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Ruben Arribas

About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

This Everyday American Conversation Is Considered Rude in Italy

And What It Reveals About Privacy, Social Status, and the Unspoken Rules of Italian Conversation In the United States, conversations often follow a familiar rhythm. You meet someone. You chat. Sooner or later, the question arrives — maybe casually, maybe directly: “So what do you do?” It’s seen as normal. Harmless. Even polite.Asking about someone’s …

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The Italian Soup Grandmothers Make When Someone Gets Sick

(Brodo di Pollo con Pastina — Nourishing, Comforting, and Full of Love) There is no question in an Italian household about what to do when someone gets sick. You make brodo. Not broth from a box. Not a trendy bone broth. Real, homemade brodo di pollo—chicken broth made with care, simplicity, and time. And for …

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The Dementia Warning Sign Europeans Check Daily That Americans Miss Until Too Late

And what it reveals about intergenerational living, subtle observation, and a cultural approach to aging that keeps families more prepared In the United States, awareness of dementia often begins with a crisis. A missed appointment. A confused phone call. A relative getting lost on the way home. Or a loved one who suddenly can’t remember …

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15 Italian Recipes Nonna Makes That Tourists Never Discover

Beyond pasta and pizza: Taste the real depth of Italian cuisine Italy is globally famous for its food—but if your knowledge of Italian cuisine stops at spaghetti and pepperoni pizza, you’re only scratching the surface. The country’s culinary identity is deeply regional, rich with seasonal ingredients, and filled with dishes you may have never heard …

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Why Asking for Cheese on Seafood Pasta in Italy Ends the Meal Early

It’s not a felony. It’s just the fastest way to signal you don’t trust the dish, and Italians take that personally in the quietest possible way. It usually happens mid-plate. You’re in Italy, you ordered something beautiful, maybe spaghetti alle vongole or linguine with mixed seafood. The sauce is glossy, the clams taste like the …

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What Happened When I Stored Food Like Europeans for 30 Days

I copied the boring, very European habit I kept seeing in neighbors’ kitchens here in Spain: stop stuffing everything in the fridge. Not as a stunt. As a storage reset. For 30 days I moved a short list of foods to the pantry or counter, stored them the way locals actually do, and adjusted how …

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Why These 5 American Bread Ingredients Are Illegal in Europe

Steam fogs the bakery window, a rack of country loaves crackles, and the flour on the counter is just…flour. No extra powders to bleach it whiter, no boosters to bully the dough higher. In much of Europe, bread is still built the old way. You hear the claims every few months: Americans are eating chemicals …

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American Nurse Living in Porto on €1,700

She came for the walkability and the slower pace. She stayed because she built a budget that survives real life, not just the first month. If you’ve spent any time on “move to Portugal” content, you’ve seen two kinds of money stories. One is fantasy: “I live like a queen on €1,500.” The other is …

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Why This Common French Bra Habit Shocks American Workplaces

And what it reveals about body politics, professionalism, and the difference between visibility and vulgarity In American workplaces, there’s a silent expectation that all women will show up in a certain physical state. Covered, supported, polished. Even in casual offices, the rule is understood: you may wear jeans, you may skip makeup but you must …

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How to Make Authentic Naan at Home (Better Than Restaurant Naan)

Naan is one of the most beloved flatbreads in Indian cuisine, known for its soft, fluffy texture and slightly charred, buttery finish. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor oven, naan has become a staple accompaniment to curries, kebabs, and lentil dishes around the world. In this recipe guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic homemade naan …

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Why Europeans Never Overpack (And How You Can Stop Too)

Ahh, looking at how to pack light and fashionable for Europe? Here’s the guide for you. To know how to pack light and fashionable for Europe, stay with statement pieces that are both comfortable and efficient. Full list inside. Embarking on a European trip elicits a wave of emotions from excitement to a touch of …

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