Blog - foXnoMad

Converting To Islam And Moving To Istanbul: Interview With Blogger Ellie Quinn

by Anil Polat | Dec 10, 2020 | Culture, Discussion, Pictures and Video | 0

You may recall the foXnoMad Podcast episode from this past June with Ellie Quinn about what it’s like to travel as a woman in Pakistan. Since we last spoke Ellie left Indonesia back to England and a short time later announced her conversion to Islam on Instagram. I caught up with Ellie, who’s currently living in Istanbul, to talk about what lead her to “revert” to Islam and what the means on a recent foXnoMad Podcast episode.

You can watch a clip from the foXnoMad Podcast above and listen to the full episode below.

Ekster’s Aluminum Cardholder Brings Minimalism To Their Slim Wallet Line

by Anil Polat | Dec 8, 2020 | Luggage, Money, Tech | 0

Ekster’s line of slim wallets and cardholders has elegantly retained a classic wallet look, while ditching the traditional fold. Those small steps toward a truly minimal, modern slim wallet were a good introduction for those not wanting to make a major change to the way they carry credit cards. For everyone else though, wanting a modern look with a modern design from Ekster, the Aluminum Cardholder is a solid step in the right direction.

Sleek And Slim

The Aluminum Cardholder isn’t marketed as a wallet but its three components give you everything you’d need to carry cards, some cash, and like most wallets… no coins. Slimmer than even Ekster’s other slim wallets, the Aluminum holds 4-6 cards in its 7.4 millimeter main compartment. The exterior space-grade 6061-T6 aluminum does scuff a bit from the included money clip but it’s certainly useful if you carry cash often.

Around the back of the Aluminum is a “backpocket plate” to hold even more cards (up to 6) if the 4-6 in the main compartment won’t be enough for your needs.

Minimalism In Metal

For many, this might be too minimal a design, particularly if you’re coming from a traditional wallet. Keep that in mind for your gift buying ideas as well, someone who’s more traditional will probably be happier with one of Ekster’s more classic looks. Those other cardholders have elements – leather, folds, pockets – from traditional wallets.

Ekster - Aluminum Cardholder Wallet - Metal Aluminum Wallet for...

But the jump into minimalism here for the Aluminum will appeal to everyone wanting to travel light. The sleek aluminum is unassuming, fits (and doesn’t stick out) of most jean front pockets, and can be expanded with the additional plate if needed.

Right Steps

The Ekster Aluminum falls more inline with competing slim wallets – the metal look, thin profile – while keeping the cardholders signature switchblade card release design. (It’s definitely a strong selling point once you try it.) On its own Ekster’s Aluminum is a nice cardholder but put into the other options Parliament, Senate, and now you’ve got a broad spectrum to choose from. From modern wallet to ultra-slim, the Aluminum is one traveler’s should take a close look at.

The Ethics Of Travel Blogging: Where Do Creators Draw The Line?

by Anil Polat | Nov 19, 2020 | Discussion, Money, Travel, Travel Unravel | 0

jessie festa foxnomad podcast

How do you as a reader know that the content a travel blogger is making is entirely independent, sponsored, or heavily influenced by free trips or financial incentives? The online space is rapidly evolving and for a long time was an unregulated wild west, leaving many creators to come up with their own guidelines… or not.

I recently asked can you trust foXnoMad, to answer how I go about things, though there’s no single approach for all travel bloggers. It’s one of the reasons Jessie Festa recently joined me on an episode of the foXnoMad Podcast to explain her approach and outline what some of the potential conflicts of interest can be for new creators.

In addition to her site Jessie On A Journey, Jessie runs Travel Blog Prosperity which guides bloggers on how to make their sites profitable and manage what happens when do that. There’s a lot to learn for creators but also consumers of travel content online, including a few lines we won’t cross.

Asking Demonstrators Why They Attended The Million MAGA March

by Anil Polat | Nov 17, 2020 | Culture, Pictures and Video, Security, Travel Journal | 1

The Million MAGA “Make America Great Again” March didn’t draw a million people to Washington D.C. but it did bring with it thousands who show the divide in the United States. Compared to the widespread party D.C. turned into after the election was called for Joe Biden, MAGA marchers were a demonstration of the ideological contrast in the nation.

I walked through the crowds, asking why people were attending the MAGA March – you can hear their replies in the video above. Since I published that video the reactions have been as divisive as the march itself. Some were upset that I didn’t counter the claims or add an opposing opinion.

I may go more in depth into the controversy on an upcoming foXoMad Podcast episode but these are pro-Trump supporters in their own words. They speak for themselves but depending on who’s listening it’s either disturbing or encouraging; a division which ultimately surprised me. It’s worth noting the demonstrators were more diverse than I expected, defiant, and as the evening wore on some turned to violence.

Some of you may have rather I not have made this video. Despite what many in the crowd think, on January 20th Donald Trump will no longer be president yet the march is a reminder that 72 million voted for him. A significant percentage of whom believe were it not for an election conspiracy Trump would have won a second term.

Here’s The Party Washington DC Turned Into After Election Called For Biden

by Anil Polat | Nov 10, 2020 | Culture, Pictures and Video, Travel Journal | 0

One week ago on election night around the White House the initial energy waned as the night wore on and no clear result in sight. A few days later on Saturday late morning, Pennsylvania’s vote count made Joe Biden president-elect and not long after Washington D.C. erupted into a massive party.

There were groups of people on every block dancing to music, random cheers of joy, air horns, and what was the most jubilant I’ve seen a city… for any reason. I was there and you should watch the video here to catch a glimpse of the atmosphere.

It’s been a busy week filming and for those of you who want a bit more behind the scenes of what it was like interviewing, editing through the night, and things that didn’t make it on film – check out the latest episode of the foXnoMad Podcast.

What It Was Like On Election Night 2020 In Washington D.C.

by Anil Polat | Nov 5, 2020 | Culture, Pictures and Video, Travel Journal | 2

A few hours before the polls closed on the east coast of the United States on November 3rd hundreds of people gathered in front of the White House. The combination of a Black Lives Matter demonstration plus the U.S. election turned the atmosphere from party to protest, with people there for all the reasons in between.

I spoke with a few of them throughout the night to hear what brought them to Black Live Matter Plaza in front of the White House’s security fences. You can watch their stories in the video here.