Adventure is our state of mind
Best kept secret by history teachers: History is *really* interesting. It’s just that it’s a whole lot more exciting to learn about the ancient Nabateans when you’re riding on a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Petra than to yawn through a history book. From Petra toKilwa, from the pyramids of the Mundo Mayoto the pyramids of Egypt, from the tenples of Thailand to the lost city of Macchu Picchu, from the ruins of Kilwa, Athens, Rome, and Stonehenge: our writers bring you the stories and pictures that bring the past to life. And they take you to living history, as well: to the vibrant arts and cultural attractions that make each destination unique.
The aroma wafts toward my nose from a block away. The familiar sweet smell mixed with a yeasty scent makes my mouth water, and by the time I walk to Depot Square my mind is on only one thing: pancakes. But the crowd gathered in front of the … [Read more...]
The feeling is a bit disconcerting, yet wonderfully freeing. I'm biking in bustling downtown Indianapolis, amidst all the people and traffic, yet I don't have to worry about a thing — errant pedestrians, sniffing dogs, motorists opening their car … [Read more...]
My first impression, taking the circular driveway to the home of Elvis Presley, is how small it is. For someone larger than life, I expected something grander for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. But if you go by square footage (17,552), the home is … [Read more...]
On the ferries to Princes’ Islands, I would always drink copious amounts of tea. Waiters with dangling trays roamed up and down the decks touting chai for less than a dollar, delivering a tear-drop Turkish tea cup on a little glass saucer, complete … [Read more...]
There’s nothing more glorious than sitting on the grass on beautiful evenings at summer classical music festivals, listening to Brahms or Stravinsky. But from Tanglewood to Hollywood, from Wolf Trap to Ravinia, only one top festival offers lawn … [Read more...]
At first, I was troubled at the thought of a tour of a black township. Wasn’t it simply voyeurism staring at a way of life we were fortunate enough not to have to live? But I wanted to see for myself how much, if anything, had changed in the new … [Read more...]
Bulging eyes at the top gaze at the horizon, a grinning mouth bares teeth at the base of the pole. A bear? A wolf? The various symbols engraved in the wood still hold mystery, and sometimes misconceptions, about Canadian aboriginal culture. … [Read more...]
City of Angels, City of the Dead, or City of Cats: These names all refer to the Recoleta necropolis in Buenos Aires. With 5000 sepulchers this eternal resting place is a rich synthesis of history, art, religion and death, and serves as a tribute to … [Read more...]
The cavernous space of La Mezquita in Cordoba makes me think of Russian dolls. Standing right in the middle of the 8th century mosque is a perfectly formed Renaissance cathedral. What is more, the mosque grew out of an earlier Visigoth church, which … [Read more...]
From atop Temple IV, above the trees of the jungle, the noisy morning sounds of animals went on for ages. “Little” Cesar, our tour guide, had instructed us all just to listen. “Don’t talk,” he said, holding his hand next to his head as if … [Read more...]
