banana travel jeans

Affordable Men's Style

In Review: The Banana Republic Traveler Jean

November 18, 2014 By Joe | | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission, which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

B.R. SLIM Traveler Jean in Dark Rinse Wash – $118.00

Me: “Do these look like jeggings? They feel like jeggings. I don’t want them to look like jeggings.  Do they look like jeggings?”

The Mrs.: “No, they don’t look like jeggings. And as far as them feeling like jeggings, how would you know what jeggings feel like anyway?”

Good point. I don’t.

But I’m guessing this is what they’d feel like. And these just might be a game-changer for plenty of guys when it comes to the world of jeans. They’re that good.

 Size shown: 33 x 30 on 5’10″/185 and a 23″ thigh . Waist is too generous. Legs are right.

They certainly look more or less like a standard pair of jeans. But the feel is nothing like Levi’s, or, the similarly named Bonobos “Travel Jeans” (maybe this fabric from BR is what the previous incarnation of the Bonobos Travel Jean felt like? People have said the Bonobos jeans has changed).

The fabric is sourced from Japan, and has been engineered to possess “excellent elasticity.” They ain’t kidding. These things have a wild amount of stretch to them. And that’s a good thing it you’re part of the bigger-legs club, yet have struggled to find a pair of slim-fitting jeans that are actually comfortable to wear.

Just 79% cotton, 19% poly, and 2% elastane combine to make an oddly soft jean that moves so well you might be tempted to try some Van Damme-esque stunts.

The “Travel” label might be less about transportation & tourism, and more about the range of distance the fabric can cover.

Banana Republic also claims these to be both quick dry & breathable. Haven’t gotten em’ wet yet (I was excited when I got them on, but not that excited), but they’re very comfortable during a full day of wear, whether moving about or sitting still, glued to a computer screen.

A warning: They ARE a true slim through the thigh and calf. So if you’ve got a bit of an arse on you, you might want to size up in the waist. Size shown in this post is 33×30, and while they fit trim through the thigh and calf on my frame, the waist needs to come in by an inch or so. Don’t care. Love em’. Might take them to the tailor, might not. Besides, sizing down in the waist might have left the legs just too damn tight.

Are they flexible? Yes. They are flexible. Very flexible. 

Between the trimness of the cut, the dark blue of the “Rinse Wash” option, and the complete lack of contrast stitching around the pockets or anywhere else, these look as dressed up as a pair of jeans can get. Combine that with the flexibility, and they’ve got real potential to be an enormous favorite for those who find themselves dressing well in a smart-casual environment.

Currently available in multiple washes, and are all extremely well reviewed on Banana Republic’s website. At post time they’re carrying that annoying “BR Picks” moniker. So expect them to be excluded from promotions and codes for the time being. They HAVE gone on sale in the past (these were purchased for around $70 during a recent 40% off code), so sit tight.

Stay Confident Dress Sharp

Banana Republic Jeans Review (+Complete Guide)

It’s the higher end brother of GAP and portrays itself as luxurious and upscale. Gap is famous for their jeans and one might wonder as to why you would pay more for Banana Republic Jeans. This is a banana republic jeans review where we go over the fit, fabric and over all value of these jeans.

Banana Republic Jeans Review

Banana Republic currently offers 5 fits for their jeans; skinny, slim, athletic tapered, straight, and bootcut. 

Want to learn how your jeans should fit? Check out ‘How Should Men’s Jeans Fit.’

The skinny fit from Banana Republic is a great choice for thinner men who find slim fit jeans a bit too roomy. The fit features a medium rise and is skinny through the hip, thigh and leg. Compared to other brands such as Topman and Zara, each of which has a skinny fit, the BR skinny jeans are more roomy.

Buy BR Skinny Fit Jeans

This is as one store BR associate told me, ‘the most popular fit BR currently offers.’ The Slim Fit jean from Banana Republic offers more room through the hip, thigh and leg compared to the skinny fit, yet still retains a sleek silhouette. The leg opening is also tapered which means you won’t need additional tailoring. I find the BR slim fit works well for men with a slimmer build throughout their lower half. But if you have wider hips and thighs then the athletic tapered fit might work better.

Buy BR Slim Fit Jeans

Athletic Tapered Fit

A newer fit introduced by Banana Republic for men who want a slim fitting jean but with more room through the hips and thighs. This fit is great for men who work out or who want a more comfortable hip and thigh fit. The leg is still slim and the leg opening is tapered similar to the slim fit jean. The athletic slim fit offers the best of both worlds, a comfortable thigh and hip along with a slim leg.

Buy BR Athletic Fit Jeans

Straight Fit

The straight fit jean is as classic as it gets. This fit looks good on most men except for those with thinner builds. As the name suggests, the straight fit has a comfortable hip and thigh fit along with a straight leg opening. This fit is great for men who want a classic looking jean (tapered legs aren’t for everyone!) that is both comfortable and modern.

Buy BR Straight Fit Jeans

Bootcut Fit

The bootcut fit from Banana Republic is pretty much identical to the straight fit apart from a wider leg opening, hence the name bootcut. This fit is great for men who want to wear harness or cowboy boots with the jeans for a truly classic western look.

Buy BR Bootcut Jeans

Banana Republic Jean Fabrics

This is the heaviest denim option from Banana Republic. It is great for men who like thicker and heavier denim but want the comfort of stretch. The denim used comes in at 14 oz. which is considered medium weight and is great for year round wear. This isn’t 20 oz. selvedge denim, but for most men, the legacy jean will offer a great blend of comfort and durability.

Buy BR Legacy Jeans

• Sturdy medium weight denim
• Feels high quality
• Decent amount of stretch
• Good for year round wear and cooler weather
• Not as soft and light weight as the traveler jeans

The BR Traveler jean (and pants in general) are incredibly popular on forums for being insanely comfortable. The fabric is soft, stretchy and light weight which makes it great for long wear. However for men who want the rigidity of denim thisince these feel more like sweatpants than traditional denim.  associate denim with ruggedness may find the fabric and bit too thin for their liking and may even question its.

Buy BR Traveler Jeans

• Incredibly stretchy and comfortable
• Light weight so good for summer and spring
• Fabric is a bit thin so durability might be an issue
• Feel more like sweatpants than denim (this can be a pro as well)

Rapid Movement Denim

The Rapid Movement line from Banana Republic features both chinos and jeans. This line offers durable fabric that has good stretch and recovery. I am personally a big fan of the BR rapid movement chinos (Review Here), and recently tested out their Rapid movement denim and have been pleasantly surprised. The denim is falls right between the legacy and the traveler denim. It is lighter weight than the legacy but heavier than the traveler. The rapid movement denim jeans are a great option for someone who wants stretch but finds the traveler jeans a bit too light weight.

Buy BR Rapid Movement Jeans

• Medium to light weight fabric with decent stretch
• Excellent recovery
• Thinner fabric compared to the Legacy denim
• Not as stretchy or comfortable as the traveler jeans

Construction

Similar to other items from Banana Republic, the construction of BR jeans is good. These aren’t handmade jeans but for mass produced denim, it is quite decent. The jeans typically feature good quality zippers and hardware which feels durable and sturdy. The stitching on the belt loops is good. Overall, I would have to say that BR jeans are a step above other mall brands when it comes to construction. 

BR offers a great variety when it comes to their denim. For men who like a medium weight jean, the legacy can be a good fit. If you are looking for insanely comfortable and stretchy jeans, the traveler jeans are a great option. While if you want a jean that holds its shape after many wears, then the rapid movement jeans should be considered. BR jeans retail from $98 to $129. There are some selvedge versions which can cost more, but generally speaking this is the retail price. I think for this price there are other brands offering similar quality. With sales and frequent promotions (which are more or less always available), BR jeans can be discounted down to $49 which I think is a great price.

There are plenty of washes, colors and fits to choose from and with promotions, BR jeans can be a great value.

Here I am wearing a pair of Banana Republic Rapid Movement Selvedge Jeans. These were a bit more pricy than their regular rapid movement jeans owing to the fact that these are a selvedge pair.

I found the jeans to be well made with a good amount of stretch. However, for selvedge jeans, I felt the fabric was a bit thin but again, these days more brands and preferring stretch and comfort over a thick durable fabric. The dark wash on this pair is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down with ease. I dressed this jean up by pairing it with a dress shirt, tie and a wool top coat.

I hope you enjoyed this banana republic jeans review. Hopefully this review will help you decide which fit and fabric is best for your lifestyle. Let me know which version of their denim you prefer and your experiences with their jeans overall.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags:  Moscow city

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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From Banana Slugs to Human Beings, There Are Just Two Sexes

An examination of 18 supposedly ‘trans animals’ disproves activist claims that we all live on a non-binary gender ‘spectrum.’

Pity the poor clownfish—a brightly coloured creature, once made famous by the 2003 animated film Finding Nemo, which has now been reduced to a prop in the ongoing debate about sex and gender identity. That’s because, unlike mammals (including humans), clownfish are what scientists call “sequential hermaphrodites” of the protandrous variety. What this means is that while every clownfish starts out as male , some switch sexes if a female is needed by the school.

Anyone who’s followed the debate about transgender rights will immediately understand why this type of fish now has a starring role in advocacy materials designed to convince the broad public that sex-switching is a common feature in the natural kingdom, including among humans. In Canada, for instance, the publicly funded CBC is airing a documentary titled Fluid: Life Beyond the Binary , in which the self-described “non-binary” host, Mae Martin, invokes the existence of clownfish, and various other creatures, to argue that “each of us are on the gender spectrum.” Not surprisingly, Martin is explicitly promoting the documentary as a paean to social justice , and as a rebuke to anyone seeking to put limits on “ gender-affirming health care ” (such as the double mastectomy that Martin publicly announced in 2021 ).

This week, British human-rights campaigner Peter Tatchell tried to advance similar arguments in a widely read tweet referencing—as the linked Gay Times article put it—“18 animals you didn’t know were biologically trans.”

“These animals show that gender is not a simplistic binary, male and female,” Tatchell gushed. “Trans and intersex are real. Get used to it!”

18 animals you didn’t know were biologically trans Gender diversity in the (tr)animal kingdom blurs the lines of “biological sex” These animals show that gender is not a simplistic binary, male & female Trans & intersex are real. Get used to it! https://t.co/QqhacYgi4u — Peter Tatchell (@PeterTatchell) April 7, 2024

Indeed, the article that Tatchell cited goes further, denouncing the very idea of “biology” as a “pseudo-intellectual” fixation of “lesbian separatists” and “right-wing lobbyists.” The author, one Fran Tirado, warns that even mentioning terms such as “biological sex,” “biological male,” and “biological female” is a problematic affront to the supposedly non-binary, gender-bending nature of life—which, the author claims, has been in evidence since “the earliest recorded histories of the earth.”

Then comes the promised 18-point catalogue of “animals you didn’t know were biologically trans”—starting with the above-pictured clownfish (often described by scientists as anemonefish).

Gender diversity in the (tr)animal kingdom has been blurring the lines of 'biological sex' since the beginning of time 🐠 Here's just a few examples of the animals who ignore the binary 👇 https://t.co/GXHQZNoLYb — GAY TIMES (@gaytimes) April 7, 2024

So let’s take a look at the list. Are these really examples of animals that are “biologically trans”? And what do they tell us—if anything—about the associated activist claims that sexual dimorphism in humans is just a myth created by transphobic bigots?

As indicated above, some male clownfish (typically, the most dominant specimens within a school) change their sex to female. We know they’ve switched sex because they’ve change their gonad tissue, and so start making eggs instead of sperm (which is to say that their gonads are now ovaries instead of testes). As with humans, there are only two gonad types in clownfish, and two gamete types—one male and one female—and nothing in between.

• Sexes? Two.
• Sex change? Yes, because clownfish are sequential hermaphrodites .
• Could I be a hermaphodite trapped in a mammalian body? Very doubtful.

This is a highly polyandrous wading bird found across much of Eurasia. It got included on the Gay Times list because some male ruffs mimic female traits as a means to covertly gain mating opportunities with lady ruffs. But this ruse doesn’t change the fact that these ruffs are still male. We know this because they make sperm, not eggs. Their misleading form of “self-identification” doesn’t alter their bird biology any more than putting on a dress turns a man into a woman.

• Sex change? No.

In the case of swallowtail butterflies, it’s the female that has the power of mimicry. But they don’t mimic male Swallowtail butterflies. Rather, they mimic the traits of completely different butterfly species, so as to fool predators into thinking they’re toxic. And so it’s not entirely clear how this winged insect got on to the Gay Times list. (At this point, it might be instructive to note that the author of that Gay Times article, the aforementioned Tirado, seems to have no relevant scientific expertise, but rather is known for articles with titles such as We Should All Do Relationships Like Polyamorists , and How Getting Drawn Nude Helped Me Learn to Love My Body ). Perhaps the publication was taken in by the fact that this sex-linked swallowtail trait is associated with a gene called doublesex, which admittedly sounds vaguely queer.

The male seahorse carries up to a thousand babies while his female mate—to use the technical scientific term—fucks around. We know it’s the male carrying the babies because he’s the one who made the sperm that fertilizes the eggs that the absent mother produced and then lodged inside his body. So it’s the same old boring story of sperm and egg, just with the twist that it’s dad who gets big and bloated instead of mom.

• Girls night out? Every day of the week.

The female spotted hyena has a long, retractable clitoris. This anatomical feature makes sex a matter of hope for the male, and birth quite dangerous for her babies. We know clitoromegaly (scientists have a name for everything) is a feature of female hyenas because they’re the ones with the ovaries and the eggs. A large clit doesn’t change them into males any more than a strap-on sex toy changes a woman into a man.  

These are lizards whose development is affected by temperature, with some skinks possessing XX chromosomes (a type that is typically associated with females) undergoing an in utero transition that causes them to develop as males. We know these XX skinks are male because they make sperm when they become older.

• Sex change? Yes—though only during gestation.

This is an arboreal lizard that made the list because at least one specimen—an aquarium-housed female in Australia—appears to have changed sex following the death of a male companion, switching up its testes for ovaries.

• Sex change? Yes.
• Non-binary ? No.

This enormous lizard uses a ZW (not XY) chromosomal determination system; females are ZW, males are ZZ. There is no evidence that they change sexes, but the fact that males possess a pair of the same type of sex chromosomes (like human females) seems to have qualified them for the Gay Times list.

Also, the females can reproduce asexually via a process known as parthenogenesis, whereby an embryo is produced without the egg being fertilized with sperm. But that’s an exclusively female trait (not just in komodo dragons, but in all creatures capable of parthenogenesis). So it certainly doesn’t make them trans.

• Family pet suitability: Low.

Gelatinous zooplankton are far too squishy to wear pronoun pins. But jellyfish do tend to get namechecked on this sort of list due to their status as both sequential hermaphrodites (like clownfish) and simultaneous hermaphrodites. (In the former case, an organism switches from one sex to the other. In the latter case, it can exhibit both sexes simultaneously.) We know this because jellyfish, being translucent, aren’t very good at hiding their private parts from researchers.

• Trans “gender identity”? No, because they don’t have brains.

Starfish reproduction is a complex topic. But for our purposes, suffice it to say that many of these star-shaped echinoderms have the charming habit of spraying sperm around by waving their many arms (usually five). They also can reproduce by splitting in half, which does indeed sound “queer,” though not in the LGBT sense of the word.

• Trans “gender identity”? Again, no brain.

These salt-water bivalves combine the hermaphroditic nature of jellyfish with the unsettling sperm-spigot sex techniques of starfish—meaning that they release a big sperm cloud that then serves to allow self-impregnation.

• Sexual autonomy level: Extreme.

Another sequential hermaphrodite, the black sea bass starts as an egg-making female and—by now, you know how this works—can then switch gonad type to testes, which allows the (now male) fish to start making sperm.

• Boldly defies the settler-colonial heteronormative construct known as the sex binary? Nope.

Exactly what it says on the tin: a slug that looks like a banana. Here we get another simultaneous hermaphrodite, whose banana-esque body possesses both male and female reproductive capabilities. We won’t get too much into the unsettling BDSM details of banana-slug sex, except to note that the banana slug doing the male role (i.e., providing sperm) will sometimes have its penis gnawed off by the banana slug performing the female role (providing eggs).

• Queer? Only in the sense that the penis comes out of its head.

The marsh harrier puts more sneaky bird behaviour on display, with some males pretending to be females. However, unlike the above-referenced ruff, which performs this mimicry as a means to trick females into mating, these male harriers are refugees from harrier-on-harrier violence, which can apparently be quite vicious. As usual, we know these are males pretending to be females, due to the tell-tale sperm.

• Toxic masculinity level: Problematic.

These birds can, in rare cases, be half-male and half-female. We can tell which half is male by the testes and which half is female by the ovaries. In effect, these are birds with disorders of sexual development (sometimes referred to as DSDs or “intersex” conditions). As with humans afflicted with DSDs, there is no intermediate form of gonad or gamete—just the two varieties associated with males and females.

Females ducks of this type have one functional (i.e., egg-producing) ovary and another gonad they keep as a spare. If a female loses the functioning ovary due to illness or injury, the other gonad can activate. And here we get to the bit that interested the Gay Times : At least one Mandarin female is known to have activated her “sleeper ovary” into a testicle and made sperm (thereby transitioning from female to male in the process).

• Do humans come with spare gonads? Alas, no.

Back to the lizard world. These reptiles perform parthenogenesis (much like the Komodo dragon, which we’ve already met), whereby an unfertilized egg can develop into healthy offspring. This means that female whiptails don’t need males to reproduce—which is why male whiptails, as in some feminist science-fiction tale, no longer exist.

• Sexes? Just one.
• Non-binary? Only in the sense that one is half of two.

This sea snail has a special kind of shell that, once inverted, looks like a slipper. They’re male-to-female sequential hermaphrodites, which you’re already no doubt quite bored of hearing about.

• Queer? No, but their sex lives are quite interesting—some might even say, orgiastic—as described by biologist Susan Pike:

If [a slipper limpet] is the only [one] around, it will develop into a female and send out chemical signals to attract other slipper shells to come settle on her, forming a stack of slipper shells with the oldest female on the bottom and younger males on top of it…The males are able to directly fertilize the female beneath, even if separated by four or five other males! Adult slipper limpets can live in stacks of up to 20 individuals.

Do some creatures change sex? Absolutely. But this isn’t new information. It’s a fact that biologists have known about for a long time.

What is also well-known is that none of these sex-changing creatures are mammals, much less human. Rather, they’re insects, fish, lizards, and marine invertebrates whose biology is different from our own in countless (fascinating) ways.

What’s more, in every single case described above, there are always (at most) just two distinct sexes at play—no matter how those two sexes may switch or combine. One of those sexes is male, a sex associated with gonads that produce sperm (testes); and the other is female, with gonads that produce eggs (ovaries). There’s nothing else on the menu. It’s just M and F.

Yes, there’s a “spectrum.” But it’s not the imaginary sex spectrum that activists such as Martin, Tatchell, and Tirado are trying to conjure. Rather, it’s the extraordinary spectrum of traits, behaviors, and evolutionary adaptations that all of these creatures exhibit as part of nature’s grand pageant.

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The Savannah Bananas bring a weekend of baseball and celebration to Durham

DURHAM — Whenever Savannah Bananas outfielder Noah Bridges interviews with members of the media, there's a good chance he will get interrupted. 

But these interruptions are welcomed because they are from pint-sized, wide-eyed kids wanting an autograph or a photo. It comes with the territory for the Four Oaks, N.C.,  native  who is a member of the barnstorming baseball show that is the Savannah Bananas. 

The Savannah Bananas is a spirited, dancing, eccentric baseball team that plays “Banana Ball." If you're wondering what that is, imagine traditional baseball but with more music, fan interaction and 11 rule variations that make it  the “greatest show in sports.” The Bananas, who are currently traveling around the country on the  2024 World Tour, most recently stopped to play a three-game series at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park against its  rival, the Party Animals, this past weekend. 

Bridges is not the only player who experienced a homecoming this past weekend in Durham. Party Animal Reece Hampton and Banana Eric Jones Jr. , both of whom hail from Charlotte, said it felt good to be back in their home state. 

“It was one of my favorite places that we went last year,” Jones  said . “Everybody's really excited to be back. It's just such a beautiful ballpark, the weather is great and it smells like home.”

All three played college ball around the state and are now full-fledged members of the energetic and memorable teams. At any given game, home run celebrations, dancing pitchers and mid-inning hijinks are commonplace. But regardless of all the shenanigans, Banana Ball has one all important goal : to cater to fans and the larger community. 

“We try to make sure that everybody in the crowd can identify with one person on our team,” co-owner of the Savannah Bananas Emily Cole said .

Emily Cole and her husband Jesse started the Bananas in 2016 with the goal of making America’s pastime fun again and bringing baseball back to Savannah, Ga. The duo succeeded and have since created a bright yellow nationwide brand of baseball excitement. 

China Grove, N.C., resident Jolene Houchins traveled more than two hours with three generations of her family to attend the Bananas games in Durham. For them and many others, it’s not just about watching baseball — it’s a family affair. 

Hunter, Houchins' 7-year-old grandson,  turned out to be a lucky charm for Houston native and Party Animals c owboy Jorden Hussein .

The third baseman had not gotten a hit all weekend, so during the seventh inning of Sunday’s game, he gave his hat to young Hunter in hopes of some good luck. His next-at-bat Hussein smacked a ground ball into left, got to first and pointed back to Hunter: his good luck charm. The next inning, he did the same. 

To pay his gratitude at the end of the game, Hussein walked out of the dugout with an autographed bat for the young fan. Hunter and his grandmother couldn’t keep the smile off of their faces. 

“ It’s not about a dollar anymore,” Jolene said . “This makes it where [Hunter’s] got autographs that he didn’t have to pay somebody for."

That is what the Coles envisioned banana ball would do — make baseball approachable and fun for all ages. There are cowboys like Hussein and Dakota “Stilts” Albritton  who plays on stilts), to baseball mechanic maniacs like Robert Anthony Cruz . The cast even includes Princess Potassia, the Man- Nanas cheerleading squad and dancing umpire Vincent Chapman. 

While not everyone dreams of being a Major League star like Hunter does, Bananas infielder Cruz thinks  encouraging young kids to enjoy the sport is a key part of banana ball. 

“I think there's a culture in youth baseball that's very heavy, very performance based," Cruz said . “Like you have to perform. That's the first priority. And I don't think that should necessarily be the first priority, I think it causes kids to burn out. So I want kids to be able to enjoy the game.” 

The Coles have made family a pillar of Banana Ball.

So far, almost every game has sold out and the Bananas' videos have garnered over 300 million views on TikTok. Through the Bananas' fame, the Coles created Bananas Foster, a nonprofit that celebrates and educates about the foster care community. 

“Our goal is to use the platform, talk to all the thousands of fans that we are in front of every night and just educate them on this kind of taboo topic in society that you don't talk about,” Emily Cole said . “To say, 'Hey, these kids are here, they're waiting, they need us,' and encourage people to get involved.” 

At every game a family that has fostered, adopted or been reunited is honored by fans and both teams at home plate. The Coles in particular have a special connection to Bananas Foster as they have been foster parents for the last few years. 

For the players, traveling around the country playing baseball is all they could want, with Bananas outfielder DR Meadows describing the gig as "the best job in the world." Durham was even more special for the North Carolina natives who had friends, families and even Little League teams come to view the show.

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“The games are just so exciting,” Jones said . “The fans go crazy, and we get to travel the country and spread happiness to a lot of people and get to still play baseball.”

Gwen Peace contributed reporting to this article. 

@gracegnugent

@dthsports  |  [email protected]

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