Medellin

A lot of our skate competitions in Medellín happen in La Loma. This famous hill spot is very steep, and when you descolgar (go down) you hit a crazy speed. I like skating in this spot because it’s exciting and you get a lot of adrenaline. Because it's so high, after you skate it someone has to bring you back up in the motorbikes, where you hold onto the back and they drive you; or you have to walk back up which takes ages.

I grew up in this barrio so it will always be special for me and somewhere where I can skate. This barrio has a lot of tourists now, and is less dangerous than it used to be but you still have to be smart and be good with the people. There is a lot of things happening on the street here. I like skating here in my barrio, because you can find a lot of secret spots. You can skate down the paths and go fast, or find little back roads, ledges, alleys, playgrounds and more to land tricks. When I’m in the Comuna I like showing the other kids in the barrio how to skate.

Estadio was the first skatepark in Medellín, it’s right next to the Nacional stadium. It is an important spot for me because it’s where I first started spending a lot of time skateboarding, met a lot of people who have been important to me. There would always be people here skating all the time, so you can always arrive and there’ll be parceros to skate with or people to spend time with. Next to the stadium there is Estadio Skate Shop where Danny and his friends sell brands from Colombia, Mexico; we don't get many brands from outside of Latin America.

La 4 is probably the biggest skatepark in Medellín, it reminds me of Southbank in London because it has a roof. The roof means everyone can hang here when it rains. La 4 has the reputation as the party skatepark, and maybe dangerous at times; there are always people partying with big speakers playing techno or reggaeton, eating, drinking and the rest. You can go there at any time and there will be people partying there, and here all the different crews gather like the skaters, BMX, rollers and the moto crews all hang around and come together. In La 4 there is always a high energy, you have to be a very aggressive skater here to stand out, to get your turn, you have to push further and go faster, because there are so many people trying to use the space. The police come here a lot and cause problems. The other week, they took my moto into the transito and gave me a fine for not having the right papers. There are also a lot of fights here  because the people are charged a lot.

This is a more low-key skatepark and it’s higher up in the city. It has a view where you can see all the red buildings of Medellín, all the barrios and the mountains in the background. Here is a good parche because everyone is chill, and when it’s sunny you can see a lot of things in beautiful Medellín.

Centro also has some good spots to skate. You can see places like Parque de la Deseos – which was nicknamed Parque de la Resistencia during the months of protest a few years ago. Many people camped out there, living there in tents as part of the primera línea, as a protest, and there was all sorts of craziness going on here.

Where to Skate in Medellín, According to Cris Skate Future

Toumba

Amman

MNFA is the mecca of the underground scene in Amman. It’s the place to hit up if you’re out for music, great company and the opportunity to let go and be yourself. Its wonderfully curated lineups constantly introduce new sounds to the community and pushes the boundaries of what is expected from a club night in Amman. It’s situated in a previously unused car park two floors underground where there is no phone signal, forcing you to be fully present in the moment. The setup is both brilliant and minimal, making it very pleasant to be in while not taking the attention away from the music; rather, enhancing the listening experience. It’s not the place to go to if you’re looking for typical, predictable dance music, but if you’re willing to broaden your horizon and experience a top-tier club night. [MNFA is] easily outdoing most of what I’ve experienced in Europe.

Out of all the historical spots in Amman, the Citadel has to be my favourite. It’s not a hidden gem by any means but the nature, the ruins, the history and the unparalleled views make it a must-visit for anyone coming to Amman.

7hills is a skateboarder-run, grassroots, non-profit organisation based in Jordan. The skatepark they built has become a hub for the youth of Amman, especially the skateboarding community. If you’re into skateboarding and just want to be involved in local grassroots workshops, get to know the community or have a great time in the sun, it’s a great spot to visit and meet the people who run it while you’re there.

The Royal Automobile Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts as well as history enthusiasts who want a different and interesting way of experiencing a chunk of the country’s past. The museum features over 80 of the late King Hussein’s car and motorcycle collection, some of which date back to 1909. Along with the cars, which are still in pristine condition, you get some information about the historical importance of each vehicle to the king and the country, as well as information about the cars themselves.

The Spilled Milk is an arts space in Jabal Amman, co-founded by Youth’s Dijit. The space acts as a hub for unique art and design work by predominantly local artists, with the aim of injecting a dose of novelty into Amman’s art scene and providing a source of income for independent artists. One of their first collaborations was with Terso, a project selling vintage Egyptian movie posters, some dating back to the 50s and 60s. They also have a selection of records on sale handpicked by Dijit himself. This shop is definitely worth the visit if you want to buy some unique local pieces.

This is the local flea market in Amman. It opens every week from Thursday afternoon to Friday night. It’s everything a flea market should be: busy, loud, messy and full of hidden gems. This one is for vintage, secondhand and novelty fashion enthusiasts who enjoy the process of finding good pieces as much as buying them. You can spend hours here and not finish the whole thing, but you’re guaranteed to leave with a couple of pieces that will make you feel proud of the effort you put in and make you want to hit it up again next week.

Robin is unparalleled when it comes to finding unique jewellery pieces in Amman. This is not the place to visit if you’re looking for ultra-modern, avant-garde pieces, but you’ll find the most amazing antique silver and gold jewellery that could give the best modern designers a run for their money. Some of the older 100 to 200-year-old plus pieces will have a hefty price tag on them, but you’ll be able to find your next statement piece for a reasonable price here too.

Toumba’s Top 7 Things to Do in Amman, Jordan

Surf Ghana

Accra

The kids go Trade Fair to learn skateboarding in a space that is secure and private but in the open street still. It is a fun and inclusive space and a coach is also available to give lessons and guides through the process of skateboarding for an easy ride.

National Theatre is a mix of both Trade Fair and Mile 7 and it has a larger space to contain the gender mix. This year, as the skateboarding scene grew larger the National Theatre was voted the best place to meet all the skateboarding crews without hassles. You will not see any female skateboarder at Mile 7 but you will see them at the National Theatre because of how comfortable the environment is.

Only skateboarders with the shit can skate at Mile 7. It is the ghetto, under an overhead bridge. How can you be a poser and go to Mile 7? That is impossible. There is no coach, only thrashers. It is no man’s land and to skate there you must earn the respect of the hobos who have turned the space to their abode. It is the definition of skate or Die: You either skate well or your board will skid to the main road and get crushed by an oncoming vehicle. That is the end.

Palm Moments is the spanking new alternative restaurant that is on the lips of everyone in the creative community. A slight bamboo and plywood structure built at the pocket of 3rd Otswe Street, Ako Adjei. It is scarcely furnished with a sofa and some chairs barricaded by large outdoor plants. The space is minimal, intimate and can only sit a few group of friends, but the good energy and camaraderie are what makes all and sundry decide it is the best place, fluid to their creative taste, to powwow and get refreshed while at it. This year all roads led to Palm Moments.

As the sun goes over the horizon you see the crews trickling in, reacquainting, eating, drinking and sometimes dancing. It is also the best place to have a block party because out there the ever-growing crowd literally takes over the street.

Alley Bars signature is their well-cooked and timely served meals! It is really a good bistro to eat at. A bonus, it is the place to be every Sunday for the best Afro-house party in Accra. It was created in a Cul-de-sac which means the roof goes on fire when the vibe is right and people start to dance, the vibrancy of the environment sustains the culture of Afro-house music in Accra pretty well.

Purple Pub takes our number one vote of "The Peoples Bar". There is no rule to being at Purple Pub just like skateboarding culture, it is a public place. You make your own table, set your chairs and sit. If you cannot find any because the zone is packed, then you can stand or freestyle if that is what you feel like doing. It is the street literally so, anything goes. The main entertainment is the pool tables, the cold drinks and the Dj. The unique thing is that they have a kitchen open all night long with fried Chicken, rice and yam chips on the menu, which is always a tasty treat.

Kozo is the hype for the best entrepreneurial minds in Accra. It is a well-lit outdoor and indoor premium restaurant and cocktail bar with a nice ambience. The staff are welcoming and available when you need anything and sometimes, at certain places in Accra, that can be too much to ask for. They are famous for their Asian-fusion meals and cabaret on Friday evenings.

Front/Back is top-shelf service, we love to see it. To cut to the chase Front/Back serves the best cocktail and everyone should, while in Accra, go there and try it. Most trippers don't know this secret because they can't even get in; it is a membership-only lay-lowcation. For Front/Back, a guy who knows a guy will come in handy; they already know they have the best drinks in the house so bouncers are there to stop you from going in free to enjoy your life. The music is great, the ambience is a mix of serenity, disco frenzy and the beautiful, stylish and artistic personalities you meet in there will kick your tongue out.

Right beside the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is the famous Accra culture art centre. We love this place and visit it often because it is a vortex of artisans ranging from gold and silversmiths drum makers, woodcarvers, tailors, painters, bag makers and dealers of all sorts of African sculptures and textiles. To fulfil our appetite for customization and interior decoration we go to the culture centre. At a lonely corner is a vinyl collector with an amazing catalogue. On Major Laizer’s last trip to Accra he went there and could not believe his eyes, he went away with blessings.

Most top cat chat happens at Nate Barbers Place and they are not called the Hairmasters for anything, they do what they have to do to get your hair styled as you want it done. Don't want to take it from us because we are just random skateboarders? Then ask Wizkid or R2bees and other known personalities that prefer Nate for hair grooming whenever they’re in Accra. The place is basically a celebrity barbershop with services that also caters to the young and stylish who wish to rock the best hairstyles, one thing though; it is strictly by appointment.

Blessed Beauty Salon is the favourite salon of bloggers and influencers in Accra. You can never catch us slipping with a weird hairdo, everything from dreadlocks, braids, high cornrows and ponytails we get it done at Blessed Beauty.

When the Video of Naomi Campbell going into Lokko House surfaced on Instagram everyone was like why Lokko House out of the entire trendy concept stores in Accra? Because Lokko House has been the backbone of alternative street art culture for a good number of years, giving the Accra creative scene a platform and space to showcase highbrow fashion and streetwear gears either through the Lokko House Concept store or through the warehouse where most photo and art exhibitions take place.

The sunset show was a musical concert performed by Moses Sumney during the special viewing of James Barnor Retrospective exhibition at the brand new Nubuke Foundation art gallery, and that cemented Nubuke's idea to create an environment that supports youth inclusivity in the culture and arts sector. Literally, everyone in the creative industry was there to see the exhibition and start a dialogue about the direction Accra art industry is heading to. Nubuke Foundation is an artist’s art gallery because it leads the conversation of decolonisation, powered by a team of seasoned curators with a vibrant youthful support system. That is why we love it, we feel part of it.

Exploring Accra with Surf Ghana Collective

Channel Tres

Los Angeles 

Some good Mexican food - burritos are what I get

I don’t skate anymore because I gotta look after my ankles - I dance now

This is another place, but near USC. They show a lot of great things here

All things shopping. I go to Goodwill most of the time, but if you're walking down here you'll see a bunch of stores

Los Angeles with Channel Tres

Athens

My after-hours go-to in Kerameikos, a favourite neighbourhood in Athens. A quirky outdoors space with a skateboard bowl and bar, all set within an urban industrial courtyard. You’ll see many a local scene hero DJing here. One night could be R&B, another paying homage to Greek new wave and synth pop, I love the spontaneity of it all. Nice drinks with a laidback atmosphere and vibe.

Owner George is an absolute dreamboat. He is THE GUY when it comes to sourcing rare Levis and vintage jeans. I always have such a vibe playing dress-up in his shop. If you’re looking for a particular piece in denim, chances are he has it. It’s a real treasure trove of unique pieces and George is always happy to assist.

My favourite for designer garms and Y2K thrifting. Visits are by appointment only: reach out on their Instagram to book. Store owner Alexandra Koumantaki, a visual artist and musician, will meet you at the door and take you through her amazing finds.

The spicy mezcal margarita is to die for! Owners Stelios and George are mezcal connoisseurs. My favourite place for cocktails in Athens. If you love a bit of Mexican culture, here’s your authentic spot.

Some of the most flavourful and experimental dishes I’ve come across. You wouldn’t even notice the dishes are vegan. The watermelon (tuna) poke dish is an absolute showstopper. Even my devout, meat-eating Greek father approved. Make sure you save some room for dessert – the pavlova slaps.

Come here for your Greek souvlaki fix (kebab). I always go for the chicken gyros with tzatziki and all the extras. There’s a wide selection of meats and they also offer veggie options for the meatless crew.

My sister and I probably come here once a week. Best vegan souvlaki I’ve ever tasted. Their mushroom gyros is absolutely ridiculous, using four to six different kinds of mushrooms, with a zero waste philosophy, only using organic produce. Owner Tony still won’t tell me how they make their vegan mayo, but I’m working on it.

Family-owned Lebanese street food spot, a short walk away from the Acropolis. Classic recipes passed down from generation to generation, serving up good quality Middle Eastern flavours. Desserts, truffles, lahmacun, peinirli, zaatar pastries and lentil soups, as well as some great vegan options. You absolutely have to sample it.

Peng natural wines from all corners of Greece, in the heart of Exarcheia. Served with yummy cheese and meat platters. Perfect for a late night chill with pals. I recommend the Doric orange wine from the Balatsouras Winery – it’s so good!

The smell as you walk past this bakery is enough to entice anyone who passes by. This is honestly my favourite spot to come to for a classic spanakotiropita (Greek spinach and feta filo pie). Freshly baked pastries, tsoureki, pies and biscuits, with 15 types of koulouri bread rings (orange, walnuts, mastic, cinnamon, etcc) as well as the classic, corn, rye, seed and horiatiko village bread on offer – it’s an absolute must. Order a chocolate and walnut tsoureki, and fill a box with cookies to have with friends. Go for the pistachio, moustokouloura, mahlepi and sesame flavours for a proper taste of Greece.

Best seafood in Athens and worth the taxi ride out of the city centre. Make sure you order the octopus stifatho on melitzanosalata (baked octopus in tomato sauce and smoky aubergine puree); calamari yemisto psito (grilled, stuffed squid), lobster spaghetti, saganaki prawns, gavros, vlita, fries, tzatziki and feta! Better to come with a whole crew, so you can sample everything.

Firm favourite with the locals. Come here for lunch and authentic Greek meze. Staple orders: horta (wild greens), calamari, gigantes (giant beans), gavros (fish), fava (white bean dip), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), revithia (chickpeas), fasolia mavromatika (black-eyed bean salad) and obviously horiatiki (Greek salad). It's super wholesome and traditional, with lots of cute old men sat outside with their tavli and komboloi.

Really cute clothing and record shop owned by DJ and producer Astytekk, who’s a fellow Movement Radio resident. All the clothes are super niche, often from independent Greek designers (as well as my own MDMX-01 collection inside). Situated next door to one of my favourite hangouts, Handlebar, the shop is often open 'til late, and a nice street to come check out after hours.

Gourmet sandwiches since 1988, in the small neighbourhood of Koukaki. Out to Runner (my fellow Movement Radio DJ) for putting me onto this sandwich joint. He swears it’s the best sandwich shop in Athens and I have to agree! So many cheese varieties, cured meats and smells. It’s a must!

A humble burger joint serving up one item on the menu. Boasting good quality ingredients and zero waste values, Chef Fahk and partner Myrtia have taken it back to basics with their classic no-nonsense cheeseburger. Choose between a juicy single or double patty, and enjoy big flavours at small prices.

Kick is my coffee spot in Kypseli. Order the classic Cappuccino Fredo for the true iced-coffee experience, get there early for breakfast and spend a couple of hours “working from home” with your laptop, soaking up the sun in the company of other like-minded nomads.

Yet another fantastic Souvlaki Grillhouse. I recommend the ‘Calamaki’ meat skewers which can come in pork and chicken, as well as the traditional ‘Loukaniko’ - mixed meat sausage, often flavoured with orange peel, leeks, fennel seed and various other dried herbs, sometimes smoked over aromatic woods.

Cobra High is a really special unique hangout spot in the heart of Neos Kosmos. It's more than just a bar! It's a common-room for the community, full of creativity, artists and personality. Owner Gregoris is so hospitable and passionate and it really shines through his space. Hosting good foods, music, exhibitions, seminars, private birthday parties and home-brewed Kombucha, it's a lovely spot for a modest night out, with good vibes and people.

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