Michael Afanasyev Archives

Tag: Michael Afanasyev

STRICTLY TREKKING

May 7, 2015

The climb of July 2005: Weissmies to MONT BLANC

My love for the mountains is eternal. And so is my curiosity to read through the climbing diaries of daring mountaineers and publishing their inspiring tales... This is a story about a trip that Michael Afanasyev undertook back in 2005 to climb the Mont Blanc, in his very own words...

I made a career switch in my 30s. Turned out to be the best decision of my life.

But first, let me start from exactly where I left. I quit my job at 31 to take a break without a plan B? - But that was back in 2019 - SO WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Fast Forward to today: I am currently a UX Manager and Design Lead in a tech+design agency in Toronto, and it took me a while to find this career that I have really started to enjoy. It did not happen by chance, and I didn’t just fall into it. In fact, I chose it.

DESIGN

A UX/UI Analysis of TLP:MAP (Toronto Public Library)

First of my series of "Midnight Brainstorms". A rough digital diary of my UX/UI observations of everyday things. This entry focuses on the new "online" museum pass reservation system introduced by the Toronto Public Library. 📚

Deconstructing the Ravana Effigy Making Craft of Tatarpur, Delhi and meeting the Ravanwalas

A line of effigies shaped in bamboo in the form of humongous heads, giant mustaches, and fearsome eyes, lie around on an open road. Some are ready to be painted, some are getting their finishing touches, while others are all decked up to be assembled. Besides the heads are huge structures of limbs and torsos that range from a few feet to about three or four storeys high. These effigy parts lying around are of the mythical demon king of Lanka, ‘Ravana’ in Hindu mythology. And the place we are describing is popularly known as the “Lanka of Delhi'', ‘Tatarpur’.

Why you should rent a car for a road trip in Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago and home to some of the most beautiful beaches, lush forests, and volcanic landscapes in the world. It's a place where ancient culture meets modern-day luxury, where visitors can experience authentic Hawaiian traditions and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island. Oahu offers something for everyone, whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both. So pack your bags, rent a car, and get ready to experience the magic of Oahu, Hawaii.

There is NO Planet B.

How can a Travel Blogger Reinvent Content during the Age of Coronavirus?

Amid this chaotic age of coronavirus, is also the "travel blogger" who will face halts in travel plans and will have to relook at content differently. No more can you run a blog on itineraries published post travel; be on the road for sponsored trips; and earn through collaborations without travel. It is obvious that generating content will slow down too. But on the brighter side, as a community we ask, can we finally reinvent through "quality over quantity"?

Sustainability is NOT Sustainable. So what does it really mean?

Let’s start simple. You thought you packed a bag of old clothes for goodwill. But did you know that “only 20% of what you donated, are actually reused or recycled". The rest 80% that ends up in landfills can sit there for 200-plus years, and as it decomposes, it emits methane - a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon”. That is the sorry state of our sustainable actions today. And in reality, sustainability is NOT really sustainable.

CLIMATE CHANGE

The case of rapidly DYING BEES in the NILGIRIS in INDIA. And how is Amsterdam saving its bees?

The last one year that I lived in Bangalore, I have seen multiple hives of honey bees growing wild on high rise buildings, and then being subsequently destroyed by the maintenance authorities. At first I didn't notice the pattern here, but later when I saw honey bees dying around the college campus too where I work, it suddenly struck me. Honey bees dying in the Nilgiris is not a coincidence. Infact it is an issue we all need to know about and take action on. This post is just an attempt to educate you about the crisis of our honey bees dying in the Nilgiris, and how we can save them studying the successful case of Amsterdam.

CLIMATE CHANGE

HONEY BEES are DYING faster than we imagined. Why should we care?

Honey Bees have been a source of honey, wax and trade for human beings from times immemorial. They are an extremely social and cooperative species of insects that are also our key pollinators. The last one decade has however been challenging for the bees. They are disappearing at an alarming rate and have entered the category of endangered species. Here is everything there is to know about the bee apocalypse and how we can stop it.

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