Latest news with #KieranBrown
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
I went to a European country that doesn't exist
Kieran Brown is fascinated by places that don't exist. Not officially, at least. The British content creator recently spent a day in Transnistria, a breakaway republic of Moldova that is of Europe's most unusual destinations: a self-declared nation that the world doesn't recognise. Touted as a 'surreal relic of Soviet times', this tiny enclave – known locally as Pridnestrovie – is a magnet for intrepid travellers. It's got Lenin statues and ramshackle restaurants run by babushkas. It's got a ghostly railway station, a dark military history and streets that look like a time-warp to the past. In other words, it's fascinating. 'There's not a ton to do, it's more about soaking up the weirdness of it all,' Kieran, 29, tells Metro. 'Hammer and sickle flags are still flying, and the ATMs don't accept Visa or Mastercard.' Best remember to bring cash, then. The local currency is the Transnistrian ruble, valued against the Euro at 20 to 1. It's the only accepted currency used in day-to-day life there. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Sandwiched between the Ukrainian border and the Dniester River, Transnistria broke away from Moldova in a short civil war in the early 1990s. Backed by Russia, it became a de facto independent republic, with its own government, parliament, military, police, currency, postal system and vehicle registration. The separatist region has also adopted its own constitution, flag and national anthem. But under international law, it belongs to Moldova. It's difficult to find accurate information on what life is really like there; for instance, population estimates vary wildly, from 300,000 to 475,000, depending on who you ask. What we do know for certain is, it's cheap. Very cheap, even by eastern European standards. Kieran estimates that he spent around $15 for a whole day of sightseeing and food. A big bottle of vodka is the equivalent of one US dollar, he says. This place punches above its weight. Transnistria is home to a football team that beat Real Madrid in 2021 – the greatest upset in Champions League history. At the time, the estimated value of the entire Sheriff squad was 12 million euros ($14m), about the same as the annual salary of Madrid defender David Alaba. As for Transnistrian locals, Kieran had a mixed bag. 'People were generally stoic but polite, especially the older ones,' he says. 'Younger people often speak a bit of English and are curious why you're there. One man in a tracksuit accused us of being spies as we had a camera but our driver sorted it out.' You can't fly to Transnistria as it doesn't have an international airport. So, if you want to visit, you'll need to follow Kieran's lead and take a day trip from the Moldovan capital, Chișinău. From there, it's around a 90-minute drive or marshrutka (shared minibus) to Tiraspol. For most nationalities, no visa is necessary, but there is a border crossing patrolled by Russian soldiers. Many countries advise against travel to Transnistria due to its proximity to Ukraine, and the fact it is outside the control of the Moldovan government. The UK is one of them, so if you decide to travel, you'll be doing so at your own risk. The Foreign Office won't be on hand to help. It's always a good idea to research ahead of any trip, and have reasonable knowledge of what you're getting yourself into. Kieran says he felt completely safe, even at night. He also knows solo women backpackers who have been there without an issue. 'It's very quiet, with a heavy police and military presence,' he says. 'As long as you don't go filming military bases or causing a scene, you're fine.' More Trending Does he plan to hit up more unrecognised states? You bet. Kieran has already been to Northern Cyprus, a breakaway state that declared independence in 1983 following the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Next, he plans to visit Somaliland in the Horn of Africa. 'There's something fascinating about places that exist in this limbo between countries,' he says. 'They often tell you more about global politics, identity, and history than official capitals ever could.' MORE: 'City of dreams': The Spanish destination that hasn't succumbed to mass tourism MORE: The best lesser-known Greek islands for dodging tourists in 2025 MORE: 'Like the Caribbean': Ibiza's quiet little sister with lunar beaches and turquoise oceans
Glasgow Times
12-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
TikToker urges Brits to ditch Venice for voodoo village
A Tiktok travel influencer is urging Brits to ditch 'crowded' Venice for a dupe water village in Africa - that was the birthplace of voodoo. Barman-turned-travel guide Kieran Brown said he visited Venice 'a long time ago' and did not like the city. (Image: Kennedy News/@kieranbrowntravel) The travel content creator said he was chased in the street by a masked goblin-like figure, which was a man dressed up as a 'Zangbeto', who patrols the streets fighting both crime and unwanted spirits. Kieren also visited the world's biggest voodoo market, lined with the skulls of various animals, including dogs. The traveller encountered local witch doctors, who said each skull has different properties and is often prescribed to cure illnesses. He also faced the Temple of Pythons, a religious sanctuary where locals worship snakes instead of fearing them. Inside a sealed room, he encountered 60-70 snakes slithering around, while priests 'casually' picked them up. The tourist was stunned to see the 'chilled' serpents, which are not fed and instead are let out about once a week to eat chickens and mice. Kieran, from Sidcup, Kent, said: "It was a three-month trip, which cost me around £6,000, I did it all independently, taking local transport, renting random hotels, I didn't go through an agency. "I went to Venice a long time ago but did really like it, it was too chaotic and expensive. I've travelled so much I like to see more of the undiscovered parts of the world. "We got a visa but it was only £25. Realistically Venice is a lot nicer but if people want something slightly different and much cheaper this is always a good option, there are no tourists, no cruise ships. "I had a pizza there, it wasn't as good as Italy but they have lots of little bars. It would be possible to do a pub crawl. It could be a good stag do." "Why spend hundreds of euros on a gondola ride when you can pay five euros here" "Benin is quite a small country but there's a lot of interesting things there. I'd recommend it to other people. I don't think it's that easy for British people to fly there but you can go from Paris or Brussels. If you can get a flight there I'd recommend it." Every year on January 10th the Vodoun (Voodoo) Festival is celebrated across the country and especially in the city of Ouidah, where practitioners gather to honour their spirits with sacrifices, dancing and singing. The festival begins with the slaughter of a goat to honour the religion's spirits and is followed by dancing, singing and drinking. Despite experiencing the 'creepiness' of the voodoo market and rituals, Kieran would recommend voodoo tourism to Brits who want to explore that part of the world. Kieran said: "When we were there we were walking around and there was a man dressed up as a Zangbeto and people were trying to get close to him and he chased people. "We were walking through a street and he saw us. Because we were the only white people we stood out. It was a man dressed up like a goblin, he had a thick mask on. "I can't explain it but he was dressed up like a monster, people were running away when it came close. "People were trying to annoy it by running towards it and eventually it would snap and start chasing you, it seemed to be like a game, everyone was chanting but I couldn't understand what they were saying. "There is a temple there where they worship pythons, we went inside and there were hundreds of them, slithering around the floor. "People in the temple put them around their neck and treat them like a sacred animal. "There was a thick door, the guy opened it, and there were around 60 to 70 pythons. He said they don't hurt humans but I didn't really go close. "He put them around our neck and they seemed pretty chilled. I didn't feel any energy and I don't believe in that but the people in the town are heavy believers. "That region of the world in particular, I went to the world's biggest voodoo market in Toga, where you can buy every type of animal skull. "It was a bit creepy, we were walking and there was every skull you can buy. Recommended reading: "We spoke to the witch doctor, he explained it's normal in this culture. When I posted that video people were horrified but they could be horrified with some of the things in western culture. "There were voodoo dolls and spells, he said it is possible to make another person fall in love with you, but I didn't believe it." Some commenters said they were inspired to visit Benin, while others were underwhelmed by the travel destination. A commenter said: "Very good point. I will visit." Another said: "Same but different." But an unimpressed commenter said: "I'll pass." Another said: "Venice from Wish."
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
TikToker urges Brits to ditch Venice for voodoo village
A Tiktok travel influencer is urging Brits to ditch 'crowded' Venice for a dupe water village in Africa - that was the birthplace of voodoo. Barman-turned-travel guide Kieran Brown said he visited Venice 'a long time ago' and did not like the city. (Image: Kennedy News/@kieranbrowntravel) The travel content creator said he was chased in the street by a masked goblin-like figure, which was a man dressed up as a 'Zangbeto', who patrols the streets fighting both crime and unwanted spirits. Kieren also visited the world's biggest voodoo market, lined with the skulls of various animals, including dogs. The traveller encountered local witch doctors, who said each skull has different properties and is often prescribed to cure illnesses. He also faced the Temple of Pythons, a religious sanctuary where locals worship snakes instead of fearing them. Inside a sealed room, he encountered 60-70 snakes slithering around, while priests 'casually' picked them up. The tourist was stunned to see the 'chilled' serpents, which are not fed and instead are let out about once a week to eat chickens and mice. Kieran, from Sidcup, Kent, said: "It was a three-month trip, which cost me around £6,000, I did it all independently, taking local transport, renting random hotels, I didn't go through an agency. "I went to Venice a long time ago but did really like it, it was too chaotic and expensive. I've travelled so much I like to see more of the undiscovered parts of the world. "We got a visa but it was only £25. Realistically Venice is a lot nicer but if people want something slightly different and much cheaper this is always a good option, there are no tourists, no cruise ships. "I had a pizza there, it wasn't as good as Italy but they have lots of little bars. It would be possible to do a pub crawl. It could be a good stag do." "Why spend hundreds of euros on a gondola ride when you can pay five euros here" "Benin is quite a small country but there's a lot of interesting things there. I'd recommend it to other people. I don't think it's that easy for British people to fly there but you can go from Paris or Brussels. If you can get a flight there I'd recommend it." Every year on January 10th the Vodoun (Voodoo) Festival is celebrated across the country and especially in the city of Ouidah, where practitioners gather to honour their spirits with sacrifices, dancing and singing. The festival begins with the slaughter of a goat to honour the religion's spirits and is followed by dancing, singing and drinking. Despite experiencing the 'creepiness' of the voodoo market and rituals, Kieran would recommend voodoo tourism to Brits who want to explore that part of the world. Kieran said: "When we were there we were walking around and there was a man dressed up as a Zangbeto and people were trying to get close to him and he chased people. "We were walking through a street and he saw us. Because we were the only white people we stood out. It was a man dressed up like a goblin, he had a thick mask on. "I can't explain it but he was dressed up like a monster, people were running away when it came close. "People were trying to annoy it by running towards it and eventually it would snap and start chasing you, it seemed to be like a game, everyone was chanting but I couldn't understand what they were saying. "There is a temple there where they worship pythons, we went inside and there were hundreds of them, slithering around the floor. "People in the temple put them around their neck and treat them like a sacred animal. "There was a thick door, the guy opened it, and there were around 60 to 70 pythons. He said they don't hurt humans but I didn't really go close. "He put them around our neck and they seemed pretty chilled. I didn't feel any energy and I don't believe in that but the people in the town are heavy believers. "That region of the world in particular, I went to the world's biggest voodoo market in Toga, where you can buy every type of animal skull. "It was a bit creepy, we were walking and there was every skull you can buy. Recommended reading: "We spoke to the witch doctor, he explained it's normal in this culture. When I posted that video people were horrified but they could be horrified with some of the things in western culture. "There were voodoo dolls and spells, he said it is possible to make another person fall in love with you, but I didn't believe it." Some commenters said they were inspired to visit Benin, while others were underwhelmed by the travel destination. A commenter said: "Very good point. I will visit." Another said: "Same but different." But an unimpressed commenter said: "I'll pass." Another said: "Venice from Wish."
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In pictures: Emma Watson enjoys picnic with male on 'cute date' in Oxford
Emma Watson was spotted enjoying a picnic in the sunshine with a man, with onlookers describing it as a 'cute date'. A passer-by said the Harry Potter star was painting with the male pal at Port Meadow country park in Oxford on Tuesday (July 1). Judie Kitchen, 18, spotted them as he walked by and said they were laughing and joking between painting each other and eating, seemingly unrecognised by the nearby wild swimmers. READ MORE: Council van 'ploughs' into parked car on city road Her mystery pal did not appear to be fellow Oxford student Kieran Brown, who the actor was said to be dating last year. The pair appeared to have an M&S shopping bag with them, and the man had taken off his shoes as he relaxed on the waterside. Emma Watson spotted painting on date in Port Meadow, Oxford (Image: Sean Carter / SWNS) Student Judie, from Headington, Oxford, said: "I saw them for like 40 minutes. They were having a general chat and making each other laugh, which was cute. "We arrived just after 3.30pm and one of my friends went for a dip in the lake. Once he got out there, they were there. READ MORE: In pictures: Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton arrive at circuit ahead of F1 Grand Prix "My friend is a massive Harry Potter fan, so when he saw her, it was really funny to see his reaction. "They were painting each other and eating together. It was just a really cute date. "It looked successful as they were laughing a lot, which was nice to see."
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Emma Watson cozies up to new man as they enjoy riverside picnic date
Emma Watson enjoyed a romantic picnic and painting date with a young man in an Oxford park on Tuesday. The 35-year-old was seen sitting on the bank of a lake, with onlookers saying it looked like the pair were enjoying a 'cute date'. Emma opted for a stylish green and white printed dress as she relaxed with her new companion. A passerby who saw Emma with her new date, said the actress was painting with the male companion at Port Meadow country park. Judie Kitchen, 18, spotted the pair as he walked by and said they were laughing and joking between painting each other and eating, seemingly unrecognized by the nearby wild swimmers. Student Judie, from Headington, Oxford, said: 'I saw them for like 40 minutes. They were having a general chat and making each other laugh, which was cute. 'We arrived just after 3.30pm and one of my friends went for a dip in the lake. Once he got out there, they were there. 'My friend is a massive Harry Potter fan, so when he saw her, it was really funny to see his reaction. 'They were painting each other and eating together. It was just a really cute date. 'It looked successful as they were laughing a lot, which was nice to see.' Last year, Emma was spotted enjoying a romantic date with fellow Oxford student Kieran Brown, with the pair pictured at a pastry shop close to the University, over a year after she split from boyfriend Brandon Green. Emma, who is doing a part-time Master's degree at Oxford, split from her ex-boyfriend Brandon Green, son of controversial business tycoon Sir Philip, in 2023.
