In the USA, we’re all familiar with the New Year’s Eve traditions of counting down the seconds till midnight, throwing confetti, toasting with champagne, and kissing your loved ones. Since 2011 is drawing to a close, I thought I’d ask my friends and family members about the New Years traditions from their homelands around the world.
One of the best things about traveling is experiencing new cultures. Of course, what may be culturally acceptable in one country may be offensive in another. Gestures, in particular, have multiple meanings throughout the world. It’s important to know how to behave or you risk offending your host! Here are some interesting examples of proper […]
Located roughly two-thirds of the way to Europe from the United States, and just over 900 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores archipelago is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. The oldest of the nine volcanic islands, geologically speaking, is Santa Maria. I had an amazing opportunity a couple years ago to visit the island […]
One of the best places for holiday shopping in Los Angeles is at The Grove. Reminiscent of Old Europe with its pastel-colored buildings and copper roofs, this outdoor mall features cobbled streets, a vintage trolley and a grand fountain with a choreographed water and music show every half-hour. However, the focal point is undoubtedly the 100-foot […]
I can’t believe it, but it’s been a whole month since the last installment of my “Where in the world am I?” photo challenges! This time I chose a wintery scene from my past adventures to showcase. Do you know where it was taken? Like in weeks past, I’ll give no clues up front, but […]
Three million revelers crowd the beach, sand in their toes… Fireworks light up the sultry night air… The seductive sounds of samba engulf you… This is Réveillon—what Brazilians call their New Year’s Eve celebration. Sure the whole world will be watching Rio de Janeiro in 2014 for the FIFA World Cup and again in 2016 […]
When I was a young boy, I remember my grandparents telling me of a house so unusual—with staircases leading to the ceiling, doors opening to blank walls, and windows built into the floor—that I thought it was something from a fairytale. Only years later did I find out that the place was real and located […]
Called “A Cidade Branca” (“The White City”) for how the sunlight illuminates its aged limestone walls, Portugal’s capital enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate and idyllic waterfront location. While not as popular a tourist destination as Paris or Rome, Lisbon (Lisboa in Portuguese) offers its own brand of captivating Old World charm. Perched atop seven rolling hills, […]
It’s Wednesday so that means it’s time for another “Where in the world am I?” photo challenge! Like in weeks past, I’ll give no clues up front, but will periodically tweet and post clues on my Facebook and Google+ pages to help you out. So, if you don’t already follow me on Twitter, click HERE. Do you know […]
The smell of burning incense permeated the autumn air in a light, pleasant way. From within a private courtyard, the banging of drums and chanting of monks masked the din of the valley below. Sunshine spilled into a sacred garden, illuminating a treasure trove of ornamental Buddhas. The place definitely had a sense of tranquility […]
