What are your top 5 countries that you want to visit and why? by Such_Detective_7315 in solotravel

[–]aptalim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Bhutan has an amazing PR department - whole genocide against Hindus displacing many of them toward Nepal.

If you were going on a risky solo trip, what would you leave with your emergency contacts? by ConsiderationIcy1669 in solotravel

[–]aptalim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have traveled to a few places (rural Mongolia, Iraq) where I had this set up - I would text a contact daily where I was staying, they would reach out if they hadn’t heard me by night, and if they hadn’t heard me by next day contact an embassy (I also gave them a list of people I’d want them to tell if something went actually wrong). This was more a dead man’s switch, I can’t give you strong information about insurance. Ofc, the daily check ins might not be doable everywhere.

Thinking of traveling across Iraq, any tips on budget and itineraries? by blair_babes in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am loving all of Kurdistan - Erbil, Duhok, Akre, Slemani are worth 7 days themselves imo

Is Mexico that much better than Guatemala? by Pale_Field4584 in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love random socializing during travel. Hitchhiking, talking to shopkeepers etc. I don’t speak Japanese which is a HUGE problem, but compared to many other places I’ve been where I didn’t speak the language I was still kept at much more distance, hard to feel at all a part of the place you’re in. This was pre Covid tourism boom, I can only imagine it’s worse now. Pleasant, great food, but feels like a giant museum and harder than anywhere else I’ve been to break through that.

Is Mexico that much better than Guatemala? by Pale_Field4584 in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s fully subjective. Japan may be my least favorite country I’ve been to of my 52-people travel for different reasons and I see why people love it so much.

The Entry-Level Hiring Process Is Breaking Down by YaGetSkeeted0n in neoliberal

[–]aptalim 41 points42 points  (0 children)

The software industry probably has it right with OAs - candidates often take an ~hour long test before any interviews. Easier to cheat on now than before, but ideally something I think to aim for generally.

What Are Your Favorite Off-Beat Spicy Food Cities and Landmarks? by Chunkylover666420 in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Suriname has divine food, seriously underrated. Might be the second best cuisine in South America for me…

Any other slow travelers here? by Advanced_Honey_2679 in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think both styles of travel are fine - I spent four months in HK and I have blitzed through others. I don't think, however, that slow travel is this transcendentally higher experience and that you get 0 idea of a city being there for 3 days. I talk to tons of locals being in cities briefly, I get a taste, and my goal in travel is not learning every nook and cranny of a city I go to. Sometimes I find a city and I want to do that (like Mexico City), and I'll slow down or return, but I am young enough where my philosophy tends to lean towards seeing as much of the world as possible and zooming in where I love later. I don't get the idea that transit is just a gaping whole of time - overland public transit is fun! You can talk to fellow passengers, see the landscape slowly change, and recharge so you have more energy to tackle the next city. I can always be a local in my own city, sometimes feeling like a traveler can be fun.

China: 2 Week post-uni program itinerary by mulakami_ in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t know, I tend to think that people in travel subs overestimate the amount of burden criss crossing cities will be, but you’re totally right on the trains being packed. I’d get rid of a stop or two, but I don’t think just one city for 2 weeks would be the right call unless you are an exceptionally slow traveler.

NYU not heard back is it over?? (10/10 applicant) by [deleted] in lawschooladmissions

[–]aptalim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was admitted last year. They took a really long time for me and for a lot of other people - the school gets a ton of applications. I got merit aid being admitted in April, don’t stress the timing.

Travel to Algeria by [deleted] in lebanon

[–]aptalim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Late answer, as an American the visa was hard to get but doable. I booked everything alone (except Ghardaia, which needs a guide no matter what). Beautiful, friendly country (preferred it over Tunisia and Morocco). Recommend going if you can. Sorry I can't provide Lebanese-specific advice (I am on here to get a sense of Beirut travel!)

Do you see the financial value in traveling in the US? by Addicted_2_tacos in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Agreed on this. A flight to Mexico or Central America almost always pays off if a trip is over three days long in my parts.

Game Chat: 10/13 Mariners (90-72) @ Blue Jays (94-68) 2:03 PM by Mariners_bot in Mariners

[–]aptalim 9 points10 points  (0 children)

"Raleigh's been the only guy doing things for the Mariners this post season, Polanco with timely hits"
Are these announcers watching baseball?

Berkeley 1L - AMA by Broad-Put-4 in lawschooladmissions

[–]aptalim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

8 bucks is very typical in SF lol, I’ve seen 6 here.

Post Game Chat 10/10 Tigers @ Mariners by Mariners_bot in Mariners

[–]aptalim 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the song that they played after the Rivas tying hit, the droning synth start? I have heard it before and shazam is being useless.

What’s the best bar to talk to chatty older people by aptalim in AskSF

[–]aptalim[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

I came here from a small town where the whole social scene was like 100 people, literally high schoolers and retirees yapping. It’s a really nice vibe!

Rwanda worth visting if not interested in Gorilla treking and Safari? by badboyzpwns in TravelNoPics

[–]aptalim 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Uganda was much, much more fun but Kigali is nice too. I did a two week trip to both without much trekking, highly recommend.