Leave it to the Japanese (as ever) to create an efficient process, but then to add a layer of fun on top. Sure, in this case it's mainly for making commuting more efficient. About 800,000 people take the trains daily and their network now extends to numerous cities, covering over 2,400 km. Specifically, you may…
World Culture
.....just a good pair of shoes. – James Carville. And an open mind. Long considered a place of debauchery and overt sin (what with its booze, crazy street antics and reputation for "saucy" entertainment) the City of New Orleans is all of that, and so much more. New Orleans, located in the…
There are 195 countries in the world today, more than enough to keep you busy for the rest of your life, likely. And, when the inevitable comes and taps you on the shoulder, suggesting that maybe you should slow down on the quest to see all 195 of them, you might want to think of your Plan…
If you think that this post has something to global financial planning sessions, then surprise! As thrilling as that prospect may be, this is an example of organisation, cooperation of a different sort, and one that all of us can experience and enjoy. It's proof that, when tasked, governments can collaborate, be creative…
Like many modern, progressive countries, Japan has its eyes wide open when it comes to the environment and what we need to do to save it. In addition to Japan's willingness to live in smaller, more sensible dwellings, they are also world leaders when it comes to rail versus auto travel. And, this…
Look on a map of Europe, you might see something that you've overlooked before. The island of Corsica appears right smack dab between Marseille and Rome. Of course, there is quite a bit of distance between the three places, so it's not simply a short drive. But, when you stop to think about…
We love how gigantic the world is. We love its people (when they act like humans.) And we love it even more when a new place appears to us. When you travel a lot (we do) it's always a huge thrill to discover something completely from left field, with so many enticing opportunities…
Don't you just love it when traditions are bucked, the same-old-same-old is discarded and an entrepreneur feels free to express themself in a way that says "I don't care what you think. Go with me or go home." Where would we be if those free spirits didn't exist? For example, Thomas…
The city does, for sure. And who hasn't heard of it? If that's you, here's a brief primer: Hong Kong SAR or (HKSAR) is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delta in South China. With 7.5 million residents of various nationalities in a 1,104-square-kilometre…
We can probably count - on one hand - those of our lovely readers who don't love Studio Ghibli films, the Japanese animation studio based in Koganei, Tokyo. With classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and more, Studio Ghibli is an eternal film franchise that captivates everyone who watches.…
Kosovo is a place that most of us have heard of, but may know little about. We might recall that there were troubles, many based around it unilaterally declaring its independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008. And or course, situations like that (with the associated violence that inevitably occurs) can often cast…
Poor Cuba. Still battered by the USA (for reasons that we just can't understand) this beautiful and engaging country teeters on collapse, except for the strength of its people. We have a number of posts here on the site (click here) which should give any thinking person the desire to hop on a…
The world offers no shortage of fascinating, thrilling, silly, scary and sometimes confusing opportunities to behold what other members of your species are up to. We'll cut to the chase on this one, as it's quite a tale, one that could only really happen in the post-1960's movies, or for that matter, anything that…
Fear not, this is not another modern day 21st century shitpost as the title might infer. We don't do that kind of thing here. What you see is what you get with Matouring. So then, what exactly are we talking about? Today, we feature a little-known, but nonetheless interesting Spanish village…
France never gets tiring, unless you wear yourself out by living life to the fullest there. Of course, Paris is at the top of the list for most people, as is Marseille or Nice or Bordeaux. Few countries have the variety or diversity that France has, in pretty much all aspects. And…
In this day and age, there aren't many monarchies around anymore. Many see it as an outdated hangover from the past. Others (like us) understand that sentiment, but also appreciate the sheer fact that these kinds of historical constructs can even exist to this day. Some monarchies end up being A. totalitarian…
It's April of 2023. Thus far, there has been no let-up on the hatred and destruction that has plagued our people for the past few years. Between the tensions of the so-called superpowers, and the ideological uprisings centered around religion, it feels like we have stepped back several decades. Sure, this is…
If New York City is one thing, it's certainly known for its lifestyle, vibrancy and sheer chutzpah. Once you visit there, the city will pull at your heartstrings forever more. We all know that it is the is the city that never sleeps. But, as ever, some New Yorkers ultimately find their…
Who doesn’t love a Tuk Tuk? We certainly do, and we’ve been in them from Delhi to Peru. Cramped, noisy, smelly, chaotic and 150% fun.
It’s lonely at the top. So lay low when you can.