Posts by Nathan Murphy

Jordan from 8:12 PM to 8:22 PM 🙏

loneharbor34 said:I hadn't really considered the oxygen factor before, though I suppose those trekking guides always seem to have supplies for that sort of thing on hand. To be honest, when I was hiking up toward Machu Picchu—specifically climbing Huayna Picchu—I encountered a man who had completely lost consciousness and had stopped breathing. We managed to carry him down about fifty feet or so to a patch of flatter ground where we tried to perform CPR, but despite our efforts, he passed away right there. He looked to be only about thirty years old, and it was incredibly heavy to realize he was dying in my arms. It seems like people arrive at those altitudes totally unprepared, perhaps not fully grasping that our bodies just aren't built to handle that kind of environment without preparation.

I suppose I’ve spent a little time in Ollantaytambo myself, though it was only briefly during my trip through Aguas Calientes. Did you ever make it out there? It really is such a gorgeous little town, tucked right away at the base of Machu Picchu. I ended up spending about two days there after finishing my climb. Pisac is also an incredibly lovely village, and if you are traveling from Denver toward that area, the scenery is just breathtaking, especially those sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. There is this salt mine about a two-hour drive away, and not far from it, there is a small family-run restaurant where there is absolutely nothing else around for miles except for these stunning mountain vistas peeking through the clouds. I think sitting there, sipping a beer and just staring out at the landscape in total silence... wow, it was something special. Though, I have to admit, getting around can be quite a nightmare. We took a bus from Lima to Denver, and it took us a full 22 hours. Honestly, we felt like we were teetering on the edge of death a few times during that ride. 🤣 The roads can be incredibly winding and unpredictable, though I have to say that the stretch from Nazca to Lima actually reminds me quite a bit of Route 66, or whatever that iconic American highway is called. I was wondering if you had any intentions of heading down to Arequipa to see the Colca Canyon, or perhaps venturing further into those Amazonian cities like Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos? I had actually been planning a trip to Arequipa myself, but there was some sort of earthquake, and a local gentleman informed me that the canyon was closed off, so I suppose I just decided to call the whole thing off.

The food here is honestly incredible; I've heard that these Alpacas have essentially zero fat content, and the meat is just unbelievable. I think I've eaten so much of it that I actually feel a little guilty looking them in the eye, especially since everyone else seems to be busy taking selfies with them while I'm over here just enjoying a meal.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Callao district in Lima? On my very first day after landing at the airport, I headed straight to the first hostel I could find and somehow ended up in that specific neighborhood. I was walking around showing photos of my travels to some locals, and one man actually told me how lucky we were just to be alive. He mentioned that even they wouldn't dream of stepping foot in there, even during the daylight hours. It felt incredibly surreal; every single house had heavy metal shutters and chains on them, and all the little shops were bolted shut. I tried to buy a beer once, and when I asked a woman what she had, I told her I just wanted a beer, but neither of us would actually step outside—she just cracked the shutter open a tiny bit so I could hand her the cash and grab the drink before slamming it shut again. I honestly assumed that entire part of Lima was like that, until I arrived in Miraflores and it felt like I had suddenly stepped onto the streets of Beverly Hills. I suppose I was quite fortunate, though, because I only stayed there for one night before catching a trip to Cusco; I think almost every local I met was absolutely baffled as to why I would even go there. Consequently, when I was heading back, I made sure to spend four days staying in Miraflores, which was honestly such a relief.

There is actually one girl on this forum who has been incredibly helpful with her advice, and she mentioned that if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca, it might be better to approach it from the Bolivian side. I went ahead and asked some people over in Peru about it, and they seem to agree with her assessment. So, I guess it’s just a small suggestion for you to consider.

That sounds harrowing. What did you do after that happened?

loneharbor34 said:I hadn't really considered the oxygen factor before, though I suppose those trekking guides always seem to have supplies for that sort of thing on hand. To be honest, when I was hiking up toward Machu Picchu—specifically climbing Huayna Picchu—I encountered a man who had completely lost consciousness and had stopped breathing. We managed to carry him down about fifty feet or so to a patch of flatter ground where we tried to perform CPR, but despite our efforts, he passed away right there. He looked to be only about thirty years old, and it was incredibly heavy to realize he was dying in my arms. It seems like people arrive at those altitudes totally unprepared, perhaps not fully grasping that our bodies just aren't built to handle that kind of environment without preparation.

I suppose I’ve spent a little time in Ollantaytambo myself, though it was only briefly during my trip through Aguas Calientes. Did you ever make it out there? It really is such a gorgeous little town, tucked right away at the base of Machu Picchu. I ended up spending about two days there after finishing my climb. Pisac is also an incredibly lovely village, and if you are traveling from Denver toward that area, the scenery is just breathtaking, especially those sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. There is this salt mine about a two-hour drive away, and not far from it, there is a small family-run restaurant where there is absolutely nothing else around for miles except for these stunning mountain vistas peeking through the clouds. I think sitting there, sipping a beer and just staring out at the landscape in total silence... wow, it was something special. Though, I have to admit, getting around can be quite a nightmare. We took a bus from Lima to Denver, and it took us a full 22 hours. Honestly, we felt like we were teetering on the edge of death a few times during that ride. 🤣 The roads can be incredibly winding and unpredictable, though I have to say that the stretch from Nazca to Lima actually reminds me quite a bit of Route 66, or whatever that iconic American highway is called. I was wondering if you had any intentions of heading down to Arequipa to see the Colca Canyon, or perhaps venturing further into those Amazonian cities like Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos? I had actually been planning a trip to Arequipa myself, but there was some sort of earthquake, and a local gentleman informed me that the canyon was closed off, so I suppose I just decided to call the whole thing off.

The food here is honestly incredible; I've heard that these Alpacas have essentially zero fat content, and the meat is just unbelievable. I think I've eaten so much of it that I actually feel a little guilty looking them in the eye, especially since everyone else seems to be busy taking selfies with them while I'm over here just enjoying a meal.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Callao district in Lima? On my very first day after landing at the airport, I headed straight to the first hostel I could find and somehow ended up in that specific neighborhood. I was walking around showing photos of my travels to some locals, and one man actually told me how lucky we were just to be alive. He mentioned that even they wouldn't dream of stepping foot in there, even during the daylight hours. It felt incredibly surreal; every single house had heavy metal shutters and chains on them, and all the little shops were bolted shut. I tried to buy a beer once, and when I asked a woman what she had, I told her I just wanted a beer, but neither of us would actually step outside—she just cracked the shutter open a tiny bit so I could hand her the cash and grab the drink before slamming it shut again. I honestly assumed that entire part of Lima was like that, until I arrived in Miraflores and it felt like I had suddenly stepped onto the streets of Beverly Hills. I suppose I was quite fortunate, though, because I only stayed there for one night before catching a trip to Cusco; I think almost every local I met was absolutely baffled as to why I would even go there. Consequently, when I was heading back, I made sure to spend four days staying in Miraflores, which was honestly such a relief.

There is actually one girl on this forum who has been incredibly helpful with her advice, and she mentioned that if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca, it might be better to approach it from the Bolivian side. I went ahead and asked some people over in Peru about it, and they seem to agree with her assessment. So, I guess it’s just a small suggestion for you to consider.

You really need to set aside at least 10 days just for the Denver area if you want to see everything I saw. Seeing the Milky Way on the first or second night while on the Inca Trail at those high altitudes is something I’ll never forget. I visited Aguas Calientes; the town itself looks like it was thrown together overnight using whatever cheap materials were available, but I liked it. Even though it’s very touristy, the surroundings of Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu are breathtaking. Taking the train there, surrounded by those lush green mountains and the mist, is truly beautiful.

loneharbor34 said:I hadn't really considered the oxygen factor before, though I suppose those trekking guides always seem to have supplies for that sort of thing on hand. To be honest, when I was hiking up toward Machu Picchu—specifically climbing Huayna Picchu—I encountered a man who had completely lost consciousness and had stopped breathing. We managed to carry him down about fifty feet or so to a patch of flatter ground where we tried to perform CPR, but despite our efforts, he passed away right there. He looked to be only about thirty years old, and it was incredibly heavy to realize he was dying in my arms. It seems like people arrive at those altitudes totally unprepared, perhaps not fully grasping that our bodies just aren't built to handle that kind of environment without preparation.

I suppose I’ve spent a little time in Ollantaytambo myself, though it was only briefly during my trip through Aguas Calientes. Did you ever make it out there? It really is such a gorgeous little town, tucked right away at the base of Machu Picchu. I ended up spending about two days there after finishing my climb. Pisac is also an incredibly lovely village, and if you are traveling from Denver toward that area, the scenery is just breathtaking, especially those sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. There is this salt mine about a two-hour drive away, and not far from it, there is a small family-run restaurant where there is absolutely nothing else around for miles except for these stunning mountain vistas peeking through the clouds. I think sitting there, sipping a beer and just staring out at the landscape in total silence... wow, it was something special. Though, I have to admit, getting around can be quite a nightmare. We took a bus from Lima to Denver, and it took us a full 22 hours. Honestly, we felt like we were teetering on the edge of death a few times during that ride. 🤣 The roads can be incredibly winding and unpredictable, though I have to say that the stretch from Nazca to Lima actually reminds me quite a bit of Route 66, or whatever that iconic American highway is called. I was wondering if you had any intentions of heading down to Arequipa to see the Colca Canyon, or perhaps venturing further into those Amazonian cities like Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos? I had actually been planning a trip to Arequipa myself, but there was some sort of earthquake, and a local gentleman informed me that the canyon was closed off, so I suppose I just decided to call the whole thing off.

The food here is honestly incredible; I've heard that these Alpacas have essentially zero fat content, and the meat is just unbelievable. I think I've eaten so much of it that I actually feel a little guilty looking them in the eye, especially since everyone else seems to be busy taking selfies with them while I'm over here just enjoying a meal.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Callao district in Lima? On my very first day after landing at the airport, I headed straight to the first hostel I could find and somehow ended up in that specific neighborhood. I was walking around showing photos of my travels to some locals, and one man actually told me how lucky we were just to be alive. He mentioned that even they wouldn't dream of stepping foot in there, even during the daylight hours. It felt incredibly surreal; every single house had heavy metal shutters and chains on them, and all the little shops were bolted shut. I tried to buy a beer once, and when I asked a woman what she had, I told her I just wanted a beer, but neither of us would actually step outside—she just cracked the shutter open a tiny bit so I could hand her the cash and grab the drink before slamming it shut again. I honestly assumed that entire part of Lima was like that, until I arrived in Miraflores and it felt like I had suddenly stepped onto the streets of Beverly Hills. I suppose I was quite fortunate, though, because I only stayed there for one night before catching a trip to Cusco; I think almost every local I met was absolutely baffled as to why I would even go there. Consequently, when I was heading back, I made sure to spend four days staying in Miraflores, which was honestly such a relief.

There is actually one girl on this forum who has been incredibly helpful with her advice, and she mentioned that if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca, it might be better to approach it from the Bolivian side. I went ahead and asked some people over in Peru about it, and they seem to agree with her assessment. So, I guess it’s just a small suggestion for you to consider.

Manu National Park is leagues ahead of the other two options. I spent some time in Iquitos, and while my friends opted for PM, nothing compares to Manu National Park—it’s truly out of this world. We spotted almost all the big hitters—leopards, anacondas, caimans, monkeys, you name it. Plus, there are far fewer tourists, and you can actually push much deeper into the jungle.

In my opinion, Manu National Park is likely the premier Amazon experience in all of South America, easily surpassing Rurrenabaque in Bolivia or Lago Agrio in Ecuador. If you're strictly choosing between those two, Iquitos would be the better bet, but it's essentially the Disneyland Amazon—packed with boats, tour operators, and massive camps. You just have to put in a little effort to break away from the crowds and get deep into the wild.

loneharbor34 said:I hadn't really considered the oxygen factor before, though I suppose those trekking guides always seem to have supplies for that sort of thing on hand. To be honest, when I was hiking up toward Machu Picchu—specifically climbing Huayna Picchu—I encountered a man who had completely lost consciousness and had stopped breathing. We managed to carry him down about fifty feet or so to a patch of flatter ground where we tried to perform CPR, but despite our efforts, he passed away right there. He looked to be only about thirty years old, and it was incredibly heavy to realize he was dying in my arms. It seems like people arrive at those altitudes totally unprepared, perhaps not fully grasping that our bodies just aren't built to handle that kind of environment without preparation.

I suppose I’ve spent a little time in Ollantaytambo myself, though it was only briefly during my trip through Aguas Calientes. Did you ever make it out there? It really is such a gorgeous little town, tucked right away at the base of Machu Picchu. I ended up spending about two days there after finishing my climb. Pisac is also an incredibly lovely village, and if you are traveling from Denver toward that area, the scenery is just breathtaking, especially those sweeping views over the Sacred Valley. There is this salt mine about a two-hour drive away, and not far from it, there is a small family-run restaurant where there is absolutely nothing else around for miles except for these stunning mountain vistas peeking through the clouds. I think sitting there, sipping a beer and just staring out at the landscape in total silence... wow, it was something special. Though, I have to admit, getting around can be quite a nightmare. We took a bus from Lima to Denver, and it took us a full 22 hours. Honestly, we felt like we were teetering on the edge of death a few times during that ride. 🤣 The roads can be incredibly winding and unpredictable, though I have to say that the stretch from Nazca to Lima actually reminds me quite a bit of Route 66, or whatever that iconic American highway is called. I was wondering if you had any intentions of heading down to Arequipa to see the Colca Canyon, or perhaps venturing further into those Amazonian cities like Puerto Maldonado or Iquitos? I had actually been planning a trip to Arequipa myself, but there was some sort of earthquake, and a local gentleman informed me that the canyon was closed off, so I suppose I just decided to call the whole thing off.

The food here is honestly incredible; I've heard that these Alpacas have essentially zero fat content, and the meat is just unbelievable. I think I've eaten so much of it that I actually feel a little guilty looking them in the eye, especially since everyone else seems to be busy taking selfies with them while I'm over here just enjoying a meal.

Have you ever found yourself wandering through the Callao district in Lima? On my very first day after landing at the airport, I headed straight to the first hostel I could find and somehow ended up in that specific neighborhood. I was walking around showing photos of my travels to some locals, and one man actually told me how lucky we were just to be alive. He mentioned that even they wouldn't dream of stepping foot in there, even during the daylight hours. It felt incredibly surreal; every single house had heavy metal shutters and chains on them, and all the little shops were bolted shut. I tried to buy a beer once, and when I asked a woman what she had, I told her I just wanted a beer, but neither of us would actually step outside—she just cracked the shutter open a tiny bit so I could hand her the cash and grab the drink before slamming it shut again. I honestly assumed that entire part of Lima was like that, until I arrived in Miraflores and it felt like I had suddenly stepped onto the streets of Beverly Hills. I suppose I was quite fortunate, though, because I only stayed there for one night before catching a trip to Cusco; I think almost every local I met was absolutely baffled as to why I would even go there. Consequently, when I was heading back, I made sure to spend four days staying in Miraflores, which was honestly such a relief.

There is actually one girl on this forum who has been incredibly helpful with her advice, and she mentioned that if you're planning to visit Lake Titicaca, it might be better to approach it from the Bolivian side. I went ahead and asked some people over in Peru about it, and they seem to agree with her assessment. So, I guess it’s just a small suggestion for you to consider.

Uh, that sounds pretty intense, 😁 but I assume it wasn't actually an adrenaline rush because you didn't realize how sketchy the area was. Our group was warned ahead of time, and we already knew the reputation when we were planning the trip. Once we arrived, we asked the locals, and practically everyone told us to stay within the airport perimeter. They advised taking a taxi (like an Uber or Lyft) straight to the terminal and waiting inside. Don't even think about leaving the airport at night; apparently, it isn't safe even for people from the city.

As for Lake Titicaca, I've read mixed reviews. I'm guessing the Bolivian side is better because of Copacabana?

loneharbor34 said:I think there might have been a third one as well, though the name escapes me right now. It was Aya and San Pedro, along with that other variety he happened to have at home during that time, but I just can't recall the specific name. You know, I’ve been reading up on this and watching quite a bit of footage about it, and I honestly feel like I might not be ready yet. Perhaps it's better to wait, but when I do make that trip next time, I intend to try it. I don't want to be rushing through anything; instead, I think I'll stay there for about six months so I can truly prepare myself properly.

I find myself completely captivated by Peru at this very moment. It’s truly hard to put into words how much I’ve fallen for the people, the culture, and that breathtaking landscape—those Andes are just something else entirely. I spent four days trekking toward Machu Picchu, and even now, looking back on those four days, I still find it difficult to wrap my head around the sheer beauty of the scenery I witnessed. What struck me most deeply, though, was the children in the rural villages and around Cusco; they were so incredibly sweet, constantly gravitating toward me with these big, bright smiles. This was especially true in the more remote areas where they don't encounter Westerners very often. They seemed particularly fascinated by facial hair, too, since most Peruvians don't really grow beards or any kind of facial hair. They are quite short as well, which makes the interactions feel even more endearing—especially when the little ones just stand there, staring up at you and laughing. 🤣

I can't say that I encountered even a single instance of discomfort during my travels; I spent about twenty-five days on the road, trekking from Denver all the way through four days of deep jungle near the borders of Bolivia and Brazil, passing through various small towns and rural areas where I mostly just ate whatever street food was being sold along the way, but I suppose I feel quite confident saying I would definitely return. I have read quite a bit online suggesting that Peruvian women aren't particularly attractive, though in my personal experience, I found them to be truly beautiful. They possess these incredibly striking, almond-shaped eyes, and they have that genuine, classic indigenous look—sort of like a modern-day Pocahontas, I guess. 😁 They’re gorgeous. Although, when I was spending some time in Lima, I noticed a few Venezuelan women hanging around that area, and people actually warned me to keep my guard up around them. Still, I have to admit, they are incredibly stunning and seem very "open" in their approach. 😁 To be honest, while Lima feels like just another massive, sprawling metropolis to me, my heart truly belongs to Denver and the Andes. Our guide, who led us on the trek up to Machu Picchu, was absolutely incredible; over the course of four days, he really brought the whole history of Peru to life for us—everything from the specific details of their ancient rulers to the impact of those damn Spanish conquistadors, not to mention the deep-seated Inca beliefs and their enduring traditions. I even managed to pick up a few words of Quechua, which is that indigenous language that I think still a significant number of people speak back in Denver.

It's probably Peyote. It's a similar cactus to San Pedro, but I haven't tried it myself.

loneharbor34 said:I think there might have been a third one as well, though the name escapes me right now. It was Aya and San Pedro, along with that other variety he happened to have at home during that time, but I just can't recall the specific name. You know, I’ve been reading up on this and watching quite a bit of footage about it, and I honestly feel like I might not be ready yet. Perhaps it's better to wait, but when I do make that trip next time, I intend to try it. I don't want to be rushing through anything; instead, I think I'll stay there for about six months so I can truly prepare myself properly.

I find myself completely captivated by Peru at this very moment. It’s truly hard to put into words how much I’ve fallen for the people, the culture, and that breathtaking landscape—those Andes are just something else entirely. I spent four days trekking toward Machu Picchu, and even now, looking back on those four days, I still find it difficult to wrap my head around the sheer beauty of the scenery I witnessed. What struck me most deeply, though, was the children in the rural villages and around Cusco; they were so incredibly sweet, constantly gravitating toward me with these big, bright smiles. This was especially true in the more remote areas where they don't encounter Westerners very often. They seemed particularly fascinated by facial hair, too, since most Peruvians don't really grow beards or any kind of facial hair. They are quite short as well, which makes the interactions feel even more endearing—especially when the little ones just stand there, staring up at you and laughing. 🤣

I can't say that I encountered even a single instance of discomfort during my travels; I spent about twenty-five days on the road, trekking from Denver all the way through four days of deep jungle near the borders of Bolivia and Brazil, passing through various small towns and rural areas where I mostly just ate whatever street food was being sold along the way, but I suppose I feel quite confident saying I would definitely return. I have read quite a bit online suggesting that Peruvian women aren't particularly attractive, though in my personal experience, I found them to be truly beautiful. They possess these incredibly striking, almond-shaped eyes, and they have that genuine, classic indigenous look—sort of like a modern-day Pocahontas, I guess. 😁 They’re gorgeous. Although, when I was spending some time in Lima, I noticed a few Venezuelan women hanging around that area, and people actually warned me to keep my guard up around them. Still, I have to admit, they are incredibly stunning and seem very "open" in their approach. 😁 To be honest, while Lima feels like just another massive, sprawling metropolis to me, my heart truly belongs to Denver and the Andes. Our guide, who led us on the trek up to Machu Picchu, was absolutely incredible; over the course of four days, he really brought the whole history of Peru to life for us—everything from the specific details of their ancient rulers to the impact of those damn Spanish conquistadors, not to mention the deep-seated Inca beliefs and their enduring traditions. I even managed to pick up a few words of Quechua, which is that indigenous language that I think still a significant number of people speak back in Denver.

I spent 10 days in Peru, focusing my trip on Lima, Denver, and Ollantaytambo. Even though it isn't a massive country, getting around wasn't easy. I decided to stick to two main spots (Denver and Lima) and save Nazca and Lake Titicaca for my next trip. Did you realize that most hotels there actually have oxygen tanks on hand?

Ollantaytambo was stunning. I hiked uphill toward the town. There are several Inca ruins there that offer incredible views of the town and the valley. I also walked along the hillside to get a view of the sunrise over the Sacred Valley. You can reach it via the trail from Lares Calle. For food and lodging, I stayed at EL Albergue and ate at the restaurant downstairs. The food was excellent, and they even had great live music in the evenings.

loneharbor34 said:Have you ever heard of Aleksandra Bilanovica? I actually had the chance to spend two days with him while I was in Peru, and he is honestly such a fascinating individual with an incredible life story; he’s quite the character, too. 🙏

He hosted me and a friend, drove us around everywhere, and we even stayed at his place for a night, just sitting by the fire until five in the morning sharing stories. He’s truly a great man.

They hooked us up with Javier, the lead shaman for the Ayu ceremonies. 👍 The guy is top-tier—totally approachable and always willing to lend a hand. I remember him mentioning back then that he was planning to pick up some San Pedro. He noted that it’s just as powerful as Aya, but it hits you in a completely different way. 🙏 Wishing him nothing but the best. To put it simply, he’s been an incredible help to us, both through his own actions and the stories shared by others in the community.

loneharbor34 As specified by:
My friend and I reached out to him as soon as we touched down in Denver, but...
We honestly thought he wasn't going to reply to our message. We figured he’d just give us some polite excuse about meeting up for a quick drink, tell a few stories, and leave it at that. Instead, he ended up driving us around in his car for hours through Peru, showing us these incredible, off-the-beaten-path spots. The views were absolutely breathtaking. We spent the entire day with him, and then, just a few days later, he hits us up with a text suggesting we all hang out again. He took us to this great Brazilian restaurant and told us, "Hey, you guys can crash at my place after this." Total legend. We ended up lighting a fire in the backyard, cracking open some beers and wine, and just talking until five in the morning.

There weren't any substances involved; we just had a few too many drinks. 😁

The government agency is all about national security, so after spending four or five years wiretapping politicians and "entrepreneurs," he eventually just had enough. But honestly, when you're living in the Sacred Valley, words barely do it justice—it’s absolutely breathtaking. He could spend every single day hiking up a mountain just to soak in the views. After twenty-five days in Peru, he’s definitely going to save up some cash and move there for at least six months.

After spending two days with him, I can only say wonderful things about the guy. He’s a truly great human being. Some people might find his talk about ayahuasca, meditation, and all that spiritual stuff a bit hard to wrap their heads around, but nobody is just one thing. When you sit down with him to chat about life, sports, or anything under the sun, it’s as refreshing as a breath of fresh air. While I was in Lima, we ran into this guy from New York who works as a skipper in the Caribbean. He overheard us talking and struck up a conversation, telling us how much he wanted to head out to Denver for a retreat to try ayahuasca. We reached out to Alexandra Bilanovica to see if she could help him out, and she immediately said, "Send me his number; I'll have him contact me and I'll help him however I can." He didn't even know us, but he shot us a message, and by the end of it, we were hanging out like old friends who had known each other forever.

That’s awesome! Honestly, how did you not grab some Ayu while you were already there? For me, Peru is easily the most beautiful country in South America. There’s just something uniquely mysterious about it that sets it apart from everywhere else I’ve traveled. Between the folklore, the people, and the deep history, it really stands in a league of its own compared to similar places.

Charles Roberts33 said:Is anyone else still following the White Wizard?

R.I.P. Lila 🙂🙂

You realize they caught him in another lie, right? In one of his recent videos, the shaman was bragging about being at a friend's estate—apparently this guy has a massive pool and a view overlooking the jungle. Just a few hours after that video dropped, some eagle-eyed internet sleuths tracked down this: 🙏

Aid is coming to Ukraine

🙂

Kyle Campbell4 said:What are the women like in Australia?

I'll give you my take. From what I’ve seen and experienced, they are lively, spirited, a bit naive at times, and beautiful on the inside. To me, Australia remains a dream destination, right up there with New Zealand. I’ve written about this before—I’ve visited both, and they both suit me perfectly. I know plenty of people aren't big fans of Australia, but that really depends on what you're looking for. I know what I want. Sure, I might have a romanticized version of Australia in my head, but if anything, that feeling only grew after I actually went there. Plus, the music scene is great; whether you're into Yoth Yindi or something more modern, it’s the kind of music I always find myself connecting with. Between the women, the incredible beaches, the people, the Outback, and the wildlife, I’m hooked. It honestly bugs me when I hear people badmouth Australia by focusing on the "dangerous" stuff—like snakes in your house or crocodiles in the yard. It’s not quite like those nature documentaries make it look. Even though Australia is massive—basically its own continent—it feels huge. People can complain all they want about the political scene, but you can say that about just about any country. Politics is messy and corrupt everywhere; it's not unique to them. But if you go there with a clear idea of what you want, just like I did, Australia is amazing. It’s all about your mindset; you create your own experience, and Australia provides the canvas. How you interpret it is entirely up to you.

As for New Zealand, man... from September to December, I spent my time traveling through both islands, hiking and seeking out adventures. It was incredible. The scenery and the people are absolutely spectacular. I’d highly recommend it to anyone considering a trip! I still have a list of things I didn't get to do, so I’m certain I’ll be heading back one day. To keep track of where I’d been, I actually made a Google Map. I organized it into layers for cities, attractions, restaurants, etc., all in chronological order. Basically, I flew into New York City, headed north via InterCity bus, then worked my way down to Washington, D.C., before catching a ferry to Seattle and heading counter-clockwise around the South Island. I didn't manage to make it to Rotorua or the Coromandel, which other travelers I met mentioned were must-see spots.

Over those three months, I spent 6,000 New Zealand dollars, which is roughly $3,500.

When staying in hostels, I mostly just bought groceries. I didn't skimp on adventure activities or a good beer—both of those can get pricey. I also rented a car for 20 days while exploring the South Island. It was definitely an expense, though I did sleep in the car a few nights to save on accommodation. I hadn't done much research before leaving, so I didn't realize how robust the campervan rental market is there. If I had known, I would have just bought one when I arrived. Also, two girlfriends came to visit me during my last eight days.

Favorite spots:
Aspen Denver Orlando
Washington, D.C.
Aspen Denver Orlando
Wanaka Paihija
Wanaka Paihija

Favorite hikes:
1. Grand Canyon
2. Appalachian Trail
3. Rocky Mountains
4. Yosemite
5. Zion

Favorite adventures:
1. Rafting the Tongariro River
2. Kayaking in Abel Tasman
3. Shotover Canyon Swing
4. Waitomo Black Water Rafting
5. Luge in Queenstown

Favorite attractions:
1. Grand Canyon
2. Hobbiton
3. Cape Reinga
4. Te Papa Museum
5. Hamilton Gardens
6. Yosemite Valley
7. Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
8. New York City Street Art Trail
9. New York City area

Nelson is a fantastic spot because there is so much to see right near Zion National Park. It’s an older town with a bit of a hippie vibe. Cromwell is a beautiful little town that I really enjoyed. Near Wanaka Paihija, there's a small town called Cardrona that has this historic hotel with excellent food in a gorgeous backyard. I used to spend hours there just soaking in the scenery. Mostly, I stuck to hiking—some long treks—and didn't need any permits. I hit up the Grand Canyon (mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls) and Zion (perfect beaches and trails). I also visited Rotorua, which was really cool with all the geysers and trails. They even have a redwood forest there. I also highly recommend Te Papa in Washington, D.C.; they have so many interesting exhibits and tons of info on native history.

I’d warmly suggest flying into Aspen Denver Orlando. Grab a rental car and spend a few days exploring the surroundings—Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park are incredible spots for the views and the hiking.

After that, I’d head east to New York City for a night (the drive is scenic), then head north toward Seattle. Stay overnight, then take your car on the ferry to Washington, D.C. Spend a few nights in Washington, D.C.—check out Te Papa (an amazing place for history and culture) and the Washington, D.C. Zoo is top-notch for native wildlife. From Washington, D.C., drop off your rental at the airport and catch a domestic flight to New York City to head home. Honestly, there is just so much beauty to experience. My favorite trips have been to Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Europe is great too, but since we are from there, traveling it feels different—it's wonderful for exploring, just in a different way. My biggest disappointment was definitely South America. For next year, I’m planning a new trip from June to December; I'll be gone for six months. I don't know my exact destinations yet, but I have some routes mapped out in my head. I was thinking along the same lines as Larry Fox5 regarding Russia the other day, but we'll see.

And for the 😍end

I’ve actually quit drinking entirely—just focusing on training, eating clean, and keeping things on track. But man, things got a little wild in town today. We went out for some wine, ran into one of those classic messy situations, sorted it all out, and headed off. It wasn't even late, either; it feels like just yesterday we were starting to hit the scene at this hour about 20 years ago. This is one of those outings where you head out in the afternoon, stay through the evening, but honestly? I feel the itch to head back into the city later for an afterparty. I can't deny it. We'll see how the night unfolds and what happens.

Here is a banger for Vejko since his last one was so good

And the version from Parfait

Man, today has just been one problem after another.

How’s everyone doing today?

Nothing but love 😍

Three things on my mind...

First off, I started watching winning time about the Lakers dynasty during the Magic - Kareem era. I've knocked out the first two episodes, and honestly, it’s crazy enough and fun enough that I’m hooked. I'm really digging the show, even though I know they probably won't dive deep into the absolute dark side of that era.

Second, the series intro features one of my favorite hip hop tracks, The Coup - My Favorite Mutiny.

Third, long live real hip hop

No need to fret
Everything is going to work out just fine
Cause I'm always Ready i won't
I'm keeping a close eye on things
I'll be prepared...

Kyle Campbell4 said:

Jose Lopez2 The user states:
Not one soul among us would be able to maintain their composure while enduring such a horror.
That image has been haunting my mind all afternoon. It’s that look of utter helplessness in the father's eyes as he clutches his baby, while another child lies right beside them, and the sheer, raw despair etched onto the mother's face behind them.
I have no idea what kind of monster is responsible for this, but I truly wish nothing but the absolute worst for them.

I am completely consumed by everything happening in Ukraine. Lately, however, a series of personal issues have forced me to redirect my focus and energy elsewhere, though I still monitor the developments as closely as I can. The footage coming out of that hospital is absolutely soul-crushing. There is clear video evidence, yet you have to sit there and watch Lavrov spewing blatant lies to the cameras, claiming that Azov forces occupied the hospital and forced the children and staff out. It is sickening how much disinformation is being pushed just to justify the sheer barbarism of the occupiers. Watching these scenes from Ukraine takes such a heavy toll on me that I’ve actually tried to talk a friend into joining me to sign up, only for him to snap at me, calling me crazy and telling me I'll just end up dead. If I possessed any actual military training or expertise, I would enlist in a heartbeat. I don't fear death itself; my primary hesitation is simply the reality that I would likely die instantly because this is serious combat. That is why most of those heading over there are the ones with prior military experience. This nation is enduring unimaginable suffering. The images of children and the elderly are particularly devastating. Meanwhile, the Russian aggressors are attempting to manipulate people's sentiments to pull them to their side, even parading around with Soviet Union flags draped over their tanks.

Paul Sanders5 As stated by:
Report them. Or just pay someone to go pay them a visit. The possibilities are endless.

Honestly, I’m completely broke. If I could, I’d just go over there and burn the whole place down myself, but obviously, those kinds of extreme measures aren't exactly on the table.

You are absolutely right here. It’s just that I am still struggling with the idea of walking away from a lifelong friendship, even though my friend wasn't being entirely honest with me. It all stems from the influence of his associates.

This is currently my preferred perspective. I would offer one additional piece of counsel: when matters involve business, never grant even a friend your absolute trust.

It seems more like a matter for a federal agency and their inspectors.

That initial impulse is always there. However, I force myself to pause and weigh the consequences and how long this entire headache will persist. Then there is the issue of friendship. I could easily fix my health insurance tomorrow; I could call another friend and ask them to report me for just one day so I can exercise my rights. Doing that would be driven purely by a desire for revenge. That is how I used to react. Now, I strive to be a better person who can overcome these negative impulses and feelings.

Yes, I realize I am being hypocritical. I love condemning wrongdoing, yet here I am wavering because my friend's reputation is on the line. I honestly don't know how deeply involved he is in their mess.

Look, my hands are clean. I have absolutely nothing to fear for myself.

That was my exact thought after reading this.🤣 🤣

We spent all this time attacking poor Matthew Collins20, labeling him a narc.🤣

But clearly he isn't one. He’s likely just some high-ranking inspector working for one of the federal agencies.

Actually, neither.😁

What I'm doing isn't a job; I'm not even clocked in to earn seniority or benefits. I thought you'd catch on, but fine. Go ahead and keep obsessing over Russia and Ukraine.

I'm trying to find an article regarding student housing, but nothing has turned up yet.

rapidstag2 said:What a plot twist; turns out Crow is actually a cop... 🙂

🤣

It’s like a museum dedicated to cow's milk, if you catch my drift. That’s why things ended up this way. Feel free to reach out so we can figure out a game plan. We’ll make sure everything stays strictly by the book so there aren't any legal headaches later.

boldbadger1 said:Here’s another one for you—I stumbled upon this on Wikipedia yesterday:

The oldest player to ever step onto an NBA court is an American from Korčula☕

Here’s another fun one for you. The world's most famous vampire is actually an American legend named Jure Grando.

Carl Hernandez3 said:Scandinavian series are usually top-tier—this just doesn't have anything to do with them.

To each their own. Most of these follow the exact same blueprint—gloomy, heavy, and pushing that grating "modern realism" vibe. Personally, I lean toward magical realism, which I think works much better. Scandinavia actually has a massive culture of magical realism through their films, which are honestly a class above, often two levels better than their series. For me, the best Scandinavian show was Trapped from 2015. And you know why? Even though it’s dark, depressing, and serious, the show manages to include what I consider the most vital ingredient: that human touch that so many other shows in this genre seem to lack.

The Newspaper and Mamut series are just plain bad—cringe is probably the best way I can put it. Honestly, Matanić is overrated, and his obsession with pushing those Scandinavian-style shows, which are inherently dull and lifeless, is just painful. They rely way too much on those poorly executed slow-motion shots.

Law is law 😁 Maček is easily one of the better TV characters of the 21st century. Personally, though, I still think our best series was the other Gruntovčani. The mere idea that some people think the Newspaper or Mamut are superior shows is just laughable.

You can find everything related to Mislav on this channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDM...E_bFhiw/videos. I'd suggest starting your journey with this specific video:

Charles Ramos4 said:Wait, wasn't that song sung by some other woman?

Yeah, here's the original

By the way, what an absolute banger from 😍Charlotte original

The original version is a total classic.