“Don’t even try to understand Cuba,” advised our group leader, Liliana Rhoades, who was born in Cuba. “Changes are a response to what is happening. Right now.” Cuba is clearly always on the verge of something else that needs...
The “Miracle Grave” in Havana at Colón Cemetery
When I decided I must visit the Colón Cemetery (Cementerio de Cristóbal Colón ) during my Cuba trip, I had no idea there was a “miracle grave” in Havana. I was more focused on the fact that it’s huge–over...
Winter Solstice: Where Christmas Traditions Got Their Start
Long before Christianity lured ancient cultures into December celebrations, there was the winter solstice, a time to mark the end of long, long nights. In order to boost church enrollment, early Christians just incorporated some of the pagan practices,...
Fun–and Funny–Holiday Traditions Around the World
Holiday traditions around the world make me smile. After all, every country and culture does something that, well, we wonder how they could ever have become a real thing. And that’s the beauty of them. You already know the...
Turning Kids into Travelers
How exactly can we go about turning our kids into travelers? We’ve seen those children on our own journeys: curious and cheerful. Interested in more than the next souvenir shop. Willing to eat more than a Big Mac. Understanding...
Greek Vegetables: Forget That Green Bean Casserole!
Once you’ve had Greek vegetables, you realize how important they are to a meal. Not a side dish or a last-minute addition to a menu. No, they steal the show. Once you taste them, you’ll want to know how...
Greek Salad: Fresh & Easy!
Whenever you are lucky enough to find excellent tomatoes, immediately change the day’s menu to include a Greek salad. Yes, you’ll have to pay for a few other ingredients, but it would be crazy to pass up the opportunity...
Terezín Concentration Camp: Hitler’s “Gift to the Jews”
Terezín concentration camp is an astounding and painful reminder of the power of propaganda. Only an hour from Prague, the former Habsburg fortress was repurposed during World War II as a model that would impress International Red Cross inspectors....
How to Sleep Well When You Travel…zzzzzzzzz…
Knowing how to sleep well when you travel can make all the difference in your experience. You’ve saved and planned for this adventure–don’t let anything keep you from enjoying every minute. According to a study by Wakefield Research, over...
Olympia, Greece: Where the Games Began, Nearly 3000 Years Ago
Olympia, Greece: It’s hard to describe the feeling as you stand at the original starting line of the stadium where the Olympics began in 776 BC. Greek myth credits the hero Hercules with creating the running races at Olympia...