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Set in the trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, <keyword id="20259244" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Spiti-Valley" source="keywords">Spiti Valley</keyword> is a haven for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers alike. Characterised by barren landscapes, ancient monasteries, and serene villages, Spiti offers a unique blend of awe-inspiring beauty and cultural richness. Here's a detailed guide to the top places and unmissable experiences in Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Best places to visit in Spiti Valley">Best <keyword id="21701570" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Places-to-visit-in-Spiti-valley" source="Orion">places to visit in Spiti Valley</keyword></cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Key Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Key Monastery"><keyword id="21701571" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Key-Monastery" source="keywords">Key Monastery</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="110210958" hostid="261" sizebytes="1951281" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A serene sanctuary atop the Himalayas, where ancient whispers echo through the halls.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched atop a hill at an altitude of 4,166 meters, Key Monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spiti Valley. This centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery, also known as Ki Gompa, boasts a remarkable collection of ancient murals, thangkas, and scriptures. You can partake in meditation sessions, interact with the resident monks, and witness captivating rituals. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Chandratal Lake" comment="subhead" text="Chandratal Lake"><keyword id="21701572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Chandratal-Lake" source="keywords">Chandratal Lake</keyword></cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="110210976" hostid="261" sizebytes="1905455" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Nature&amp;#39;s masterpiece, where the sky meets the crystal-clear waters in a harmonious embrace.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Dubbed as the "Lake of the Moon," Chandratal Lake is a breathtaking high-altitude lake located at an elevation of 4,300 meters. Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, the pristine blue waters of Chandratal offer a mesmerising spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset. Camping by the lakeside under a star-studded sky is an experience of a lifetime. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Dhankar Monastery and Fort" comment="subhead" text="Dhankar Monastery and Fort">Dhankar Monastery and Fort</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="110210988" hostid="261" sizebytes="2400566" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Perched on the edge of time, where history and spirituality merge into a breathtaking panorama.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched precariously atop a steep cliff, Dhankar Monastery is an architectural marvel that dates back to the 12th century. Besides its religious significance, Dhankar also houses an ancient fort that once served as the residence of the rulers of Spiti. The panoramic views of the Spiti Valley from Dhankar are truly awe-inspiring. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tabo Monastery" comment="subhead" text="Tabo Monastery">Tabo Monastery</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="110211303" hostid="261" sizebytes="2323878" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A timeless treasure trove of art and faith, preserving the soul of Spiti&amp;#39;s ancient heritage.&amp;lt;span class=&amp;quot;redactor-invisible-space&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," Tabo Monastery is one of the oldest and most revered monastic complexes in the region. Dating back over a millennium, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its exquisite frescoes, ancient scriptures, and sacred relics. The serene ambience and spiritual aura of Tabo make it a must-visit destination for cultural enthusiasts. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Pin Valley National Park" comment="subhead" text="Pin Valley National Park">Pin Valley National Park</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="110211312" hostid="261" sizebytes="1724724" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Where the elusive snow leopard roams amidst pristine wilderness and rugged beauty.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Pin Valley National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered snow leopard. Trekking through the rugged terrain of Pin Valley offers the opportunity to spot Himalayan ibex, Tibetan gazelles, and elusive wild cats amidst stunning Himalayan vistas. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Langza Village" comment="subhead" text="Langza Village">Langza Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="110211328" hostid="261" sizebytes="2162641" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A tranquil oasis cradled by majestic peaks, where fossils whisper tales of ancient epochs.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Perched at an altitude of 4,400 meters, Langza is a picturesque village renowned for its stunning vistas and fossil-rich terrain. The towering Buddha statue overlooking the village adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also interact with the warm and hospitable locals to gain insights into their traditional way of life. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Komic Village" comment="subhead" text="Komic Village">Komic Village</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="110211349" hostid="261" sizebytes="1639466" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Among the clouds, a Himalayan haven where tradition meets tranquility at the rooftop of the world.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located at an altitude of 4,587 meters, Komic holds the distinction of being one of the highest-inhabited villages in the world. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and barley fields, Komic offers a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Don't miss the opportunity to savour traditional Tibetan cuisine at the local homestays. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kunzum Pass" comment="subhead" text="Kunzum Pass">Kunzum Pass</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="110211379" hostid="261" sizebytes="1795875" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Gateway to the heavens, adorned with fluttering prayer flags and panoramic vistas of eternity.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Situated at an altitude of 4,590 meters, Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Spiti Valley with the Lahaul Valley. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, Kunzum Pass is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and photographers. The pass is also adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to its mystical allure. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley" comment="subhead" text="Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley">Here’s what you can do in Spiti Valley</cmsannotation> <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Trekking" comment="subhead" text="Trekking">Trekking</cmsannotation> Spiti Valley offers a plethora of trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts of all levels. Whether it's the rugged trails leading to high-altitude lakes like Chandratal and Dhankar Lake or multi-day treks through remote valleys and passes, trekking in Spiti promises breathtaking landscapes and memorable adventures. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Attend Monastic Festivals" comment="subhead" text="Attend Monastic Festivals">Attend Monastic Festivals</cmsannotation> Witness the vibrant culture and spiritual fervour of Spiti by attending colourful monastic festivals such as the Hemis Festival, Losar Festival, and Gustor Festival. These festivals, marked by traditional music, masked dances, and religious ceremonies, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Experience Yak Safari" comment="subhead" text="Experience Yak Safari">Experience Yak Safari</cmsannotation> Go on a thrilling yak safari through the rugged terrain of Spiti Valley. Ride atop these majestic creatures and traverse through remote valleys, meadows, and ancient trails while soaking in the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas. It's a unique and unforgettable way to explore the pristine wilderness of Spiti. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Rafting on Spiti River" comment="subhead" text="Rafting on Spiti River">Rafting on Spiti River</cmsannotation> For adrenaline junkies, white-water rafting on the Spiti River offers an exhilarating adventure amidst stunning landscapes. Navigate through rapids and gorges while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and pristine valleys. Rafting expeditions are available for both beginners and experienced rafters. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Meditate and Reflect" comment="subhead" text="Meditate and Reflect">Meditate and Reflect</cmsannotation> Find inner peace and spiritual solace amidst the serene surroundings of Spiti Valley. Whether it's sitting in silent contemplation at ancient monasteries, practising yoga amidst nature, or simply soaking in the tranquil ambience of the Himalayas, Spiti offers the perfect setting for meditation and self-reflection. From ancient monasteries perched atop lofty cliffs to pristine high-altitude lakes shimmering amidst snow-capped peaks, Spiti Valley is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you're a devout pilgrim, an intrepid adventurer, or a curious traveller, Spiti Valley offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, embark on a journey of discovery, and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Spiti Valley. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. Is Spiti Valley accessible year-round? While Spiti Valley remains accessible throughout the year, the best time to visit is typically from May to October when the weather is relatively pleasant and most of the tourist attractions are open. During winter months (November to April), heavy snowfall often leads to road closures, making it challenging to access Spiti. 2. What are the altitude sickness precautions to take while travelling to Spiti Valley? Given its high altitude, travellers to Spiti Valley are susceptible to altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). To minimise the risk, it's advisable to acclimatise gradually by spending a day or two in lower-altitude destinations like Shimla or Manali before ascending to Spiti. 3. Are permits required to visit Spiti Valley? Yes, Indian nationals and foreign tourists visiting certain areas of Spiti Valley, such as the areas near the international border with Tibet, are required to obtain Inner Line Permits (ILP) from the district administration office in Reckong Peo or Kaza. These permits are aimed at regulating entry and ensuring the safety of visitors in sensitive border areas. It's advisable to check the latest permit requirements and procedures before planning your trip. 4. What are the accommodation options in Spiti Valley? Spiti Valley offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Travelers can choose from guesthouses, homestays, budget hotels, luxury resorts, and camping sites scattered across various towns and villages in the region. 5. How can I travel within Spiti Valley? Public transport options within Spiti Valley are limited, with few buses and shared taxis operating between major towns and villages. Hiring a private taxi or renting a self-drive vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the region at your own pace.

Spiti Valley guide 2024: Stunning locations & interesting things to do

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Iran may conclude it needs to strike Israel with a larger salvo than it did in April.</li><li>Iran and its allies are seeking retaliation after two killings as the risk of a regional war grows.</li></ul>Iran has repeatedly vowed it will attack Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas' political leader in Tehran on July 31. Its main proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon, has also vowed to join Iran to avenge Israel's killing of one of its most senior commanders, Fuad Shukr, in Beirut the day before.If Iran and its allies want to show Israel the killings have a cost, they will likely try to catch Israel's defenses off guard or to overwhelm them — suggesting an even larger and more dangerous confrontation than their April barrage.The killing of Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh was <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/killing-of-hamas-leader-humiliating-for-iran-experts-2024-7">a humiliation</a> for Iran and Israelis wait anxiously to see what form of revenge Iran may take. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Sunday that an attack could come within 24-48 hours. However, in a Monday briefing, Biden's national security team said it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/06/iran-attack-israel-biden-briefed-details">remains unclear</a> when exactly Iran and Hezbollah will attack.Iran directly attacked Israel for the first time in April, two weeks after Israel assassinated Iranian paramilitary commanders at an Iranian consulate annex in Damascus, Syria. That <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/iran-intel-from-failed-revenge-missile-strike-on-israel-isw-2024-4">attack</a> consisted of over 300 drones and missiles. It was telegraphed days earlier and the overwhelming majority of the projectiles were tracked and intercepted by Israel with the help of the US, Britain, France and Jordan. Israel responded on April 19 with a single pinprick strike against the radar of an Iranian air defense system near Iran's Natanz enrichment facility."My sources suggest that the Iranian regime intends the attack to cause more surprise this time," Arash Azizi, senior lecturer in history and political science at Clemson University and author of "The Shadow Commander: Soleimani, the US, and Iran's Global Ambitions" told Business Insider. "There are many <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2024/08/iran-israel-war-hamas/679374/">internal debates</a> about this with some pushing against the idea of an attack or trying to keep it limited.""Iran is indicating that it wants to bring about a larger attack this time around," Azizi said. "It appears that this is definitely what some are pushing for, but they might still be outvoted in the National Security Council or pressured otherwise.""It's not clear how much damage Iran wants to bring with the attack and how much damage it can bring," Azizi added."This is part of what's being deliberated upon in Tehran right now."The Iran analyst also noted the upcoming Shiite pilgrimage of Arbaeen may influence Iran's timeline. Beginning on August 25 this year, the ritual sees millions of Shiite Iranian pilgrims traveling to Iraq's shrine city of Karbala, many of them on foot."I think it will have to be on a larger scale than the April attack because the Israeli strike was more significant," James Devine, associate professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Mount Allison University, told BI."If Iran wants to maintain deterrence, it has to scale up its responses to Israel's attacks," Devine said. "If the response stays the same, or is smaller, there is no reason for Israel not to escalate its attacks on Iranian targets and territory in the future."<div type="image" title="Israeli defenses like the Iron Dome were supported by US-fired interceptors during an Iranian barrage in April." height="1268" width="2000" msid="112328168" hostid="261" sizebytes="201634"></div><h2 id="212ec812-bc84-4913-aa65-697fd71adccd">Aiming for more damage</h2>Another risk is that the attack could be multi-directional. In addition to Hezbollah, Iran's other regional proxies, such as the Houthis in Yemen and the militias in Iraq and Syria are expected to join Tehran's attack. They supported Iran's April attack, albeit with limited strikes. The Houthis struck Tel Aviv for the first time <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/deadly-houthi-attack-tel-aviv-forces-israel-rethink-drone-defenses-2024-7">using a drone on July 19</a>. Israel responded by bombing Yemen's Hodeidah port the following day."Hezbollah will likely play a more active role by firing several — but not many — guided ballistic missiles at Israeli targets in northern Israel, probably including some ballistic missile defense sites," Farzin Nadimi, a defense and security analyst and senior fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, told BI. "The Houthis will probably continue to play a supporting role."Devine also believes the Houthis may participate in an attack alongside Iraqi militias but noted that Tehran has "remained clear that it does not want the situation to escalate into a regional war" and remains focused on deterrence."Nevertheless, they will likely want to structure the attack so it does more damage," Devine said. "Therefore, it may not be as telegraphed as the first. It may include parallel attacks from multiple directions and some closer launch points."Tehran may also restrict its attacks to military targets rather than civilian areas to reduce the risk the tit-for-tat strikes trigger an all-out war."It is also possible that an Israeli embassy somewhere will be targeted," Devine said. "Tehran has said the strike must be against Israeli territory, but embassies as we saw with the April crisis, are considered to be national territory by the Iranians. But this is just a guess on my part."Devine and Azizi are skeptical that Hezbollah, despite having its red line crossed in Beirut, would risk attacking Tel Aviv and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wider-war-hezbollah-could-unleash-unprecedented-missile-barrage-against-israel-2024-7"> trigger a major retaliation</a> that would <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wider-war-hezbollah-could-unleash-unprecedented-missile-barrage-against-israel-2024-7">threaten Hezbollah's arsenal</a>, which consists of up to 150,000 surface-to-surface rockets and missiles."A Hezbollah strike in Tel Aviv killing significant numbers of civilians would quite possibly precipitate <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hezbollah-has-the-firepower-to-ambush-israeli-tanks-in-lebanon-2024-7">a full-out war on the Israeli-Lebanese border</a> — the sort of situation Iran has said it wants to avoid," Devine said.<div type="image" title="Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli strike in Beirut in an attack that the group has vowed to avenge." height="1333" width="2000" msid="112328170" hostid="261" sizebytes="215846"></div><h2 id="ab0ded4d-27b9-4f01-8690-c244923e2f77">What happens next</h2>The scale of the Iranian attacks is drawing in the US military <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-deploys-more-warships-able-destroy-ballistic-missiles-counter-iran-2024-8">to play defense</a>, and it's increasingly possible that some Iran-backed militants could target US forces in the region during a large attack. On Monday, a rocket attack carried out by Iran-backed militias on Iraq's Ain al Asad Airbase <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/05/world/middleeast/iraq-us-troops-iran-attack.html">injured at least five American troops</a>."The fact that the regime has openly declared US complicity in the assassination of Haniyeh means that they're likely considering attacking US forces as well," Azizi said.How Israel would retaliate for any Iranian attack would likely depend on certain factors."If the coming Iranian attack causes Israeli casualties, they are likely to want to respond harshly," Azizi said. "But they might be restrained by the US and other sides whose priority is avoiding an all-out regional war."On the other hand, Israel may not necessarily wait until Iran strikes."It is also possible for Israel to conduct preemptive strikes on Iran before Iran gets to attack," Azizi said. "If Israel wanted to truly up the ante, it could strike Iranian refineries, which would cause a major crisis in Iran.""There is a chance that the IDF has already thought about these plans, especially since the new phase of hostilities began in April."Devine believes Israel's response will depend on the "amount of damage and casualties" any Iranian attack ultimately causes."Iran did very little damage the first time, so it is a very low bar to clear," Devine said. "If Iran is more aggressive than expected, or there is an accident, and there are significant civilian casualties, or Israel's defenses come off looking inadequate, Israel's response could be severe."An unprecedented Iranian attack could lead to an unprecedented Israeli response."Israel will likely try to retaliate more strongly than April 19, especially if they suffer casualties or a significant building is destroyed by Iran," The Washington Institute's Nadimi said."In that case, some of Iran's nuclear sites will likely be targeted as well."

A second Iranian attack on Israel would likely dwarf its first 

You know Jason Schwartzman.It might be from any of his seven appearances in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-wes-anderson-movie-ranked-according-to-critics-2020-2">Wes Anderson's movies</a>, from his film debut as enterprising teen Max Fischer in 1998's "Rushmore" to 2023's "Asteroid City," in which he took on a meta role as a war photographer in a play, and the actor playing him.Or it could be from his three-season run in the HBO series "Bored to Death," where he plays a fictionalized version of creator Jonathan Ames.Or maybe it's from his delightful turn in the cult classic <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-cast-then-and-now-photos-2020-6">"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"</a> as Gideon Graves, and his perhaps even more delightful reprisal of the role in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/scott-pilgrim-anime-differences-netflix-better-2023-11">last year's anime revival</a>.In person, Schwartzman is affable, gracious, and present. On screen, he elevates any project in which he appears, whether he's playing a smarmy student or a man who's hit rock bottom.Now, the actor is starring in "Between the Temples," a comedic and cutting Nathan Silver film about a grieving cantor (Schwartzman) who takes on an adult bat mitzvah student (Carol Kane) who's coincidentally his old music teacher.Despite his family film pedigree — he appears in his uncle <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/megalopolis-trailer-movie-francis-ford-coppola-drama-timeline-2024-8">Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis,"</a> due later this year — Schwartzman wasn't trying to become an actor. When he first read Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson's "Rushmore" screenplay, he was a drummer (then of the band Phantom Planet) who didn't think to picture himself in the film.Over two decades later, it's hard not to be grateful that he took the leap.For the latest interview in Business Insider's <a target="_blank" rel="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/role-play-series">"Role Play" series</a>, Schwartzman looks back on the beginning of his relationship with Wes Anderson, appearing alongside improv legends in "Walk Hard," and why he's still mourning "Bored to Death."<h2>On working with Carol Kane in 'Between the Temples'</h2><div type="image" title="jason schwartzman and carol kane as ben and carla in between the temples. carla has her chin reting on ben's shoulder, as he looks over toward her" height="872" width="1163" msid="112909551" hostid="261" sizebytes="103914"></div>You and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/celebrity-guest-stars-cheers-2018-12">Carol Kane</a> have such a rapport in this movie — did you start with rehearsals or just dive into filming? What was it like creating the dynamic between Ben and Carla?We actually had one rehearsal before filming. And before that, we had never met in person until the day she got there. We'd had two Zoom calls: one to meet and then one later to rehearse, once I was there in upstate New York and she was in the city. It was also just to check in to say, "It's great here. Everyone's wonderful."But really, the first scene, that was really the beginning. We just kind of went into it. And I know people say this kind of thing like, "Oh, that person's the reason," but she is just a mesmerizing person, and just started doing these scenes. And there really was no other way to do them. It was like, "She's making it possible. She's facilitating these moments."<h2>On falling in love with acting in Wes Anderson's 'Rushmore'</h2><div type="image" title="jason schwartzman, as a teenager, playing max in rushmore. he's wearing a suit and glasses, seen from the front writing on a blackboard and looking upward" height="806" width="1075" msid="112909543" hostid="261" sizebytes="23836"></div>I want to go back to the beginning of your career with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/actors-in-most-wes-anderson-movies-bill-murray-owen-wilson-2018-3">"Rushmore."</a> Wes Anderson is obviously famous for writing very specific screenplays. What was it like encountering one of his scripts for the first time?That was the first script I ever read in my life. I wasn't an actor at the time. I wasn't reading it even picturing myself in the movie.I was just reading it going like, "I relate to this so much. This is so many of the ways that I feel, articulated for me." You know what I mean? Like someone had the vocabulary and the style to channel a lot of these really weird abstract things that I was feeling and thinking into this way that I'm like, "Oh my God, yes, I get it."His scripts, everything is to the letter. And it took a while afterwards for me to realize, "Oh, all scripts aren't like that." And I feel that whenever I work, I try so hard to never think of the way I did something before. Because I feel like that kind of gets you into a slight agitated state.If you're like, "Well, gosh, before on this other thing, I had a cold water all the time. And now there's no cold water." And it's like, "Yeah, well, because this is this thing."But the one thing I will say that I really have been inspired by with Wes is this sense of joy with which he makes films. When we made "Rushmore," I remember there was <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqu3meTydWY">a day we were doing the go-karts</a>, and he was like, "Let's jump in and then go." So we jump in, and we just take off and leave the crew behind. We just went for five minutes racing around the suburbs of Houston, and he was so happy.Whatever that feeling is, that's what is there on every movie we've done together. This sense that there's nowhere else he wants to be.You were part of a pretty stacked cast for a first film, with Bill Murray, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brian-cox-hasnt-watched-succession-finale-because-hes-not-clingy-2023-6">Brian Cox</a>, and Olivia Williams. As a young actor, what was your approach to watching them work? Did you seek out that kind of experience down the line as well?Brian Cox — he was a really special person for me. He would have dinners with me all the time. He's an actor with such experience, even at that point, and he's sitting with a 17-year-old kid from Los Angeles who's never acted before, talking about acting and asking me questions.I would notice in the morning Brian would — I don't know if he still does this — but he had at the time some form of routine…before working that was a relaxation routine. And I had never seen anyone do that. He's like, "Yes, I do this because it helps me preserve my energy."There were all these little things you're picking up. But also, I wasn't trying to be like, "OK, remember that, remember that, remember that." I didn't think I was going to work again [after "Rushmore"], so I didn't think I would need any of that information.I thought that was going to be my only experience with a movie, so I was just trying to basically return the vehicle that I rented in the same condition or better than I borrowed it — just try not to ding it.<h2>On working under Francis Ford Coppola on 'Megalopolis'</h2><div type="image" title="jason schwartzman and francis ford coppola two decades ago posing for a photo. coppola has his arm around schwartzman's shoulder, and both are smiling. schwartzman has slightly long hair and is wearing a beige jacket, and coppola is in a black jacket with a red printed shirt and scarf" height="1496" width="1994" msid="112909545" hostid="261" sizebytes="216092"></div>"Megalopolis" is obviously on the horizon. What does it feel like to be directed by your uncle and work with members of your family?To work with my uncle, the things that I got to watch and learn are things that I will literally think about 'til the day I die. If I make it to his age and I'm still working, I can only hope to approach each day with the same sense of wonder.Every day he was adapting, and he was making stuff, challenging himself. He wasn't doing things like, "Oh, I've done this before." Every day, he was trying new things. And I just always hope that if I can keep working, who knows if you ever do, but if you can, I hope to always approach every day of work with that same feeling that you want to learn and that you've tried something you've never tried before.Even when you're one of the masters, there's still room to keep pushing yourself.I won't get into the details, but I remember one day he did this thing. He had this suggestion of how to do a scene, and later, I said, "That was such a cool way to solve that puzzle. Is that something you do all the time?" He was like, "No, I've never done this in my life."He said, "I saw an art piece in the late '60s or early '70s where someone had incorporated this type of thing, and I'd always thought that would be a cool thing to try on a film. And it just seemed like that was the only way to make this scene work, given the circumstances and the blocking and everything."I was just like, "Well, there you go. So when you woke up today, you did not know you were going to do that?"And he's like, "No.""And you've never done it before?""No."Well, that's why I'm here. That's what it's all about.<h2>On his 'Walk Hard' cameo as one of the Beatles</h2><div type="image" title="jason schwartzman and justin long as ringo starr and george harrison in walk hard. they're wearing eccentric clothes, and justin is holding a sitar" height="791" width="1055" msid="112909548" hostid="261" sizebytes="41770"></div>You had a very brief cameo in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/best-fictional-musicians-bands-movies-tv">"Walk Hard,"</a> where you played Ringo Starr with Jack Black, Paul Rudd, and Justin Long playing Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison. How did you get brought into that, and what was shooting that scene like?Maybe I got an email, a text from the director the night before or the day before, two days before maybe: "Hey, there's a scene with the Beatles. You wanna?" And I was like, yes, but I was so nervous.I am not comfortable working with all these geniuses. I'm pretty intimidated by these people. I've never been in a situation where I'm like, "Well, there's all these people who are top-level actors, who all also are top-level, improvisational actors and comedic actors."If you could make a different equivalent: I've had dinner with a person like that, but I've never been to a buffet, a sit-down dinner with 12 people. So I was really nervous. How does it work? Is one person the person who leads? When everyone's this talented and funny, when you're a fan of all these people; I was so nervous. Like, how is that going to work?I'm not, by the way, putting myself with these people. I'm saying as a person who's a fan of these people.It was such a cool experience. I just remember Justin Long being — he's an incredible mimic, and him really helping me. Because I'm a huge Beatles fan, but when you really start to get into it, he was the guiding light for me.<h2>On playing Jonathan Ames in 'Bored to Death'</h2><div type="image" title="jason schwartzman as jonathan ames in bored to death. he's wearing a courduroy brown jacket, white buttom up, and his hair is worm jaw length and swooped to one side. he's sittingon a couch in a cafe" height="1073" width="1431" msid="112909550" hostid="261" sizebytes="49668"></div><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/canceled-tv-show-cliffhangers-2018-6">"Bored to Death"</a> was your first and longest-running television role. It was very particular, too, because you were playing Jonathan Ames' fictionalized interpretation of himself. What did it feel like to get to settle into a role like that?It was crazy. I had loved Jonathan's books, and so we had this opportunity to meet, but it wasn't about "Bored to Death." It was about just one of his other books. He said, "I'm in LA, I have this idea for this short I wrote that I'm trying to turn into a television show." I said, "Can I read it?"It was the greatest honor, really, in the world. Because I was just like, "I just want to do these words." You know what I mean?I still mourn [that cancellation]. I truly think about it all the time. Even when we finished it, you don't necessarily think you're going to get renewed, but at the same time, I didn't necessarily say goodbye to it in a proper way. It just kind of was over. And I didn't get to complete it in my body.But it was a life-changer. It was the greatest experience.This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity."Between the Temples" is now in theaters.

Jason Schwartzman will think about working on 'Megalopolis' with Francis Ford Coppola 'til the day I die'

<keyword id="19933581" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prayagraj" source="keywords">Prayagraj</keyword>, a city steeped in culture and history, offers a delightful shopping experience for visitors looking to take a piece of its essence back home. From religious artifacts to exquisite handicrafts, the markets of Prayagraj boast a diverse array of items. Here's a guide to the 10 things you must consider buying when exploring the vibrant markets of this charming city. Religious Artifacts: Start your shopping spree with religious artifacts, as Prayagraj is a significant pilgrimage site. Idols of deities, rudraksha beads, and sacred scriptures make for meaningful souvenirs, reflecting the spiritual essence of the city. <keyword id="20242661" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kumkum" source="keywords">Kumkum</keyword> and Sandalwood Paste: Prayagraj is renowned for its religious rituals, and traditional items like kumkum (vermilion) and sandalwood paste are commonly used. Purchase these sacred substances, often sold in ornate containers, to bring a touch of spirituality to your home. Khadi Products: Embrace the spirit of India's independence movement by purchasing Khadi products. From clothing to accessories, the hand-spun and handwoven Khadi fabric is a symbol of self-reliance and a unique memento from Prayagraj. <keyword id="19903693" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="banarasi" source="keywords">Banarasi</keyword> Silk Sarees: Just a short distance from the silk city of Varanasi, Prayagraj offers an excellent selection of Banarasi silk sarees. Known for their intricate designs and vibrant colors, these sarees are a timeless addition to any wardrobe. <keyword id="20464202" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wooden-toys-and-handicrafts" source="keywords">Wooden Toys and Handicrafts</keyword>: Explore the local markets for intricately carved wooden toys and handicrafts. These traditional items showcase the skilled craftsmanship of the region and make for charming gifts or decorative pieces. Allahabad Papads: Indulge your taste buds with the local specialty, Allahabad papads. These thin, crispy discs are made from lentil flour and seasoned with unique spices, providing a delicious taste of the city's culinary delights. Ganga-Jamuna Saris: A unique specialty of Prayagraj, Ganga-Jamuna saris are woven with two different colored threads symbolizing the confluence of the Ganges and <keyword id="20076776" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="yamuna" source="keywords">Yamuna</keyword> rivers. These sarees are not only beautiful but also carry a cultural significance. Chikankari Embroidery: Immerse yourself in the fine art of Chikankari embroidery, a traditional craft of Uttar Pradesh. Elegant and timeless, Chikankari garments and fabrics make for exquisite keepsakes reflecting the city's cultural heritage. Glass Beaded Jewelry: Adorn yourself with the vibrant and colorful glass beaded jewelry that Prayagraj is known for. From necklaces to bangles, these accessories add a touch of local flair to any ensemble. Ayurvedic Products: Explore the markets for Ayurvedic products, including herbal oils, soaps, and skincare items. Prayagraj is home to many Ayurvedic stores offering natural and locally-made wellness products. Prayagraj's markets are a treasure trove of cultural riches waiting to be explored. From religious souvenirs to handcrafted textiles, each purchase tells a story of the city's rich heritage. Whether you're a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, these 10 items will not only serve as reminders of your time in Prayagraj but also as cherished tokens of its vibrant culture and traditions. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/webstories/7-best-places-to-visit-in-prayagraj-you-must-explore-on-your-next-trip/slidelist/107429054.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">7 Best places to visit in Prayagraj you should explore on your next trip</a>

List of famous things to buy in Prayagraj

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A pub just outside London has closed after it reignited a debate about Britain's racist history.</li><li>The dolls, historically known as "golliwogs," have long divided opinions in British society.</li></ul>A pub just outside London has been forced to close after it reignited a heated debate about one of Britain's most controversial toys and the nation's racist past.<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/11/essex-pub-landlady-benice-ryley-replaces-golliwog-doll-collection-that-was-seized-by-police">Police officers seized several dolls</a>, known as "golliwogs" or "gollies," from the White Hart Inn in Grays, Essex, last month as part of a hate crime investigation following a complaint.The pub's landlady, Benice Ryley, has insisted that the dolls aren't racist, while her husband, Christopher Ryley, is under further investigation for a Facebook comment on a <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/5571169/golliwogs-pub-investigation-complaint-essex/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">photo of the dolls hanging on a wooden beam</a>, saying: "They used to hang them in Mississippi years ago," in an apparent reference to historic lynchings of Black people in the US Deep South. But Benice Ryley's refusal to accept the idea that the dolls are racist seems to be symptomatic of the British public's divided opinion on the dolls and perhaps reflects a lack of understanding of the history surrounding the figures.It was announced that the pub, which was daubed with white paint and had its windows broken, closed earlier this week.Beer suppliers Carlsberg and Heineken told the couple to stop serving its products, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-65471314?at_campaign=Social_Flow&amp;at_link_origin=BBCNews&amp;at_ptr_name=twitter&amp;at_medium=social&amp;at_link_id=42E86038-E9B8-11ED-89E0-7CEA7E934D9D&amp;at_bbc_team=editorial&amp;at_campaign_type=owned&amp;at_format=link&amp;at_link_type=web_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC News reproted. </a>In addition, a maintenance company refused to work on the site, and the White Hart Inn was removed from the Good Beer Guide, per BBC News.The display of 30 golliwogs went "against everything we stand for," a Heineken UK spokesperson said, per BBC News."We believe pubs should be places of inclusivity and respect for all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or gender."As one of the lesser-known racist figures in the US, Insider has put together a brief history of how "gollies" went from beloved childhood dolls to symbols of racism. <h2>"A horrid sight, the blackest gnome"</h2>The British-American author and illustrator Florence Kate Upton originally created the character.In her 1895 book, "The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls," Upton first introduced her "Golliwogg" character, describing the doll as "a horrid sight, the blackest gnome," <a href="https://www.ferris.edu/JIMCROW/golliwog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to</a> David Pilgrim, the founder of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.Pilgrim said that the doll, which is the "least known of the major anti-black caricatures in the United States," was a "grotesque" representation of Black people, usually presented "with very dark, often jet black skin, large white-rimmed eyes, red or white clown lips, and wild, frizzy hair." The physical version of the doll, and its <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/enid-blyton-racist-english-heritage-b1867577.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">presence in children's literature</a>, became increasingly popular and commoditized across Britain throughout the 20th century, and it was found on postcards and pins and used as <a href="http://revealinghistories.org.uk/legacies-stereotypes-racism-and-the-civil-rights-movement/objects/robertson-s-golliwogs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marketing for a best-selling jam</a>, among other things.The dolls were particularly popular in <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/INFORMIT.142728578464264">England and Australia in the 1960s and 1970s</a>.<div type="image" title="Advertisement for Robertson's Jam showing the controversial 'Golliwog' character published August 27, 1955." height="571" width="760" msid="99535349" hostid="261"></div>The connection to the racist image evoked by the doll and American <a href="https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/blackface-birth-american-stereotype">minstrels</a> — a form of blackface performance developed in the 19th century — is clear. That "sentimentalized plantation slavery as humorous and perhaps even desirable," according to Alexander Scott, a researcher and assistant curator at the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. Even the use of the dehumanizing terminology is contentious, <a href="https://twitter.com/novaramedia/status/1645903423617875972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some argue for using the word</a> in full in order to not shy away from its racist history, while others shorten the phrase to avoid its full impact. Scott told Insider it was "really jarring to see racial epithet used so liberally" in coverage of the issue, and there should be a concerted effort to de-normalize the term. <h2>Perpetuating racist stereotypes </h2>The term has historically been used as a racial slur across Europe, and there have been many accounts of the painful experiences of Black children encountering the images.In British historian <a href="https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/david-olusoga/black-and-british/9781529065602" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Olusoga's book</a> "Black and British," he recounts a time when a girl brought her blackface doll into school in the 1970s and was "plunged into a day of humiliation and pain."He said it was difficult to see the word as "benign" after a note with the word wrapped around a brick was thrown into his family's window. But despite the long history of the racist trope, the debate over the doll's place in British culture continues. They are still sold online as collectible items, although sellers like eBay and Etsy <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/12/online-sellers-take-down-golliwog-listings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">have recently removed</a> the "offensive" items from their listings. Some museums in the UK have also <a href="https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1122444/golly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">removed the dolls from their displays</a>, while others have <a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/whats-on/edinburgh-museum-will-not-remove-golliwogs-despite-complaints-343409" target="_blank" rel="noopener">refused despite complaints</a>. In 2009, the Queen's Sandringham Estate also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/05/race-monarchy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">apologized and stopped selling</a> the dolls that were "causing offense" after the daughter of Margaret Thatcher, a former British Prime Minister, was <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-37839720090204" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fired from her job at the BBC</a> for using the slur to refer to a professional tennis player. <h2>Changing attitudes? </h2><div type="image" title="Revellers take part in the Children's Parade at Notting Hill Carnival in London, Britain, August 28, 2022." height="1345" width="1793" msid="99535351" hostid="261"></div>Grappling with racist symbols and imagery is indeed cross-Atlantic, as reflected in the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54269358" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changes made to rice packaging in the US</a> or questions about the appropriateness <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/31/learning/is-it-offensive-for-sports-teams-and-their-fans-to-use-native-american-names-imagery-and-gestures.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">of using images of Native Americans as sports mascots</a>. The connections made to nostalgia — <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/essex-pub-handed-awards-and-publication-ban-by-camra-over-golly-doll-collection-12856284">or "childhood history"</a> — by those in favor of the doll's continued presence hints at a rejection of "political correctness," as well as the "British tendency to think about slavery as something that happened in the American South, rather than <a href="https://www.bl.uk/restoration-18th-century-literature/articles/abolition-of-the-slave-trade-and-slavery-in-britain#:~:text=Britain's%20involvement%20in%20the%20transatlantic,plantations%20and%20denied%20basic%20rights." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Britain being one of the main protagonists</a>," Scott said.But it does appear that there is some gradual shift in public opinion happening with the dolls.A snap survey of 3,000 people conducted by YouGov for Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University, London, found that 27% thought it was racist to sell or display a golliwog doll, up from 20% in a similar survey in 2017, while 48% thought it was not racist, which was down from 63%.Nevertheless, the enduring popularity of the blackface doll creates the impression "that we live in a post-racial society," Scott said.Their continued normalization "denies an incredibly long and painful history," he added.

From one of Britain's most popular toys to the target of police raids: how a children's doll became a symbol of racism

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Netflix just released the list of titles that are coming to — and leaving — the site next month.</li><li>Numerous films will be added in April, like the Netflix original series "Beef."</li></ul><h2>Available 4/1/23</h2>"28 Days""A League of Their Own""American Hustle""Battleship""The Birds""Born on the Fourth of July""The Bourne Identity""The Bourne Supremacy""The Bourne Ultimatum""Charlie Wilson's War""Conan the Destroyer""Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat""Dr. Seuss' The Lorax""Friday Night Lights""Hatfields &amp; McCoys: Season 1""Hoarders: Season 12""Hotel Transylvania""How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days""How to Train Your Dragon""I, Frankenstein""Inception""Inside Man""The Land Before Time (1988)""Marnie""Matilda (1996)""The Negotiator""Not Another Teen Movie""Psycho (1960)""Puss in Boots""Shark Tale""Shrek Forever After""Smokey and the Bandit""Smokey and the Bandit II""Spider-Man""Spider-Man 2""Spider-Man 3""Thomas &amp; Friends: The Mystery of Lookout Mountain""Weathering" — Netflix Film"Zombieland"<h2>Available 4/2/23</h2>"War Sailor: Limited Series" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/3/23</h2>"Magic Mixies: Season 1""Surviving R. Kelly Part III: The Final Chapter: Season 1"<h2>Available 4/4/23</h2>"My Name Is Mo'Nique" — Netflix Comedy"The Signing" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/5/23</h2>"Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now" — Netflix Documentary<h2>Available 4/6/23</h2>"BEEF" — Netflix Series"The Last Stand"<h2>Available 4/7/23</h2>"Chupa" — Netflix Film"Holy Spider""Kings of Mulberry Street: Let Love Reign" — Netflix Film"Oh Belinda" — Netflix Film"Thicker Than Water" — Netflix Series"Transatlantic" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/8/23</h2>"Hunger" — Netflix Film<h2>Available 4/10/23</h2>"CoComelon: Season 8" — Netflix Family<h2>Available 4/11/23</h2>"All American: Homecoming Season 2""Leanne Morgan: I'm Every Woman" — Netflix Comedy<h2>Available 4/12/23</h2>"American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing" — Netflix Documentary"CELESTE BARBER Fine, thanks" — Netflix Comedy"Operation: Nation" — Netflix Film"Smother-in-Law: Season 2" — Netflix Series<div type="image" title="Ali Wong in &quot;Beef.&quot;" height="2000" width="2666" msid="98992464" hostid="261" sizebytes="375304"></div><h2>Available 4/13/23</h2>"The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib: Season 2" — Netflix Family"Florida Man" — Netflix Series"Obsession" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/14/23</h2>"Phenomena" — Netflix Film"Queenmaker" — Netflix Series"Queens on the Run" — Netflix Film"Seven Kings Must Die" — Netflix Film<h2>Available 4/15/23</h2>"Doctor Cha" — Netflix Series"Time Trap"<h2>Available 4/16/23</h2>"The Best Man Holiday""The Mustang""The Nutty Boy Part 2" — Netflix Family<h2>Available 4/17/23</h2>"Oggy Oggy: Season 2" — Netflix Family<h2>Available 4/18/23</h2>"Better Call Saul: Season 6""How to Get Rich" — Netflix Series"Longest Third Date" — Netflix Documentary<h2>Available 4/19/23</h2>"Chimp Empire" — Netflix Documentary"Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Once &amp; Always" — Netflix Film<h2>Available 4/20/23</h2>"The Diplomat" — Netflix Series"Tooth Pari: When Love Bites" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/21/23</h2>"A Tourist's Guide to Love" — Netflix Film"Chokehold" — Netflix Film"Indian Matchmaking: Season 3" — Netflix Series"One More Time" — Netflix Film"Rough Diamonds" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/22/23</h2>"Ada Twist, Scientist: Season 4" — Netflix Family<h2>Available 4/25/23</h2>"The Hateful Eight""The Hateful Eight: Extended Version""John Mulaney: Baby J" — Netflix Comedy<h2>Available 4/26/23</h2>"The Good Bad Mother" — Netflix Series"Kiss, Kiss!" — Netflix Film"Love After Music" — Netflix Series"Workin' Moms: Season 7" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/27/23</h2>"Firefly Lane: Season 2 Part 2" — Netflix Series"The Matchmaker" — Netflix Film"The Nurse" — Netflix Series"Sharkdog: Season 3" — Netflix Family"Sweet Tooth: Season 2" — Netflix Series<h2>Available 4/28/23</h2>"AKA" — Netflix Film"InuYasha: Season 6""King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch" — Netflix Series<div type="image" title="zooey deschanel as jess day on new girl" height="1457" width="1942" msid="98992466" hostid="261" sizebytes="123278"></div><h2>Leaving in April</h2><h2>Leaving 4/1/23</h2>"Turbo FAST: Seasons 1-3"<h2>Leaving 4/3/23</h2>"What Lies Below"<h2>Leaving 4/7/23</h2>"Hush"<h2>Leaving 4/9/23</h2>"New Girl: Seasons 1-7"<h2>Leaving 4/11/23</h2>"Married at First Sight: Season 10"<h2>Leaving 4/12/23</h2>"The Baker and the Beauty: Season 1"<h2>Leaving 4/18/23</h2>"Cuckoo: Seasons 1-5"<h2>Leaving 4/20/23</h2>"The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show: Seasons 1-4"<div type="image" title="sex bob-omb scott pilgrim" height="854" width="1138" msid="98992468" hostid="261" sizebytes="78782"></div><h2>Leaving 4/23/23</h2>"We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks"<h2>Leaving 4/24/23</h2>"Bill Nye: Science Guy"<h2>Leaving 4/25/23</h2>"The IT Crowd: Series 1-5"<h2>Leaving 4/27/23</h2>"Señora Acero: Seasons 1-5"<h2>Leaving 4/28/23</h2>"Ash vs. Evil Dead: Seasons 1-3"<h2>Leaving 4/30/23</h2>"Den of Thieves""Empire State""Leap Year""Road to Perdition""Scott Pilgrim vs. the World"

Everything coming to — and leaving — Netflix in April

Courtesy of Alex ReynoldsAlex Reynolds.<ul class="summary-list"><li>Alex Reynolds has been traveling the world full time for the past four years.</li><li>In November, she took a three-week trip to Saudi Arabia, prompted by the newly available tourist visa and the relaxed restrictions on solo female travelers.</li><li>Reynolds went everywhere, from the capital of Riyadh to the lesser populated Tabuk region neighboring Jordan, and experienced firsthand the country's evolving culture.</li><li>While Reynolds said she would love to return, she advised that more casual travelers may find certain social norms difficult to adapt to.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>For me, a solo, female, non-Muslim traveler allergic to guided tours, Saudi Arabia was a non-option for years.In recent decades, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/travel/saudi-tourist-visa-questions.html">non-Muslims</a> could enter only on business or transit visas. <a href="https://gulfbusiness.com/saudi-eases-restrictions-umrah-pilgrims-traveling-across-kingdom/">Muslim pilgrims</a> could transit only through major cities to Mecca and Medina. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/01/saudi-women-can-now-travel-without-a-male-guardian-reports-say">Women</a> had to be accompanied by male guardians.Then everything changed in 2019.Years-old rumors of tourist e-visas became reality for <a href="https://visa.visitsaudi.com/">49 nationalities</a>. Traveling women no longer needed male guardians, and women could drive cars as of 2018. Suddenly, the idea of <a href="https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/female-travel-saudi/">women traveling in Saudi Arabia</a> went from laughable to very, very plausible. My time had come.I was on the e-visa portal in a hot second and received my e-visa via WhatsApp 15 minutes later. No exaggeration.In November, I began my three-week journey, both solo and with friends, through Saudi Arabia. Here's what it was actually like.<h2>Why did I want to travel to Saudi Arabia in the first place, and was it ethical?</h2>I'm a 20-something American solo traveler and <a href="https://www.lostwithpurpose.com/">blogger</a> passionate about traveling to countries most tourists overlook. Too many people form opinions about countries and their citizens based on exaggerated news; I prefer to come to my own conclusions.You could accuse me of supporting the Saudi government's <a href="https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/saudi-arabia">human-rights violations</a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-islam.html">religious extremism</a>, and <a href="https://www.economist.com/open-future/2018/07/26/how-free-expression-is-suppressed-in-saudi-arabia">restricted freedoms</a> by traveling to the country. I disagree.There are ways to support people over governments. I traveled independently (not on a government-sponsored trip, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/03/style/saudi-arabia-travel-influencers.html">like many others</a>), stayed with locals and at local hotels, and spent my money at small businesses. Governments and people are separate entities - especially in a totalitarian monarchy like Saudi Arabia - and I don't believe in holding an entire population accountable for the acts of a corrupt few.Whether or not you agree, here's a glimpse of what I saw.

I'm a female traveler who spent 3 weeks backpacking around Saudi Arabia - and discovered it's not for the casual vacationer. Here's where I went and what I experienced.

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:590px"><div class="image"></div>Grace Wyler / Business Insider</div>Located in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall is one of the most famous religious sites in the world, and the most sacred place in the Jewish faith.
Although the Western Wall is best known for its open-air synagogue where Jewish pilgrims come to pray at the remains of the Second Temple, the outdoor plaza is merely just the tip of the iceberg for this holy site. The Wall actually extends for another 1,591 feet in a labyrinthine maze of tunnels underneath the Old City, exposing remnants of Jerusalem's past dating back to the 2nd century B.C. 
During a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/rand-paul-israel-photos-2013-1">visit to Jerusalem with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul this month</a>, I was lucky enough to get a private tour of these tunnels, guided by Isaac Applbaum, a Silicon Valley angel investor who sits on the board of the foundation that oversees the Western Wall.
<h3><a href="##slideshow##">Click here to take the tour &gt; </a></h3>
Applbaum, the unofficial "Chief Evangelist" of the Western Wall Tunnels, gave me an inside look at the underground ruins, including excavations west of the plaza that are not yet open to the public. 
He also explained the significance of the tunnels to the Jewish people: 
"The most important events in the history of the Jewish people happened right here," Applbaum said. "I actually feel my ancestry, I feel my history, I feel my religion. My great-great-great-great grandfather worked here, toiled here, found his religion here. It's like coming home." 
Like almost everything in Jerusalem, however, the Western Wall Tunnels are a source of political and religious controversy. Because the wall runs alongside the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque — sacred sites to the Muslim faith — Arabs and Israelis have frequently clashed over control of the Wall.
Palestinians have also protested <keyword id="6355882" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="israel">Israel</keyword>'s excavations in the Western Wall Tunnels, arguing that the archaeological digs are further attempts to boost Israel's claim to the Western Wall, and by extension, the city.
Applbaum does not dispute the claim:
"Why do we do all this? First of all, it's for us — this is our heritage," he said. "Secondly, because so many people say we have no right to be here, that this isn't ours. This is the history of the Jewish people in real time." 
As Applbaum's comments — and the following photos — reveal, the Western Wall Tunnels are really a microcosm for Jerusalem itself: From the Jews to the Romans to the Ottomans, everyone has always wanted to build here and lay claim to its 2,000-year history.

Step Inside The Hidden Tunnels Under Jerusalem's Sacred Western Wall

<keyword id="6354485" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="mobile">Mobile</keyword> Insights is a daily newsletter from <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/welcome?utm_source=House&amp;utm_medium=Edit&amp;utm_term=MI&amp;utm_content=link&amp;utm_campaign=BIIMobile">BI Intelligence</a> delivered first thing every morning exclusively to <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/welcome?utm_source=House&amp;utm_medium=Edit&amp;utm_term=MI&amp;utm_content=link&amp;utm_campaign=BIIMobile">BI Intelligence</a> subscribers. <a href="https://intelligence.businessinsider.com/welcome?utm_source=House&amp;utm_medium=Edit&amp;utm_term=MI&amp;utm_content=link&amp;utm_campaign=BIIMobile">Sign up for a free trial of BI Intelligence today</a>.

<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scottvanderchijs/4912947547/">Flickr Scott &amp; Elaine van der Chijs</a></div><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/15/waze-ceo-future-of-mobile-mapping/">The Future Of Mobile Is Fighting For A User's Time</a> (Engadget) Noam Bardin, CEO of Waze, took the stage at D:Dive Into Mobile yesterday. Bardin made no bones about how he saw the future of mobile playing out. Of course, this is a man who spends essentially no time focused on the desktop Web. According to Bardin, "the next five years will be about fighting for time with users," and he pointed to <keyword id="1626859" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Facebook-Home">Facebook Home</keyword> as the de facto example of that. <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/15/waze-ceo-future-of-mobile-mapping/">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://www.demo.com/ehome/50633/87308/?&amp;">DEMO Mobile: The Future Is In Your Hands</a> (DEMO) Speaking of conferences, we will be at DEMO Mobile tomorrow. Speakers range from Garrett Camp, founder and chairman, Uber and StumbleUpon; to Chris Dixon, general partner, Andreessen Horowitz; and James Senior, Director of Windows Apps, <keyword id="10387" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Microsoft">Microsoft</keyword>. We will have a full round up of news and commentary coming out of the panels and activities. Stay tuned. <a href="http://www.demo.com/ehome/50633/87308/?&amp;">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://econsultancy.com/uk/blog/62516-37-of-consumers-think-that-most-mobile-sites-are-difficult-to-navigate">Consumers Think Mobile Sites Are Hard To Navigate</a> (EPiServer via Econsultancy) A new report investigating consumer opinions of mobile commerce has found that there is still a perception that the mobile Web offers a poor user experience. More than a third (37%) of respondents in the <a href="http://www.episerver.com/m-commerce">EPiServer survey</a> agreed that many mobile websites are difficult to navigate, an increase from 32% in 2011. The survey also found that consumers are increasingly unforgiving of mobile sites and apps that aren’t up to scratch. Almost half of respondents (47%) claim that if an app is hard to use they will stop using or delete it compared to 41% in the previous survey. <a href="http://econsultancy.com/uk/blog/62516-37-of-consumers-think-that-most-mobile-sites-are-difficult-to-navigate">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://www.parseco.com/embrace-push/">Push Notifications Help Businesses Stay Relevant</a> (Parseco) Mostly due to its ubiquity, SMS is a perfect starting point for companies to enter a fresh advertising medium, realize high response rates and revenues on campaigns. New technologies, such as push notifications, are a godsend for mobile advertisements and developing customer engagement business strategies. SMS will undoubtedly stay a relevant advertising channel, pretty much due to everything stated above, but push notifications represent another major focus of modern day <keyword id="564900" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mobile-advertising">mobile advertising</keyword>. <a href="http://www.parseco.com/embrace-push/">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/15/4228962/google-glass-mirror-api-documentation">Google Releases API For Google Glass</a> (The Verge) <keyword id="6355629" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Google">Google</keyword> has released documentation for the Mirror API, the interface that programmers will use to write services for Glass. The contents include everything from quick start guides for Java and Python to in-depth developer guides and best practices, and starter projects and libraries are available for download. The news comes just as the first Glass units are beginning to roll off the production line. <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/4/15/4228962/google-glass-mirror-api-documentation">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://allthingsd.com/20130415/the-biggest-challenge-for-mobile-ads-showing-that-they-work/">The Biggest Challenge For Mobile Ads Is Showing That They Work</a> (All Things Digital) Google’s Jason Spero and Millennial Media’s Mollie Spillman, two of the people charged with figuring out how to usher in a new era of online advertising say the biggest problem is helping advertisers see when their mobile ads are actually working. "Until you can show [that tracking connection], they’re not going to pay as much for it," said Spero. "We’re investing heavily in helping people track the value." It’s obviously not a Google-only problem. <a href="http://allthingsd.com/20130415/the-biggest-challenge-for-mobile-ads-showing-that-they-work/">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/15/google-mobile-web-access-speeds-increased-30-over-the-last-12-months/">Google: Mobile Web Access Speeds Increasing</a> (TechCrunch) Mobile browsing got significantly faster over the last 12 months, according to a new report from Google, and the average page load times on mobile are now comparable to desktop page load times. On mobile, Web pages now load about 30% faster than a year ago, but when it comes to desktops, Google only found some very minor speed-ups. That, however, is actually quite impressive, given that the size of the average Web page increased by over 56% in the last 12 months. <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/15/google-mobile-web-access-speeds-increased-30-over-the-last-12-months/">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2013/04/iphone-users-do-more-virtual-shopping-than-android-users.html">iPhone Users Do More Virtual Shopping Than Android Users</a> (Arbitron via Marketing Pilgrim) According to research firm Arbitron, a greater percentage of iPhone users (67.5%) use mobile apps for commerce compared to <keyword id="6355645" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="android">Android</keyword> users (43.9%). iPhone users went on an average of 35 virtual shopping trips in a month, while Android users only went shopping 29.5 times. In addition, iPhone users spent more time using mobile commerce apps. <a href="http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2013/04/iphone-users-do-more-virtual-shopping-than-android-users.html">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/why-mozilla-building-mobile-os/">Why Is Mozilla Building A Mobile OS?</a> (Mashable) <keyword id="6355041" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mozilla">Mozilla</keyword>'s resigning CEO Gary Kovacs may be stepping down, but he's still passionate about transforming the mobile space and believes “the line between a browser, Web page and an app should just go away." The key to understanding why phones bearing the <keyword id="1137174" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Firefox-OS">Firefox OS</keyword> will arrive in five European countries this summer is to look at where the next 2 billion mobile users will come from. As Kovacs sees it, those new mobile users are, in the next four-to-seven years, coming from the developing world, in places where the majority of the population is below the poverty line and doesn't have access to the same kind of powerful hardware found in the U.S. <a href="http://mashable.com/2013/04/15/why-mozilla-building-mobile-os/">Read &gt;</a>
<a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-15/facebook-talking-to-apple-about-new-home-software-for-iphone.html">Facebook In Talks To Bring Home To iPhone And Windows</a> (Bloomberg) <keyword id="6354576" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Facebook">Facebook</keyword> is reportedly in talks with <keyword id="6354427" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Apple">Apple</keyword> and Microsoft about the possibility of creating versions of its Home launcher for the iPhone and Windows Phone, according to Adam Mosseri, Facebook's director of product. "We've shown them what we've built and we're just in an ongoing conversation," Mosseri said. He said the skin could arrive on <keyword id="75489" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="IOS">iOS</keyword> with a different name and appearance than the one built for Android. <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-15/facebook-talking-to-apple-about-new-home-software-for-iphone.html">Read &gt;</a>

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