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Tips and how to travel to Iran in 2022

Kenny Gretsch 19 hours ago

Remember that, in Iran, many popular websites and services are blocked, including Facebook and WhatsApp. Sometimes they block this travel blog too. If you want to browse and use them while you are backpacking in Iran, you must get a VPN and the one I personally use is ExpressVPN, the most reliable one for Iran.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ExpressVPN

What used to be a country that everybody believed was filled with danger and nuclear weapon lovers is, today, becoming the destination with the most exponential tourism growth in the world.

From the most hospitable people to the oldest history, stunning architecture, the most desolate deserts, green mountains, islands, and many other things, slowly, travelers are realizing that Iran is the ultimate destination.

However, since it has opened to tourism very recently, traveling in Iran is not that easy, as it presents several difficulties and peculiarities, ranging from strict Islamic rules to credit card issues and even the need to get special travel insurance.

But don’t worry.

After visiting this country twice for more than 2 months, on this blog, I have compiled loads of travel tips for traveling to Iran which will help you to plan your trip easily.

things to know for traveling to Iran

COVID-19 travel bans for Iran

BREAKING NEWS!

In October 2021, Iran finally opened its borders.

You can now travel to Iran as usual, and the following COVID-19 travel restrictions apply:

  • Vaccine certificate
  • Negative PCR test 72h

Travel Insurance for Iran with COVID-19 coverage

IATI Insurance is one of the few providers that offers full Coronavirus coverage, not only when it comes to treatment, but also cancellations costs in case you tested positive before departure. 

Moreover, travel insurance is mandatory for having visa on arrival in Iran.

Readers of Against the Compass can get an exclusive 5% discount.

Visa for traveling to Iran

Visa on arrival (VOA) for Iran

Everybody, except for citizens of Canada, UK, US, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Colombia, Iraq, Jordan, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia and Sri Lanka, can get a visa on arrival at any of Iran’s international airports.

The only real requirement is to have a valid host contact

During the process of getting your VOA, the authorities may contact your host, whether they are a hotel or a friend. If they can’t contact them, they may make you wait at the airport for a very long time.

Waiting time ranges from 2 to 6 hours

At the very least, you will have to wait for 2 hours at the airport.

On my second visit, I had to wait for more than 5 hours, as I had a brand-new passport and didn’t have a return flight ticket.

How much does the tourist visa for Iran costs?

Prices range from 40€ to 150€, depending on nationality.

I hold a Spanish passport and paid 75€ and I believe that that is the price for the other European nationalities.

You can’t get a VOA if you enter Iran overland

If you travel to Iran by land, you

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How Dave’s Hot Chicken Grew a Cult Following in an East Hollywood Parking Lot

Kenny Gretsch 20 hours ago

There’s not significantly targeted traffic likely west in direction of Hollywood, but Dave’s Very hot Hen is nonetheless crowded at noon on an standard Tuesday. Checkered pink trays keeping piles of steaming, crispy hen make their way through the maze of buyers lined up to purchase, and they ultimately land at the tables of hungry diners filling the outdoor patio. Behind the counter, there is certainly a lot more employees than usual. “That’s some of our Center East group,” says Dave Kopushyan, the Dave himself. “We’re opening a area in Dubai this summer season.”



Courtesy of Dave’s Warm Chicken

Dubai is thrilling, confident.

But so is Miami. And Nashville. And New York. And Toronto. And almost every single corner of California.

Dave’s Sizzling Hen, which started out as four lifelong close friends generating hen in a parking great deal (with only a single fryer), has grown into a world wide franchise with 67 spots throughout the U.S., Canada and now the Center East, and it counts famous people like Drake as traders.

“We catered his birthday celebration just one calendar year,” Kopushyan says. “That was insane.”

The tale of Dave’s Very hot Hen is a rare tale of overnight achievements, one particular that restores religion in the age-previous cliche that dreams actually do appear genuine. But the brand’s explosive expansion didn’t arrive effortlessly.

4 childhood pals — Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan, and brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan — felt like they were being at a roadblock in their life, and they wished to construct a business that could assist their people with each other.

“We desired to build something that we had been passionate about,” Oganesyan suggests. “We put our heads jointly and assumed, Dave enjoys cooking, Tommy and Gary really like business, and I love marketing, so we could all come across our enthusiasm and energy inside of this.”

The idea of warm rooster, although, was the previous thing they anticipated to be their successful business (in particular Kopushyan). He was not only an expert chef properly trained underneath the French Laundry’s Thomas Keller, but he was also a vegetarian.

Kopushyan credits Oganesyan with turning him onto very hot chicken as soon as it started off trending close to LA. “I realized for a culinary guy like Dave, he’d flavor that and want to make his have model,” Oganesyan states. It was the initially time Kopushyan experienced eaten meat in virtually a year. Sport more than. “That was it. I started obsessing,” Kopushyan suggests, “I tend to be very extreme I believe we all are. When we get into a little something, we get into it all the way.”

And if there is certainly something the story of Dave’s Scorching Hen can attest to, it is really that to be an specialist or produce some thing of unmatchable top quality, you definitely do have to have to go all in, not just depend on expertise or a profitable idea.

Connected: Received an Awesome New Business Notion? This is

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Viking Great Lakes Cruises Begins with Viking Octantis – Cruise Maven

Kenny Gretsch 2 days ago

Viking’s first of two expedition ships to cruise in North America began, as the purpose-builtViking Octantis kicked off its inaugural season in the Great Lakes. Designed specifically to cruise the Great Lakes region,Viking Octantis recently completed an historic roundtrip through the Welland Canal. 

This important waterway is located in a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway that connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.  Viking Octantis became the largest passenger ship to ever to transit the canal.

The ship will cruise the Great Lakes until early October 2022, with a variety of itineraries volleying between Toronto, Ontario and Duluth, Minnesota. Viking will launch a second expedition ship, Viking Polaris, later this year. Along with Viking Octantis, both expedition ships will cruise the Great Lakes for the 2023 season. 

Viking Octantis passing through Welland Canal.

Viking Great Lakes Cruises Impact on the Region

Viking’s entry into Great Lakes cruising brings the newest and most modern ships ever to explore this region of North America.  The ships will also contribute a substantial economic and tourism boon to the area.  This includes ports in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio (beginning in 2023) and the Canadian province of Ontario.

“Our expedition ships were designed with the Great Lakes in mind. This region has been historically underserved by cruise lines, and we are delighted by the warm and enthusiastic reception we have received from the local communities,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “With our first season now underway, we are pleased with the strong demand among our guests and look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to these fantastic destinations in 2023.”

Viking Partners with NOAA

Viking has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL), to help develop scientific enrichment program for its Great Lakes voyages.  Both organizations conduct research on the dynamic environments and ecosystems of the Great Lakes and coastal regions. 

Viking Octantis Laboratory
Viking Octantis Science Laboratory

The research information leads to resource use and management decisions for safe and sustainable ecosystems, ecosystem services, and human communities. In a unique twist, Viking’s expedition ships are designated official NOAA / U.S. National Weather Service weather balloon stations.  The ships will be actual working weather ballon launch stations.

Viking Great Lakes Cruises for 2022 and 2023

During Viking’s inaugural 2022 season, there are four itineraries for the Great Lakes. These include:

  • Undiscovered Great Lakes:   Eight days from Thunder Bay to Milwaukee
    • Cross the width of Lake Superior between Duluth and the Soo Locks, explore the Apostle Islands and Keweenaw Peninsula. Hike along clifftop trails for panoramic views of Lake Superior.  Kayak into sea caves by kayak and tour on foot or horse carriage through Mackinac Island.  Be sure to buy some fudge!

Viking expedition ships map of Great Lakes cruises

  • Great Lakes Explorer:Eight days from Milwaukee to Thunder Bay
    • Discover the maze of granite islands that comprise Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.  Hike and kayak through this pristine area before heading to Mackinac Island. Explore the boreal forests of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park on Lake Superior’s northern
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Driver in Texas human smuggling operation faces possibility of death penalty

Kenny Gretsch 2 days ago

Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, June 30, 2022:

Driver, three other people charged in human smuggling operation that still left 53 useless

The suspected driver in the grisly human smuggling procedure in San Antonio in which 53 undocumented immigrants died has been billed for his involvement in the scenario.

Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, was billed with alien smuggling resulting in loss of life, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.

According to courtroom paperwork, on June 27, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) responded to the scene of a human smuggling celebration involving a tractor-trailer and 64 people suspected of getting into the United States illegally. 

Laredo Sector Border Patrol offered HSI brokers surveillance footage of the truck crossing as a result of an immigration checkpoint, and the movie showed the driver sporting a black shirt with stripes and a hat, which is the same apparel Zamorano was putting on when he was observed in a area near where the truck was identified.

Zamorano is charged by prison grievance with 1 depend of alien smuggling ensuing in dying. He is at first from Brownsville, Texas, but resides in Pasadena, Texas. If convicted, he faces up to daily life in jail or probably the demise penalty. A federal district courtroom judge will figure out any sentence right after thinking of the U.S. Sentencing Recommendations and other statutory aspects.

Also charged by legal complaint is Christian Martinez, 28, who was arrested on June 28, in Palestine, Texas. He has been charged with a person rely of conspiracy to transportation illegal aliens ensuing in demise. 

In accordance to court docket files, a lookup warrant was executed on a mobile phone belonging to Zamorano, and by means of investigation, it was found out that communications occurred amongst Zamorano and Martinez concerning the smuggling occasion. If convicted, Martinez faces up to everyday living in prison or could experience the death penalty. 

In addition to arrests of Zamorano and Martinez, Juan Claudio D’Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao, 48, both of those citizens of Mexico, had been also arrested. In accordance to court files, the registration for the tractor-trailer applied in the tried alien smuggling celebration arrived back to a residence in San Antonio. SAPD officers set up surveillance on the home and noticed two males leaving in individual trucks. 

Soon after traffic stops on both equally vehicles, the drivers ended up recognized as D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna-Bilbao. D’Luna-Bilboa was in possession of a handgun that was discovered in the heart console of the truck he was driving. A lookup warrant was executed at the residence where extra firearms were found. 

Both persons were identified to be in the U.S. illegally and were being billed by criminal grievance with one particular rely of possession of a weapon by an alien illegally in the U.S. in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Part 922(g)(5). If convicted, each defendants experience up to 10 years in jail. 

[Related: Police: Suspected driver in Texas human smuggling operation

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Taiwan Itinerary Travel Guide for 3 Days or More (2022)

Kenny Gretsch 3 days ago

Taipei Exploration

Once you arrive in the heart of Taipei, go and quickly enjoy its iconic landmarks as well as its busy night markets and colorful culture! With that, I’ll be listing the top attractions in the city; however, it would be impossible to thoroughly visit EVERYTHING (unless you swiftly go through every location).

That’s why, depending on your interests, pick the best places that you’d like to see within the day for your Taiwan itinerary based on the descriptions that I’ll be providing below (my top favorites are marked with a star ★); and then, you can visit the rest during your other free time or during your other trip days if you’re staying longer than 3 days in Taiwan.

◘◘ ★ Taipei 101

Formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, Taipei 101 was once called the world’s tallest building in 2004 — until Burj Khalifa in Dubai was completed in 2010.

Either way, nowadays, it holds the highest award as the tallest and largest green building in the world according to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). By now, I’m sure you’ve heard of this building before; after all, it serves as an icon of modern Taiwan (though it was initially built as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition); as such, it is a must to include this on your Taiwan itinerary.

Towering at 101 stories, the base of the building houses several shops and restaurants (such as the famous Din Tai Fung chain) but what most visitors aim to do is to access the observatory. To list out the highlights of the building:

  • 5F Taipei 101 Mall: The floor where you can purchase tickets and take the Guinness World Record high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor (it travels at 1,010 meters/min or 60.6kph, taking only 37 seconds total). However, it’s best to purchase online to get a discounted price — I will discuss this in the detail in the ‘admission‘ section below.
  • 89F Indoor Observatory: Offers unobstructed views of Taipei. It also has a museum where you can learn about the construction of Taipei 101.
  • 88F Beauty of Taiwan Multimedia Corridor, Super Big Wind Damper, Treasure Sky: The highlight of this floor is at 5.5m (in diameter) and there’s a 660-ton wind damper that’s built in the core of the tower. Apparently, this amazing technology helps keep the building from swaying and helps keep it stand upright. Meanwhile, Treasure Sky is a place where you can find jewel crafts.
  • 91F Outdoor Observatory: This is accessible via the stairs from the 89th floor, but since the winds can get quite strong, this floor is only open on days when the weather is favorable. Anyhow, inside, you will find a small theatre that features films about the annual New Years’ fireworks display set off from Taipei 101.

ADMISSION: General ticket is NT$600 (students are charged NT$540 and children under 115cm are

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Suspected driver in human smuggling operation faces life in prison

Kenny Gretsch 3 days ago

Trucking information and briefs for Friday, July 1, 2022:

Suspected truck driver in fatal human smuggling operation faces lifetime in prison, attainable loss of life penalty

The suspected driver in the grisly human smuggling operation in San Antonio in which 53 undocumented immigrants died has been charged for his involvement in the situation.

Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, was charged with alien smuggling resulting in death, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Part 1324.

According to court docket documents, on June 27, Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) responded to the scene of a human smuggling party involving a tractor-trailer and 64 people today suspected of moving into the United States illegally. 

Laredo Sector Border Patrol offered HSI agents surveillance footage of the truck crossing by way of an immigration checkpoint, and the online video showed the driver donning a black shirt with stripes and a hat, which is the exact same apparel Zamorano was putting on when he was observed in a industry in close proximity to where by the truck was observed.

Zamorano is billed by prison grievance with one particular rely of alien smuggling resulting in dying. He is originally from Brownsville, Texas, but resides in Pasadena, Texas. If convicted, he faces up to lifestyle in jail or perhaps the death penalty. A federal district court judge will identify any sentence just after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory things.

Also billed by felony criticism is Christian Martinez, 28, who was arrested on June 28, in Palestine, Texas. He has been charged with one particular rely of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens ensuing in demise. 

In accordance to court files, a lookup warrant was executed on a cell phone belonging to Zamorano, and by way of investigation, it was learned that communications transpired involving Zamorano and Martinez relating to the smuggling celebration. If convicted, Martinez faces up to lifetime in prison or could experience the dying penalty. 

In addition to arrests of Zamorano and Martinez, Juan Claudio D’Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao, 48, the two citizens of Mexico, were being also arrested. According to courtroom paperwork, the registration for the tractor-trailer utilised in the tried alien smuggling function arrived back again to a home in San Antonio. SAPD officers set up surveillance on the home and observed two males leaving in different vehicles. 

Just after website traffic stops on both of those vehicles, the motorists were identified as D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna-Bilbao. D’Luna-Bilboa was in possession of a handgun that was observed in the heart console of the truck he was driving. A lookup warrant was executed at the home in which further firearms ended up found. 

Both equally people today were identified to be in the U.S. illegally and were being billed by legal grievance with one depend of possession of a weapon by an alien illegally in the U.S. in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Part 922(g)(5). If convicted, both defendants deal with up to 10 a long time in jail. 

Yellow

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15 Cozy Brands for Sustainable Yoga Pants

Kenny Gretsch 4 days ago
Guide to the ethical and sustainable yoga pants brands, including organic and recycled yoga pants and sustainable leggings with pockets

Yoga is the best way to reconnect with yourself and feeling comfortable while doing it is extremely significant.

Choosing the right sustainable yoga clothes is the first step toward making your yoga journey blissful. 

Sustainable yoga pants have proven to be a game-changer in the field of activewear as it lets you feel good from the inside out as you contribute to a better future for the planet.

best brands for sustainable yoga leggings, person sitting in lotus position in pink leggings with candles lit nearby

In terms of comfort, it is exemplary as brands have come up with many high-quality sustainable fabrics.

You can now find sustainable yoga pants made from RPET, organic cotton, bamboo, and more. 

I prefer my pants to be soft and stretchable to easily practice different yoga poses.

Luckily, sustainable yoga pants have exceeded all my expectations. 

Here is a list of the best sustainable yoga pants that you must own:

Thanks to affiliate links, I pay my bills. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All opinions are always mine. Merci!

Overview: The Top 5 Sustainable Yoga Pants

best sustainable yoga leggings, woman posing in purple yoga leggings and matching bra with intricate mandala patterns

Highlights

  • Breathable yoga pants with a vegan suede finish
  • Promotes circular fashion with an option to buy and sell pre-loved pieces

Wolven makes sustainable clothing a trendy affair with its range of stunning yoga pants for women. 

Their team of artists, activists and designers shares a passion for protecting the planet and its people.

Everyone at Wolven works together to responsibly create masterpieces that’ll make you look good and feel extraordinary.

The carbon-neutral sustainable yoga pants from Wolven are made from OEKO-Tex Certified Recycled P.E.T fabric.

Their fun and colorful prints like chakra, aqua and more will inspire you to love the planet and yoga even more. 

All of the pants from Wolven are soft, quick-drying and odor resistant which makes them excellent for everything from yoga to hiking.

They feature and innovative 4-way stretch technology that will make your movement easy and comfortable.

Wolven is also one of the best sustainable swimwear brands and make versatile reversible bikinis.

best yoga clothing brands, woman in yoga clothes stretching

Highlights

  • Ethical yoga pants with pockets
  • 100% plastic-free product packaging

The Eco-friendly yoga pants by prAna offer a flattering fit and extraordinary comfort.

Their leggings with ample stretch allow freedom of movement to take up any challenging yoga pose.

Whether you prefer outdoor yoga, studio yoga, hot yoga or high-intensity workout, prAna have plenty of styles to choose from.

Within their collection, can find high-waisted, mid-rise, capris, plus size, and boot-cut yoga pants.

They also have sustainable leggings with pockets to keep your essentials safe with you while you workout.

prAna follows an ethical way of manufacturing, assembling, packaging and shipping its products.

All their yoga pants are made with sustainable materials like organic cotton, recycled polyester knits and Lycra® elastane. 

The sun protection and moisture-wicking features on prAna yoga pants makes these pants a

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Belad Bont Resort – The First of Its Kind in Salalah, Oman

Kenny Gretsch 5 days ago

Felt like a VIP in Belad Bont Resort in Salalah! This is why you should stay here when you’re in the city.

Can I just say that I definitely had one of my best middle east trips in Oman? After going on a trip to Muscat, the desert, and exploring Sur, we went straight to Salalah.

Belad Bont Resort The First of Its Kind in Salalah, Oman

There’s so much to see in Oman that my stay in Salalah was obviously not enough. My tour was made complete with the hospitality of the Omani people and amazing customer service of Belad Bont Resort, my home for 3 days and 2 nights in Salalah. More of my stay in Belad Bont Resort is below!

Other articles you can read:

Things To Do in Salalah, Oman

1. Sultan Qaboos Mosque

The second-largest mosque in Oman and this one should be seen. The Sultan Qaboos Mosque is beautiful and breathtaking to behold! The prayer hall is decorated with marble and covered with a huge Persian carpet. The mosque can be visited by non-Muslims every morning (except Fridays). Remember that appropriate clothing must be worn. Hair must be covered for ladies, no short dresses, and shoulders must also be covered. Definitely worth a visit! 

2. Beach Hopping!

There are a few beaches in Salalah that you must see! If you have plenty of time, you can even spend a day at the beach for refreshments after exploring some popular attractions. Here are the beaches you should visit.

  • Al Mughsail Beach – You simply have to see this dreamlike beach, an infinitely long white beach about 6 km, with water like in the Caribbean. A very good reason to come back to Salalah.
  • Al Fizayah Beach – Another Caribbean feeling in the Orient. Magnificent nature and clean water that changes into blue and turquoise! To get there, you will have to drive down a cliff and find yourself in a pristine and deserted paradise. Highly recommended!
  • Marneef Cave – One of the most visited tourist places in the vicinity of Salalah. The entrance to this attraction is already impressive. The cliffs and grotto are at the western end of Al Mughsail Beach.

3. Sumhuram Old City

Sumhuram Old City is manageable but definitely worth seeing. One can imagine the strategic importance in ancient times with a bit of imagination. All in all a spectacular excavation with a great view of the former port. The adjoining museum should also be visited. 

4. Museum of the Frankincense Land

Between the old and new Salalah lies the Frankincense Museum and the archaeological sites. The museum is small but informative and interesting. The excavations are very extensive and not on hot days or preferably in the morning. Here you not only learn something about the incense but also a lot about the history of Oman which is brought closer through changing exhibitions.

5. See Other Popular Spots in Salalah

One day is really not enough in Salalah as there are plenty of beautiful places to explore. Here are the other

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Four charged in connection to San Antonio migrant trailer tragedy

Kenny Gretsch 5 days ago

2 extra die in San Antonio migrant trailer tragedy, raising toll to 53

The selection of lifeless rose to 53 on Wednesday soon after two extra migrants died, in accordance to the Bexar County Professional medical Examiner’s Business.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – 4 individuals have been billed in connection with the fatalities of 53 migrants getting smuggled within a tractor trailer in southwest San Antonio.

45-12 months-aged Homero Zamorano Jr, 28-year-old Christian Martinez, 23-12 months-previous Juan Claudio D’Luna-Mendez, and 48-yr-previous Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao all deal with felony fees for their alleged involvement in the smuggling operation in violation of Title 8 of United States Code, Portion 1324.

The expenses are as follows:

  • Zamorano faces a person rely of alien smuggling ensuing in dying and if convicted, up to everyday living in prison or maybe the demise penalty
  • Martinez faces a single rely of conspiracy to transportation illegal aliens ensuing in demise and if convicted up to lifetime in prison or probably the demise penalty
  • D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna Bilbao each and every encounter a person count of possession of a weapon by an alien illegally in the U.S. in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Part 922(g)(5) and if convicted, equally deal with up to 10 decades in prison

According to court paperwork, Homeland Safety responded to the scene involving a tractor trailer and 64 persons suspected of entering the US illegally on Monday, June 27. San Antonio police officers explained to Homeland Safety that they arrived at the scene just after acquiring 911 calls about the trailer.

Officers located several folks, some however within the trailer and some on the floor and in close by brush, lots of of them useless and some incapacitated, courtroom paperwork say.

Associated Coverage:

Officers were being then led to a particular person hiding in the brush immediately after trying to leave who was afterwards discovered as Zamorano and detained. Surveillance footage of the trailer crossing by an immigration checkpoint confirmed a driver matching Zamorano’s description and clothes, states the US Attorney’s office environment.

48 men and women at the scene were pronounced dead 22 were Mexican nationals, seven from Guatemala, two from Honduras and 17 of mysterious origin but suspected to be undocumented. Five much more people died at the hospital. Officers are at the moment working with international consulates to notify subsequent of kin, suggests the US Attorney’s Business office.

Martinez was arrested in Palestine, Texas immediately after a research warrant executed on a mobile cellphone belonging to Zamorano revealed communications amongst the two about the smuggling, court docket documents say.

D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna-Bilbao, equally Mexican nationals, have been arrested immediately after the registration for the trailer led officers to a San Antonio house and two adult men, identified as D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna-Bilbao, were being found leaving the house in separate trucks, courtroom documents say.

Immediately after officers performed site visitors stops on equally trucks, D’Luna-Bilbao was located in possession of a handgun in the center console of the truck. A

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10 Things To Do in Melbourne (That Aren’t the Botanic Gardens) • The Blonde Abroad

Kenny Gretsch 6 days ago

10 Things to do in melbourne

Once the capital of Australia, Melbourne is one of the liveliest cities in the place down under. There are so many things to do in Melbourne that everyone is sure to find something they enjoy.

From walking around and admiring the street art to relaxing at a cafe and sipping some of the world’s best coffee, and from hiking some of the most scenic trails to driving the seaside cliffs of the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne is one of the best vacation destinations for the solo traveler or the group.

There are so many more things to do in Melbourne than the Botanic Gardens.

If this is your first time in Australia, also check out tips for traveling Australia, my Australia travel guide, and 10 places to visit in Australia (that aren’t Sydney).

Here are ten things to do in Melbourne (that aren’t the Botanic Gardens!)

Queen Victoria Night Market

Sample All the Delights at Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market stretches over two city blocks in Melbourne, Australia. The massive market has everything from gourmet foods, produce, and even specialty shops clothing, gifts and stationery, sporting goods, and souvenirs.

Queen Victoria Market is one of the best places in Melbourne to grab some lunch and shop for yourself or others.

If you’re planning a trip for the summer or winter, definitely head here for their Night Market on Wednesday nights! A fun mix of global street foods, live music, delicious cocktails, and artisanal shopping awaits.

See the State Library of Victoria

I know a library doesn’t sound that interesting, but the State Library of Victoria is not just any library.

The State Library of Victoria was established over 150 years ago in 1854, which makes it the oldest library in Melbourne, Australia.

The library is a functioning library, museum, and art gallery. Visitors can explore the historical reading rooms, admire the artwork in the Cowen Gallery or Keith Murdoch Gallery, and learn about the world’s largest Chess Collection.

In addition, visitors can take classes or attend talks at the State Library of Victoria.

If you want some more budget-friendly to do in Melbourne that will keep your wallet happy, check out these free things to do in Melbourne.

Take a Street Art Tour

Melbourne has some of the best street art. Get your camera ready and head out to explore some of the most Insta-worthy spots.

Some great street art in Melbourne can be found at Caledonian Lane, Blender Lane, Upper West Side Street, Duckboard Place, Meyers Place, Presgrave Place, and so much more.

Book a Recommended Tour Here!

flat white melbourne

Sample All the Coffee

Melburnians love their coffee, so it is no surprise that it is easy to find many places with the best coffee in Melbourne.

For something more simple, try the coffee at Patricia or Bonnie. If you fancy a more artistic cup of coffee, then Axil Coffee Roasters or Dukes Coffee Roasters is the best place in Melbourne for coffee. Sensory Lab and Market Lane Coffee at

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