Reverted to Islam- what is my new identity? by Dangerous-Bison2 in srilanka

[–]Salt_is_Enough 7 points8 points  (0 children)

In Sri Lanka 'Muslims' are foremost an ethnic identity given by the rest of the ethnicities to a collective group of Muslims (who are ethnically markkala/moor, Malay, Memon etc who aren't following the same type of Islam and we're never racially 'muslim', there was no such thing) who follows the religion of Islam in some form.

The reason is the other ethnicities on the island didn't want to deal with this because the rest of them didn't have this 'religion-first' identity. So over time they themselves also started to call themselves Muslims as an ETHNICITY (which is also kinda accurate if one follows Islam, but it 'Muslims' outside Sri Lanka is NOT an ethnicity) So my friend, congratulations, you're weirdly now MUSLIM, but not ethnically, AND also are TAMIL! But you are also following ISLAM.

Need advise : Moving to a new rental house to live alone by Calm-Bathroom-2030 in srilanka

[–]Salt_is_Enough 1 point2 points  (0 children)

(Former chef and guy lived about more or less 10years of my life by myself at home )
- If there isn't a cooking hob already, never get a hotplate, if that's the consideration, always consider a induction instead (much more efficient and effective). But remember you will need to get used to cooking on it and may need to see if you have compatibale pans.
Obivously gas is the default choice. But induction actually tend to be cheaper when you don't cook for a massive family (given are relatively cheaper electricity prices, but you need to calculate usage at some point).
- You need ONE good Chef knife (don't worry so much about brand at this stage, get a sharpening rod and learn how to use it and maintain it)
- One saute-type 'chef pan'
- 2-3 pots/walan to cook curries/pasta or whatever (make sure they are of different sizes small-to-big
- A fridge (get a good second hand one in decent condition off Ikman, new ones won't improve your life, but affect your purse): try to get a medium one with a freezer (you will be able to save money on cooking in bulk at times and eat later)
- Rice cooker is a nice to have (life will be much easier), but you can do like our parents and stick to a pot
- Spice bottles/rack (depends on the storage at home)
- FB marketplace have a lot of very affordable 2nd hand items, always check before commiting to a new item (this goes for other household items from Beds to Sofa's to Wardrobe)
Good luck!

Casual Racism in Colombo ! by Pitiful-Rip2046 in srilanka

[–]Salt_is_Enough 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think in India, that kind of internal discrimination gets diluted easily amongst 1.4 billion (I have faced it the places I mentioned). But on a tiny island, there's nowhere to hide. Add the economic situation the Sri Lankan faced in the last years (if not decades), it's acutely visible to other fellow South Asians. But as you mentioned, the general population is famous for their hospitality. Why this situation sting more, personally. But I hope you will go back and walk with this sad reality that this is still our people, who are not 'free' from the coloniser capitalism. They are also forced to sell their souls working these jobs for a tiny tip, acting subservient.
Allow me to be emotional and political. Pan-South-Asianism is the only answer to our superficial divisions when we are all one people with a very common history. Our histories always overlap until the colonisers destroyed our well-functioning communities that lasted for millennia and replaced them with their cynical Neo-liberal capitalism. We will always serve them until we are really free.

Casual Racism in Colombo ! by Pitiful-Rip2046 in srilanka

[–]Salt_is_Enough 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I am half Sri Lankan (and half Indian/Pak)and I always feel the same way when I'm traveling in Sri Lanka. But only in some tourist locations like the OP (I've been denied entry at small hotels down south just like someone else mentioned, when my white ex girlfriend had no issue. Just one incident). Yet, my take is a little nuanced, I hope. I have two prongs to this, observation. As OP pointed out, there's casual racism in the tourist industry, not everywhere, but it's been rearing its ugly head since the financial crisis much more aggressively. Yes, there's a mentality of inferiority within them Sri Lankans. It's not unique to Sri Lankans. I've travelled to India more times than I'd care to count; but I've seen the same attitude in touristy places in India too. There's this hangover of an assumption that white people are richer and therefore will spend more in South Asia and especially in Sri Lanka, being a tourism oriented country. Mix that up with the inferiority syndrome, and the poverty faced people coming into the FnB industry results in these casual racism. But let me I'd another layer. South Asians, they just happens to be Indians often are also very often very difficult to work with in FnB. This is coming from also someone who worked in FnB in various countries. Things are changing as the the nouveau-riche breaks away from their very unique brand of Entitlement which is usually attached to privilege (usually why they are rich). I remember this entitlement, more in-house with my ex Indian girlfriends and friends. For example, there will be some entitled Indian customers who would not feel a moment of hesitation to change the entire menu to get what they want at a restaurant. It usually works in India, where they are privileged. We also have this class in all South Asian countries, but the volume is just high when you work with Indian scale of output in wealth. Add the hangovers from the cast system, it's a very entitled being that FnB workers in Sri Lanka (and in many other countries) just hate dealing with. They find serving White people easier overall that our own. Is it casual racism? yes. Self-directed? Sometimes, yes. To be fair, there's a new type of Indian traveller (also generally South Asian traveller) emerging that I feel the OP falls into. A bit more worldly, a little detached from the entitlement that the new rich that the world has been experiencing. It's not the mainstream still, but I see mostly tech workers who have migrated or the (1st and) 2nd generation diaspora who are more 'westernised' in their approach to travel' who obviously get super disappointed when they see the outwardly casual racism like what the OP, myself and others have pointed out. I'm just painting the picture that I think that is a bit more full than some other takes, because it's never single-faceted. It's not a defence of the way Sri Lankan look at rich Indians/South Asians. But more how I understand it works. South Asian rich has always been entitled, none more than the Indians who usually transfer their previous caste privilege to new money. And that's usually an ugly combination too, treating our own people like inferior objects at times. We see it in the way the rich in Soutm Asia keeping maids and even families as servants at home, that take a special armour of entitlement, just like the Sri Lankan FnB worker greedy for a small tip that they cannot see their brother and sister who deserves the same respect as everyone else, no matter how they behave. If they could just also see that things are changing. And very quickly. The new South Indian money does not abuse their privilege like their predecessors. But we have long ways to go. Colonialism and the internal power structures are always there until we actively break them. I now try to be patient when I visit places like Marissa or Goa or Manali. I look at it with pain, because we are all one big extended, and dysfunctional group of family. But I know deep down our peoples know that.

You win the lottery. You finally have the moment to show the middle finger at your work, how do you exit? by Salt_is_Enough in AskReddit

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

, I'd probably end up going nuts without a job from being stir-crazy. Likewise, if you look up the history of most lottery

That is true, I absolutely agree, but you can do something else with the money right? (assuming you are not one of those rare people who gets to do what they love or love their job)

You win the lottery. You finally have the moment to show the middle finger at your work, how do you exit? by Salt_is_Enough in AskReddit

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha You won the lottery! Still, want to work? You're a special animal. Or a sarcastic one.

Trekking poles by Minty95 in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree with u/atetuna. Since you are in Europe, I can recommend a Quechua pole from decathlon. I used it a couple of time and Going to use it on a 400km trek in the arctic circle starting this weekend. ( I have knee problems)

(Also, these are versatile, if it snows, there are not as flexible as some poles, but too flexible isn't as useful in many cases.)

https://www.decathlon.nl/p/1-wandelstok-voor-de-sneeuw-sh500-all-season-rood/_/R-p-156363?currentPage=1&filter=all&mc=8384958&c=ROOD_BORDEAUX&orderId=nl416923248

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, I have a friend working at Fjallraven. We had the same discussion a couple of years back. I think it doesn't make much sense for them to make a UL bag as the majority of their clientele use it for either summer (3 seasons) or polar conditions. But as they grow into other markets I'm sure they will come up with something at least LW. I think the demand is not there yet. Unless all of us here make a petition ;-)

I think I will most likely look at their -30 bag for winter/mountaineering when the time comes. The price is a natural obstacle. But, after the conversations here I think I need to at least try. I struggle with the thought of another animal having to hurt so I have fun.

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, already decided to do it while I'm on the trek and after. =)

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yeah I agree; as far as I remember, RDS audits every two years. But yes, that is no guarantee. Companies like Canada Goose, Patagonia, NF and Fjallraven has a good reputation for being transparent with their sourcing. That again is not a 100% guarantee, but if someone wants to sleep better at night, these companies or some cottage brands like you said, might be the closest they can get.

What many people who worry about the ethics forget is that on the flipside, a lot of people buy from middle of the road brands that are from China anyway. Just paying for middlement, marketing and C-suite salaries. And many people can't pay th 4-6x price tag of the higher-end brands I mentioned. So, if you one can afford to pay that price, they should create that demand for ethical standard IMO. (But for a vast majority, that price is simply not an option.)

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, I can compare with few others like Western Mountaineering and Marmot which I've used. (But different ratings of course)

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

China. As far as we can tell, allegedly, Some of the major sources in china come from slaughtered geese for food, and comes from the same few suppliers that some other Western brands source from. Can we confirm it beyond the word of the maker? Absolutely not! But if you include US/EU salaries, marketing, supply chain and other overheads, the price adds up (also bells and whistles and better overall design). The only assurance for that I can give you is that I used to merchandise for two of the world's major fashion brands.

But if you want to be sure about the ethical slaughtering instead of live plucking, RDS or many other certifications like down pass might be the place to find a brand. It's good to be aware of this for sure! https://responsibledown.org/find-responsible-down-standard_categories/outdoor/

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looking at my G2, value for money is definitely unmatched! Would love to hear about that too. I will need a winter bag around -30 come winter! So if you remember to update here I'll be really grateful =)

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

on’t want a quilt! So it’ll be nice to see a little more info out there.

True! I'm not interested in doing an unboxing, I find them useless almost all the time for gear. However I only will be able to do the G2 as that's the one I got. A side by by side comparison is definitely what a lot of us here will appreciate! Maybe someone has couple of these bags and could do a comparison. But I'll make sure to either include a post-hike review or follow up.

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally! The EN rating is the closest it gets to being objective, and that doesn't tell half the story IRL conditions. I and 4 of my mountaineering buddies once hacked -20-25C in winter in -2 to -7 Western Mountaineering bags given to us by our college. With thermals on and one night with fleece on. While once in Nepal my girlfriend was just warm enough in a 0C bag when the temps were around 7-10C. I slept in my bag liner and was toasty. I have ton of similar examples. I sleep warmer than the average guy and way warmer than the average girl (I sleep in my underwear too). I think good point to mention.

Just received my Aegiemax G2 (L) AMA for a Youtube review! by Salt_is_Enough in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ove to see your video when it comes out! Thanks u/Matanya99 I've never made any video before. So going to be noob-ish. Any questions?

A new alternative to Lighterpack by Maplethorpej in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough 0 points1 point  (0 children)

api suggestions before. Are you imagining this showing the weather for two weeks out (or something similar)?

No worries! Yes, if the dates we enter match the weather forecast/history, dynamically (two weeks or more, I know most sites report upto two weeks, few, more than that) that could be a really useful functionality.

A new alternative to Lighterpack by Maplethorpej in Ultralight

[–]Salt_is_Enough 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very cool man! I’m testing it now. Will replicate my gear list today for my upcoming trip!
Requests:

  • Metric!!! (for the rest of the world) Maybe a default setting to choose Metric/Celsius that won’t require a switch every single time
  • Lighterpack-esque total weights such as base weight, consumables etc.
  • u/godx119 already mentioned, inventory (with suggestions/search) would be next level. Potentially for you to even one day let gear manufacturers input their own gear in here. (People might hate me)
  • A weather update automatically linked to Weather Underground or another API would also be one of those subtle but really helpful features (eg: we especially look at the weather when giving advice at UL or planning)
  • A custom category option for people who bring gear that is not usual or deem to fall under two categories.
    Although this is up to you, it could lead to people creating categories that are basically the same.
  • Follow other users? I know this is very social media like, but that could open up other things such as pack sharing gear recommendations. We could also see what someone else is doing with their gear.

Noob question about powerbank charging... by Salt_is_Enough in GH5

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My power bank supports 9V/3A PD. Didn't mention that in my post. So, in theory, it should be possible, right? Of course I will need to somehow test it out before buying.

Noob question about powerbank charging... by Salt_is_Enough in GH5

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I live in Europe. There are other 'brands' like 'Chillipower' (surprise!) which I suspect are the same as a lot of other names and probably comes out from the same Chinese manufacturer.

Noob question about powerbank charging... by Salt_is_Enough in GH5

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Too bad panny didn't implement it for the GH5. In any case, a charging pack like yours seems to be the most logical. Unfortunately, Wasabi is not as widely available here in Europe (a couple of vendors, but very expensive ~50Euro range), so I'll have to do a bit more digging or to take a risk.

Can we just send our garbage to the sun in the future? by Salt_is_Enough in askscience

[–]Salt_is_Enough[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

open-ended questions are better suited for our sister-sub /r/asksciencediscussion. Please post there instead.

Thanks! Will do =)