Sounds of Senegal

Sounds of Senegal

A deeply traditional musical sensation has been sweeping through West Africa’s Senegal for the past few decades, and it continues to be an ever-evolving art form that only grows in popularity in this day and age. This music, known as mbalax (pronounced “mm-ballah”),...

Happenings: State Fairs

Map of the United States (Theshibboleth. CC BY-SA 3.0) Fried butter anyone? Discover what fun attractions you should see and fried food you should eat at some of the nation’s top-rated state fairs. OC Fair Though not a state fair, the OC (Orange County) Fair is open...
Dark Tours

Dark Tours

People love the thrill of being scared “half to death.” There are about 7,000 haunted houses throughout the United States, all trying to outdo each other. Whether it’s the thrill of being scared or hearing the history of a haunting, people come flocking to these...
Ecotourism: Traveling for Good

Ecotourism: Traveling for Good

Ecotourism. Planet-friendly travel? That’s what the name implies, but unless you’re an avid traveler, you may have only heard this term in passing. More likely, you’ve heard a popular nickname—ethical vacation, sustainable tourism, or mindful travel. All of these...
Euro Houses

Euro Houses

Picture small-town Italy: tiny houses haphazardly stacked atop each other, narrow cobblestone streets winding through buildings, flowering vines trailing out of window boxes down ancient brick walls. Perhaps you imagine bustling markets, or the scent of famous Italian...
Party Animals

Party Animals

Communities around the world come together to celebrate animals in these fun festivals.   Pied Piper Duch Show Sydney, Australia Dolled-up ducks waddle down the runway in Sydney during the Pied Piper Duck Show. These ducks, dressed from head to toe in haute...
A Caldo of Devotion

A Caldo of Devotion

My favorite food is pulique, a particular caldo (broth) that is typically made in Guatemala. Pulique is simply delicious, and it always makes me feel at home no matter where I am. There is also great meaning in this chicken broth, which is traditionally prepared...
Adventuring with Allergies

Adventuring with Allergies

“Oh, this sounds good—and it’s got bread crumbs in it. But what about this? Oh, it’s got cheese and milk.” As someone with wheat, corn, and dairy allergies, this is my thought process—even when I’m at a completely familiar, safe restaurant.  It’s hard enough to deal...
Live, for a Change

Live, for a Change

I have many places on my travel bucket list. Unfortunately, travel, especially international travel, can take a lot of money. That’s why, two years ago, my husband and I were planning a moderately priced honeymoon to Oceanside, California. We were looking around for...
Seeing What’s Hard to See

Seeing What’s Hard to See

There is something about the dismal and depressing happenings of this world that oddly captures our attention. Look at some of the most popular TV shows and movies on Netflix over the last several years; from serial killers to stalkers, we find it interesting to...