8 Festive Traditions Around the World

Mexico

Mexico City 

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Bangkok

It's Bangkok's most legendary shopping mall and entertainment centre. I often come here to get inspired by the diverse vibe, ranging from a cyberpunk-themed maid cafe to Teen Pop Idol gigs. You can easily spot many young cross-players and teenagers dressed in Lolita or goth fashion. Don't forget to try the excellent food court there. MBK reminds me a lot of the fresh future of Bangkok youth.

A record store where I often bump into local DJs and have conversations about music and the scene. There are always new local DJs and international ones spinning there, playing indie music and underground tracks. You can find anything from old Thai country vinyl to contemporary pop records, along with some really tasty cocktails. The bar is also owned by a singer and songwriter from my favourite all-female band: Yellow Fang.

This is Bangkok's Akihabara, the Otaku sanctuary. It's the hub of Japanese anime figures, toys and video games, where you can easily lose track of time in a paradise of eye-popping displays with fully stocked shelves of cute toys. Additionally, if you're looking for vintage cameras, this is the ideal spot to find one.

This is an iconic bar that embraces alternative and is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Here, you'll find drag queens performing lip-syncs to 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' alongside Britney Spears B-side tracks. They also host karaoke nights where you can sing anything from Radiohead to Taylor Swift amid the bustling tourist street of Khao San. You'll experience a complete contrast in the vibe of this bar, almost like falling down the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland.

Recently, Photoautomat has become trendy among Bangkok teenagers. There are numerous photo booths across town. Among them, the one located in the midst of Siam Square (the shopping street) is the most well-known. It features various photo booths with different themes and styles, most of which look fashionable and Instagram-worthy. You'll encounter stylish Bangkok youth dressed up in Y2K fashion, patiently waiting in line to use all the photo booths there.

I swear, this is the cutest store in town filled with stickers, postcards, gliptok, posters, fan art, K-Pop keychains, Y2K fashion clothing from local artists and brands – and also sticker machines. Located in the heart of Siam Square, this store brings back the early 2000s vibe of the area where people simply enjoyed their fashion and were ready to be photographed by random photographers. You can come and get some spectacular souvenirs that will impress your friends back home.

This is the spot for hip-hop enthusiasts, where you can come to listen to new sounds from underground DJs and collectives from various cities. Blaq Lyte used to be a small bar where everyone knew each other, and it's where I met many renowned Thai rappers. Now, it has grown even larger and gained more recognition in the scene, but it still maintains the same vibe.

The Rock Pub is a classic venue that has been open for more than 20 years. It's known as Bangkok's house of punk, metal, alternative and all things rock 'n' roll with a dive bar style. Yes, it's Bangkok's CBGB, where you can hear live bands playing classic numbers like Green Day, Blink 182, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy and many more.

As you may already know, Thailand is the land of superstition, and this occult statue in Bangkok has become its urban legend. The statue features a gargoyle-like figure with long red nails that creeps many people out. It has even been featured on national news, challenging traditional Buddhist beliefs. There is still no confirmation about whether this statue is associated with white or black magic. Therefore, my suggestion is to avoid making any deals if you don't want to get in any trouble.

Prepare yourself for the 500 Shades of Bangkok. If you have a kinky side, this one's for you. It's an LGBTQIA+ friendly cafe with a fetish and BDSM theme, owned by ForFun: a fetish wear store and a BDSM community next to it. The coffee and cocktail menu features names like Master & Slave, Bondage and Pet Play. The ambience is adorned with leather and chains, and the red light shines brightly. If you're seeking a unique afternoon tea experience with the scent of leather and a hint of pain, this is the perfect spot for you.

Nuh Peace on 10 Places You Need to Visit in Bangkok

Andrea Martina Specchio

Venice

My favourite place to have breakfast or 'merenda' (afternoon break). This tiny pastry and coffee shop is where I always start my day when I am in Venice. I discovered Tonolo many moons ago when I was in town often to visit my friends who were studying here. Every time, I cannot resist getting at least two pastries, if not more. 

My local restaurant crush! The food is WOW and the menu has a lot of veggie options. I love the warm atmosphere and the wooden walls, so I recommend booking a table inside.

Just another excuse to go to Venice. Every other year, from April to November, Venice becomes a living exhibition of contemporary art with worldwide artists exhibiting their works in different areas of the town. The theme for 2022 is 'The Milk of Dreams': artists were asked to think of creative ways for a more sustainable coexistence between us as individuals and the universe we inhabit. 

This little old fashion bar is the king of 'tramezzini' – fresh sandwiches stuffed with different ingredients and TONS of mayo. This is my favourite lunch spot and my place-to-go to grab a 'tramezzino' for my trip back home before leaving Venice.

If you love books (and the smell of old books – something I could die for) visit this historical shop. A maze of bookshelves, vintage armchairs, old posters, retro postcards and tons of other random stuff – including a couple of resident cats!

Come here to have wine and fresh sandwiches with cold cuts. This is a spot where locals have their daily 'ombre di vino' (little glasses of wine) from 6am to 8pm… Venice rules!

Come here to hang out in the University campus area. Opt for a spritz at Bar Rosso or the 'cicchetti' ritual (aperitif in Venice style) at Ai Do Draghi. 

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