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The Best Exercises for Teens to Stay Fit on the Go

Teens need to stay fit to keep up with different activities. Here are some of the best exercises for teens to stay fit on the go…
CONTINUE READING >>

Teens face unique challenges when it comes to staying fit and healthy. Between school, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, finding time for exercise can seem like a daunting task. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for physical and mental well-being during these formative years.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the best exercises that teenagers can do. Just as a sleep cycle app helps track and improve rest patterns, these exercises aim to integrate fitness into a teen’s busy life seamlessly. That way, you can ensure you stay healthy and energized even when you’re on the go.

Quick Workouts for Busy Schedules

Finding time for exercise can be tough, but quick workouts are a great solution. These short, intense sessions can be done anywhere and don’t require any special equipment.

    • High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT involves short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief rest periods. This type of workout is perfect for teens with limited time, as it can be completed in as little as 15-20 minutes. Exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, and high knees are excellent for quickly raising your heart rate.
    • Bodyweight Exercises: Push-ups, squats, and planks are fantastic bodyweight exercises that can be done at home or on the go. These exercises help build strength and endurance without the need for a gym.
    • Yoga and Stretching: Incorporating yoga and stretching into your routine can improve flexibility and reduce stress.

Cardio on the Go

Similar to the quick workouts above, cardiovascular exercise is essential for heart health and overall fitness. Fortunately, you don’t need a gym to get your daily dose of cardio. You can incorporate this exercise into your daily routine.

One simple way to increase your physical activity is to take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible. This small change can significantly boost your daily exercise.

Another effective method is power walking or jogging. Turn your travel time into exercise time by walking briskly or jogging to school, between classes, or while running errands. Even a 10-minute brisk walk can make a noticeable difference.

Additionally, consider using a jump rope. It’s portable and provides an intense cardio workout. Just five minutes of jumping rope can burn as many calories as a 30-minute jog, making it a highly efficient exercise option.

Making Fitness Fun and Social

Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. Engaging in fun activities can make staying fit enjoyable and something to look forward to.

One fun way to get moving is to dance it out. Put on your favorite music and dance for 15-20 minutes. It’s a great way to get your heart rate up and release endorphins, making you feel happier and more energized.

Engaging in sports and active games with friends is another excellent way to stay fit. Whether it’s a quick game of basketball during lunch break or a frisbee session in the park, these activities combine fitness with social interaction, making exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity.

Fitness challenges with friends can also make working out more enjoyable. Create friendly competitions or challenges with your peers and use fitness apps to track steps, workouts, or achievements. This turns fitness into a fun, social activity and helps keep everyone motivated and accountable.

Keeping Your Motivation Burning

Staying motivated to exercise can be challenging, but there are simple things you can do to help stay on track. Below are some of them:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This approach helps build confidence and prevents burnout.

2. Track Your Progress: Use a fitness app or journal to track your workouts and progress. Seeing your improvements over time can be incredibly motivating.

3. Find a Workout Buddy: Exercising with a friend can make workouts more enjoyable and hold you accountable. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time together and support each other’s fitness goals.

Conclusion

Staying fit as a teenager doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Incorporating quick workouts, fun activities, and simple lifestyle changes can help you maintain your fitness levels even with your busy schedule.

Also, don’t forget that consistency is key when it comes to exercising. Start small, gradually increase intensity and duration, and most importantly, choose activities that are enjoyable.

The goal is to cultivate habits that will last a lifetime. When you find ways to stay active and fit it into your unique lifestyle, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, more energetic future.

The Big Apple’s Best Bargain

New York City is expensive! To help with some of that cost we want to pass along the best deal anywhere in the city. How about a boat tour of the harbor and an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty… for free? CONTINUE READING >> 

New York City is expensive!

Not only to live in, but to visit as well. So to help soften some of that cost we want to pass along what we think is the best deal anywhere in the city. How about a boat tour of the harbor and an amazing view of the Statue of Liberty… for free?

We’re not kidding, just climb aboard the Staten Island Ferry any time day or night, since it runs twenty four hours a day seven days a week, and never pay a penny. We’ve done it many times.

While the ferry is free now, it wasn’t always. In the early days it was a nickel a ride, and went up to fifty cents before the fare was waved in 1997 in an election year bid for votes from Staten Islanders by Mayor Giuliani. Since then the route has been fare-free, even though it costs the city over five dollars per passenger for each crossing.

The Staten Island Ferry began in 1817 as a part of the Richmond Turnpike Company, but historical records reveal that the Native American tribes living on Staten Island traveled back and forth by boat to Manhattan and New Jersey long before any Europeans arrived in the New World.

In 1838 Cornelius Vanderbilt bought the company, and his name has been famously associated with the ferry ever since. It was as a young boatman in New York harbor that he was nicknamed Commodore, a moniker which stayed with him for the rest of his life.

During the Civil War the Union used two of the ferries, the Clifton and Westfield, to assist in a blockade against the Confederate Army. After helping to capture New Orleans, they moved on to fight in Texas where the Westfield was sunk and the Clifton captured.

In 1905 the City of New York assumed control of the company and made it a part of the New York City Department of Transportation. This means that the service is considered more like a road than mass transit.

But none of this history lesson matters when looking for a little free fun on the water in the City That Never Sleeps. So for the Big Apple’s best bargain we always head down to the Whitehall Terminal on the southern tip of Manhattan, right next to Battery Park.

For the best view of Lady Liberty choose the starboard, or right hand, side of the boat. It’s not hard to tell where to go, it’ll be where about eighty percent of the other passengers are. On the way out the route first passes Governor’s Island on the other side. This little isle has quite a history of its own.

During the Revolution and War of 1812 it was armed with fortifications for the city, then later as a Coast Guard installation. In between the island was more than doubled in size by dumping the excavations from digging the subways.

Now it serves as a green space getaway for city dwellers, complete with its own faux tropical beach.

By the time the ship gets far enough out in the harbor for a good look at the statue, so many people are usually on that side the boat is listing. The view of the Statue of Liberty is not as close up as the tourist boats, but remember, for the price it can’t be beat.

And it is certainly close enough to get a good photo op. (Don’t forget to zoom in.) Right next to Liberty Island is Ellis Island, certainly not as impressive from afar, but every bit as historically significant, if not more so.

Usually when we reach Staten Island we just disembark and then turn around and get right back on for the return trip. Everyone is required to leave the boat and go inside to get back in line for the next ferry. It’s no big deal because there is never more than a half an hour wait.

Depending on the time of year though, there is another of the city’s best bargains right by the dock, The Staten Island Yankees. This minor league baseball team is often called the Baby Bombers because they are the single A level affiliate to their parent team the Bronx Bombers. They could also be so named for their much smaller admission fee.

As fun as it is to see these young hopefuls striving to make the big leagues, perhaps the most exciting thing about them is their stadium, Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George. That may be a mouthful, but the view over the outfield wall is an even more amazing eyeful.

Watching the sun set on the world’s most famous skyline is worth every penny of the dozen or so dollar ticket price, no matter who is on the field.

After the game, or if it isn’t baseball season, the view of the skyline on the return trip is even better. Every time we can’t help but join the groups of onlookers watching the skyscrapers of lower Manhattan loom as we approach the terminal, no matter how many times we’ve done it.

This incredible backdrop has also made the Staten Island Ferry a very popular setting for filming movies, including Working Girl, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and the recent Spider-Man: Homecoming.

We can see why, no set or soundstage could possibly top it, but for us it is just the best cheap date in the city.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Got any other amazing deals to pass along? Tell us about them in the comments.

Understanding The Sex Crime Statute Of Limitations In California

There are approximately 237,868 new victims of sexual assault each year, leading to a new case every two minutes. This serious problem requires immediate legal action, especially since cases often go unreported for years.

The statute of limitations in California for criminal cases differs depending on when and how the crime was committed. It’s important to understand how these timelines apply to sex offender crimes to ensure that you or someone you love can get their case to court before it expires.

If you believe you are innocent or were unaware of any criminal activity, learn how seeking the guidance and help of a sex crimes lawyer or a criminal defense lawyer with expertise in this field can provide you with essential support.

Read our guide to find what constitutes a sex offender crime and the resulting statute of limitations in California.

Understanding Sex Crimes

Sexual violence is any unwanted, non-mutual sexual activity. Examples include incest, rape, threats, abuse of minors, and sex trafficking.

Almost every sex crime is a felony, leading to a longer sentence than a less severe misdemeanor.

There are several myths surrounding sexual violence.

In California, 5.6 million women have been victims of sexual violence other than rape, but so have three million men. 75 percent of victims are attacked by family or friends in safe areas. Only two percent of sexual violence accusations are proven false, no higher than any other felony.

Sex Crime Statute of Limitations in California

A statute of limitations is the time between when a crime occurs and when the victim can legally try the case.

Almost 85 percent of rapes go unreported. Victims may fear for their lives or the safety of their loved ones. In California, the time it takes for a victim to report a sex crime doesn’t affect the statute of limitations.

Some sex offender crimes are so serious they don’t have a statute of limitations. This allows victims to develop a case at any time. Examples include aggravated assault of a minor or sex with a minor 10 years old or younger.

For other serious offenses, the statute of limitations for sex offender crimes can be 21 years or more.

There’s a three-year statute of limitations for incest, content sent with the intent to seduce a minor, and unlawful intercourse with a minor. There is a six-year statute of limitations for rape, spousal rape, transporting a minor with intent to commit a sex crime, and sodomy with a foreign object.

Still have questions about California’s policy towards sex offender crimes and where to get help if you have a case? Read more here.

Exceptions to California’s Sex Crime Statute of Limitations

Several states allow an extension of a statute of limitations in certain cases.

One example is when new DNA evidence becomes available. California allows for an extra year so new suspects can be prosecuted.

Other exceptions exist, and sex crime laws are constantly changing. That’s why it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest news on how and when to file a case.

What Sex Crime Victims Should Do Next

The statute of limitations in California for sex crimes depends on the type of crime committed, the age of the victim, and other factors. Exceptions like new DNA evidence may extend them, and some cases can be tried at any time.

If you or someone you know becomes a victim of a sex crime, there are two major steps you should take. First, stay up-to-date on all current sex crime laws. Second, get the best possible lawyer to fight for you when taking the case to court.

Read the rest of our content and keep checking back for more information.

Keeping Track of Your Income: 5 Freelance Bookkeeping Tips

One of the most challenging aspects of freelancing is keeping track of the money that comes in and out of your bank account. Bookkeeping is a must, not only for tax purposes but also to help you stay profitable. Here are 5 simple, yet important freelance bookkeeping tips you should learn… CONTINUE READING >> 

In the U.S. alone, 57 million people worked in the gig economy in 2018. This number keeps growing each year, and if you’re planning to join the freelance workforce, you need to be ready.

One of the most challenging aspects of freelancing is keeping track of the money that comes in and out of your bank account. Bookkeeping is a must, not only for tax purposes but also to help you stay profitable.

Here are 5 simple, yet important freelance bookkeeping tips you should learn to keep track of your income and expenses.

1. Get Organized

Before you delve into self-employed bookkeeping, you need to get organized and know what you should focus on. the very first thing should be officially forming your company. That is where a good company registration service is your best asset for checking the name and meeting all of the requirements of starting a new venture.

You can also use organization apps and tools, as long as you can access them at any time. Keeping everything on file will help you budget and come in handy if you’re ever under an audit.

2. Learn About Bookkeeping

If you want to run your own freelance business, you should learn the basics of bookkeeping for self-employed. Whether you’re just starting out or have an existing income stream, you should know exactly what happens to your money.

Start by taking an online course, attend a local workshop, or ask for advice from a local bookkeeper. You can also learn to use bookkeeping tools and manage your finances yourself from anywhere.

If you work best with spreadsheets, make sure to name them appropriately and keep them in a safe place.

3. Track Your Income and Expenses

Keeping track of your income, business expenses, budget, and savings is crucial for running a successful business. No matter where you are in the world, you’ll have to pay taxes on your earnings, so make sure to set aside enough money for that.

Have a system in place to track payments from clients, along with pending or late payments. Keep the receipts of all business purchases you made so you can get some tax deductions wherever possible.

4. Use Online Tools and Software

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to run a profitable business with all the technology and online tools available. The easiest way to manage your self-employment bookkeeping records is to use bookkeeping software. QuickBooks Desktop Cloud Hosting is one of the popular cloud based accounting software which can be accessed on Azure WVD is popular among the CPA`s and bookkeepers.

You can see your entire financial history, income streams, expenses, and taxes owed. You can also use services like thepaystubs.com to create pay stubs online and pay yourself, your employees, or outsourced workers.

5. Consult a Professional

If managing your bookkeeping is too much for you, you can always consult or hire a professional bookkeeper. Before you hire someone, do in-depth research, get recommendations, and do background checks on potential hires.

Finding the right person can save you time and money, and you’ll have your finances sorted out at any time.

These Freelance Bookkeeping Tips Will Help You Stay on Top of Your Finances

Whether you’re a full-time freelancer or just getting started, keeping track of your money flow is essential for staying afloat.

These freelance bookkeeping tips will help you manage your business finances so you can spend your time making more money.

Need more freelancing tips and tricks? Check out the rest of the articles on our website where we cover SEO, blogging, and social media tactics to build your business.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

The Benefits of Probiotics in Vegan Diets

You might know that probiotics are live bacteria that support gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. If you are someone who is on a vegan diet then you must know that probiotics are especially important for maintaining a balanced gut flora in your body.

If you don’t have enough knowledge about probiotics then no worry we are here to guide you at any step. This article explores the benefits of probiotics for vegans and highlights the best vegan-friendly probiotic foods to incorporate into your diet.

Why Are Probiotics Important in Vegan Diets?

Probiotics are essential for digestive health because they replenish good bacteria in the gut. Since vegans often consume a high-fiber diet. Probiotics help break down that fiber that aids in digestion and prevents bloating. 

Without enough probiotics, digesting fibrous foods can cause discomfort. A balanced gut microbiome helps avoid these issues. Also, Probiotics are responsible for keeping the digestion process smooth and streamlined.

It is also said that probiotics also play an important part in boosting the immune system. This is not all the probiotics do for the human body. They are also responsible for a healthy gut that supports immune function.

All of the above-mentioned roles of probiotics make them a significant part of vegan diets for maintaining overall health.

Probiotics For Men and Women

We all must know that probiotics are equally important for both men and women. However, it is important to consider that their needs can differ slightly. 

It is worth mentioning that foods high in probiotics for women include kimchi, coconut yogurt, sauerkraut, etc. 

All of these food options have a tendency to maintain gut health and support reproductive well-being. Remember, all of these probiotics can also lower the risk of yeast infections and improve vaginal health.

There are natural probiotics for men also present that directly work best for males. These probiotics include miso, tempeh, kombucha, etc. 

All of these are known best for their role in supporting the digestive health and immune function of the human body. It is also said that these probiotics also aid nutrient absorption in vegan diets from their plant-based meals.

Health Benefits of Probiotics

The benefits of probiotics extend beyond digestion. Research shows that a balanced gut microbiome impacts overall physical and mental health.

Boost the immune system: About 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. A healthy gut balance is essential for strong immune defenses.

Improve mental health: There’s a clear link between gut health and mood regulation with probiotics. They work directly in the body to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Enhance nutrient absorption: Probiotics with vitamins and minerals improve the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. If a person is following a plant-based diets then natural probiotics availability benefits him a lot.

Why Probiotics & Fiber are Considered a Perfect Pair?

As we all know a vegan diet is naturally high in fiber which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut. However, it is important for you to understand that fiber works best when combined with probiotics. 

Fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and also allows them to thrive. So when it is paired with a high-fiber diet with probiotics, you can conveniently create the ideal environment for gut health.

This is the reason why all health care experts emphasized the importance of fiber intake with probiotics because the combined effect of both helps the human body in a lot of ways.

Probiotics and Immunity

Do you know that your immune system depends on a healthy gut? You must be aware that probiotics not only maintain a balance of good bacteria but also help strengthen the immune system’s response to infections. 

Studies show that regular probiotic consumption can reduce the frequency of colds and improve your body’s defense against harmful pathogens. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that probiotics work directly to boost your immunity and you will be safe from many diseases.

The Best Vegan Probiotic Foods to Try

If you’re looking to boost your probiotic intake let us inform you about the top 20 probiotic foods that are vegan-friendly. You can easily add these food sources to your diet to enjoy plenty of benefits.

      • Sauerkraut
      • Kimchi
      • Tempeh
      • Kombucha
      • Miso

These foods are easy to find and incorporate into your diet. Moreover, they also provide the same probiotic benefits as dairy-based options.

Start Probiotics For Optimal Vegan Health

It is undeniably a wise step to add probiotics into your vegan diet to maintain gut health, improve digestion, and strengthen your immune system. We are highly confident that, right after using these vegan probiotic foods you will have live bacteria needed for overall wellness.

Remember to keep a blanched diet with these natural probiotics to enjoy quick and long-lasting results. Start implementing the knowledge of these foods today to make a step towards better health.

Hunting the Big 5 with our Camera – Safari South African Style


As luck would have it.

The phrase doesn’t necessarily refer to good luck; sometimes it can preface a lament of ill fortune.

In the case of our photo safari in South Africa, as luck would have it, we were about as (good) lucky as anyone could get… CONTINUE READING >>

The GypsyNesters in Kruger National Park in South Africa

As luck would have it.

The phrase doesn’t necessarily refer to good luck; sometimes it can preface a lament of ill fortune.

In the case of our photo safari in South Africa, as luck would have it, we were about as (good) lucky as anyone could get.

Elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa

When we set out on Viator’s Best 3-Day Kruger Park Wildlife Safariwe packed our camera into the backpack excited at the prospect of seeing the Big 5.

Especially rhinoceros, since the endangered giants had eluded us in Tanzania.

There are only about 20,000 white rhinos left in the world, and about half of them live in Kruger National Park, so there is no better place to see them.

A rhino covered in birds in Kruger National Park in South Africa

And see them we did, dozens of them.

We saw them on the very first afternoon, and every day of the three-day tour.

We were closer to rhinos than we ever dreamed possible.

In fact, on the last day we were feeling fairly strongly that we might have been too close.

Baby Rhino at Kruger National Park, South Africa
Soooo cute! Look at his little bump of a second horn!

On our way out of the park we came upon a family of rhinos, so we stopped to watch as the momma and baby leisurely strolled across the road in front of us.

Meanwhile several other cars pulled up to take a look, which made the dad downright disturbed as he felt that he was being cut off from his family.

An angry male rhino in Kruger National Park, South Africa
He’s HUGE! And unhappy.

At that point the two-ton beast stepped into the center of the vehicles and got pretty protective, rocking back and forth and staring down each of his mechanical adversaries.

The nearest car to him was a tiny compact that weighed less than half of the gridlocked huge, horned creature.

The big guy could have crushed it in a second, and, and the driver was obviously distressed… with good reason.

Yet the car behind them seemed oblivious to the situation, so our fantastic guide, Phineas, who was feeling the tension, backed us away slowly, opening a path for the rhino and helping to defuse the situation.

The big fellah did an imposing, and less than graceful, backwards walk into the bush before turning to catch up with his family.

WATCH: We captured the whole rhino ordeal on video. It was hairy!

An elephant crosses the road in Kruger National Park, South Africa

As intense as that situation was, it wasn’t the highlight of our safari.

Day two would take that honor.

We set out early for an all-day game drive and immediately came upon more rhinos, then drove deeper into the park and found gorgeous giraffes…

Giraffes grazing on trees in Kruger National Park in South Africa

…and several giant elephants.

Elephants in Kruger National Park in South Africa

A herd of elephants in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Baboons groom each other in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Next we came upon a troop of baboons. There were at least thirty in the group, including several babies.

One looked to be brand newborn, perhaps only a day old, and we caught it nursing while the mother carried it along.

So cute!

A baby baboon clings to its mother in Kruger National Park in South Africa
Just look at that little baby’s face!

Phineas put his sixteen years of guiding experience to good use by spotting animals that we never would have seen on our own. This is why we say that the best way to see wildlife is by looking for Africa Tour Packages.

Our guide, Phineas, on our Kruger National Park Photo Safari in South Africa with Viator

Driving in Kruger National Park, South Africa

He also utilized his ability to speak 12 languages – from Afrikaans to Zulu (and German and English) – to talk with other guides about where to find animals, especially the elusive big cats.

As much as we were focused on rhinos, without a doubt lions are the main attraction at Kruger National Park.

However, they can be a bit reclusive so it is not uncommon for visitors to miss seeing them.

When he heard that two lions had been spotted Phineas hurried us to the area, only to find several other groups looking without any success.

After surveying the situation, he broke off from the pack and spotted the pair of predators lounging under a tree about a quarter of a mile away.

It was one of several times that we wished we had a tripod to get a better shot, but we made due steadying the camera on the truck.

While everyone else was looking for the cats further down the road, Phineas had a hunch that led us right to them.

Once we had enough time watching the lions undisturbed, Phineas kindly went back to alert the other guides to their location (it’s cool to be the ones in the know!) and headed off to lunch.

With lions, rhinos, and elephants already marked off our list in the morning, we needed only two more sightings to complete Africa’s Big 5.

An African Buffalo in Kruger National Park in South Africa

The five animals were chosen because of their desirability to hunters, and their dangerous nature.

They are considered the most aggressive and likely to attack or kill humans.

The next one for us to see, the African buffalo, came soon after our meal.

That left us with only the leopard to complete the set.

A hippo surrounded by birds at Kruger National Park, South Africa

Throughout the afternoon we saw more and more elephants, until we were calling this the day of a hundred elephants.

We also spotted even more rhinos, a jackal, crocodiles, hippos, wildebeest, a myriad of birds, zebras, a few warthogs, steenboks, and endless impalas… but no more cats.

Steenboks and impallas in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Steenboks and impala – Phineas calls them “fast food” – the impala even has the Golden Arches on his flank!

Not that it mattered, with so much to see we had pretty much forgotten about leopards.

A giraffe eating from the treetops in Kruger National Park in South Africa

In fact, we were pretty thrilled because we had observed, and photographed, all of our GypsyNester Big 5: giraffe, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, elephant, and zebra.

A zebra at Kruger National Park, South Africa

So as sundown drew near we headed for camp excitedly discussing what a great day it had been.

Beautiful sunset at Kruger National Park in South Africa

Then we crossed a bridge about a mile from camp and spotted a spotted cat slinking along the riverbed.

A river in Kruger National Park, South Africa

It was a leopard, meaning that we had seen all of the Big 5 in one day!

A leopard in Kruger National Park in South Africa

Phineas assured us that we truly were incredibly lucky, since this almost never happens.

A hornbill in Kruger National Park, South Africa
A hornbill at our camp.

By spending three days in the Park, we felt relaxed with the pace of our explorations.

It helped that the park has all of the necessary accommodations within its boundaries, which saved time and made us feel more connected to our surroundings.

Our cabin at Berg-En-Dal camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa

In the evenings, we sat on the patio of our cabin at the camp at Berg-En-Dal listening to the sounds of wild animals filling the air.

Pretty sweet, and hardly roughing it, with comfy beds and air conditioning, plus a full service restaurant featuring dining under the stars.

Our cabin and patio at Berg-En-Dal camp in Kruger National Park, South Africa

A kudo pot pie at the Berg-En-Dal camp restaurant in Kruger National Park in South Africa

In keeping with our exotic surroundings, the first night we ordered wild kudu cooked in a pot pie, and as a schnitzel.

We had never heard of kudu, but our verdict was that they are quite tasty.

Phineas explained that they are a large antelope that is very prevalent in the park, and sure enough, he hunted some down for us the next day.

A kudu in Kruger National Park in South Africa
The non-shaggy kudu
A kudu on Kruger National Park in South Africa
And the fancy shaggy kind!

At Kruger National Park in South Africa, we ate lunch while watching elephants and hippos in the nearby river!

The restaurant at the Kruger’s Lower-Sabie camp could be the best lunch location we’ve ever experienced.

Seated on the balcony overlooking the Sabie River, we watched hippos, elephants, crocs, and kudus visit for a drink or a bath.

There’s no beating it.

An elephant walks by a river in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Certainly these critters can be dangerous.

To ensure that there aren’t any unwelcome wildlife encounters, all of the camps in the park are fenced off to keep out razor-sharp toothed visitors.

It’s kind of like we humans were the ones in the zoo.

The sun turns into a big round ball every evening in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Every evening, the sun turned into a huge, perfectly round ball.

In addition to our time in Kruger, the drive back and forth from Johannesburg gave us a chance to learn about the history of South Africa and an opportunity to see a good bit of the country’s landscape.

The journey took us through vast, open farmland, rolling foothills, and forested mountains, which was not what we expected to find.

A warthog crosses the road between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park in South Africa
And the animals kept showing up – warthogs are faster than we imagined!
Vervet monkey in South Africa
A vervet monkey in a village along the way.

Phineas discussed everything with the knowledge that living in a place all of his life brings.

He was equally comfortable conversing about South Africa’s origins, politics, Nelson Mandela, and the nation’s rise from apartheid, as he was explaining the ecology and wildlife.

Taking a different route back to Johannesburg gave us the chance to pass through the mountains that we had seen from below on the way over.

Along the road from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park in South Africa

Pilgram's Rest in South Africa

We drove along Bushbuck Ridge, stopped off for an amazing panoramic view from God’s Window, headed over Robbers Pass, and had lunch in the well preserved old mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

We considered this all a bonus because the tour really was all about the animals.

As Phineas told us when we were entering the park on the first day, “It’s not a zoo, you never know what you’ll see.”

Well, as luck would have it, we saw it all.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Big thanks to Viator for providing this wondrous adventure! As always, all opinions are our own. To see more about this tour, click here.

See all of our adventures in Africa!

YOUR TURN: So how about our Phineas? Is he a font of knowledge or what? What is YOUR personal Big 5?

This post may contain sponsored links.

6 Tactics to Improve Your Performance in Bed

Sex is a wonderful thing for a huge number of reasons. Sex is incredibly pleasurable, is a wonderful way to relieve stress, can create and promote intimacy between partners, and is just a whole lot of fun. No matter whether you think you are fully proficient in your sexual life, everyone wants to be the best they can be. There are so many sex guides online that it can be hard to know what is useful advice and what is not. To help all the lovers out there, this article is a guide to 6 tactics to improve your performance in bed.

1. Talk About Sex

As your relationship starts to get older, it’s easy to get into the habit of just going through the motions during sex rather than expressing what you really want and need in bed. This can often make sex like a chore or something that needs to be got out the way. Talking with your partner about sex elevates its importance which may have declined as a relationship age and you both have more responsibilities like careers, children, and your home. Don’t just focus on the physical acts, but have some frank talks and ask each other what you want in bed with each other. Talking about sex can also be a really exciting form of foreplay which can get you both in the mood.

2. Take Steps to Last Longer

Premature ejaculation is an issue that affects a third of all men and it can be very frustrating for both the man and his partner. Premature ejaculation is when a man climaxes before he wants to, which may mean before he has started to enjoy sex or before his partner is sexually satisfied. There are various causes of this issue, but there are some simple solutions that can have really positive results. One of these solutions is using a premature ejaculation spray which can desensitize your penis and stop you from becoming overly aroused. You can learn more about pe sprays online as well as other solutions that are effective. Too many men are ashamed to talk about problems with premature ejaculation, so ordering a premature ejaculation spray online is a discreet way to deal with the issue. Increased sexual stamina will be great for both parties and can prevent real mental health issues that premature ejaculation can cause. As another option, you can consider using a natural supplement such as PeakErect or Booster XT to help you with premature ejaculation.

3. Plan for Sex

Planning sex is a great way to improve your sex life and better satisfy your partner. Setting aside time or arranging opportunities for sex is very important, especially for busy couples or those with children. Plan romantic nights or naughty weekends away where you dedicate time solely for sex and during those times, do not discuss anything like bills, work, or household matters. Planning for sex is also a great way to build anticipation which will make it all the more exciting when the time comes.

When you are planning for sex, make sure your sexual health is top notch. Get your regular STD checkups done on time, keep your private parts clean and enjoy getting intimate without any fear or odor or irritations.

4. Make Use of Technology

Too many men are intimidated by sex toys or wrongly think that they somehow emasculate them, but using toys is a great way to spice things up in the bedroom and pleasure each other in new ways. There are so many vibrators available on the market today and there are even ones that can be controlled from a mobile phone. This can be great foreplay as it can be used anywhere like in a restaurant or cinema and you can tease your partner all evening before finally getting home to bed.

5. Compliment Each Other

Especially as we get older or when we have been in a relationship for a long time, many of us start to have anxieties about our bodies. Complimenting your partner during sex, telling them how sexy they are and what parts of their bodies turn you on is a really great way to build up their confidence which will make them more immersed in the moment. Nothing negatively affects sexual performance like insecurity, so make sure that you tell your partner often about how attractive they are.

6. Give Foreplay the Respect it Deserves

No matter how long you have been together as a couple, foreplay contributes a huge role for stronger orgasms and improved sex life. Foreplay alerts the erotic nervous system to have increased sensitivity, excitement, and a strong orgasm. Experiment with your partner, ask them what they like, and see how their body reacts to different things you try during foreplay. Everyone is different which is one of the most exciting things about sex.

Sex is such a wonderful thing, but like anything worth doing, it is always worth doing right. For many people, their performance in bed can be a source of great anxiety, but the most important thing is to try and relax and have fun. Try out some of the tactics in this guide and you will see some serious results underneath the sheets.