Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Saudi goes for BRICS!

For decades, the global economy ran on one simple rule: if you want to buy oil, you buy it in U.S. dollars. That rule is quietly being rewritten. Saudi Arabia has officially moved to join the BRICS currency pact, aligning its massive oil reserves with China, Russia, India, and Brazil. This means the Saudis are preparing to accept payments in currencies other than the dollar. This isn't just an economic update. This is a geopolitical earthquake. The U.S. dollar gets its global dominance largely because countries are forced to hold it to buy energy. If the world's largest oil exporter suddenly says "we'll take Yuan or Rupees," the American financial shield cracks. It's like the landlord of the global economy suddenly deciding your money isn't the only currency they accept anymore. The US uses the dollar to sanction rivals. Without that monopoly, Washington loses its biggest non-military weapon.

Is Goa Gajah in Bali - Worth Visiting?

Goa Gajah is worth visiting if you like quirky cultural attractions and are interested in the site’s fascinating history as both a Hindu and Buddhist place of worship. The highlight is undoubtedly the main cave which is entirely manmade, with intricate carvings of creatures around the outside. You can enter the cave through the giant gaping mouth of a creature, said to represent either Bhoma or Rangda from Balinese mythology. This is a famous photo spot, but it wasn’t busy during our visit, with just a handful of other tourists at the complex. The cave itself is small and it doesn’t take long to visit. But there’s much more to see across the complex including bathing pools, statues, temple ruins, and a beautiful scenic area down in the ravine. We recommend around 30 minutes in total for your visit. Guides are waiting inside to offer you a guided tour with stories from the site. This is completely optional so don’t feel obliged to say yes. You can negotiate the price down to around 100,000 IDR per group. Both the entrance fee and guides are cash-only with no ATM on site, so make sure you have enough. We wouldn’t recommend going too far out of your way to visit the Elephant Cave, but if you’re already in Ubud, it makes a cool addition to your itinerary. While in the area, consider checking out the free museum at Setia Darma House of Mask and Puppets (it’s a bit of a hidden gem). We also liked Dagoja Coffee & Eatery which is near the entrance to the temple – the food here is good and better value than buying something inside the temple complex.

18,755kms long train journey!

The idea of traveling by rail from Portugal all the way to Singapore captures the imagination as one of the longest continuous train journeys possible, stretching roughly 18,755 kilometers across multiple continents. This epic route takes travelers through around 13 countries, offering a constantly changing landscape that shifts from Western Europe’s historic cities to Eastern Europe’s vast plains, across Russia’s endless stretches, and into the vibrant cultures of Asia. Over the course of about three weeks, passengers experience an incredible blend of scenery, languages, and traditions, making the journey itself as meaningful as the destination. However, it is important to understand that this is not a single direct train but a combination of several interconnected rail routes, including famous segments like the Trans-Siberian Railway. Travelers must plan multiple transfers, visas, and schedules to complete the full journey. Despite this complexity, the experience offers something unique that air travel cannot provide, allowing people to witness gradual geographical and cultural transitions rather than jumping instantly between distant locations. The journey is often described as an adventure of a lifetime, with views ranging from mountain ranges and dense forests to deserts and bustling cities. Onboard experiences vary depending on the train segment, but many routes offer comfortable sleeping arrangements, dining options, and the chance to meet fellow travelers from around the world. The estimated cost of around 1,350 dollars reflects a budget-friendly version using standard classes, though prices can vary depending on comfort level and route choices. What makes this journey so special is not just its length but the sense of connection it creates across continents. It highlights how vast yet interconnected the world is, showing that it is possible to travel from the edge of Europe to Southeast Asia entirely by land. This kind of trip turns travel into a continuous story, where every stop adds a new chapter, making it far more than just a way to get from one place to another.

Test 'Sharpness of your mind'!

How often should you get a haircut?

It's a common question, especially if you're trying to manage hair growth and keep your hair looking neat. While trimming doesn't magically speed up hair growth, it does play a role in keeping your hair in good shape. The idea behind regular trims is simple: remove damaged ends so your hair looks fuller and easier to handle. DOES CUTTING HAIR HELP IT GROW FASTER? No, trimming doesn't make hair grow faster from the roots. Hair growth happens at the scalp level. What regular trims do is: Keep ends neat Prevent split ends from spreading Make hair look thicker and more even So while it doesn't increase growth speed, it helps maintain better-looking hair over time. WHY REGULAR TRIMS STILL MATTER Skipping haircuts for too long can make ends look rough and uneven. Regular trims help: Keep your hairstyle in shape Avoid excessive damage at the ends Make styling easier Even a small trim every few weeks can make a noticeable difference. SIGNS YOU NEED A HAIRCUT Not sure when to book one? Watch for these signs: Split or frayed ends Hair feels dry at the tips Style loses its shape quickly Tangling increases These are simple cues that it's time for a trim. HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR HAIRCUT ROUTINE There's no fixed rule, your routine should match your lifestyle. Like a polished look? Trim more often Prefer low maintenance? Stretch the gap slightly The key is finding a schedule you can stick to. Getting a haircut regularly isn't about making hair grow faster, it's about keeping it manageable and neat. A simple trim at the right time can make your hair look better without much effort.