Although Japan isn’t the only place where you can experience Sakura — the blossoming of the cherry trees every spring — it truly is the best place to do so. For centuries, the Japanese have gathered to celebrate the Sakura season, which lasts less than a month, with only a very short week in full bloom. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbol
For centuries, cooks have used salsas to enhance meat, fish and other foods. The Aztecs and Mayans combined chilies, tomatoes, and herbs to create flavorsome sauces. When the conquistadors arrived, they too were impressed. In fact historians credit one of them, a priest called Alonso de Molina, as being the first to record the word salsa - he created the first Spanish-Nahuatl dictionary in 1571. Know Your Salsas Photo by Misraim Alvarez B
In the UK, there’s no such thing as Independence Day, because although everyone from the Romans to the Normans has arrived over the years, there’s never been a situation where you’d call it a hostile takeover. In fact, the UK holds a dubious honor: it holds the record for the greatest number of countries which gained independence from a single nation. Over 60 countries commemora
Travelers often refer to Paris as the city of love. When Haussmann modernized the grotty medieval city and dragged it kicking and screaming into the 19th century, he did so in draconian fashion. Building heights were limited, their façades strictly regulated so they worked in harmony with each other, and boulevards were widened. The banks of the River Seine, together with its bridges and surrounding architecture, have also been protected since 1991; for that we have UNESCO to thank. But why is
January 26th is Australia Day, the country’s national holiday. While the country’s borders remain closed due to the global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the celebrations. Here’s how to mark Australia Day without traveling down under. The Day’s Significance Photo by katacarix On January 26th 1788, Arthur Phillip and the British fleet arrived in Port Jackson, New South Wales. Of
This year has been somewhat unusual, to say the least. Christmas, too, may be a little different than normal, so why not add a new custom to your family holiday? Icelanders mark Jólabókaflóð (pronounced yo-la-bok-a-flot) on Christmas Eve in a country-wide celebration of the written word, and it’s an easy tradition to adopt in your home. What is Jólabókaflóð? Photo by JLwarehouse Jólabókaflóð is t
Thoughts of Italy will always bring a few things to mind; the aqua-marine color so distinctive to the Mediterranean sea, a landscape of architecture that gives insights into an ancient world, and a legendary array of breads, cheeses, and wines that attracts travelers from across the globe looking to partake in simple, fresh cuisine. While you may argue that pizza is Italy’s ultimate export, you’d be neglecting the cultural significance of pasta and the traditions surrounding the different shapes
Salt is an ingredient employed by chefs throughout the world, but have you ever wondered why that is? According to Samin Norsat author of Salt Fat Acid Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking, salt “has a greater impact on flavor than any other ingredient. Learn to use it well, and your food will taste good.” Salt may add flavor to any dish, but unfortunately, not all salt is created
The Japanese have a word that perfectly explains our non-stop snacking during this quarantine period—“kuchisabishii,” which translates to “lonely mouth.” Personally, I’ve been gorging on Japanese Kit Kats since the pandemic began, which is one of my favorite snacks to bring home whenever I visit JapanIn
In recent years, visiting Europe’s Christmas markets has become an increasingly popular Yuletide activity. Historic old town squares crammed with festive wooden huts are a feast for all the senses. This year, not only are there restrictions on international travel, but many city councils have canceled their markets, wary of encouraging the spread of the virus. A Christmas market in Vienna, Austria. Photo by Alisa Anton all is not lost: with a bit o
The full English Breakfast (aka the fry-up): Some consider it a culinary masterpiece, some laud it as the perfect hangover cure, and others view it as artery-clogging unhealthiness. That iconic morning plate of bacon, eggs, sausages and baked beans is an integral part of British culture. You’ll find it on the menus of cafés, hotels, greasy spoons, pubs and restaurants. You’ll see it served throughout the European seaside resorts frequented by the British, and the one-time colonies of the British
Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead as it’s known in English-speaking world, is one of Mexico’s best known festivals. Celebrated over three days from October 31st to November 2nd, it's said that the gates of heaven open, and the spirits of the deceased return to earth to be reunited, if only temporarily, with their living relatives. Though Día de Muertos is marked in some form across much of Latin America, its origins are firmly rooted in Aztec culture. But to join in this year, you don’t nee
Each autumn, a parade of horse-drawn carriages, carnival floats and bands process through Munich, Germany to the Theresienwiese. This large open space hosts the famous Oktoberfest, a beer festival that lasts for two wonderful weeks. Germans never refer to it as Oktoberfest; instead they call it the Wiesn. Its convivial beer tents, funfair rides, food stalls and street performers all ensure that everyone has fun. Oktoberfest is canceled for 2020—a busy beer festival wouldn't be a COVID-safe envir
Whether you’re planning a fall camping trip or want to make good use of your home fire pit, cooking dinner around the campfire is a foolproof way to have a good time. There’s something special about cooking in the great outdoors — it just makes food taste better.
If you miss the feeling of genuine discovery that comes with international and adventure travel, now might be a great time to get a pair of Virtual Reality (VR) goggles.
The Highland Games of Braemar, Scotland have been held every year since 1832, and while this year's will take place without spectators, you'll have a unique chance to watch them from home.
Scott Adamson knows a thing or two about custom camper vans--he's lived in one for four years. Now, he helps full-time van lifers and weekend warriors alike how to build the van of their dreams.
Bird watching is an easy, affordable way to stay entertained while we’re largely sequestered in our homes for the foreseeable future. All you need are a few simple items and a reserve of patience, and this tantalizing hobby can become a beloved new routine.
