iBankCoin
My name is Rob and I'm a gregarious gentleman who travels and blogs. http://stophavingaboringlife.com/
Joined Jan 9, 2014
222 Blog Posts

TBEX Athens Opening Party

Good day,

There is a thing called TBEX which is a conference for travel bloggers; I know it sounds insanely geekly and that’s because it sorta is. That said, lots of us have some geek in us, more than others. These conferences are a great chance to network above all else really and since it’s hosted by a destination you get some serious bang for your buck when it comes to ticket price.

Anyways this was the opening night party in Athens, Greece this year. You know what, this was one of the weaker opening night parties I’ve been to but still cool.

In other news, I’m in London right now and here for a day or so before heading north to Wales. I’m going to be in Great Britain until the end of the month but right now I’m off to get a pint of beer and talk slang with some new mates.  I flew here from Tirana, Albania via Istanbul today which wasn’t a short trek but not a long killer either.

Have a great weekend wherever you are.

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Athens Travel Massive

Greetings,

Soon I’m going to do more writing and less videos but I’m into videos these days. This is probably my favorite video so far and my ideal type of day. You fly from one country to another, go downtown and meet some friends in an apartment before grabbing something to eat. Then go to a party which goes deep into the next morning.

I love stuff like this, sure it’s tiring but life can tire you out in other ways too. This is my second last night here in Tirana, Albania as I’m flying to London on Friday and I’ll miss it here. Without a doubt, Albania is one of the most affordable countries in Europe and arguably the most underrated too.

 

 

 

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Road Trip to Amman, Jordan

 

This is the final video on my recent trip to Jordan it’s called “Road trip to Amman” and covers well, a road trip to Amman from the Dead Sea and a little bit of this and that. We stopped at some religious tourism sights which aren’t my style whatsoever but besides that it was a cool day. I’m going to upload another one soon about the flight to Athens and a night out in city.

I’m experimenting with different styles and think this will be left by the wayside soon. Hey, you’ll never know unless you go but it’s also not a great fit for me because I love interacting with locals and if you have a camera all the time it really limits your experience to say the least.

I’m a big fan of Jordan and would gladly return for a third tour.

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Nightlife in Tirana, Albania

mumja_tirana-720x405

Gentlemen,

I arrived in Tirana which is the capital of Albania on a Saturday night with a friend at about 4pm. When we realized it was Saturday it quickly became apparent what the plan of action was going to be. The next decision was what to drink and where to go. We went to a place in the center which is called “The Blloku” which means block and yes, it’s a block of bars.

We arrived at around 10:30PM and a few places said they were full. We weren’t particularly dressed for any occasion but we still thought it strange. Finally at this one spot we told the bouncer we’d wait and after two people left, we went in and sure enough the place was packed. The music was an eclectic mix of old school rap and the like with $4 pints, $2 bottles, great looking food and lots going on. We stayed there a while and it was good times, even made a few friends in transit.

We left to another place and ended up at some Irish Pub. Not so adventurous I know but an Irish Pub is an Irish Pub and it attracts a certain type of people; especially at 1:30PM in a town which appears to start quite early. We start chatting with and joining these ladies who were going to going to a club called Mumja which turned out to be rather unreal. Everything you want in a club was there including dancers on the DJ’s stage; booths have been left behind.

English is widely spoken and everyone was really friendly that we met. Also, there wasn’t any signs of hostility whatsoever from what I witnessed. On two occasions I even saw horrific drink spills that could cause stressful situations which were shrugged off with a smile. Tirana nightlife is not what I expected at all.

Tirana is great so far and if you’re here do visit The Blloku for a night out. That photo is from Mumja which isn’t actually on the block, rather it’s a short walk away and recommended unless your night just takes you somewhere on its own which is always the ideal outcome.

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Dead Sea & Spa

Greetings,

The above video is from the Dead Sea, you know that whole floating around thing. I refrained from covering myself with mud as I’ve done it before and it’s cool just wasn’t feeling it. Afterwards we made our way to the Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa where I got arguably the best deep tissue massage of my life.

If you enjoy wasting money on things that bring quick pleasure like say smoking or drinking, you might as well throw some cash into massages as well and money well spent in my humble opinion.

If you’re coming to Jordan, ending your trip at the Dead Sea is a good way to go… Chances are you’ll be busy seeing lots of the major sights so it’s nice to unwind at the end and just relax if time permits. We were only there for a day but I think 2-3 would be ideal especially if you were there with your wife or whatnot.

I’m in Tirana and last night I had a solid Saturday night out… Tirana is great times and oh so different than Saranda which is basically sedated now as it’s not summer. This place has a real vibe, is wildly affordable and friendly locals from what I’ve seen; what’s not to like?

 

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Skydiving in Jordan

Above is a video from a day where I went skydiving in Jordan at the Dead Sea. This was sort of novel as it’s the lowest point in the world. This was my first time skydiving and realistically it probably won’t be my last. To say it’s zen like as you’re falling to your death would be an understatement. It’s as though your body doesn’t quite compute that you have a parachute so once you’re done taking a deep breath; everything just fades away and I mean everything.

If you ever wanted to know what it’s like being a dog with his head out of the window going 100MPH on the highway, this could be it. That or a kid cruising down the street on a bike for the first time as the wind pushes your hair back; nothing else goes through your mind and it’s quite nice. Heck, if I went skydiving again it would most likely be to chase that sensation because it’s bliss. The old expression “It’ a dog’s life” comes to mind.

Afterwards I went to the Kempinski Ishtar at the Dead Sea, it’s a nice place but was quite lazy during the editing of this video so didn’t include it; apologies. If you have a little extra money and you’re going to the Dead Sea, really recommend that hotel it’s first class all the way.

This is my last day in Saranda, Albania. Tomorrow I”m off to Tirana which is the capital where I’ll probably hang out for a week or so before flying to London for some business I have scheduled. I will note that I just rolled the dice and walked into an old barber shop here and had an old man cut my hair for $3US; a good job if I don’t say so myself.

Tips hat,

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Diving in the Red Sea and Albanian Road Trip

The video above is from some time spent scuba diving in the Red Sea off Aqaba, Jordan. Last time I was in Aqaba, I went snorkeling and let me tell you, diving is always better. I just wish I hadn’t compound fractured my skull a few years ago because the pressure really kills me, one dive and I’m done for a while. That said, was never really a big diver so hey, I’ll take what I can get.

Diving aside, if you’re in Jordan do visit Aqaba. It’s a massive duty free stop so load up on some wine to avoid the 20E glasses you’ll get in most nice hotels. There is good food in Aqaba but that’s nothing special as the whole country is loaded with delicious calorie filled dishes. I will say that you should get out on a boat though, it’s a cool experience and a nice change from the otherwise desert theme which is prevalent throughout the rest of the country.

I went on a road trip yesterday here in southern Albania and it was good times. We drove down some rough roads, got stopped by goat jams and met a few nice locals. Also visited the UNESCO Site called Butrint which must have been majestic back in its day. Also checked out the Blue Eye which is this 50m+ spring they have in the countryside. We cruised in red Suzuki Sidekick top down windows up style and it was freezing.

Life is odd, the one day you rent a little ride to explore, it is overcast and cold. Today, the sun is shining once more in all its glory. Seriously, the ride was cool but freezing and there are bunkers all over the map. The day before, I was swimming because it was so hot; go figure right?

I’m here until the 8th of November which is a special date for many of you. For those of you still on the fence about the iBC Conference; I can only ask why? You love this site and making money. Life isn’t about dipping your toe in the pond but jumping in feet first (to avoid inane neck injuries) but going all the way. If I was in North America I’d probably swing by for it and I don’t even trade anymore.

This video should help convince you; go all the way or don’t even try…

 

 

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Exploring Wadi Rum

Good day,

The video above is from a day exploring Wadi Rum in Jordan. I’m sure you’ve heard of Wadi Rum and if you haven’t, I’m not sure what to tell you or what to think except you should definitely watch that video. Wadi Rum is kinda special to me because my grandmother’s maiden name is Lawrence and the roots track back to the same little town where T.E aka Lawrence of a Arabia is from. Nothing is confirmed but it’s been a long standing joke in the family well before I even started traveling.

If the video didn’t load; try this -> “Wadi Rum Tour“.

This was my second time in Wadi Rum and it was just as cool. It’s like a sea of desert and I wanted to sky dive over it for my first time but if you keep watching, that gets fixed at the Dead Sea in a few more updates. The national dish called Mansaf is delicious and so was the Zarb which you’ll see being unearthed near the end. We spent the night hanging out by a fire staring at the sky as it’s ever so clear. A real good disconnect one could say.

Life is as per usual here in Saranda, Albania. Met a fisherman today after I nearly lost my GoPro case and he told me that this place is packed in the summer and mainly with Eastern Europeans; I like the sound of that a lot… Myself and my friend have inquired into the cost of a car for the day. We can get this two door jeep for ~35E a day insurance included so tomorrow or the next day, we’re going to rent it and check off all the things to see and do around here; why not?

I don’t want to settle down as the keyword my eyes see is settle and I’d rather die than settle. That said, I’m loving this bit of “normal life” as it’s like a vacation of sorts and I’m catching up on sleep most importantly and work. That said, I do find it insanely boring when I’m not in a deep work session. I should probably show you a photo from the balcony of my $35 a night apartment so hopefully we’ll do that tomorrow.

Back to the editing room, catching up slowly and it gets easier the more I do.

 

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Hiking to the Monastery in Petra & Saranda, Albania

Above is a video I made called “Hiking to the Monastery in Petra“. So many people roll into Petra filled with popcorn and pretzels who are too lazy to make the hike. There are donkeys you can ride but save a donkey and just walk it yourself. I think if you go to Petra and don’t make it to the Monastery, you’re missing half the fun. The treasury is for sure the main event but the monastery is just as impressive.

What else is impressive is some of the views you can get from up there. You can also go inside the monastery but it’s just this big square room; similar to the treasury actually. Once you pass the treasury there are all these ruins and obviously some cool stuff to see but trust me, book it to the monastery if you’re only there for a day or so.

If you want a cool beer, glass of wine or both like a true glutton when you’re done; the Crown Plaza inside Petra serves it. If you’ve got some extra cash, stay at the Movenpick when you’re there because it’s literally just across the street. Petra is one of those spots that is a UNESCO site for good reason and when leaving the area, you’ll never find it hence it took so long for this lost city to be rediscovered…

I’m writing this from Saranda, Albania; yes Albania! I took a ferry from Corfu yesterday and now here I am. The place is beautiful by day and shady as by night. That said, it’s November 1st and I might just go for a swim, couple that with incredible value and somewhat / not really / ok kinda friendly people and it’s not so bad. I’ve rented an apartment on the ocean with a slick view. I’m tired so catching up on everything for a few days won’t kill me.

Oh yeah, seems like every missing Mercedes in Europe ends up here. Everyone has one, I’ve even thought of buying one and just driving around blaring music while donning a track suit but it’s more a fantasy than anything really. I bought a beer last night for $0.66 and it was delicious.

I’ve now visited every country in the Balkans and this peninsula is one of my favorite parts in this world. I’ve also gotten some good news about the Azores which are going to become my WHQ until I fall in love with somewhere else. Little Corn Island is great but it’s a node, not a hub if that makes sense. I need to get down there this winter but I really want to see the South Pacific.

I warn you now though, travel will ruin you. I can’t imagine settling anywhere because every week or month I find somewhere else that I really love. Sometimes I think the luckiest people in the world are those that marry their high school sweetheart and never travel. All they know is what they’ve known their whole life and for the most part, they seem pretty happy.

I digress and time to get a sim card.

 

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Hiking in Wadi Dana & Corfu

This video is from my second day in Jordan where we drive from Amman to the Dana Biosphere Reserve and go on a ~15km hike through this valley and get caught in the dark. It was cool because I got to reconnect with a local gent named Mohammed who I had met 3 years previously. Granted he’s from the area so logically would still be around but it was good to see an old friend.

Not working? Try this – Hiking in Wadi Dana.

I’m currently on Corfu and let me tell you, it’s BEAUTIFUL. Also, people are swimming but it’s too cold for me I think. Check this, I’m in a nice hotel with sea view and killer sunrises for 25E a night breakfast included. Traveling in shoulder season is pretty smart and tomorrow I’m catching a ferry to Albania.

Checked out the Corfu Citadel today; lovely spot. Made me realize how big cities get all this hype while filled with hustle and bustle. People comparing themselves to others and keeping up with Jim “Jackoff” Jones. All the while, there are spots like this with endless calm crystal clear sea and people with pleasant dispositions sailing boats without a care in the world.

If you’re young, think about your cards and remember anything can happen on the river.

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