In 2019 the revered Notre Dame cathedral suffered a devastating fire. President Macron declared “we will rebuild Notre Dame more beautiful than it was before.” He was not kidding. On December 8, 2024 the landmark reopened to great fanfare and the restoration is phenomenal! Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve led the team of over 2,000 architects,
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family…and food, lots of it. For many, it’s also a chance to travel, experiencing new places while enjoying the holiday with loved ones. Whether you want a traditional celebration, a unique twist, or just a change of scenery, these five destinations offer something special for Thanksgiving. New York, New
One of Latin America’s unique traditions is Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. It’s a time for families to honor and remember loved ones by creating ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, candles, flowers, food and personal items of their departed. Unlike Halloween, Dia de los
It’s official, after a summer long trial period, US citizens can now renew their passports online. A new national program from the US Department of State eliminates the need to visit a passport agency or post office to submit a renewal application. This new option simplifies the process, making it more convenient for travelers. Instead
In the United States, over 500,000 Chaldean Americans make up a vibrant community largely originating from Iraq and other parts of the Middle East. Many immigrated in the late 20th century, escaping conflict and seeking better opportunities. The largest populations are in Michigan and California, particularly around Detroit and San Diego. They are predominantly Catholic,
Italian fashion is a dream for many women. The impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and classic silhouettes are simply irresistible. From the iconic designs of Gucci and Prada to the understated elegance of Brunello Cucinelli, Italian brands have a unique ability to elevate any wardrobe. Labels come with a hefty price tag, but I’ve discovered
The National Park system was established in 1916 by the federal government to protect our nation’s remarkable natural beauty. State parks were formed with the same concept, but on a smaller scale and run by the state in which they reside. All these parks are America’s playgrounds. While national parks have the blockbuster fame, state
June’s Culture Trip learning German games has taught me so much about the country and it’s residents. Our European friends are known for their beer, pretzels and lederhosen. But, further research revealed German families love to play games. Pubs provide boardgames and households have ongoing competitions. My friends and I tackled a couple spieles
What’s the difference between a Greek antiquity and an antique? An antiquity has been unearthed by archeology. An antique hasn’t. The former is usually much older, some pieces dating as far back as 4,000 years. I embarked on a month long project to replicate an historic Greek pot at a clay studio. Within the first
The dance instructor called out “forward treble, brush, brush, hop” to the room full of students. At least that’s what I think she said. This was my first attempt at the popular Irish jig. My fifth month into a yearlong culture trip exploring traditions from twelve different countries had me learning céilís (dances) of the