Originalsly:
I guess you ate at small food joints to get authentic foods..... what's your top three mouth watering dishes so far and which country/countries?

Just so there are attached pics for each, I'll make the answer 2 of each, instead of 3.
I'm not exactly a "foodie," as I don't care much about food and rarely take pics of food. Some worthy mentions are:

Attached pics (in order of appearance):

1. A pot of Moqueca (shrimp and seafood stew), fried fish and french fries, on the strip, at Copacabana beach. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
If anyone is wondering if that's garri they're looking at in the pic. Yes, you're looking at garri

We spent 10 months in Brazil, and it turns out garri is a popular side dish at "high-end" restaurants. It's literally just dry garri, mixed with salt and sometimes a mild sauce similar to soy sauce.

2. Ox tail soup at a South Korean restaurant (left). The red one is beef. With a nice bottle of Soju to wash it down.
I spent several months in South Korea, but this particular pic was taken in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

It's as authentic as what we used to have in Korea though. The other little plates are random things like fried onions, pickles, garlic bread etc. In Korean restaurants, you're served those as an appetizer, before you order your main meal.

Originalsly:
Sight seeing .... three most awesome sights and what about each that ehmmm .... dropped your jaw and left you with your mouth wide open?

3. Iguazu Falls in Iguazu, Argentina: This is one of the 7 natural "wonders of the world"

The fall shown is called "Garganta del Diablo." This means "Devil's Throat" in Spanish, as it's very loud and thunderous. It's the biggest of the water falls at Iguazu. There are several really cool falls, and we took a boat under the falls. It was some adrenaline kinda activity, and people were screaming at the top of their lungs, with heavy water splashing on their heads.

4. Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, Mexico: It has been there since 200 AD. It's the biggest pyramid at Teotihuacan and really impressive, but there are others at the location. Pyramid of the Moon is the next biggest, and several smaller ones. We climbed to the top of most of them. It was great.

Sweetvie:
Yeah, Columbia Spanish is lovely with the accent
I never really been to Argentina but I can imagine that

I only visit Philippines once in a while.
I only stay for a week most times. I love island of Boracay, the view is amazing
Cebu" the queen city of the south" I only visited once and I do feel like I did not explore the city
@bolded
I don't really know... That was when I first visited i was told some place are not safe... Am not sure if it's in Manila maybe those village
I heard they're village gangster or cultist I really don't know again nxt visit am really gonna check all the corner

@bolded
Trust me, i won't miss that
I really love it
One of the best place in Taguig city, I love it... The view was giving the gondola ride was really fun i was feeling like a queen

Nice!

Yeah, Philippines definitely has very rough places, with the same level of poverty and slums you'll find in the worst Nigerian slums.

Sweetvie:
Yeah, southeast Asia is a bit chaotic
Have been to India n Philippines.
India is very chaotic
Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and New Delhi
That's where I got to visit but their food is not for me but I love biryani
Palak paneer is cool but I don't how to describe how I felt when I tasted it
Panipuri is also cool and I tasted jalebi in India also it very sweet.
Philippines is okay, only got to visit Manila
The city is lovely. Heard there's some place you can't visit in Philippines?

@bolded
I love Colombia
Like the music, dance, the culture and everything is on another level... I really want to visit I love the way Columbia speak their Spanish, it gives me a whole new vibes different from the spain own. I'll love to taste their food, dance and visit the beach there

Yes, Colombian Spanish is great. Proper enunciation and clear accents. In some places, the Spanish is annoying, like Argentina where I am now, Chile and a few others. In Argentina, there's a strong Italian influence on the Spanish, since majority of Argentinians are of Italian descent.

I haven't been to India, but I like a nice Indian meal once in a while. I was in the Philippines for a month. Mostly in Manila, Cebu and the island of Boracay. What places aren't you allowed to go in the Phils? Never heard of that.

Attached pics:

Manila, Philippines (view from my apartment)
Manila, Philippines (Venice Grand Canal Mall). Beautiful mall modeled after Venice, Italy. I bet you visited.
Cebu, Philippines (nice lake)
Boracay Island, Philippines. View of the entire island, before landing at the airport and taking a boat to it.

jesmond3945:
i see a lot of gun violence in latin american countries, whats your take?

There is random gun violence, but not nearly as bad as the US. So it's nothing to really worry about.
You're much more likely to get shot in the US than in most of LatAm. Except a few of the really violent LatAm countries, like Honduras, but people rarely visit there.

I don't use social media (FB, IG etc) in general, for personal use. Though I have business social media accounts.
So I don't post travel pictures anywhere. I prefer to quietly live my life and enjoy it, for me.

That said, I'll try to post a few pictures of some locations I talk about. Just for some visuals on the thread, as an image speaks a thousand words. I'll only post pictures I've taken myself, with my phone.

I'll modify and add some pics to questions I already answered above, and will try to add 1 or 2 to new questions that follow. Only if a pic is relevant to the question.

Oyetboy:


How old are you ser?

Mid-30s.

And if anyone is wondering, my fiancee travels with me.

Sweetvie:
Wow
I wanna be like you
How is Thailand and Colombia like?
I really wanna visit

Both countries are nice, but very different.

Bangkok, Thailand can be a bit overwhelming and chaotic, if you have never been to South East Asia. It's a very vibrant city, with all kinds of people and tourists. Bangkok is one of the most visited places in the world, so you'll find all nationalities there. Though a ton of backpacker and hippie-types.

I spent 1 month in Bangkok, and nearly 4 months total in Thailand, on 3 different visits.

There are more relaxed cities, like Chiang Mai. And many cool beach towns. Places like Ao Nang, PhiPhi etc. Lots of interesting temples in the country.

The people are generally all right.

Colombia on the other hand has a great vibe. I prefer Spanish culture in general. The language, music and food are cool.

Cool cities like Medellin, with great weather year-round and some nice neighborhoods, like Poblado. Although, areas like that are a bit of a "tourist trap." You need to venture further out, to experience the true Colombia.

It's like visiting Nigeria for the first time, and only staying in Maitama, Abuja. You won't get a real sense of Nigeria.

Colombia also has some nice beach cities like Cartagena. Nice beaches and nearby islands. With an interesting walled city. Although, Cartagena has way too many prostitutes roaming the streets.

Overall, Colombia remains one of my favorites.

Attached pics (in order of appearance):

Ao Nang, Thailand (on a boat to Railay beach)
Chiang Mai, Thailand - View from my balcony.
Cartagena, Colombia (in Bocagrande) - View from my balcony.
Cartagena, Colombia (from the Old City, looking at Bocagrande in the distance)

Originalsly:
Hmmmm.... interesting... and I love how you state from upfront the questions you won't be answering ...the ones that usually quickly derail travel threads.

Of the countries you visited for at least two weeks.... which one gave you the most I belong feeling and why?

Yeah, it's easier to minimize those.

For your question, I would say Colombia and Brazil. While both countries have their issues, I love the people and vibe.

The music, the general atmosphere and interactions are warm and enjoyable.

I've spent a total of 10 months in Brazil, in one trip, and 12 months in Colombia, on 4 different trips between 2017 and 2022.

Attached Pics:
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Bogota, Colombia

aromaticmassage:
Good afternoon Baba, Ihow can you help me with authentic contact of person or cooperate organization in the USA or Canadathat I can be supplying my farm produce to ( palm oil and vegetables especially ukazi) I've gone for a basic training on this my only challenge at the moment is getting a customer even if it's one. I believe from one I'll get more. All my efforts towards this have not yielded any desired result. Thank you sir

I sincerely wish you all the best with this legitimate business venture, and hope you land a supply contract soon. Unfortunately, it isn't something I can help with.

[MAY 2023 UPDATE: SINCE THIS THREAD HAS SERVED ITS PURPOSE, I HAVE NOW REMOVED ALL THREAD PICS, FOR PERSONAL REASONS]


NOTE:

- PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL POST, TO ASK A QUESTION OR MAKE A COMMENT, AS IT'S LONG.

- Please keep your questions about general travel and things you're curious about. Not work, hustle, relocation etc. Thanks!



Additional Info, since some will inevitably ask, or wonder: WHAT DO I DO FOR A LIVING?

To preface, I'm not just "roughing it" out here. I have paid my dues in education, 9-5s and business. I have an undergrad degree in the US, and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from a top Business School in the US. I worked many years in Telecoms, and always had a business going, in my 9-5 days. Small businesses in both the US and Nigeria. I have hired over 5 full time workers from right here on Nairaland, in the past, to work at physical business locations in Lagos and Abuja.

Nearly 10 years ago, I resigned my 9-5 in the US, to focus full time on my business. I have multiple things going, mostly online. I have several contracted projects with major companies like Google, Pinterest and a host of others. Typically providing Artificial Intelligence training services to them. Training the AI algorithms, not training humans. These companies have large budgets.

I own two traditional startups, and co-own one in Canada. I'd rather not get into the fine details of these things, but there's a lot you can all do for yourselves, if you are motivated enough. Even if you live in Nigeria.

After resigning my 9-5, I spent a few years just working at home, day in and day out, in my apartment in the US. Then one day, I realized I could do exactly what I'm doing in my apartment anywhere in the world. So why am I stuck in my apartment all day, most days? That's when I packed my stuff and hit the road. I'll rather work in airbnb apartments and houses all over the world, than just one in the US.

With that out of the way, back to the point of this thread, which is travel stuff, not how I can afford to travel long-term.

TRAVELING THE WORLD ISN'T ONE BIG VACATION

Traveling the world the way I do, for a very extended period of years isn't the same as a 2-week vacation. I'm not on vacation. I live my life in a very calm-paced way. I and my fiancee work at home, and whenever we feel like stepping outside, we're in a different country, and it's fun. Rinse and repeat in different countries. We're not permanently jumping around from one tourist attraction to another. No one has that time or energy. We're both very productive with our time.




-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

tensazangetsu20:
How would you compare latin american countries to African countries.

This question might be too broad to provide a specific answer, since both regions are very large and diverse.

However, on average, the major Latin American countries are significantly more developed than the major African countries.

Both regions have countries with high poverty levels and insecurity. Africa has militias and terrorists. LatAm has militias and deadly cartel mafiosos.

Only countries like South Africa and maybe 1 or 2 North African countries are comparable to places like Panama, Brazil, Argentina and a few others. Sure, these major LatAm countries also have poor infrastructure and poverty outside the major cities. However, overall, they are significantly more developed, in the developed cities. Panama City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires are great cities.

I took the attached pics (in order of appearance) in:

Panama City, Panama - From a foot bridge over the road, at Avenida Balboa.
Sao Paulo, Brazil - My balcony view, around Avenida Paulista. The black glass building is CNN.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Took this from atop a mountain. Rio has some of the most incredible views.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - My neighborhood in Buenos Aires. The obelisk is visible down the road.

[MAY 2023 UPDATE: SINCE THIS THREAD HAS SERVED ITS PURPOSE, I HAVE NOW REMOVED ALL THREAD PICS, FOR PERSONAL REASONS]

I have gained some insights into different societies and cultures, by traveling far and wide. Not as a weekend tourist, but spending extended time in those places, and living an everyday life. Some of that information/experience might be useful to someone here.

The main point of this AMAA is mostly to answer questions of curiosity. Just random things you wonder about more obscure and less popular places (which I prefer to visit). I'm calling it "Ask Me Almost Anything," because I will not be answering certain questions.

Some questions I can't answer:

1. Questions about visa processes: I simply don't know, as I travel visa-free on a US passport, in almost all cases.

2. Questions about "hustling" as a documented or undocumented resident.

I have a web-based business in the US. So I work remotely, wherever I am.


A few things to note:

1. When I say "lived in a country," I don't mean permanently. I use that for countries I spend at least 1 month. I typically spend anywhere from 1- 3 months per country. In a few cases, I've stayed as long as 6, 10 and 12 months in some countries.

2. I travel on a US passport. I keep renewing my Naija passport each time it expires, but I never actually use it. Latest one I got in New York expired some months ago. I only used it once, in visiting Naija.

3. I am less interested in visiting "first world countries," as I find them boring. So most of my travels are to developing countries, but mostly those I still have access to solid accommodation and amenities. I have a business to run, so I can't be without reliable internet.

I find these countries more diverse in culture and lifestyle. First world countries are too structured and predictable.

4. I don't stay in hotels. I rent full Airbnb apartments, as I typically stay in a place for a few months and prefer to feel at home. I only stay in a hotel, if I need to, for 1-2 days while in transit, or something.

5. I've been learning Spanish for a long time, and speak decent enough conversational Spanish, and basic Portuguese.


Some countries I've been (including Nigeria, where I grew up):

Africa:
1. Nigeria
2. Benin Republic
3. Ethiopia (multiple visits)
4. South Africa

Latin America (South, Central, North):
5. Brazil
6. Colombia (multiple visits)
7. Argentina
8. Uruguay
9. Ecuador
10. Chile
11. Costa Rica
12. Peru
13. Panama
14. Dominican Republic
15. Mexico
16. Paraguay

Europe:
17. England (multiple visits)
18. Portugal
19. Netherlands (Amsterdam)

Asia:
20. Thailand (multiple visits)
21. Vietnam
22. Singapore
23. Indonesia
24. Philippines
25. Hong Kong
26. South Korea
27. China
28. Malaysia

North America:
29. USA (where I live)
30. Canada

Bonus (transits only, without bothering to leave the airport)
31. Moscow, Russia - 6 hours
32. Lome, Togo
33. Doha, Qatar


Current location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (Yes, there will be epic street parties if Argentina wins tomorrow!)

All pictures I post on this thread were taken with my phone. None are edited in any way.

Skepticus:


It's the latest of the feminist agenda - infecting the younger, upcoming generation with the feminism virus by brainwashing at a young age when they are not mentally capable of making decisions for themselves. It's the same reason you find child soldiers very brutal during wars because of earlier indoctrinations.

That aside, this woman's behaviour is extremely ridiculous. She may be psychotic and attention-seeking. Too bad, the innocent baby had to be her victim.

I just confirmed that the news is a hoax, pranked up as a social joke. It can happen any way. These westerners can be crazy at times.

This is not a "hoax," it's simply satire. It's not meant to deceive anyone, it's meant to be funny.
From all the posts on this thread, it appears Nigerians are completely clueless to satire humor.

For people who don't know what satire news humor is, check out The Onion, one of the OG satire news networks.

Website: https://www.theonion.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfAOh2t5DpxVrgS9NQKjC7A

Example of The Onion "news" content. "Baboon Couple Sues National Geographic For Distributing Private Sex Tape"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2GZkuq4ZoE


100% of the funny "news reports" they publish are fictional, but presented like real news.
The source of the tweet in this thread is Reductress, which functions exactly like The Onion, except they focus on female content.

TheGidRedpiller:
BYE!

Yeah, that's what I thought.

A man child stomping his feet, grabbing his ball and going home, as soon as he realizes he has made a fool of himself, posting satire content as real content. But hey, you had a good run of 6 pages. Add it to your resume, or something. Adios!

TheGidRedpiller:
Baseless arguements.

If your response to concrete and incontrovertible evidence is "baseless arguments," then you're undoubtedly ret@rded.

I guess you also go on The Onion and post their stories as fact, don't you? Do you even know what the word "satire" means? I doubt it.

The problem with the internet age is hardly anyone takes a second closer look at anything. 6 pages into this thread, and most don't realize that was posted by a satire magazine's twitter page. Reductress posts those fictional stories purely for comedy. Just like The Onion does.

It's the same reason people on this site immediately get at each other's throats, with every silly headline, without reading the details.

Goldenboy10:

His or her naira should be approximately 1 million US dollars. That is in my own understanding.

So for you to consider a Nigerian in Nigeria a millionaire, they need to have approximately 386 million naira in the bank. All right.

I didn't mean to make the question complicated.

It's really a simple question:

When YOU say "that man or woman is a millionaire," (in Nigeria) how much do you imagine that person is worth?

There's no real reason behind this question, other than curiosity.

When I was a kid in Nigeria, if someone said "that celebrity or that person is a millionaire," it meant something significant.
However, with inflation, devaluation of the naira and such, what exactly does it mean today, if you say "that person is a millionaire"?

30 years ago, having a few million naira in the bank made you a Nigerian "millionaire," but today, you can barely buy a good car for that amount.
In other words, what level of liquid assets makes one a "millionaire" today in the same sense it did, say 30 years ago?

@ BedLam

I've only been on Qatar Air once, from Joburg back to NYC, but I liked it too.

Good ol' Saigon
I have all kinds of stories from my one month visit to Saigon last year. Many crazy nights in District 1.

Many Nigerian guys loitering aimlessly in D1. I had to very actively avoid them, as they're the kind you see threads about on Nairaland. Not the kind you'd want to be associated with.

fineboynl:
south Africa caused it

No, Nigerian looters caused it. Shifting blame won't help the situation.

Installed. I like it.

ferrariLaferrari:

And retired?

The OP said he is retired, not me.
I did resign from my regular 9 to 5 job six years ago, to focus solely on my business.

My business is location independent. So, it doesn't matter where I am, as long as I have a decent internet connection on my laptop.
When I visit a place, in 90% of cases, I rent a furnished apartment on airbnb before I get there. I always rent for one or two months (this gives you a good price discount).
This way, I spend time in that country like I actually live there. Work at home, and go out to have fun when I feel like.

Works well for me.

UnitedAlliance:


Nice write up.

But I’ve been to many other countries, mostly in Europe.

African continent is my retirement goal to tour. I’ll do forays into Asia as opportunities presents itself like major world events.

Oh, I see.

ferrariLaferrari:

Wow @ your story
Tbvh am enjoying the thread, i love seeing active old folks lol

Haha. "Old" is a relative term, so it depends on how old you are.
I'm early 30s.

ferrariLaferrari:

Wow so nice
Please how’s South Korea like, i promise vacating there someday

I've only been here for three days, but so far it's been really nice in Seoul.
I am allowed to stay 3 months, without a visa, but I intend to spend only about 5 weeks.
At that point, I'll be in a better position to answer what it's really like.

UnitedAlliance:


Nice one.

I have promised myself that I will not leave the African continent on a tour until I have visited all her capital cities.

But I can't wait to hit the Asias.

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend that. There are 54 countries in Africa, so that's a huge barrier on seeing the world.
Start with the major African cities, then visit other continents. Variety beats repetition in most cases.
Having a contrasting perspective adds value to things you experience. You experience them more completely.

For instance, if you've only ever been to Eastern Nigerian states like Anambra, Abia etc, and then visit Enugu, it's more of the same.
Sure, there are differences, but the similarities outweigh them. Leaving you with an underwhelming experience and little stimulation.
Now, if you leave the East and visit say Sokoto for the first time, the contrasting landscape, culture etc delivers a much richer experience to you.

I've been to countries in 5 out of the 6 livable continents (Antarctica isn't livable). Africa, North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
Only one left is the Australian continent. So when I visit anywhere new, I always have a contrasting perspective to view it with.

Random story:
In May, while I was in Indonesia, I decided to go spend a 3-day weekend in Australia, then return to Indonesia. Mainly so I can officially check it off my to-do list that I've seen all 6 livable continents - as Australia has never appealed to me much.
Anyway, I get to the airport in Denpasar, with a significant fever. I haven't had a fever or been sick for ten years before that, so I felt pretty bad. Counter check-in was required, and as I hand the airline agent my passport, he says "You need a visa to visit Australia."

I say "uhm, no I don't." Turns out I freaking did, but somehow never checked. Since I go almost everywhere without a visa, I took it for granted that Australia didn't require one. BIG FAIL on my part.

I could have instantly processed the visa right there on my phone, through an agency for $60, but I was too sick to care at this point.
On the bright side, I no longer had to take the trip with my fever, and happily went back to my hotel.
I lost the ticket, as it was non-refundable, but I was happier climbing into my bed than I would've been getting on the plane.

19naia:
Pictures from a small town in Colombia.

Nice! I'm in world traveler mode these days too.
Been traveling for two years straight . I work location independently, so it doesn't matter where I am. My travel style is similar, in the sense I spend 1 -2 months in a place before moving on. Since we don't need visas for most countries, it makes traveling convenient.

Colombia is one of my favorite places on this crazy planet though. I spent two months in Medellin in 2017, and loved it so much that on a whim, I jumped on a flight to Medellin again in 2018, and spent another two months in Colombia. Mostly in Medellin, but the last week in Cartagena.

It's funny how people reacted each time I told them I was in Colombia. "Oh lord! THE NARCOS... bla bla bla."
Sure, there's still a lot of drug trade in Colombia, but the violence of the Escobar era is all people seem to know.
It's like telling someone "don't go to Nigeria, because the Abacha regime is brutal." Well, that time has passed, buddy.

These days I'm doing the Asian circuit. I've been traveling slowly in Asia since December. I haven't been home to the US since then either (so much fun out here ).
In that time I've spent a month in Thailand, a month in Vietnam, then back to Thailand for another month. Then went to Malaysia for two months, as I needed a place to get away from all the partying and focus on work. I didn't like Malaysia, so it made it easier to focus (SO MANY shady Nigerians in Malaysia - fraud & prostitution - but I won't go into that. It was really sad to see though).

While in Malaysia, I visited Singapore briefly and went back to Malaysia. Then off to Indonesia for a month. After that, I spent a month in the Philippines, and left for Hong Kong. Only spent a week in Hong Kong, before leaving for South Korea where I am now. I'll be here for probably a month and half, before being on to the next destination.

So, what cities have you been in Colombia?

International airport?
This is a joke, right? I bet the governor's private residence is more palatial than this "international airport."

NYPD:


I did 5 years Engineering in Naija came to US and started school again. Started taking Pre Calculus. I was angry at first but i am happy now i took those classes. You think you know but really you dont. Nigeria we just struggle to pass without even understanding the concepts.

Taking the placement test... Trust the process . You would come out a better person and very knowledgeable...

Honestly, I chuckle a little when Nigerians expect their "education" to be weighted 1:1 in the U.S.
Seriously, have you interacted with the average Nigerian college graduate?

People who can barely spell words longer than four letters. People who lived their academic lives with the mantra "na kpali me I just de school to collect." People with zero interest in the subject matter.

Unfortunately, these kinds significantly outnumber Nigerians who actually go through school to LEARN AND APPLY the subject matter. So sadly, they also suffer the consequences made necessary by the lecturer-bribing crowd.