as well as (of course) the people were amazing. The city is a mix of contemporary buildings painted in bright colors, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, as well as great deals of parks.

In the last decade, as mezcal has ended up being extremely popular, Oaxaca has likewise ended up being the hub for all things mezcal, with tourists reaching record numbers before COVID. And, together with Mérida as well as Mexico City, it’s thought about one of the gastronomic centers of Mexico.

My expat buddies as well as I ate as well as drank our method with the city. We found the hamburguesa, an Oaxacan street burger that contains beef, ham, hot dogs, two type of cheese, pineapple, tomatoes, as well as lettuce, all in a grilled bun (it’s as tasty as it was unhealthy); ate great deals of moles, tacos, as well as Oaxacan cheese; as well as went to the mountains to see some ruins as well as discover exactly how Mezcal was produced. And, of course, we satisfied Roberto’s buddy, who did certainly provide us an academic mezcal tasting on his bar’s rooftop (and who assisted my buddy discover her house when she chose to stay in Oaxaca for the winter).

***
I was amazed by exactly how much I liked Mexico. Sure, it has problems: numerous cities are no-go zones since of cartels, corruption is rife, there’s a great deal of violence as well as poverty, as well as it provided its people no support to weather condition the pandemic. “You’re on your own,” stated the government.

And there’s a great deal I still requirement to discover about the country. I only saw a small sliver of it with mezcal-tinted glasses. There’s a great deal much more to see as well as a great deal much more of the culture, people, as well as life I needed to learn. I barely scratched the surface.

But that’s all the much more reason to return.

I can’t believe I missed this location for so long.

What I trick I was!

I won’t make the exact same error twice.

 
1- If you want to go to the speakeasy, you requirement to make a reservation. text +52 999 658 1678 for that evening’s password. On Thursdays, they have jazz.

2 – Let’s talk COVID. Mexico is open for tourism. It doesn’t need any type of testing or quarantining. (I got a PCR test before I went since it’s just the best thing to do.) as well as that’s why so numerous people go there to party. I mean, Tulum was insane, as well as I was pleased to get out of there. Masks as well as limitations were enforced in Yucatán as well as Oaxaca, however not so much in Quintana Roo (where Tulum, Playa del Carmen, as well as Cancún are).

But, frankly, I wouldn’t recommend going to Mexico best now. situations have risen a great deal because I very first went as well as even once-safe locations like Oaxaca aren’t so risk-free anymore. I understand that seems hypocritical of me because Iwas just there — however things were different in November and, if I had to make the exact same decision now, I wouldn’t do it. Mexico can wait.

Book Your trip to Mexico: Logistical suggestions as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a inexpensive flight by utilizing Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the largest inventory. If you want to stay elsewhere, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels.

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it numerous times in the past. I’ve been utilizing world Nomads for ten years. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel! I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I travel — as well as I believe will assist you too!

Want much more info on Mexico?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Mexico for even much more planning tips!

I was wandering alone, taking snaps of the blue Mosque, when a guy asked me to take a picture of him with the mosque in the background utilizing his phone. Being the kind person that I am (haha, yes, I have to insert that), I obliged. I even took a significant amount of time since I desired it to be perfect. I waited for the crowd behind him to remove up as well as made sure the light hit him right. funny exactly how it was all for nothing!

After taking his pic, I returned his phone as well as bade goodbye, however he had one more idea. He started getting friendly, asking me concerns about where I was from as well as exactly how I was liking Istanbul so far. however he asked me something that rang the alarm bells: “Maybe we can tour together. Are you with someone?”

Hmmmmm. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

You only ask that concern for either of these reasons: you want to screw with me (wink, wink) OR you want to screw me over. as well as I’m guessing he had the latter in mind (because look at me!). as well bad, he was cute.

I responded to I was with someone, which is true, as well as walked away to satisfy Vins, my ever trustworthy blogging partner, by the Sultanahmet Park fountain. He had an fascinating story. He stated that as he was photographing Hagia Sophia, a guy asked him to take a photo with his phone. then the guy tried to strike a conversation, asked if he was alone, as well as brought up the concept of them checking out the city together. Vins left immediately. two super friendly strangers at two locations doing the precise exact same thing? I extremely question that it’s a coincidence. My bet is they’re part of an elaborate, organized scam.

Istanbul is a excellent city. however like most excellent cities, it has its share of poor people trying to take advantage of our being new as well as naive. right here are five scams to watch out for as well as exactly how their modi operandi (MO) work.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Taxi Scams (Meter Tampering as well as money Switching)
2. shoe radiate Scam
3. “Let’s have a Drink” Scam
4. The Carpet shop Scam
5. restaurant Scams
More tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

1. Taxi Scams (Meter Tampering as well as money Switching)

I can explain this to you in detail since we really fell sufferer to this. Normally, we would take the tram to get to anywhere, however we were in a huge rush that day as I had to go to a dinner. We approached the queue of cabs near the Eminonu Station.

Their goal: Take advantage of you not being familiar with Istanbul’s streets as well as Turkish bills.

Their usual spots: Touristy areas like Sultanahmet, Eminonu, as well as Taksim Square.

Their MO: They usually try to pull a three-hit combo: utilizing tampered meter or not utilizing the meter at all, taking long detours, as well as money switching.

Not utilizing the meter. Some would firmly insist on not utilizing the meter. Don’t let them.

Using tampered meter. The cab we hired from Eminonu, utilized a meter that moved a great deal more quickly than usual. A cab trip from Sultanahmet to Beşiktaş should be just around try 20. Ours made it past try 100. A fellow traveler whom we had talk to the day after had the exact same experience, noting exactly how the meter was so fast. other drivers likewise protect themselves by stating that evening rates are different. Don’t believe it. There utilized to be a difference, however it has been abolished.

Taking unnecessary detours. We were surprised that the taxi driver took the long method to get to our hotel in Beşiktaş. It was already our third day in the city as well as we were already familiar with the area. He utilized terrible web traffic as an excuse. He then took us around, taking unnecessary turns.

Switching money. Some drivers would switch your expenses when it’s time to pay. When you provide him a TRY50 note, he would grumble that you had provided him a TRY5 note. They do it so quick you won’t even notice. Don’t autumn for this. He tried to pull this on us, too.

HOW TO AVOID

Always firmly insist on utilizing the meter. If they won’t budge, discover one more cab.

Seek assistance from hotel staff. If you stay at a hotel or hostel, ask the reception to phone call a cab for you.

Pretend you’ve been in Istanbul a long time. Although it doesn’t hold true all the time, one of a great indication that your driver is as much as no great is asking you if it’s your very first time in Istanbul. It’s usually their signal if they would try to screw you or not. First-time visitors are the most gullible. If you’re asked, tell them you’ve been in town for rather a while now. Don’t tell them it’s your very first time.

Insist on dropping you off right in front of the hotel. Some drivers who are planning to con you would discover an reason to not decrease you off at the hotel. Don’t buy this. They understand that a scammed tourist’s very first defense is seek assist from hotel staff.

Be familiar with the right taxi fare. The flat rate is TRY4 as well as TRY2.5 is added per kilometer. If the cab isn’t moving a TRY0.35 is added per minute. A minimum fare of 10TL is likewise in effect, so even if your meter states something lower when traveling short distances, you will still be charged 10TL. These are exactly how much a cab trip should truly cost. (Estimates only)

From Atatürk worldwide flight terminal to Sultanahmet: try 50-55

From Sahiba Gökçen flight terminal to Sultanahmet: try 125-130

From Sultanahmet to Beşiktaş: try 25

From Sultanahmet to Galata Tower: try 20

From Sultanahmet to Taksim Square: try 20

From Sultanahmet to Atatürk Airport: try 50-55

From Sultanahmet to Sahiba Gökçen Airport: try 125-130

Don’t back down. If they try to pull their stunts on you, tell them you’re calling the police.

Or, just utilize Uber. tried it several times as well as it never dissatisfied us. (Update 2017: Uber has been banned in Istanbul.)

2. shoe radiate Scam

When we shared on our Facebook page that we had been scammed by a taxi driver, one of our followers recounted her personal experience with one more scam. This time, it includes your shoes as well as huge heart.

Their goal: force you to pay for an overpriced shoeshine.

Their usual spots: Touristy areas like Sultanahmet.

Their MO: While walking, a shoeshine guy will decrease one of his tools in front of you. Usually, it’s a brush. You, being increased well by your parents, will of program pick it up as well as hand it to him. huge mistake! He will say thanks to you profusely, as well as as a indication of gratitude, he will offer to radiate your shoes for free. except that it is not free at all. When it’s done, he will fee an amount so huge you may feel the requirement to kick him with your recently polished shoe.

How to avoid: If you see a clean decrease from anyone, I don’t wanna state ignore it, but… ignore IT. keep walking as well as move on.

3. “Let’s have a Drink” Scam

Their goal: Take you to a club where you would pay for the most costly drink of your life.

Their usual spots: Touristy areas like Sultanahmet, Eminonu, as well as Taksim Square.

Their MO: You understand the guy who asked me to take a picture of him at the begin of this post? My gut tells me this is his forte. To gain your trust, these scammers would usually pretend to be tourists just like you or an expat (they would introduce themselves as such). Their very first line is usually, “Where are you from?” as well as they’re so adept at this that whatever you answer, they have a response that can be rather engaging.

They will offer to tour with you as well as for a moment you’re gonna have a blast with them. as well as then they will invite you to a club for a drink or — if you’re a dude — a date with quite women. You’ll go with them since you’re having a excellent time with your new friend. You have a drink as well as enjoy. however when the expense arrives, you’ll be surprised by exactly how much they’re charging you numerous Euros just for one fucking drink. They will try to make you pay for it, detain you, as well as endanger you up until this ridiculous expense is settled.

How to avoid: Unless you satisfied them at your hostel, don’t talk to strangers who approach you very first no matter exactly how friendly (or goodlooking, haha) they are. When somebody approaches you, tell them you’re part of a group as well as you’re waiting on them.

4. The Carpet shop Scam

Their goal: Take you to a carpet, rug, or leather shop which is method more costly than usual. tour you around as well as then take you to a shop selling rugs or rugs for a much higher rate.

Their usual spots: Sultanahmet area as well as Grand Bazaar

Their MO: While going around touristy places, somebody who will introduce himself as regional would offer to tour you around. He appears like a legitimate tour guide as well as understands so much about the monuments in the city. He will even ask you to join him have Turkish coffee. He will then state that he needs to decrease off something at a shop, where you will be required or guilted into buying at a much costly rate.

How to avoid: Unless you satisfied them at your hostel, don’t talk to strangers who approach you. should you truly requirement a tour guide, book with a trusted travel agency.

5. restaurant Scams

Their goal: To make you pay for food at an astronomical cost or food you never ordered.

Their MO: You step into a restaurant as well as then somebody will provide you the menu. You see the costs are okay; whatever seems affordable. however the waiter will extremely motivate you to try something off the menu. He will be so pushy, you will provide in. The meal was nothing extraordinary, however when the expense arrives, you’re surprised to be charged for numerous liras. They will firmly insist that you pay for it.

In some restaurants, you will be served Turkish pita bread as soon as get seated or location an order. as well as that’s okay; it’s normal. however then, while you wait on your actual order, the stewards will serve a couple of dishes as well as firmly insist that you try them. You may even believe they’re complimentary. Or if you odor something fishy, so you’ll tell the waiter you don’t want it. however he’s truly persistent. You’ll get tired arguing so you’ll most likely let them put it on your table as well as not touch it. however then, even when you’re refrained from doing yet, they will serve one more dish. as well as when the expense comes, you’re charged for everything, even those you did not even touch. This occurred to us at a restaurant in Beşiktaş. as well as when we inspected online, other tourists have complained about the exact same thing on evaluation websites.

How to avoid: checked out evaluations very first before entering a restaurant. always request the cost before you order. as well as if they’re serving you food that you never ordered, tell them you’ve been in Istanbul for a long time.

Where to stay: We stayed at Puffin Hostel (cheap as well as recommended), W Istanbul hotel (excellent as well as extremely suggested however pricey!), as well as Galata West Hostel (awful, not recommended).

To inspect rates of economical hotels as well as hostels, visit:

Istanbul Hotels

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