fidacura's notebook

Homelab Network

Tue, 28 May 2024 18:27:00 GMT

This is a walkthrough of my current network setup. I have been building and maintaining it for a long time, and it has gone through many iterations of both hardware and software.

The main reasons I spend time building an home network:

A safe sandbox for experimentation with networking, web technologies, programming, and security.
Self-hosting servers for DNS, ad blocking, IoT home automation, e-book server, media server, file server, etc.

1.1 Design Principles

This a simple homelab network–not intimidating in size or scope– and it's designed with a couple of core principles in mind:

Simplicity and Modularity

I like the idea of having compact nodes as part of a modular network. My hardware choices strongly reflect that, with my core setup–which is every node except for the media server–fitting into a backpack, without compromising performance in their intended purposes.

Energy Friendly and Noiseless

I prioritize hardware that is energy-efficient (for both the sake of the planet and my bank account) and that is as noiseless as it can be. My entire setup sits on my bookshelf and operates quietly without the need for special compartmentalization.

1.2 Network Diagram

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1.3 Hardware and Software

These are the permanent nodes in the network:

Router: NanoPi R4S 4GB RAM + Sandisk EP 256GB (OpenWRT) that serves as Firewall / Router / VLANs / DHCP / SQM / WireGuard
Switch: Netgear GS308T to redirect VLAN traffic to the nodes
DNS Server: Raspberry Pi 4 4GB RAM + Sandisk EP 256GB (DietPi) running Pi-Hole/Unbound for private DNS and ad blocking.
Private WiFi AP: GL-MT6000 Wi-Fi 6 (OpenWRT)
IoT Server: Raspberry Pi 4 8GB + Kingston A400 SATA 120GB (Debian) running Home Assistant to orchestrates all IoT devices.
IoT WiFi AP: Netgear AX6 AP (OpenWRT)
IoT Zigbee: Sonoff ZBDongle-E EFR32MG21A; plus a bunch of Zigbee devices and sensors to make the house a bit smarter.
Media Server: Optiplex i7-6700 @ 3.4GHz, 256 SSD, 16GB RAM, 2TB SATA HDD running Proxmox with two Debian servers; one is a file server (OpenMediaVault); the other is a media Server (Jellyfin / KoBo / Obsidian)
Monitoring Raspberry Pi 5 8GB + Sandisk EP 256GB (Debian) running Grafana and Prometheus for traffic and monitoring graphics.

1.4 Smart Segmentation

IoT devices for network segmentation are an integral part of the setup and its functionality. I travel often, so I like to have this segmantation that allows me to control each device; each node is connected to a smart plugs, which gives me the ability to turn any devices on or off remotely, and provides full control over energy usage for each node.

1.5 Gateway: the Router (192.168.2.1)

The router is the gateway and the backbone of the entire network.

I'm using OpenWRT fine-tuned as Firewall, NAT, VLANs, SQM, and WireGuard, to create a secure and segmented network environment.

For remote network access, I setup multiple WireGuard tunnels tailored to specific services to compartmentalize and secure remote access to each service independently; one grants access to the main admin VLAN, allowing me to manage any node within the network as needed; another tunnel connects to the Home Assistant server, facilitating the use of the HomeAssistant iOS app to monitor my IoT devices; additional tunnels are configured for each of the media server services—Jellyfin for media streaming, Calibre-Web for e-books, and Obsidian for note synchronization.

The router is a NanoPi r4s–a small ARMv8 device with a powerful hexa-core CPU–running OpenWRT; its amazing how such a portable device carries such a broad amount of traffic and functionality so smoothly.

1.5.1 /etc/dhcp

1.5.2 /etc/network

1.5.3 /etc/firewall

1.6 Recursive DNS Server (192.168.10.10)

I run Pi-Hole and Unbound together as a recursive DNS server, with built-in ad-blocking capabilities. This shields my browsing data from external DNS providers and resolvers, removes unwanted ad traffic, and provides DNS caching, which speeds up DNS query resolutions.

I love Pi-Hole/Unbound together; it's open source; it has an active community; it's super easy to setup and maintain; and it runs perfectly on a Raspberry Pi 4 running DietPi, which minimizes energy consumption without sacrificing functionality.

pi-hole.conf

1.7 IoT Server (192.168.30.30)

I use Home Assistant as my IoT server hub; it collects data from the Zigbee and WiFi networks, and integrates it into a unified interface, which gives me comprehensive control and monitoring.

I chose Home Assistant due to its open-source nature, its active community, and of course, because it runs beautifully on a Raspberry Pi 4 8GB RAM. The only change I made was to swap the standard SD card setup for an external SSD, which boosts the read/write speeds, and minimizes the risk of data corruption, to improve the overall durability and stability of the system when handling larger datasets and more complex automations without lag.

1.8 Media Server (192.168.50.10)

This is the only heavy-duty machine in the network. It's a DELL Optiplex that I bought at a corporate liquidation sale. It's the only node in the network that doesn't stand in my bookshelf, and its tucked away inside a wardrobe with its own network connection.

I am currently running Proxmox to manage two Debian VMs, each operating its own dedicated SSD; one VM runs OpenMediaVault as file server; the other is a media server running Jellyfin for streaming, Calibre-web as e-book server that is synchronised with my Kobo, and an Obsidian db server to sync and backup my notes.

Proxmox streamlines the management of the virtual machines, and also simplifies network organization by assigning dedicated IP addresses to each VM. This network segmentation allows for precise and secure VPN access to different services through distinct tunnels.

1.9 Network Monitoring (192.168.10.20)

The latest addition to the network is a Raspberry Pi 5 8GB RAM, which is running Grafana and Prometheus to create a comprehensive monitoring environment. This setup provides insights into the health and performance of the network, including detailed metrics such as latency, packet loss, ping time, SQM, device temperatures, RAM usage, database performance, and system uptime, among others.

I also plan to implement Pushover notifications to get daily snapshots and real-time notifications of any critical conditions affecting system and network performance.

1.10 Post Script

That’s all for today! Although I’m very happy with the current setup, there's always a bucket list of things I want to explore further and learn more about. Here are some that come to mind:

FreeBSD Firewall

I've relied on OpenWRT for over a decade as my gateway nodes. However, before micro-computers were a thing, I used to run FreeBSD with pf and ipfw for the firewall/router layer. I would like to try FreeBSD again, and explore further its firewall and network features. Maybe one of its modern forks like pfSense and OPNsense can be an option as well.

AI & LLM Machine

lately, I've been playing a lot with LLMs, and I'm flirting with the idea of acquiring a dedicate high-performance machine to run heavy-duty models locally.

Thanks for diving into my network labyrinth with me—until next time, keep exploring the digital frontiers 🖖

The Sunflower Movement

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:34:00 GMT

I’m back in Taiwan. This time I’m here pre-elections, and people are very active on the streets; there are so many party gatherings in public spaces, pamphlets, flags, and people are open and curious to talk about politics. Even with me, a mere tourist. It’s truly fascinating.

I find the Taiwanese Sunflower Movement one of the most fascinating political movements of the last decade, for its resilience, creativity, efficiency, and the practical outcomes both at the time and the indirect outcomes that are still being felt today.

Background

The Sunflower Movement was a student-led political protest in Taiwan in 2014 against the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) with China. The ruling party at the time, Kuomintang (KMT), attempted to fast-track the agreement without any public scrutiny or debate–without transparency.

The CSSTA was a trade agreement between Taiwan and China intended to open up service sectors, including finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and technology. Proponents, primarily from the KMT, argued it would boost Taiwan's economy, but people worried it would make Taiwan overly dependent on China and compromise Taiwan’s economic and political autonomy.

Sunflower Movement

The Roots: The movement began on March 18, 2014, when a group of students and civic activists occupied the Legislative Yuan (Taiwan's parliament) in Taipei.

Public Support: The occupation drew massive public support, leading to large-scale rallies all over Taiwan. What began as a protest against the CSSTA grew into a nationwide public expression of concern over Taiwan's democratic processes and its future relations with China.

Legislative Yuan Occupation: The occupation lasted for 24 days, during which the protesters demanded the withdrawal of the CSSTA and the creation of a transparent legislative process for future agreements with China. Approximately 300 people were inside the Legislative Yuan at all times during the protest.

Resolution

The occupation of the Legislative Yuan ended on April 10, 2014, after the Speaker of the Legislative Yuan at the time, Wang Jin-pyng, agreed to suspend the agreement and create more transparent frameworks to oversee cross-strait agreements.

The protesters left the Legislative Yuan but stated that if the withdrawal of the CSSTA was not fully executed within 30 days—the time it takes for a sunflower to bloom—they would return to re-occupy it.

Technology

The Sunflower Movement was incredible in its use of digital tools and social media to organize, communicate, and mobilize support. This was yet another wake-up call to the potential of digital technology in enhancing democratic participation, civic engagement, and political transparency.

Interesting fact: Audrey Tang, the world's first Digital Minister (2016–2024), contributed to the Sunflower Movement in 2014 by helping establish communication between the inside and outside of the Legislative Yuan during the protest.

Tang's work as Digital Minister is a fascinating topic on its own, which I’ll probably rant about in another post anytime soon. If you're not familiar with her initiatives, politics, and software, go check it out.

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA), established in August 2022 and the first of its kind in the world, is seen as an indirect outcome of the broader political and social changes spurred by the Sunflower Movement.

MODA’s is an effort to streamline and enhance Taiwan's digital policies and governance, to create a more participative democracy—a concept strongly resonating with the sunflower ideology.

Impact and Legacy

Increased public awareness of Taiwan's relationship with China and opened up a national debate.
Galvanized many younger voters.
Boosted the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which has been the ruling party since.
Led to a significant decline in support for the KMT.
The sunflower became a symbol of the movement, representing hope, transparency, and democracy.

Conclusion

I feel inspired by the process and outcomes of this movement, and I hope we can see more of these outcomes in our lifetime:

Democracy as a participative process beyond just voting.
Technology as a vehicle to create tools for civic engagement and participative politics.
Building software that enhances transparency in governance.

Going beyond the scope

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 21:19:00 GMT

The most transformative experiences in my life have often stemmed from venturing beyond my original intentions.

Whether it was going on an unexpected trip, clicking on an unexpected link, engaging with a stranger in a place where we shared common ground, browsing through a book next to the one I was looking for, or simply asking one more question, each step outside my initial plan often proves a great turn.

Hold the thought: Stay loyal to your curiosity;

go beyond the scope if you feel like;

you never know what you might discover.

Laos is Wild

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 01:28:00 GMT

"Simply Beautiful" aptly captures Laos's essence, genuinely living up to its touristic slogan.

I arrived in Luang Prabang–after spending months in Taiwan, Cambodia, and Thailand,–Laos struck me with its unassuming beauty. Its simplicity carries a profound cultural richness that's hard to find elsewhere.

I first visited Laos in 2009 and was wildly captivated by what felt like the most "untouched" place I had ever encountered. I fell in love with its raw, unrefined charm. Although it has developed somewhat since then—and it's on the brink of a megalomaniac development plan,—Laos remains distinctly unique compared to any other place I’ve visited.

There’s an undeniable magic in the simplicity of this country.

For much of its history, Laos was isolated from the outside world, a fact that unequivocally helped preserve many aspects of its traditional culture and led to a unique path of development, quite different from its more interconnected neighbours—Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The stark reality of Laos’s challenging terrain hit hard when I went to rent a motorcycle on my first day. When I shared my plans to explore Laos countryside solo, the concern on the rental staff's faces was palpable. We spent the next half-hour poring over a map marked with a lot of red areas—absolute no-go zones due to safety risks.

Laos is the most bombed country per capita in history, a grim legacy of the Vietnam War. Even today, in 2023, 48 years after the war ended, vast stretches of the countryside are littered with unexploded ordnance (UXO), and demining is still ongoing. The lethal remnants of bombs from the US imposed massacre on south-east Asia in the 1970s is still claiming lives. Think about that!

Life in Laos moves at a slower pace. Its food culture is incredibly rich, the people are genuinely welcoming, the jungle is wild, and its symbology is diverse and beautiful. I'll stay here for a little longer.

The Jungle

I've never experienced such close proximity, direct contact, and deep connection with dense tropical forests as I did in Laos. Here, I feel like I’m always just a step away from entering the wild jungle.

The feeling of entering a dense forest is beautiful–the temperature drops, the sounds are illusionary, with distant calls of exotic birds, the rustle of leaves stirred by creatures we can't see, which form a symphony that heightens the sense of adventure. It's almost hallucinatory, the way the forest seems to shift and breathe around you.

Hiking

Ban Don Sai Village Loo: This trail right out of Luang Prabang is truly beautiful. It's a moderate hike that took me through–and offered me the opportunity to submerge into–the rural lifestyle of small Hmong and Khamu villages, their arts and crafts, and their amazing food.
Muang Ngoy: Started from Nong Khiaw, this soft trail follows the Nam Ou River south, with dramatic cliff views and lead me to the remote village of Muang Ngoy, which is only accessible by boat or foot. They live quite isolated in such a slow-paced lifestyle.
Akha Trail in Luang Namtha: This trail is a deeper insight into the lives of the Akha people. The hike is super scenic, and the day was culturally very enriching, as I crossed at least three Akha villages, which gave me fascinating insight into Akha's spiritual practices, traditional crafts, and delicious food.
Nong Khiaw to Ban Hoy Seen Trek: This was a challenging trek!! from Nong Khiaw to the remote village of Ban Hoy Seen; the hike is full of very steep climbs, challenging river crossings, and wild jungle vibes. Maybe the best hike in Laos, and I'm glad I didn't go alone!

Laos symbology

Laos has such a diverse amount of graphic symbols representation that are deeply entrenched in its traditions, beliefs, arts and culture; symbols here are omnipresent and in all sizes. My two favourite are:

Phi Fa (ຜີໄຟ): a devil figure–also known as the Sky Spiri–that is everywhere. Phi Fa is a malevolent spirit in Laotian folklore. It is thought to reside in the heavens and is often appeased with offerings and rituals to prevent it from bringing harm to the people and the crops of Laos.
The Naga: A mythical serpent and a potent symbol in Laotian culture, associated with water bodies like rivers and lakes. They are believed to protect and bring good luck, especially in shielding the physical space they occupy from enemies.

Food Haven

It’s mind-blowing how such a small country offers so much diversity and deliciousness in its culinary experience.

Larb (ລາບ): A spicy minced pork salad cooked with fish sauce and toasted rice, and seasoned with lime juice and mint.
Kaeng Som Pa (ແກງສົ້ມປາ): A sour fish soup, cooked with tamarind, lemongrass, veggies and bamboo shoots.
Khao Jee (ເຂົ້າຈີ່) - A Lao sandwich filled with shredded pork, vegetables, homemade pâté-ish paste, a secret Lao sauce, and fresh herbs. The shell is a baguette–which can only be a polite gastronomic middle-finger to colonization by using a french-style bread in what I think are by very far, the best sandwiches ever-made.
Khao Piak Sen (ເຂົ້າປຽກເສັ້ນ): A clear broth Lao noodle soup made with thick rice noodles, chicken and pork broth, and topped with green onions, fried garlic, and cilantro.
Khao Soi (ເຂົ້າຊອຍ): A thick broth soup made with rice noodles, minced pork, tomatoes, fermented soybeans, and a hell lot of spices.
Tam Mak Hoong (ຕໍາໝາກຫຸ່ງ): Spicy Lao papaya salad, made with green papaya, tomatoes, garlic, chilies, and sometimes crab (in the south), mixed together in a mortar.
Naem Khao (ແໜມເຂົ້າ): Crispy rice salad with sour pork, mixed with fresh herbs, peanuts, and coconut, wrapped in crispy lettuce leaves.
Mok Pa (ໝົກປາ): Fresh fish steamed in banana leaves with a mixture of herbs and spices.
Ping Kai (ປິ້ງໄກ່): Lao-style grilled chicken, marinated with spices and grilled over a charcoal fire.
Kaipen (ໄຄເຜັນ): Crispy deep-fried riverweed from the Mekong River, topped with sesame seeds and served with a spicy cilli sauce.
Lao Sticky Rice (ເຂົ້າໜຽວ): This is not a dish per se, but a classic in Laotian cuisine which serves as a base or side-dish for most of the meals; it's glutinous rice served in a bamboo container.

Laos is also a sweet desserts paradise:

Nam Van (ໜຳຫວັນ): A sweet coconut milk soup, with fruits and tapioca pearls.
Sangkhaya (ສັງຄະຍາ) - Laotian egg custard with coconut milk, served spread over steamed sticky rice.
Khao Nom Kok (ເຂົ້າໜົມໂຄກ): Sticky rice with a sweet egg / coconut filling, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves.
Khao Tom Mat (ເຂົ້າຕົ້ມມັດ): Sticky rice with banana and black beans, wrapped and cooked in banana leaves.
Kao Nom Kok (ເຂົ້າໜົມໂຄກ) - Small coconut cakes made from a batter of rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk, cooked in a flat cast-iron pan which gives them a very crispy crust and a soft center.
Kanom La (ຂະນົມລາ): Crispy rice crepes rolled into thin tubes, topped with honey.
Man Thot (ມັນທອດ): Deep-fried sapodilla, topped with honey, very crispy on the outside and melty on the inside.

Laos is home to a fascinating array of fruits, many of which are unique or particularly abundant in the region. Here are ten notable fruits you might encounter while traveling through Laos:

Longan (ໝາກນາວ): You can also ask for "dragon eye," a super juicy and sweet fruit similar to lychee in the base texture.
Passion Fruit (ໝາກໜອດ): All my life I opened this in half and ate them with a small spoon. In Laos, they add them to a bit of sticky rice, pepper, and fish sauce, which creates a unique savory twist.
Mangosteen (ໝາກຂວັນ): Super sweet and flavourfu, often called the "queen of fruits."
Lychee (ໝາກລິຊີ): This fruit is beautiful balance between sweet and sour.
Rambutan (ໝາກໜົງ): Similar to lychee, a bit less sour, its sweeter yet slightly acidic. It looks like an hairy lychee.
Sapodilla (ໝາກລາມຸດ): Known for its sweet and malty flavor, this fruit looks somewhat like a sweet potato, but its much sweeter.
Star Apple (ສະບາຍ): This fruit has a creamy, sweet pulp and is similar in size to an apple but with a star-like appearance when sliced.
Tamarind (ໝາກຂາມ): Essential in many Laotian dishes for its sour flavor, tamarind is also amazing in juices.

Textiles and Weaving

Laotian textiles are so beautiful and unique! Each ethnic group, from the Hmong to the Khamu and Akha, brings its own distinctive weaving patterns, motifs, and colors; Laotian people use textiles as daily utensils, but also as a narrative art medium to express their communities cultural beliefs and daily life; They also integrate elements like mythical creatures, temple designs, natural spots like rivers and mountains, and everyday items like weaving, agricultural tools, and food utensils.

I encountered a lot of women working in textiles, particularly while hiking in smaller mountain villages in the north. I find them all very special, but I was particularly struck by the Hmong textiles, with their vibrant colors and diverse pictorial symbology. Their work translates in such a creative and colorful way their connection to their environment and traditions.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is serving as my base throughout my time in Laos.

The city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presents a vibrant amalgamation of traditional Lao houses blend seamlessly with the colorful French-style architecture of the 1970s—a vivid remnant of colonial times.

Venturing outside the centre, the outskirts unfold into a raw and intriguing chaos, teeming with places to explore. Whether following the river or venturing into the mountains, the wilderness quickly overtakes the landscape, everything is surrounded by forest.

Believe it or not, most of my favourite spots in Laos aren't on Google Maps. To find them, I’d need to give directions like: “The best Khao Je? Pass the big gas station on Phothisalath Rd., take the first right—it’s the third stall on the left, beside the mechanic shop.”

Here are some places I like that are on the maps:

Luang Prabang Morning Market: Prime spot for morning bites.
Khaiphaen: A restaurant tgat offers vocational training to disadvantaged youth. The menu is a creative showcase of both traditional and creative Laotian dishes.
Dyen Sabai: Located across the bamboo bridge—accessible only during the dry season—this cozy laid-back spot is perfect for enjoying a few beers at the end of a busy day while taking in the beautiful views of the Nam Khan River.
L’Estranger Books & Tea: A quirky bookstore and teahouse that transforms into a nightly movie haven, with a cozy intimate setup.

Touristic Hot Spots

Mekong River Boat Trip: I did a lot of boat rides, in different part of the Mekong, and I find it's such a different and relaxing way to experience the rural landscapes, observe the daily life unfolding along the riverbanks, and just let the flow of nature guides you.
Kuang Si Falls: Beautiful turquoise waterfalls. I was a bit skeptical before I go there, but afterwords I think its definitely worth visiting, specially if you go early, before all the tourist bus get there.
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan): Buddha Park features over 200 religious statues. Created by a monk who sought to bring an Hindu and Buddhist place to relax and think.

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Curiosities about Laos:

The Legacy of Unexploded Ordnance: Laos holds the dark distinction of being the most bombed country per capita in history, a consequence of over two million tons of ordnance dropped during the Vietnam War. Today, vast swathes of the countryside remain littered with unexploded ordnance (UXO), posing a significant risk to residents and hindering agricultural and economic development. Ongoing demining efforts are crucial, yet it's estimated that less than 1% (!!!) of these munitions have been cleared, underscoring the enduring impact and the long road ahead for safe land use.

Coffee as a Major Export: While it may be lesser-known compared to Thailand's rubber and rice, coffee stands out as one of Laos' most significant agricultural exports. The Bolaven Plateau, renowned for its rich volcanic soil and ideal climatic conditions, is particularly noted for producing high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans. It's so easy to drink "the best coffee I've ever had" all around Laos.

Ethnic Diversity: Laos is home to over 49 ethnic groups, each with its unique language, customs, and traditions. This diversity is celebrated through a lot of the pople I come across, and its cultural ceremonies.

A Biological Megadiverse Country: Despite its modest size, Laos has one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Its dense forests shelter an astonishing array of wildlife, including rare and endemic species such as the saola, often referred to as the 'Asian unicorn,' and the Indochinese tiger.

Buddhism: Buddhism is integral to Laotian society, shaping its culture, values, and traditions. While not mandatory, many young men undertake temporary ordination as monks, a rite of passage that is onsidered a period of growth and honor for their families.

Religious Syncretism: Although Theravada Buddhism predominates, the spiritual landscape of Laos is richly woven with elements of animism and ancestor worship, particularly among the hill tribes. This blend of beliefs manifests vividly in daily life, influencing everything from architectural designs to festive ceremonies, and it enriches the cultural tapestry of the country.

Lao Script: The Lao alphabet is closely related to the Thai script and derives from ancient Indian scripts. It consists of 27 consonants, 7 consonantal ligatures, 33 vowels, and 4 tone marks.

Land of a Million Elephants: Laos was historically known as "Lan Xang Hom Khao," which translates to the "Land of a Million Elephants and the White Parasol." This name reflects the significance of elephants in Laotian history and culture, where they were considered symbols of prosperity.

French Colonial Influence: Laos was part of French Indochina, and this colonial legacy is still evident in its architecture, cuisine, and the French language, which was widely taught and remains an official language in government and business dealings.

The land of smiles

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 02:26:00 GMT

Every country tries to charm the world with a catchy slogan. “The Land of Smiles” is Thailand’s pledge, and it’s actually a faithful reflection of this nation’s welcoming charm.

From the moment I landed in Chiang Mai, I felt enveloped in the warmth I remembered from my first visit in 2009. This city had left a lasting impression on me, and during this trip, I end up staying for over three months in the North, using Chiang Mai as a base to work remotely, and in my free time I explored the wild mountains and the delicious cuisine of the region by motorcycle.

Road Trips

I rented a CRF300, which is a beast that gave me an amazing sense of freedom from the constraints of road conditions and heavy traffic, and allowed me to explore the region at my own pace; easily go off-the-pavement-path, and a really easy way to connect with this land, and its wild nature. Each ride brought new discoveries and connections, making the journey itself as memorable as the destinations.

These are some of my favourite places from Northern Thailand:

Chiang Dao: Nestled among huge limestone cliffs, Chiang Dao has a slower pace of life that is utterly refreshing, especially after weeks of intensive work. The surrounding mountains boast tremendous enduro potential, and I spent a fair amount of time exploring them. The area has a lot of hidden viewpoints, and a couple of really nice secluded waterfalls that you can only get to if you’re riding off-road, which makes for little private nature spaces to momentary enjoyment. Evenings, I mainly spent soaking in natural hot springs under a canopy of stars, enjoying a good cup of iced tea and occasionally, a cheeky joint—a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Mae Kam Pong: is an enchanting little village located 60km north of Chiang Mai, which is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and is home to around 600 people. Many locals focus on cultivating tea and coffee using sustainable agricultural practices. It has a kind of colder micro-climate, cascading wooden houses all around, and wild greenery. It's an hidden gem with delicious food, and extremely welcoming vibes. It's a beautiful place to surrender to nature and relax. There are also a lot of hikings all the mountains that surround it.

Nan: A longer ride from Chiang Mai, the remote Nan province features landscapes still untouched by mass tourism. The serenity of the area is wild; a mix of rice fields and slow-flowing rivers. The proximity to Laos brings a delightful influx of Laotian people, enhancing the local culture with an amazing mix of flavours and cultural exchanges.

Culinary Haven

Chiang Mai is a culinary crossroads that blends Thai cuisine with gastronomic influences from neighbouring Myanmar and Laos. Chinatown district further enriches this with an exhilarating foray into authentic Chinese cuisine. This creates a melting pot of flavours, and establishes Chiang Mai as a veritable paradise for people that love food and cooking. Each meal was a celebration, and a vibrant symphony of tastes that resonated deeply with me; experiencing the culinary richness of this region for such a long time was an absolute delight.

My Favorite Dishes from Northern Thailand:

Larb Kua (ลาบคั่ว): Spicy stir-fried minced meat salad.
Som Tam (ส้มตำ): Spicy green papaya salad.
Yam Nua (ยำเนื้อ): Spicy Thai beef salad.
Khao Kha Moo (ข้าวขาหมู): Slow-cooked pork, served with a boiled egg, pickled greens, and chilli vinegar.
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiaw (ขนมจีนน้ำเงี้ยว): Rice noodles with a spicy tomato pork broth.
Pad Thai (ผัดไทย): Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimps, peanuts, egg, and bean sprouts.
Pla Pao (ปลาเผา): Grilled fish stuffed with lemongrass and wrapped in banana leaves.
Pad Krapow Moo Saap (ผัดกะเพราหมูสับ): Stir-fried minced pork with basil leaves.
Hang Lay Curry (แกงฮังเล): Northern Thai pork curry with a tamarind and ginger base.
Khao Kan Chin (ข้าวกั๊นจิ๊น): Steamed rice mixed with pork blood and herbs, wrapped in banana leaves.
Tam Khanun (ตำขนุน): Spicy pounded young jackfruit salad.
Khanom Jeep (ขนมจีบ): Thai-style shumai, steamed dumplings typically filled with pork and shrimp.
Khao Man Gai (ข้าวมันไก่): Thai version of Hainanese chicken rice.
Moo Grob (หมูกรอบ): Crispy deep-fried pork belly, served with a chilli dipping sauce.

My Favorite Desserts:

Mango Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง): Sweet sticky rice paired with a ripe mango, topped with creamy coconut milk, and toasted sesame seeds.
Durian Sticky Rice (ข้าวเหนียวทุเรียน): Creamy durian paired with sweet sticky rice, topped with creamy coconut milk, and toasted sesame seeds.
Khanom Sai Sai (ขนมไส้ไส้): Sticky rice with egg, steamed in banana leaves for a subtly flavored dessert.
Bua Loy (บัวลอย): Small, colorful rice flour balls in a sweet coconut milk soup, often served with taro.
Khanom Krok (ขนมครก): Coconut rice pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, made in a cast-iron pan.
Kluai Buat Chi (กล้วยบวชชี): Bananas simmered in coconut milk and sugar, a popular and simple Thai dessert.

I typically eat a good amount of fruits, but while in Thailand, my daily selection was delightfully exotic:

Durian (ทุเรียน): Known as the "king of fruits," is rich, extremely custard-like soft flesh delight.
Mangosteen (มังคุด): Often called the "queen of fruits," with a thick, purple rind and sweet, tangy segments.
Rambutan (เงาะ): A sweet fruit similar to lychee, enclosed in a hairy shell, offering hydration and a slightly acidic flavor.
Lychee (ลิ้นจี่): A fragrant fruit with a rough, red skin and juicy, translucent flesh.
Tamarind (มะขาม): Often used as a spice and souring agent in Thai cuisine, it’s also a sweet delight when eaten fresh.
Chompu (ชมพู่): A crisp and watery fruit, very refreshing with a mild sweetness, perfect for hot days.

Thai vibrant drink scene was extremely surprising, these were the ones I’m consuming on a daily basis:

Thai Iced Tea (ชาเย็น) - A strongly brewed black tea spiced with star anise, crushed tamarind, and cardamom, served cold with ice. Optionally sweetened with condensed milk. Sometimes they put a creamy top layer of evaporated coconut milk.
Thai Iced Coffee (โอเลี้ยง) - A strong brew sweetened with condensed milk, served with ice.
Lemongrass Juice (น้ำตะไคร้) - This drink is made from boiled lemongrass, that is then chilled, resulting in a refreshing and healthy drink with a distinct citrusy flavor.
Coconut Water (น้ำมะพร้าว) - Fresh coconut water straight from the coconut is a common and refreshing drink all around.
Fruit Juices (น้ำผลไม้ปั่น) - With Thailand’s abundance of tropical fruits, fruit juices and smoothies are very popular. My most-ordered are mango, papaya, pineapple, and banana, often mixed.

Chiang Mai Neighborhoods

Chiang Mai's urban layout evokes a familiar pattern that I've been noticing in many cities around the world, including my hometown of Porto. The “historic centre”–which in Chiang Mai is the area inside the walls–is extremely over-the-top touristic, with most spaces tailored to cater to visitors. Yet the true heart of the city beats strongest in the neighbourhoods surrounding the walls.

Chang Phueak District: A lively hub of daily life, Chang Phueak is the beating heart of local commerce; this part of the city boasts quirky shops and food stalls. My personal highlight here is the Tha-nin Market (กาดธานินทร์), one of my favourite gastronomic places in Chiang Mai. It’s a vibrant market with a huge array of local cuisine, from fresh local produce to cook at home–which I did a bit while in Chiang Mai–to a wild array of ready-to-grab-and-go meals.

Chinatown: A vibrant slice of China in Thailand, this is an essential stop for the Chinese cuisine. My picks go to the Fish Ball Noodles (鱼丸面), the succulent Roast Duck (烧鸭) with its crispy skin, the Char Siu (叉烧) honey-roasted pork that melts in your mouth, and last but not least the Wonton Soups (馄饨汤) with its clear savory broths.

Baan Kang Wat: Tucked west of the city walls–just behind the airpot–Baan Kang Wat is a creative enclave that has largely been under the radar and escaped the mass-touristic footprint. With a strong countryside vibe, this area has become a sanctuary for artists and craftsmen, more recently driven by a community of Chinese hosts and business owners who value its tranquil setting, and slow development.

Wat Umong: Set within a forest, this temple area is an oasis of calm and tranquility; with a lot of art installations, sculptures, murals, ancient tunnels, and huge trees. The space is so vast, and has so many different landscapes and vibes. It's also the home of the Vipassana in Chiang Mai.

University District: I always came here for the outdoor olympic swimming pool and tennis courts. This area offers a lively, youthful vibe and a break from the busy city vibes. The cafes here, specially the ones next to each university, make for amazing remote working spots. And there’s a very interesting night food market.

North Mountains: The northern mountains offer amazing off-road trails, which provide a wild array of enduro riding opportunities—a lot of untamed landscape waiting to be explored.

Eastern Chiang Mai: A blend of vibrant commerce and fast-paced daily life. My favorite part is the southern area along and east of the Mae Kha Canal, where the pace slows to a more day-to-day existence, with interesting markets, quirky shops, and hidden culinary gems.

Huay Tung Tao Lake: A scenic lake surrounded by mountains. I always went there for picnics, board games, and just to chill.

Interlude: Bangkok Excursions

I made multiple trips to Bangkok, a city that is a wild blend of tradition and modernism, where ancient temples stand in contrast to skyscrapers, and street vendors line the walkways of digital hubs.

The river has a strong presence in the city. It's a cultural artery, teeming with life and activity. Traveling north/south through the river is such a good way to feel the city’s dynamic pulse.

One of my favourite places to visit in the city is the Amulet Market, which is a wild cabinet of curiosities. It’s a haven for collectors and those seeking for symbology.

And my favourite bites from Bangkok’s Culinary Scene:

Hoy Tod (หอยทอด): A crispy fried mussel pancake, with fresh bean sprouts and sweet chili sauce—a masterpiece.
Kai Jeow (ไข่เจียว): A fluffy on the inside, and slightly crispy on the outside Thai-style omelette, filled with minced pork.
Kuay Tiew Ruea (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) - Also known as boat noodles, this is a rich noodle soup traditionally sold from boats floating in the canals. It has a dark, spicy, heavy broth made with pork, its blood, and herbs, served over rice noodles with pieces of meat.
Pad Thai (ผัดไทย): The quintessential Thai dish of stir-fried rice noodles has a lot of good homes in Bangkok.
Som Tam (ส้มตำ): The classic spicy green papaya salad.
Jok (โจ๊ก): A rice porridge simmered with pork meatballs, ginger and green onions, topped with a very soft-cooked egg, crispy fried garlic, and fried shallots, and seasoned with soy sauce and white pepper.
Khao Pad (ข้าวผัด) - Fried rice with crab, mixed with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, seasoned with soy sauce and a fried egg on top.
Gai Yang (ไก่ย่าง) - Grilled chicken, marinated in a mixture of lemongrass, garlic, pepper, coriander roots, and fish sauce, then barbequed to perfection. Served with spicy chilli sauce.

I also spent a lot of time in Bangkok's Chinatown–or Yaowarat–which is a labyrinthic commercial hotspot by day, and by night–after 6pm–turns into a culinary hotspot; such a vibrant street food scene. Here are my favourites were:

Fish Ball Noodles (鱼丸面): Thin delicate noodles in a savory broth with tender fish balls, a staple in Chinese culinary tradition.
Siu Mai (烧卖): Open-topped steamed dumplings, filled with a mixture of pork and shrimp, a must-try!
Roast Duck Rice (烧鸭饭): Roast duck over rice, with crispy duck skin on top.
Congee (粥): A warm rice porridge that comes with various toppings like minced pork, century eggs, and scallions.
Egg Tart (蛋挞): A sweet pastry with a flaky shell filled with smooth running custard; it's delicious! Similar to the portuguese Nata.

Curiosities about Thailand:

From Siam to Thailand: Thailand was known as Siam until 1939 and briefly during a period from 1945 to 1949. The name was changed to Thailand, which means "land of the free," reflecting its status as the only Southeast Asian nation never colonised by European powers.
Color-Coded Days: In Thailand, each day of the week is associated with a specific color believed to bring luck. Sunday is red, Monday is yellow, Tuesday is pink, Wednesday is green, Thursday is orange, Friday is blue, and Saturday is purple. This tradition is deeply rooted in Thai culture and astrology, influencing everything from clothing choices to royal attire.
Architectural Harmony Law: In Thailand, no building is allowed to be taller than the Wat Phra Kaew, the temple that houses the Emerald Buddha, in respect of its cultural and religious significance.
Ghost Protection: Many Thai buildings, especially in small cities and rural areas, have small spirit houses placed in front of the house, normally on a pedestal. These provide shelter for spirits that might otherwise inhabit the homes themselves, ensuring peace and protection for the residents.
Nine is Lucky: The number nine is considered highly auspicious in Thailand because the Thai word for 'nine,' 'gao,' sounds similar to the word for 'progress.'
Kingdom of Fruit: Thailand is the largest exporter of durian and mangosteen, known as the 'king' and 'queen' of fruits respectively.
An Economy of Rice and Rubber: Thailand is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice and also ranks high in the production of natural rubber, a critical resource for global industries.
Unique Writing System: The Thai alphabet is derived from the Old Khmer script and includes 44 consonants and 15 vowel symbols that combine into at least 28 vowel forms. This complex script reflects the rich linguistic heritage of Thailand.
Siamese Cats Are Royalty: In ancient Thailand, Siamese cats were considered royal pets. It was believed that when a member of the royal family died, their soul would enter the Siamese cat to live on.

The Time is Now.

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 19:23:00 GMT

The ideal time to embark on new adventures is now.

It's too easy to put things off and fall into the trap of fear and procrastination, telling myself "I'll start it later, when the time is right." The truth is, there is no perfect time to make a change.

No matter the nature or the complexity of the change—a hobby, a habit, or a lifestyle change—more often than not, one thing holds true: No one ever dreams of a delayed beginning.

The time is now.

Unicode is a Cabinet of Curiosities

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 22:54:00 GMT

Recently while looking for symbols to re-categorise my Are.na boards, I came across the complete Unicode database, and holy cow, Unicode is mind-blowing!

It’s a truly universal system which forms the foundation for the representation of languages and symbols in the Internet, the World Wide Web, and for all its major access points.

The Unicode Standard provides a unique number for every character, no matter what platform, device, application or language. It has been adopted by all modern software providers and now allows data to be transported through many different platforms, devices and applications without corruption.

“Unicode provides a unique number for every character, no matter what the platform, no matter what the program, no matter what the language.”

✧ Unicode Website

The whole library is around 140,000 characters, and is organised into a complex structure of code blocks that includes scripts representing an astounding array of languages and an amazing amount of interesting symbols and miscellany visual characters.

Due to its complexity and length, browsing through the entire library can sometimes feel like a bit of a chore, but when unforeseen treasures pop-up, its a huge delight. Unicode is a true cabinet of curiosities.

Some highlights from that research:

Alchemical Symbols

Processes, materials, and related Alchemy concepts. 🜁 🜀

Playing Cards

The full deck is available, all suits! 🂡 🃍

Domino Tiles

Dominoes are also represented! 🁇

Egyptian Hieroglyphs

The script of ancient Egypt. 𓀂 𓀈

Chess Symbols

All chess pieces available. ♕ ♖

I Ching Hexagram

The 64 hexagrams from the ancient Chinese "Book of Changes." ䷀ ䷇

Tifinagh

The script for Tuareg languages. ⴲ ⴵ

Mahjong Tiles

You can find symbols representing each of the mahjong tiles. 🀅

Ancient Greek Musical Notation

Not just modern music notes, but ancient ones too! 𝄞

Cuneiform

The ancient script of Sumerians, Akkadians, and more. 𒀄

Runic

A script used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin script. ᚥ

Astronomical Symbols

Symbols for planets, aspects, and other astronomical and astrological signs. ♅

Duployan

A system of shorthand notation with very interesting symbols. ꛦ

Writing Symbols:

Symbols for pilcrow (⸿), asterism(⁂), reference mark (※), fermata (𝄐) and much more.

Braille Patterns

The full tactile writing system.

On Swimming

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:23:00 GMT

I find myself spending somewhere between four to height hours every week swimming–alone, underwater–to be a passage into a meditative state, a realm where thoughts cease to exist.

On terra firma, the world has its ways of imposing its loud demands and webs of thought into my mind, and often suppressing my active imagination and creativity.

But when I'm swimming, I have no clue what I'm actually thinking about; consciousness takes on a different hue.

I don’t swim as a mere escape, but as a plunge into individuation. Once I enter the pool and begin swimming, the act of swimming becomes a gateway into a meditative experience.

In the beginning, the methodical strokes carve the water and I’m still present, and aware of each move; after a while the breathing synchronises with the strokes, and my body just moves by itself, and alongside it, there’s my self; I swim, therefore I am.

What I talk about when I talk about swimming, it's not merely the act of swimming. It's about the underwater silence and the noise of the water, the stillness of the mind and the motion of the body, the introspection and the void. It's about existing, unburdened, in that fleeting, infinite moment where there’s an harmonious integration of the conscious and the unconscious mind; a process of becoming the person that I’m inherently meant to be, where the only opponent I face is my former self.

The Ghost of Bourdain

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 01:17:00 GMT

Food and travelling rank high among my greatest passions.

Growing up, Anthony Bourdain brought the convergence of those worlds into my living room. His programs weren't just television; they were portals to the entire world, showing glimpses into unknown cultures, peoples, and their cuisines.

Anthony Bourdain—punk rock chef, snarky wordsmith, and deep conversationalist—possessed a wild allure. He mastered the art of being a curious traveler, immersing himself in local cultures with a genuine sense of curiosity that often demanded tough questions, and often without straightforward answers. His critical eye on the beauty and pains of travelling, the tourism industry and its complex dynamics, and the possibilities of an open-mind while travelling, partly helped shape my own travel ethos as a youngster.

For over two decades, my travel preparations often involve a Bourdain ritual. Watching the episode of Parts Unknown or No Reservations of the I was about to visit, it’s my own ritual to steep myself a bit into the culture of my future journey. And to know what to eat as soon as leaving the airport. Normally, with few exceptions, I don’t try to find the restaurant itself, but rather try to find places that served those particularly dishes by speaking with people from those areas.

I remember Bourdain sometimes discussing the dichotomy of promoting his favourite lesser-known small restaurants that could crumble under the surge of their newfound fame. To mitigate it, Bourdain stopped mentioning the name of the places he visited, he would focus on the dishes, the cooking techniques, and regional flavours—more than enough to guide the culinary curious without threatening the businesses' model and authenticity.

A couple of days ago, as soon as I arrived in Chiang Mai, as I wandered the north market in search of a quick bite, I immediately recognised the famous Cowboy Lady, at the very first stall, a woman and a stall that shot into stardom by Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.

The queue was enormous, easily 10 times bigger than any other stall. In a city with so many good places to eat Khao Kha Moo, this one draws huge crowds everyday, of people eager to replicate Bourdain's experience—ironically embodying the very phenomenon he was trying to avoid. A vivid and weird illustration of media’s impact in tourism.

As my friend Em debated if something can be so good that would justify queueing for that long, I jokingly said "The Ghost of Bourdain will haunt them all. A bone in the throat." We opted out and went for a delicious bowl of noodles a couple of stalls past it.

When travelling, I think it's our responsibility to navigate these waters with care, and try to live our own experiences by following our curiosity, over looking to replicate someone else’s experiences. I found my favourite Khao Kha Moo in a quieter spot, in another part of the city. There, I honored Bourdain’s legacy in a way that respects both his spirit and the integrity of the Khao Kha Moo he loved.

Sun for sale (on monetizing nature)

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 19:24:00 GMT

The idea of monetizing a natural phenomenon that is public and universal sounds hell wacky to me! Yet, in the five months I've been travelling, no matter which country I am, there’s always a “sun experience” with a high price tag.

From a sunrise trip to the mountains of Alishan in Taiwan; a bus journey to watch the sunset over Angkor Wat in Cambodia; to a boat ride to the wildest Mekong River sandbanks in Laos to see the sunset;

Everywhere I go, there’s a “sun experience” for sale!

This takes me back to Fernando Pessoa's reflections in the "Book of Disquiet": "A sunset is a sunset, there’s no point going to Constantinople to see a sunset.”

Pessoa’s words are resonating deeply these days, as I witness how these simple–yet beautiful–daily natural spectacles are sold as commodities.

Travelling in today's mass-touristic and hyper-capitalist era is quite eye-opening for understanding the intersection of commerce, advertising, tourism, and the purity of natural beauty.

As we travel and explore, I think it’s worth pondering: Should we pay to witness the ordinary magic of the world?

The Smiles of Cambodia

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 02:02:00 GMT

I've been in Cambodia for 10 days and the smiles here are warm and omnipresent. From Phnom Penh's busy streets to Siem Reap's ancient temples, these smiles light up the country. In a land where the willingness to keep smiling had been more brutally tested than any place on earth, these smiles have become a symbol of resilience and a beautiful testament to the Cambodian spirit and human warmth.

Healthy Analytics

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 19:23:00 GMT

I think we need healthier analytics with decent business models.

There’s no talking about analytics without mentioning Google. So, I’ll start by saying goodbye to Google Analytics.

It is fair to say that Google Analytics is the default analytics tool for the internet, with 55% of existing websites using an analytics tool, and 85% of those using Google Analytics.

But let's be real, although Google has the perfect romantic startup story that led to building one of the most influential businesses of all time, the days of Google being a garage-operated quirky startup with a good slogan are long gone

Google has transformed into a multi-mega corporation—a data-devouring monster and the embodiment of the internet-era mantra: "Data is the new gold.”

There's far too much ambiguity in Google's current modus operandi, and it feels like there's never been a better time to move away from Google Analytics.

Analytic services should provide customers with the insights they need while protecting the privacy of their users. Period.

Internet users have been left in the dark for most of the internet era, but this is changing. Consumers are demanding privacy and more transparency in data collection tactics.

Google's disregard for their users privacy, recently highlighted by its questionable GDPR compliance, which is sparking so much controversy this week that led to several EU countries to ban Google Analytics for their dodgy attempts to bypass EU legislation by transferring EU users data to US servers.

In a time where consumer trust is as valuable as their data, switching to an analytics provider that aligns with these values is more than a strategic move—it’s a necessary step towards ethical data practices.

As we navigate this transition, the choice of analytics tools will increasingly reflect our values and ethics, so it’s time to push for a shift towards healthier, more transparent analytics.

What are the alternatives?

To the best of my knowledge, there are two companies that seem to have good business models, fair pricing, and legitimate privacy concerns:

Fathom Analytics - Known for its commitment to data privacy, Fathom provides a good, easy to use, privacy-oriented analytics with forever data retention.

Plausible Analytics - Another solid choice, Plausible offers simple, user-friendly, privacy-focused analytics with no cookies or tracking of personal data.

A River that flows both ways

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 00:49:00 GMT

Today I drove from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap; what a freaking adventure! The road was a wild mix of 33% dirt, 33% asphalt, and 33% deep holes. The entire trip was 312km, and it took me 7 hours and 20 minutes on a motorcycle!

When I was close to Siem Reap, I came across a huge river, where I stopped for a couple of hours to chill from the frenetic trip, put all that adrenaline to rest, and to soak in the surrounding beautiful nature of the place.

I randomly stopped at a beautiful wooden bar perched right on the river, run by a sweet couple super eager to have a good chat and share their knowledge.

I learned some fascinating facts about Tonlé Sap, the river.

For one, it’s one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, home to over 300 species of fish, numerous reptiles, mammals, and birds, including rare and endangered species like the Siamese crocodile and the spot-billed pelican.

It’s also the largest and most productive inland fishery in Southeast Asia, providing over 85% of Cambodia’s annual inland fish catch, which sustains millions of people living in its vicinity.

But the most fascinating piece of information, is also what makes Tonlé Sap River unlike any other river in the world; It's the fact that this is the only river in the world that flows both ways; it literally changes its flow direction, every year, sometimes twice a year 🤯

As I write this, lying down facing south, the river is flowing in that direction. But every year, between May and October, the monsoon winds from the southwest bring a wild rainy season to Southeast Asia, which makes the Mekong River swell so much that the Tonlé Sap River is actually forced to flow backward, turning northward away from the sea.

I love Taiwan

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:51:00 GMT

I’ve been in Taiwan for the last three weeks. This country is amazing! The food is delicious and it's everywhere, at all times! The sights are beautiful and peaceful, and the culture is fascinating. People are warm and friendly.

Greeny Taipei

I arrived in Taipei, which is the very definition of an urban jungle — a huge variety of cool ferns, banyan trees, snake plants, huge elephant ear and monstera plants, and a bunch of tropical flowers bursting through the sidewalks, balconies, apartment windows and rooftops, thriving with wild abandon in the constant semi-tropical weather.

It’s by far the greenest city I’ve ever been to; it’s also incredibly clean, beautifully lit at night, and I felt super safe exploring the city at all hours, including during the first jetlagged, sleepless nights when I cycled around the city from sunset to dawn.

Book Haven

Eslite: Open 24 hours, this bookstore is an assemblage of really cool rooms filled with tens of thousands of books. Sofas, chairs, and tables are all around, inviting you to stop and read for a bit. There’s an impressive selection of English books, with high attention to book covers; I even found some William Gibson editions that I’d been looking for a long time.

Food Haven

Taiwan, in general, has one of the most diverse and unique food cultures I’ve ever experienced. Starting with the amazing breakfast joints (6–11 a.m.), followed by the street food carts and restaurants that start popping up in late morning and stay open till dinner time, at which point the nightly street food markets begin to set up and cook all around the city, all the way to high-end Michelin joints in peculiar wild locations. Food is omnipresent, super creative, and high quality.

In Taipei specifically, each district has at least one big night food market, and you can find smaller markets just by randomly walking around the streets at night. Each of these markets offers a dizzying array of delicious street food stalls, from local street-unique specialties to Taiwanese classic dishes. I’ve never had a bad meal during all this time.

Some of my favorites dishes were:

nose-to-tail pork noodles (全豬麵)
beef noodle soup, with chewy thich noodles and clear broth (牛肉麵)
oyster omelettes (蚵仔煎)
sticky rice dumpling (粽子)
oyster vermicelli (蚵仔麵線)
braised pork rice (滷肉飯)
gua bao (刈包)
Taiwanese congee, hot pots (火鍋)
stinky tofu (臭豆腐)
fried chicken (鹹酥雞)
scallion pancake (蔥油餅)
dan bing (蛋餅)
century eggs (皮蛋)
mango shaved ice (芒果冰)
moon cake (太陽餅)
pineapple cake (鳳梨酥)

Taiwan has a very strong tea culture, and with that comes one drink I particularly fall in love with, taiwanese Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶), a delicious mix of black tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls.

Exploring Taipei

I found Taipei to be a very well-structured city, super easy to navigate by either motorcycle, bicycle, bus, or walking. There’s also an official app in english for everything transport-wise that makes moving around the whole country a very seamless experience.

Although there are a lot of quirky shops, temples, and cultural spaces all around Taipei, there’s a certain compartmentalisation by interests in the many different districts of the city:

Zhongzheng is home to some amazing electronics and technology shops and malls. It’s a wild tech hub that took me back to the vibes of some of my favourite cyberpunk novels and those 90s hardware shop vibes. I wish every city had a district like this.

Neihu has some of the best hiking trails in Taipei, which, although on the outskirts of the city, are easily accessible. It's easy to get there at the end of the day, go for a hike, and explore a lot of the quirky Michelin restaurants in the area.

Beitou is home to countless hot springs. I don’t think I’ve ever been surrounded by so many natural hot springs. It’s also such a relaxed area of the city! It’s a natural self-care immersive paradise in the heart of a big metropolis, it’s beautiful!

Songshan Creative Park is a big artist studio space and shopping area, with a lot of cool design and product design from small businesses and independent creators. The surrounding area has a lot of good restaurants and tea shops.

Tamsui has a gorgeous riverside walk which I love to cycle through at night. Historically, this part of the city has been under the rule of the Spanish, Qing dynasty, Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Japanese; and that confluence of cultures is still very noticeable in the wild mix of very different temples and architectural influences. It’s quite a wild mix.

Da’an and Wanhua are two central districts where tradition meets modernity. Architecture from the 17th to the 21st century is projected side by side, with a lot of super original and nice shops, mixed with a lot of small food joints.

Hiking trails are all around Taipei, making for a very nice sunrise or sunset hike, which emphasizes even more how easy and accessible contact with nature is in such a big city.

Roaming around Taiwan

After Taipei, I went to Jiufen to hike Mt. Teapot, a 7 km trail with 748 meters of elevation, offering amazing views over the northeast of the country.

I also visited the Shifen area, where I cycled around some magical flatlands with tropical flower plantations and giant ferns surrounded by mountains.

Before I left the northern part of the country, I went down the coast away from the mountains and into Keelung to check out the Miaokou Night Food Market.

After that, I went down the coast all the way into Nantou, which was my pit stop to then go into the mountains of Alishan in search of the tea plantations and mountain vibes to quiet the mind for a bit. It was quite a sight! And what amazing hikes.

I then went towards the coastal area of Hualien, where I stayed for some days to explore its food joints specializing in fish and to do some longboarding. The waves were small yet consistent and with a good period, and not a lot of people on the water. Surfing, fish, and hanging out, nothing else.

As I write this, I’m back in Taipei. I’ll leave Taiwan in a couple of days, and I came back here for some final days in this metropolis, which is honestly one of my favorite places right now.

Random curiosities on Taiwan:

Taiwan is still referred to as Formosa, a name given by the Portuguese that emphasizes its natural beauty.
Taiwan has one of the lowest poverty rates in the world.
It has one of the highest rates of homeownership worldwide; 85% of households in Taiwan own their homes.
Taiwan is home to 92% of the production of <10nm semiconductors.
Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations of thermal springs in the world.
Tea culture–hot and cold–is widespread in both cities and the countryside, and it’s delicious! The higher mountains of Taiwan produce some of the world's finest teas.
Taiwan borders three oceans; the Pacific Ocean to the east, the East China Sea to the north, and the South China Sea to the southeast.
Taipei 101–once the world's tallest building–is an architectural masterpiece with a pendulum inside that regulates the actual equilibrium of the building.
It’s rare to find people that speak English. As I don’t speak Mandarin–or one of the over 20 official languages,–translator apps were my most-used tools during this journey. I never had any problems doing anything or getting anywhere, but I always made sure I had battery in my phone and an extra power bank because otherwise, the day quickly turns into a lost-in-translation situation.
The geographic and natural diversity is super impressive. Mountains, plains, small cities, big cities, beaches, and rivers are all compacted into such a small island.

I hope to come back to Taiwan soon. I really enjoyed my time here!

Packing List

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 17:13:00 GMT

Travelling is a big part of my life. As I prepare to embark on a one-year travelling adventure, I’ve created a general packing list, that allows me to streamline the packing process of my 40-liter backpack, and prepare for any trip I’m likely to do, without thinking about it.

Medium Packing Cube:

laundry bag
8x t-shirts
8x underwear
8x pair of socks
trousers
shorts
longsleeve
shirt
lightweight hoody
lightweight rain jacket

Health Packing Cube:

melatonin
ashwagandha
ibuprofen
moisturiser (face + body)
contact lenses (+ case)
contacts liquid
toothbrush (USBC)
toothpaste
trimmer (USBC)
deodorant
bandages

Tech Packing Cube:

laptop (+ charger)
laptop stand
keyboard & mouse (USBC)
travelling router (USBC)
universal plug
2x USBC cables

Carry-on:

5-liter hip pack
iPhone
Kobo
earbuds
1 notebook
4 pens (black, red, green, blue)
glasses (+ case)
sunglasses (+ case)
small moisturiser
water bottle
house keys

Spirals

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 21:52:00 GMT

Spirals are among the most ubiquitous and omnipresent symbols around us. Found both in nature, art, and man-made creations, these mesmerising patterns hold a multitude of deep significance and symbolism across diverse cultures and belief systems.

Jung recognised the spiral as a symbol of personal growth, and view it as a metaphor for the eternal nature of the representation of our process of individuation as human beings. The spiral's infinite progression signifying a continuous process of self-discovery and inner development throughout one's lifetime.

“The spiral in psychology means that when you make a spiral you always come over the same point where you have been before, but never really the same, it is above or below, inside, outside, so it means growth. “

C.G. Jung (Dream Analysis, Parts II & III. 1929)

Spirals lack a definitive beginning and end, yet they embody concepts of eternity and timelessness. They are all about starting a journey, circling around, and always come back to the core.

This is something that all creative people can recognize as the essence of the creative process itself. Get an idea, diverge, converge, do it again. Get a new idea, diverge, converge, do it again. We circle through an idea over and over, each time at a different level. There’s no such thing as “being done” with creativity; we just keep spiralling until a good solution fits the brief.

Spirals are the embodiment of the eternal dance of creativity.

I love spirals 🌀

The Past

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 18:57:00 GMT

Experiences from the past–whether they happened a decade ago, a couple years back, or just last week–lay a solid foundation for our future endeauvors. However, relying on them as a stairway can only be done for so long. Continuously dwelling on the past will hinder progress and prevent us from building momentum.

On being open to possibilities

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:23:00 GMT

I recently read an article about the "Multiverse Theory” from quantum mechanics, which argues that all possible outcomes of a situation do occur, in a multitude of universes parallel to our own. Meaning, every choice we make creates its own reality, and all the multitude of choices we opt out of, fraction off into their own realities as well.

This interwoven tapestry of realities sparked a chain of thoughts in my mind; what if instead of constantly looking at life as a singular, linear narrative, where we often become prisoners of our own “autopilot mode,” blind to the infinite number of alternatives in our vast ocean of possibilities, why not actively spend a bit more time consciously embracing unpredictability and unforeseen potential into our lives?

Of course we’re only human, and as creatures of habit we unconsciously approach life with a certain amount of certainty based on the knowledge we acquire along the way. And on top of that, FEAR! Which plays a crucial role on our decision making; fear of the unknown, fear of making mistakes, fear of the unexpected, and ultimately the fear of failure.

But if we look closer at fear. The same universe that houses fear of failure also embraces the joy of success. The fear of failing and the possibility of succeeding coexist in the same choice, they are actually two sides of the same coin. So, why not flip the coin? Why not entertain the possibility of a different outcome? Why not embracing uncertainty as a comforting presence rather than a threatening intruder? The idea may be disquieting at first. Nevertheless, let's entertain it, rolling it around our tongues, tasting its unfamiliarity.

I’m obviously not advocating we transform our lives into Luke Rhinehart’s, and hand over our life to the dice. But I also don’t believe that being open to possibilities is a blind leap into optimism. I think it's more about accepting life's mercurial nature, finding joy in uncertainty, and embracing the thrill of the unknown.

In the grand scheme of things, we're mere passengers on this universe’s vibrant journey, incapable of controlling its shifting tracks. So, why not let go of fear and surrender to the rhythm of the ride? Life’s most profound moments often arise from the unexpected detours, and its shattering of our carefully constructed plans.

In conclusion, I aim to entertain the unpredictable more often, and try to remember that the only boundary to the realm of possibilities are those we draw ourselves. The multiverse of quantum mechanics might be a theory, but the multiverse of possibilities? That's a reality we can choose to live by.

After all, who knows what reality it might lead us to?

Encrypt/Decrypt in Unix

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 23:36:00 GMT

Encryption is vital for protecting the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information. This guide covers the basics of using GnuPG, a widely-used encryption tool, to encrypt and decrypt files on Unix-based systems, including macOS and Linux.

1. Install GnuPG:

# macOS
$ brew install gnupg

# Debian
$ sudo apt install gnupg

2. Test Installation

$ gpg --list-key

# Example Output:
gpg (GnuPG/MacGPG2) 2.2.41
libgcrypt 1.8.10

Generate a Key Pair

Before we can encrypt files, we need our own gpg key pair. This consists of a private and a public key.

$ gpg --batch --generate-key gen-params-rsa4096

Encrypting Files

To encrypt a file, use the following command. This will create an encrypted version of the file that only someone with the appropriate private key can decrypt.

gpg --output encrypted-doc.gpg --encrypt --sign --armor --recipient user@example.com doc-to-encrypt.txt

Decrypting Files

To decrypt a file, use the following command. This will produce a readable version of the file if you have the necessary private key.

gpg --output decrypted-doc -d doc-to-decrypt.gpg

Using GnuPG to encrypt and decrypt files is a robust method of securing data. Remember, the security of our encrypted data is only as good as our own key management practices. Always keep private keys secure and use strong, unique passwords for keyrings.

Being bad and failing

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 13:08:00 GMT

Everyone–no matter how great they are at what they do–fails at some point. Thinking we’re so great at something, that we’ll never fail, is wildly delusional.

I didn’t always have this mindset though. When I was younger and somehow more arrogant/insecure in my ambition, I naively envisioned a path without failure; and when failure first came, it hit really fucking hard, and I didn’t know how to react to it. A posteriori, I now see that failing was an essential part of those processes, and when I fall on my ass, I now know I’ll figure it out, learn the necessary lesson, and be better prepared for next challenges.

Looking back at the most relevant periods of my life, the failures are the time periods where I grew and learn the most, opposed to the periods where I was auto-piloting in my comfort zone. And more often than not, failure is followed by a period of amazing success. Responding the right way to failure is where the key is to positively shape future behaviour, and fail better.

Embracing failure isn't just about recovery;

it's about transformation.

Cone of Possibilities

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:24:00 GMT

I recently came across “the cone of plausibility”, and I can’t get it out of my mind.

The Cone of Plausibility, also known as the Cone of Possibility, is a concept used in scenario planning and futures thinking. It helps visualize and explore the range of potential future outcomes based on different factors and uncertainties.

The Cone of Plausibility graphically represents the relationship between the present moment and the certainty of our knowledge about future events. It provides a useful visual heuristic for planners looking into the future.

The cone has roughly three areas of major relevance:

1. Plausible Future Scenarios: At the base of the cone, near the present time, lie the most plausible future scenarios. These are the outcomes that are most likely to occur based on current trends, historical data, and existing knowledge. These scenarios typically represent the "business as usual" future.

2. Less Likely Scenarios: As we move up the cone and further into the future, the range of possibilities widens. This area represents less likely scenarios that deviate from the current trajectory. These scenarios might emerge due to unforeseen events, changes in technology, shifts in societal norms, or other external factors.

3. Wild Cards and Black Swans: At the outer edges and the apex of the cone, we find the most extreme and unexpected scenarios. These are often referred to as "wild cards" or "black swans" and are characterized by their low probability but high impact. Wild cards are developments that are difficult to predict, but they can have a significant disruptive effect on the future.

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Gardening is all Love

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:23:00 GMT

I previously wrote how time feels different during quarantine. Navigating this new relationship with time has forced me into uncharted territories. On one hand, I've had to find new ways to occupy all the free time at home. On the other hand, I am a web designer and developer which requires me to be in front of a screen for most of the day, so I wanted to challenge myself to find alternative activities that would allow me to take a break from the screen while still challenging my mind while at home.

I found my own piece of solace amidst my balcony. Prior to the pandemic, this patch of south-facing land was my place to read in the sun, and host cooking sessions with friends. Now, in the middle of a lockdown, I started gardening, and I’m transforming it into a green sanctuary.

Initially, it was the pure idea of learning something new that drove me to the challenge of transforming the balcony into a urban garden, however, as time passed, tending to the soil and the daily nurturing of the plants, rapidly became extremely meditative. The simple acts of digging into the soil, planting seeds, and the daily anticipation of seeing sprouts pop out of the soil provided a much-needed retreat from the twenty-four hour pandemic news cycle.

Watching a plant grow day by day, sometimes from dawn to dusk, brings an inexplicable sense of joy! and it's such a metaphorical representation of hope, progress, growth, and resilience in a time when everything else seems paused.

In these weird days of lockdown, when the future is so uncertain, and the freedoms of the past a mere foggy dream, being rooted in the present and connected to nature is exactly the mental anchor I never knew I needed.

Gardening, like all things, presented its challenges. Yet, each obstacle–whether a pest attack (what a convenient metaphor for current daily life) or an unexpectedly strong downpour that required improvising protection infrastructure–taught resilience, and it emphasized the importance of adaptability and perseverance in face of difficulties.

Last but not least, the joy of harvesting my own food is unparalleled! I love food, and I love cooking; and watching the fruits of my labor gradually ripen on the vine instills a unique sense of accomplishment. Each day, as I witnessed tiny saplings transform into robust plants bearing fruits and vegetables, the anxiety and stress of the external world diminish slightly more.

And the food tastes so much better than anything I could buy anywhere!

The true farm-to-plate experience.

Here’s what I'm growing at the moment:

10 tomato vines
2 aubergine trees
12 green beans stalks
4 Broccoli
4 Strawberry vases
10 Beetroots
3 chilli vases

Simple paths for wholesomeness

Mon, 03 May 2021 20:32:00 GMT

Avoid mainstream media.
Get sunlight everyday.
Go for a long walk everyday.
Buy food from good sources.
Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Grow a garden or houseplants.
Spend as much time as possible in nature.
Make reading a regular part of daily routine.
Connect broadly with people rather than adhering to a singular ideological mindset group.
Form opinions based on people’s words, not what you hear about them.
Embrace failure; Learn from it; Fail better next time.

Ikigai 生き甲斐

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 18:24:00 GMT

Ikigai 生き甲斐: one’s true purpose in life; the motivating forces that gives us a reason for living, rooted in one's interests.

Imagine a framework that, when in harmony, creates a vibrant synergy where four paths converge, each representing a different aspect of existence: what we love, what we are naturally good at, our sense of community, and what we do for money.

Ikigai is that vibrant synergy at the convergence of these path.

It’s filled with meaning and satisfaction;

guiding us toward a fulfilling and balanced existence.

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On Voting (and Civic Engagement)

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 18:58:00 GMT

Voting stands today as our most pivotal tool for participatory democracy, a privilege that subtly shapes the contours of our society. Yet, my relationship with voting has been dichotomous, influenced by the shifting and uncertain political landscapes I navigate as an everyday citizen.

While voting offers a means to influence change, the question remains: does it truly reflect the collective will or merely the illusion of choice in a system driven by more obscure interests?

My First Vote (2005)

I cast my first vote at 18 during the Portuguese legislative election in 2005. This election was to elect the Prime Minister, the legislative mastermind of the country.

The electoral period was exhilarating for me as a new voter. I believed my vote to be the only means to express my ideas and concerns on a societal level—an opportunity to make a difference, though I approached it with a high degree of skepticism.

My Second Vote (2006)

The presidential election followed soon after. Electing a president—the international face of our country—should have felt significant. However, this role carries no legislative power, which dimmed the excitement for me at young age. The election seemed less impactful, leaving me with a sense of inconsequence about the choice—little thought was given to it.

My Third Vote (2007)

It was my third voting experience that profoundly shifted my perspective on the power of participative democracy—the 2007 referendum on the legalization of abortion in Portugal. This referendum was unlike any general election, as it had immediate results.

I cast my vote on that Sunday morning; I keept an eye on the news during the afternoon to see which way the voting would swing. By dinner time, the final results were announced. By the following Monday, the law was revised to reflect the will of the people—a direct and swift response to the referendum's outcome. Abortion was legalised up to the tenth week of pregnancy. That fast!

The Disappointment of General Elections

The subsequent general elections never quite matched the immediacy or satisfaction of that referendum. In a general election, we cast votes to support a party or sometimes an individual candidate, and then we spend four years waiting to see if they fulfill the promises made during their campaign. More often than not, at least in Portugal, these promises fall short.

A poignant example from Portugal underscores this disappointment. The guy elected as Prime Minister in 2005, had disastrous consequences for the country. Nearly two decades later, we are still grappling with the aftermath of his disastrous governance.

José Sócrates, who served as the Prime Minister from 2005 to 2011, was arrested in 2014 on charges of corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering. This arrest was part of a broader investigation into financial irregularities in the government. His mandate was marred by fraud practices and multiple attempts to control the media.

Unfortunately, history repeats itself; it’s 2020, and as I write this, two-thirds of the current government in Portugal were part of that same administration, including Sócrates's right-hand man, who is now the current Prime Minister.

The Duality of Voting

This brings me to the core of my conflict about voting. On one hand, it is an essential tool for participation and expression in a democratic society. On the other hand, relying solely on voting once every four or five years—and expecting elected officials to fulfill their promises—always feels inadequate for meaningful engagement between citizens and the broader political arena.

This begs the question: Should voting—once or twice every four or five years—be our only form of political participation?

I believe it shouldn’t! I think it fails to capture the ongoing concerns that truly shape our daily lives, and we need additional and innovative methods to enhance our civic engagement, where citizens have a say in the political spectrum, such as:

Community Advisory Boards: Enabling citizens to be directly involved in the decision-making processes on local issues such as urban planning, education, and public safety.
Participatory Budgeting: Empowering community members to have a voice on how public funds are used, promoting transparency and increasing public involvement in fiscal decisions.
Public Forums: Creating spaces where citizens can come together to discuss and provide recommendations on specific legislative matters, ensuring a representative input into policymaking.

Technology and Voting

We may have a lot of things that separate us as citizens, but one thing holds true: we all now have a computer in our pockets! Doesn’t that–technically–mean that we can build digital platforms that allow for continuous interaction with legislative processes, and bridge the gap between elections and everyday governance?

Looking ahead, I wonder about the potential for a voting system that embodies the efficacy and accountability of a referendum. With the rise of discussions on decentralization and more compartmentalized political processes, could we enhance the impact of our civic actions through technology processes? Could these innovations make everyday democratic participation feel as direct and consequential as a referendum day?

Case-Studies

Taiwan's g0v.tw: This open-source platform enhances civic engagement by enabling direct interaction between Taiwanese citizens and their government. g0v.tw participants influence policy through active discussions, embodying a major step towards using technology to democratize information and enhance political transparency.

Government Budget Visualization: Simplifies complex budget data into clear visuals, improving public understanding and oversight of fiscal policies.
Cofacts LINE Bot: A chatbot designed to help users identify misinformation, allowing for real-time fact-checking and promoting informed discussions.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs: This ministry helps Taiwan navigate through the digital age, enhancing democratic participation by building and using innovative open-source technologies, processes, and tools that are promoting a transparent, responsive, and participatory government, setting a high benchmark for the future of digital democracy worldwide.

vTaiwan: Boosts public involvement in legislative processes by facilitating discussions among citizens, experts, and political officials, both online and offline. This platform has significantly influenced legislation, reflecting the public consensus effectively.
Polis: A key tool in vTaiwan, Polis aids in forming structured public dialogues and visualizing consensus, influencing informed policy decisions.
Presidential Hackathon: Annually prompts open-source, data-driven innovations to tackle societal challenges, demonstrating effective government-civic tech collaboration.

Participatory Budgeting in Paris: Since 2014, Paris has empowered its residents to allocate a portion of the city's budget to projects voted on by its citizens. This initiative has involved over 100,000 participants and demonstrates the powerful role of participatory budgeting in engaging communities in fiscal decision-making. In 2014, over 40,000 people voted on 15 proposals put forward by the City Council. Nine projects (with a 5% of the total budget) were selected, ranging from vertical gardens to urban sports facilities to the renovation of outdoor 'kiosks' for music and arts in public spaces.

Closing Thoughts

Sixteen years after casting my first vote, my skepticism about the political system and its processes remains at an all-time high; I find myself continually questioning the efficacy of voting. This very rant is an obvious testament to that journey.

Yet, passivity is not the answer! As we approach 2021, the landscape of unanswered questions keeps stretching.

Do our governments truly desire to be steered by the collective concerns and ideologies of their citizens, or are they more comfortable navigating their own paths and its politics as usual? And if the former holds true, what is the true role of a voter in shaping their government?

Last but not least, as we all carry the power of computation in our pockets everyday, how can we harness digital technologies to expand and enhance our participative experience in democracy beyond that single vote? By embedding technology into our democratic processes, we can aspire to make every day decisions as impactful as a referendum day.

My favourite fonts

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 15:22:00 GMT

Typefaces are omnipresent in our lives. We are constantly consuming information through the lens of a typeface. These characters give shape, life, and context to the content we digest all day, every day.

Before computers people held pens and pencils as their tools of expression, and they crafted their handwriting to manifest a unique and personal lettering style. This was a means to convey a message, but also a statement of style and identity.

Today, we use digital typefaces with the same sentiment that was once reserved for handwriting, as a tool to convey connotations, and as a medium to accentuate our words with a layer of context, intent, and style.

As a designer, I’m very deliberate in the fonts that I use. Picking the right font for the job is hand in hand as important as picking the right images, colour palettes, composition, spacing, tone of voice, etc.

The following is a curated list of my favorite typefaces, which I constantly return to in my design projects.

Code Editor

Fira Code
IBM Plex Mono

Monospaced

Aperçu Mono
Akkurat Mono
Courier
GT Pressura Mono
IBM Plex Mono
Mabry Mono
Space Mono
System85 Mono

Sans-Serif

Aperçu
Arial
Arial Narrow
Circular
Druk
Favorit
Founders Grotesk
Franklin Gothic
Futura
Gill Sans
Graphik
GT America
GT Eesti
IBM Plex Sans
Mabry
Monument Grotesk
Neue Haas Grotesk
Neue Haas Unica
PX Grotesk
Simplon
Nimbus Sans
System85
Unica77
Univers

Serif

Baskerville
Canela
Editorial New
Freight Text
ITC Garamond
GT Sectra
Lyon
Portrait
Tiempos
Times New Roman
Times Now

Finding things in macOS and Unix

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:36:00 GMT

When it comes to performing complex system operations, most of the time the macOS CLI offers a way more direct and efficient way to interact with your computer than Finder.

Lets start with a macOS specific tool:

mdfind → macOS specific search functionality

macOS’s alternative to Unix’s find that uses Spotlight's metadata database.

Search for a filename:

mdfind <filename>

Search for files by their exact name:

mdfind -name <filename>

Search for files and restrict the search to a specific directory:

mdfind -onlyin <directory> <query>

Perform a live search, with live file system updates:

mdfind -live <query>

find → Powerful file and directory search

The find command is a versatile and powerful tool for locating files and directories based on various criteria. Unlike the previously mentioned commands, find does not rely on a pre-built database, making it suitable for real-time searches.

Find files by name:

find /path/to/directory -name "filename"

Find files by name, case-insensitive:

find /path/to/directory -iname "filename"

Find directories:

find /path/to/directory -type d

Find files by extension:

find /path/to/directory -name "*.extension"

Find files by size:

find /path/to/directory -size +10M

Find files modified within a time frame:

find /path/to/directory -mtime -7

Find empty files or directories:

find /path/to/directory -empty

Find and delete files:

find /path/to/directory -name "pattern" -delete

locate → Fast file searching with an indexed database

The locate command is a lightning-fast file searching tool that operates based on a pre-built database. This database is updated periodically by the system, so the results might not be real-time but are incredibly quick to retrieve. The search is not limited to filenames; it includes paths as well.

One common use case for locate is finding system files or applications spread across various directories. It is essential to update the database regularly to ensure you get the most recent results. To update the database, run the command sudo updatedb in the terminal.

Locate files by name:

locate filename

Locate files by name, case-insensitive:

locate -i filename

Locate files by extension:

locate "*.extension"

Locate specific paths:

locate -r '/path/to/search/.*pattern'

Locate binaries and commands:

locate -b '\\command'

Locate files, and ignore certain directories:

locate -i --exclude '/path/to/exclude' filename

whereis → Locating executable binaries and source files

If you need to find the location of executable binaries or the source files of a specific command, the whereis command will be your go-to tool. It searches standard binary directories and displays the paths of the files associated with the provided command.

Find is the location of a command:

whereis command

Find multiple commands at once:

whereis -b command1 command2

Search for command source files:

whereis -s command

Find files with limit search to specific directories:

whereis -B /path/to/directory command

Search for system configuration files.

whereis -m -s -B /etc command

Display paths in a human-readable format:

whereis -B /bin -f command

which → Identifying the executable in your $PATH

Similar to whereis, the which command helps you find the location of an executable associated with a command. However, it differs from whereis in that it only returns the path of the first executable found in your system's $PATH variable.

Find the location of a command:

which command

Search for aliases / shell functions:

which -a command

Find multiple commands at once:

which command1 command2

Check for executable status:

which -a command

Display paths in a human-readable format:

which -p command

Check if a command is an alias or function:

which -as command

T1m3 F33ls W31rd R1ght N0w

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 18:23:00 GMT

Time feels weird right now. March and April felt ridiculously slow; there was time for new recipes every day, daily exercise routines, an unusual amount of time to read books, and endless video calls. And then came May, at the speed of a space shuttle. Wait… is it mid-June already?

As I struggle to keep track and make sense of what a global pandemic encompasses, the days are just merging together.

The clock doesn’t bring me back to the present moment as it used to, it doesn’t even remind me of my own mortality, which the 24-hour news cycle in pandemic mode does in a weirdly non-spectacular fashion.

Sometimes it’s difficult to even remember what day it is! Why do we even have weekdays anyway?

This pandemic is being a time of reflection on the subjective nature of time and how different circumstances alter our experience of it. Specifically how complex what we call subjective time (or internal time) is. And what we call our internal clock is actually a whole multitude of internal clocks. We have so many systems that influence our own subjective perception of time, constantly interpreting, synchronising, and regulating our body and senses. And right now, they all seem to be in constant disarray.

With all this internal complexity, disrupted rhythms and routines, a nonexistent social life, heightened anxiety, and unpredictable global shifts—without any clear end in sight—it’s no wonder our sense of time has become distorted.

There's also a wild discrepancy between subjective time and our collective cultural and political understanding of it. While the world may seem paused for most of us, the reality is that people with different types of jobs are experiencing time in very different ways right now. On one side of the spectrum, people who have been furloughed are sitting at home, not working, and with a full day of free-time, but nothing to do; while one the opposite side of the spectrum, “essential workers”–particularly doctors,–are working grueling shifts and facing the overwhelming daily toll of deaths.

I feel extremely privileged that I can set my own work schedule and that my workflow remains somewhat stable during these strange times.

Perhaps this experience will lead us to a new appreciation for the rhythms of daily life we once took for granted. I hope to return to a normal time soon.

Globetrotting through London's kitchens

Thu, 14 May 2020 20:44:00 GMT

After four years in London, I’m still amazed by how wandering the streets of a single city allows me to globetrot my taste buds with the most delicious local dishes from most of the world.

These are my favourite spots to “eat the world” in London:

🇪🇹 Andu Ethiopian Café (Ethiopia)

Vegan operation with a fixed menu of delicious Ethiopian delicacies.

🇹🇼 Bao (Taiwan)

For a Taiwanese street food fix. Delicious buns and blood cakes.

🇻🇳 Bánh Bánh (Vietnam)

Vietnamese street food classics served in small plates. Good for sharing.

🇻🇳 Bánh Mì Hội-An (Vietnam)

Amazing Bánh Mì and rice bowls to grab-and-go.

🇨🇳 Beijing Dumpling (China)

My favourite dumplings in London.

🇬🇧 Beigel Brick Lane Bakery (U.K.)

The best beigel in town. Both salt beef and smoked salmon with cream cheese are delicious.

🇪🇷 Bisha Eritrean (Eritrea)

Enormous sharing plates with a lot of veggie variety.

🇳🇬 Chuku's (Nigeria)

Family vibe Nigerian small plates place. Delicious plantain and Caramel Kuli Kuli Chicken. Good for sharing.

🇦🇷 Buen Ayre (Argentina)

Great Argentinian steaks and red wine.

🇻🇳 BunBunBun (Vietnam)

Vietnamese restaurant with a really good Bún Chả Hanoi.

🇵🇱 Café Manjá (Poland)

Delicious Polish dumplings!

🇻🇳 Cơm Việt (Vietnam)

Vietnamese noodle bowls and rice plates.

🇨🇺 Cubana (Cuba)

Cuban restaurant with nice bits to share. Really good cocktails as well.

🇧🇪 The Dovetail (Belgium)

Belgium bar with delicious ‘Moules Marinière’ and great beer selection.

🇪🇸 Escocesa (Spain)

Spanish tapas and good sangria.

🇨🇺 Escudo de Cuba (Cuba)

Cosy vibes while serving really good home-made style cuban food.

🇬🇧 Fish Lounge (U.K.)

Delicious Fish & Chips.

🇪🇹 Mesi's Kitchen (Ethiopia)

Delicious Ethiopian dishes. The stews served on top of injera are something else.

🇬🇧 Flat Iron (U.K.)

Steak House with carefully sourced UK meat. Nice sides and wine selection.

🇮🇹 Franco Manca (Italy)

Sourdough pizzas with Neapolitan roots.

🇮🇹 Gloria (Italy)

Good Italian food in a really nice ambience.

🇹🇷 Gökyüzü (Turkey)

Prodigious portions of excellent Turkish cooking. Amazing grill. Their hummus topped with lamb is mind-blowing. Free Turkish tea.

🇮🇷 Hafez (Iran)

...

🇮🇷 Hana (Iran)

Great Persian stews and really nice family vibe atmosphere.

🇬🇷 Halepi (Greece)

Family-run Greek taverna with an amazing roasted milk-fed lamb.

🇱🇰 Hoppers (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lankan cosy restaurant. Their Dosas, Hoppers, and Burianis are mind-blowing. Great for sharing.

🇳🇵House of MoMo (Nepal)

Chill Nepalese restaurant with delicious Momos and beer.

🇮🇷 Iran Restaurant (Iran)

Great Persian kebabs.

🇮🇶 Juma Kitchen (Iraq)

Iraqi comfort food at the heart of Borough Market. Their Kunafa and Mushroom Chaap are a must try.

🇯🇵 Kanada-Ya (Japan)

The best Ramen bowls in London, by very far.

🇩🇿 Khamsa (Algeria)

Delicious Algerian stews and Dziriette, in a really chill and cosy interior.

🇧🇩 Kolapata (Bangladesh)

Really good Bangladeshi curries.

🇰🇷 Korean BBQ House (Korea)

Great Korean BBQ experience.

🇪🇬 Koshari Street (Egypt)

Egypt Delicious Koshari to grab-and-go.

🇵🇰 Lahore Kebab House (Pakistan)

Great Pakistani curries in London.

🇧🇪 Lowlander Grand Cafe (Belgium)

Fresh mussels and good selection of Belgian beers.

🇬🇪 Little Georgia (Georgia)

Cosy vibes. Khachapuri and Khinkali are amazing.

🇧🇷 Made in Brasil (Brasil)

Good Moquecas and caipirinhas.

🇬🇧 Maggie Jones (U.K.)

Really good season game meat in an old barn-styled restaurant.

🇵🇸 Maramia Cafe (Palestine)

Delicious home-made Palestinian food.

🇹🇷 Mangal 1 (Turkey)

My favourite Ocakbasi restaurant.

🇻🇳 Mien Tay (Vietnam)

Vietnamese home-style cooking. The Pho is amazing.

🇯🇲 Ma Petite Jamaica (Jamaica)

Delicious jerk chicken and curry goat.

🇮🇳 Gymkhana (India)

An upscale Indian restaurant. Their meat quality is great. The best Tandoori Chicken I’ve ever tried!

🇮🇹 Osteria Romana (Italy)

Italian Osteria that celebrates Rome and its food. Best Cacio e Pepe in London. In the right season, their truffled pasta is awesome.

🇵🇪 Pachamama (Peru)

Peru low-lit hotspot for delicious Peruvian food.

🇬🇧 The Pig and the Butcher (U.K.)

Gastropub with cosy woody vibes, and delicious seasonal game meat.

🇨🇴 Pueblito Paisa (Colombia)

Great place for beef empanadas and beer.

🇮🇳 Rasa (India)

South Indian vegetarian and vegan dishes. Everything is amazing in this place. One of my favourite places in London.

🇭🇰 Royal China Club (Hong Kong)

Delicious dim sum and Pekin Duck.

🇹🇹 Roti Joupa (Trinidad and Tobago)

Great Roti and Curries.

🇲🇾 Roti King (Malaysia)

Roti Canai and curries that sing with spices.

🇰🇷 SCJ Bibimbap & Chimaek (Korea)

My favourite Korean fried chicken spot.

🇬🇧 St. John (U.K.)

I always come here for their bone marrow, sourdough bread, bread pudding and their house wine. Best post-work delicatessen.

🇬🇧 Sutton & Sons (U.K.)

My go-to everyday fish and chips. Great fresh fish selection.

🇵🇰 Tayyabs (Pakistan)

Pakistani grilled meats (the lamb chops!!) and curries that warm your soul. Their Pistachio Kulfa is the best end-of-a-meal ever.

🇬🇧 The Hunter's Moon (U.K.)

An upscale brewhouse with delicious seasonal game meat.

🇱🇧 Yalla Yalla (Lebanon)

I go there for Fattoush and Hallumi.

🇫🇷 Zédel (France)

Classic Brasserie with strong Art Deco vibes.

This list barely scratches the surface of London's incredible food scene. Each restaurant offers a unique window into a different culture, making it possible to travel the world without ever leaving the city. Whether you're craving comfort food from home or looking to explore new flavors, London's kitchens have something for everyone. Happy eating!

Arrogance and Insecurity: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Wed, 13 May 2020 18:23:00 GMT

When facing adversity, arrogance and insecurity often emerge as two sides of the same coin. Although they feel like polar opposites for someone outside looking in, I feel they are fundamentally the same; they’re both manifestations from a place of self-importance and narcissism.

This mindset generates a destructive line of thought where one feels victimised, hindering the potential to learn from a negative scenario, develop perseverance, grow, and move on.

The antidote? Humility, which fosters a sense of self-respect, and helps us celebrate how beautiful, unique, and interesting we all are.

Failure is a great tool for cultivating humility.

Simple CSS Dark Mode

Wed, 06 May 2020 18:26:00 GMT

As a lifelong dark mode user, I was thrilled when macOS recently introduced it as a system default; it seems like the days of extensions and plugins to setup a consistent dark mode are finally over.

Lately, I've noticed that dark mode vibes are also flourishing across the web. More and more websites are starting to integrate a light/dark mode switcher that gives us the choice, sometimes even synchronising it with OS defaults; this is likely due to recent integration of prefers-color-scheme media feature in the Media Queries Level 5 specification by the W3C. This feature allows websites to detect if the user has set a preference for dark or light color schemes in their operating system.

Here’s the simplest boilerplate of variables and media queries we can play with:

@media (prefers-color-scheme: dark) {
  :root {
    --background-color: #121212;
    --text-color: #e0e0e0;
    --link-color: #bb86fc;
  }
  body {
    background-color: var(--background-color);
    color: var(--text-color);
  }
  a {
    color: var(--link-color);
  }
  audio,
  canvas,
  embed,
  iframe,
  img,
  object,
  video,
  svg {
    filter: invert(100%);
  }
}

This code sets up CSS variables for dark mode colors and applies them when the user's system preference is set to dark mode. It also inverts media elements to ensure they remain visible on the dark background.

Dark mode is not just an aesthetic preference; it also represents an anthropological reading habit, that influences the way we consume content online. For instance, many people find dark mode easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions, which can affect how long they engage with content and at what times of day they prefer to read.

This is the perfect time to experiment and adapt our websites to this new media query. By implementing dark mode, we can improve user experience. Why not give it a try on your own site?

humans.txt

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 10:42:00 GMT

In our age of algorithm-driven content and with AI knocking on the door, recognising the people who take part in building the web feels increasingly relevant, so I too want to jump on the bandwagon and start using this web standard: humans.txt.

What is humans.txt?

It’s a straightforward .txt file that contains a list of all the people who’ve contributed towards the website. The file is named humans.txt and should be placed in the root directory of the website. So, if your website is www.example.net, you’d be able to find humans.txt file at www.example.net/humans.txt.

Start using humans.txt:

Create and save a humans.txt file in your site’s root directory
Place a reference to the file in the <head> of the site:<link rel="author" href="humans.txt">

Implementing humans.txt is a small step towards acknowledging the human effort behind websites. By adopting this practice, we not only recognize contributors but also promote transparency and appreciation in the digital world.

Surya Namaskar: a daily ritual

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 16:56:00 GMT

Since I started practicing Yoga in 2006, I’ve been in and out of practice; however the one exercise I keep doing on a daily basis the "Surya Namaskar"–or Sun Salutation,–which is an homage to the sun, performed as a sequence of basic postures.

Physically, it gives my body the stretch it needs to wake up. Mentally, the focused breathing enhances my mental clarity, and fosters a sense of unity and self-awareness, making it an amazing way to start the day.

🟢 palms together at the heart centre

🔵 [inhale] reach arms up

🟡 [exhale] forward fold

🟠 [inhale] step right foot back, left knee down

🟣 [exhale] downward facing dog

🔴 [hold breath] drop knees, chest, and chin

🔴 [inhale] cobra

🟣 [exhale] back to downward facing dog

🟠 [inhale] step right foot forward, left knee down

🟡 [exhale] left leg forward, forward fold

🔵 [inhale] reach up

🟢 [exhale] palms together at the heart

~ repeat with opposite legs

Hello World

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 19:16:00 GMT

Hey there! This is my public notebook, where I’ll think out loud about things that I’m passionate about.

I find writing down my thoughts to be a good way to stress-test them, and a useful method to refine my thinking patterns to generate ideas.

Writing forces me to slow down, focus my attention, and think deeply.

If it makes sense in my head but sounds weird when writing or reading it, it’s probably not a great idea. If it's captivating yet easily understood when I read it out loud, it’s probably worth exploring further.

Writing gives my bad ideas nowhere to hide.

Of course, many ideas are harder to articulate, more complex, and take longer to fully develop. This notebook is not going to be used for those more complex ideas.

This notebook is my way of creating a space to practice reasoning with the seeds of my thoughts, in a public environment. I hope that by planting these stream-of-consciousness thoughts—like seeds—they may grow into something useful.