Last month's Blog of the Month was a part-time venture helmed by two Istanbul food enthusiasts. Sometimes the small ones are the best ones. But sometimes the blooming gigantic ones are great, too, and such is the case with the Matador network. Matador is many things. In fact, I've been visiting the site for years, and still can't work out the extent of its activities. There are a number of themed blogs, with various Matador wings dedicated to nightlife, travel writing, and news, among others. There is also a large community running behind the blogs and forums.
A rabbit hole well worth jumping down. We've selected some of our favourite recent posts.
Travelling on cargo ships
"As a passenger you are surrounded by the everyday life of the vessel and her crew. Schedules revolve around mealtimes, which can be extravagant events depending on the chef. If you are a gourmet traveller, consider travelling with one of the French companies which are known for their high quality cuisine and table wine. Besides meals, the rest of the day is spent as you please. Make your way up to the bridge and chat with the captain about sea navigation or schedule a tour with the head mechanic to see the vessel's impressive technical insides."
• Extract from "How to Travel by Cargo Ship", by Anna Brones
France's "World Capital of Nudism"
"Cap d'Agde is much more than just a nude beach: it is the 'World Capital of Nudism'. In the 'naturist quarter' of this Mediterranean resort town, nudity is legal not only on the beach but also in banks, restaurants and shops. Of course, France is the home of laissez-faire, so just about every beach in southern France is topless. While the clothing optional atmosphere here is as wholesome as anywhere, there are sections of the beach at night where friskier activities are reported to take place."
• Extract from Best Nude Beaches In The World, by Buzzy Gordon
The world's weirdest hotels
"Built every winter only to melt in the spring, Icehotel in Sweden is constructed entirely from ice and snow; that includes the walls, fixtures, and furniture." Matador's weird hotel roundup also featured orange mod pods anchored in The Hague, sewage pipes in Austria, and The Utter Innin Sweden- a solitary island with an underwater bedroom with a panoramic view.
• Extract from 'Igloos, Castles, Sewage Pipes, and Survival Pods: The World's 10 Weirdest Hotels' by Robyn Johnson
Basement Tango at Cafe Tortini, Buenos Aires
"You can go anywhere in town to see spectacular dancers strut their stuff on the stage - but most places will charge you a pretty penny (US $60-150). Instead of shelling out the big bucks, I highly recommend going to a tango show at Café Tortoni (US $10-20). Turning 150 years old this year, Café Tortoni is known to most people as a historical joint to visit and admire while drinking a cup of café cortado. What many people don't know is that it offers nightly tango shows in the basement floor and in the back of the café."
• Extract from 'Tango and Lambada Zouk': The Best of the Buenos Aires Dance Scene', by Kelly Rice
Hotel California in Todos Santos, Mexico
"While this particular hotel didn't actually inspire the Eagles' song, it's easy to see why that myth has been so persistent: the 'dark desert highway' that leads you there, the candlelit alcoves, the funky combination of modern art and Mexican handicrafts, the mysterious air of the old building... drop by for a shot (or a margarita) of the Hotel California's award-winning tequila in the hotel bar, La Coronela — or check out the stars (and wild modern art) from the outdoor dining room as you sip."
• Extract from 'Summer in Baja California Sur, Mexico', by Teresa Ponikvar
