Disc-riding 24-year-old Nemo having made history last year as the first non-binary winner of Eurovision for “The Code,” yesterday the 69th edition of world’s largest, longest, and perhaps most anticipated/beloved music competition came back to the country where it was born and first won the contest (with the lovely old chestnut "Refrain"), in 1956.
Switzerland´s third largest city (pop. around 177,000). It must´ve been the most exciting thing to happen here since, well
Mountain Lake Lodge, other photos by Victor Block unless otherwise noted
Is there anyone who doesn’t know "you don’t put Baby in a corner?" Even plenty of youngsters who weren´t born when Dirty Dancing was made still have a soft spot for this 1987 romantic drama. And of course its mystique also is being kept alive as a hit musical on London´s West End, with a Broadway version expected later this year. So imagine revisiting this iconic flick at its original locale - and seeing with your own eyes
The female security guard discreetly slips me through a side door and gestures for me to sit at the table in the corner. The Arabic music is pulsating and the room is reverberating with the nervous energy of 400 women. Suddenly, the lights dim and everyone turns to watch. A bride, dressed in a Western-style long white wedding gown with matching trailing veil has a death grip on her bouquet of roses as she takes very slow measured steps down the center aisle towards the “Bride’s Love Seat.” Her
Ralf Steinberger, Krzysztof Golik, Eleassar
Annually for the last 40 years, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of 2022 it's been three rather than two), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on their own cultural offerings and allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international
Peter Van Bossche; other photos by Victor Block unless otherwise noted
How often do a toilet and a tea ceremony form perfect metaphors for the culture of a country? But so it is in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The toilet falls into the realm of delightful personal discoveries. First a warm toilet seat along with musical options with a variety of buttons that cleaned more areas with water spray than I have nether-region body parts, a portion of the large bathroom mirror that remained perfectly
In the vibrant cultural tapestry of Colombia, tejo stands out as one of the country’s most fascinating and traditional native sports. With deep roots in indigenous history, it´s is not just a game but a celebration of Colombian culture and community. This sport combines skill, strategy, and a festive spirit, making it a unique experience for both players and spectators. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, rules, and culture surrounding tejo, as well as its growing po
When planning a trip to Thailand, the images that often spring to mind are those of golden pagodas; buzzing markets and nightlife in Bangkok; and the busy beaches of Phuket. But " the land of smiles" holds many more secrets waiting to be unearthed in its lesser-known cities and towns. They´re all safe for travelers; accessible via the country´s efficient network of air routes, roads, and trains; and offer a range of accommodations; The best time to visit them is during the
Chile´s vibrant capital (pop. just under seven million), set in a spectacular setting surrounded by the Andes, is a city which combines a rich history with compelling culture both traditional and contemporary (including a rich legacy of art both in world-class museums and galleries and on its streets). Throw in a handful of charismatic bohemian neighbourhoods, a thriving nightlife, and a delicious dining scene, Santiago has something to offer for everyone who wants to get a taste of
If you're looking for an exciting place to spend your next holidays, allow us to suggest one of the world's most interesting and welcoming countries, Colombia. Located in the northwest of South America astride both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Colombia and its people will make you feel welcome and at home whilst you discover amazing new sights, sounds, flavours, and experiences. Here's how...
The mix of cultures in this country has given rise
Freddy Alexander Bugueño Tolmo
Located in the far north of this long, narrow country (and reachable by air in about seven hours via the city of Antofagasta), the Atacama is one of the world´s most fascinating and unique destinations in the world. With an area of some 105,000 square kilometres (40,540 sq. miles), the officially certified driest place on earth - with some areas recording no rain at all in decades and in some cases even centuries, nonetheless harbours a surprising diversity of lan
guido da rozze
As we have always mentioned in past notes, the great city of Cusco was once the capital of the majestic empire of Tahuantinsuyo. Today, we are the heirs of a millenary culture. This is reflected not only in the archaeological complexes that have survived throughout the city and the Sacred Valley, but also by the architecture of many of its buildings that have survived and by the oral tradition that is kept alive to this day.
The Legend of the Condor
Legend has it that in a vill
Literally, pantsula translates from Zulu as "to walk like a duck". It's an energetic, syncopated urban dance that originated in Johannesburg townships during a traumatic period of apartheid in the 1950s, and is today seeing a resurgence among the black youth (as well as some whites) of South Africa.
To experience and understand it, we travel to the streets of Joburg's Tembisa township, where pantsula is part of day-to-day life, with many dancers showing off their skills in the middle of the
Travel: a word that conjures up images of far-off lands, captivating cultures, and unforgettable experiences. But what lies beyond the glossy brochures and picture-perfect postcards? For those with a passion for both words and the open road, the answer is simple yet profound: the essence of a destination's soul. In this post we'll embark on a journey to explore how travel goes beyond the surface, uncovering the psychology behind our wanderlust and the unique ways in which each place leaves an
Swedish star Loreen having taken the top spot last year (and for the second time), Sweden tapped its handsome, third-biggest city to again host the world’s largest, longest, and perhaps most anticipated/beloved music competition – this year´s 68th edition pulling in a worldwide television audience of some 200 million. And of course like its predecessors, this one got thousands of fans from some 90 countries to flock to Malmö and enjoy its myriad offerings. (I´m just not sure why they k
4FR, Jacob Wackerhausen,RAndrey
Annually since 1985, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of 2022 it's been three rather than two), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on their own cultural offerings and allowing them to organize a series of wider cultural events (many with a strong pan-European dimension) - which bring in considerable additional revenue; foster urban renewal; and raise their international profiles and images. Sin
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Officially the Republic of China, this island with a population of around 24 million – just a bit larger than the state of Maryland and just under half the size of Scotland – has been in the news lately both thanks to its controversial January 13 presidential elections and to its perennial potential (and especially in the context of other current crises in Ukraine and Gaza) as a world flashpoint due to mainland China´s obsession with eventually and forcibly annexing it. Taiwan is both o
For many, the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to Kenya is wildlife and safaris. But visitors should also keep in mind this country´s rich artistic and cultural heritage - thanks to its more than 70 ethnic groups such as the Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, Maasai, and Kalenjin - both to witness (such as tribal dances) and to buy as mementos of their trip here (esecially masks, figurines, and other forms of sculpture). This beautiful country keeps the spirit of its ancestors alive through ev
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The unwavering commitment to equality, justice, and nonviolent protest of one of the premier civil rights leaders of the 20th century had a profound impact on U.S. and even world history both during his lifetime and in the more than half century since. And the holiday established in his name, celebrated on January 15, is a chance to celebrate diversity, explore the richness of history, and uphold the principles that MLK Jr. devotedly upheld. And these five spots across the country offer
