201 articles tagged with cultural experiences
I never planned to write a family travel guide. But when my cycling buddy Dave invited me to join his family vacation to Vietnam last winter, I couldn't resist tagging along. Watching his kids experience Hoi An's magic transformed how...
The first time I stepped foot in Alamogordo, I was struck by how this modest New Mexican town sits at a fascinating crossroads of cultures, histories, and ecosystems. As someone who's spent years documenting traditional healing practices across continents, I...
Growing up between two cultures taught me the value of finding hidden gems in unexpected places. Sioux Falls might not be on your typical family vacation radar, but this charming South Dakota city has become one of our favorite weekend...
While my research typically takes me to remote Andean glaciers or isolated Arctic communities, a recent invitation to lecture at Coe College provided an unexpected opportunity to explore Cedar Rapids, Iowa with my colleague's family. As an anthropologist accustomed to...
When most Americans think of South Korea, their minds immediately jump to K-Pop, high-tech cities, and perhaps kimchi. But just as a smart investment portfolio needs diversification, so too does your cultural experience in this fascinating country. Last fall, I...
The Sonoran Desert holds a peculiar magic that resonates with my mountaineer's soul. Unlike the soaring Himalayas or the rugged Andes, Phoenix's landscape whispers its secrets through ancient saguaros and painted skies. After decades exploring vertical terrains across continents, I've...
Like the rhythmic contractions of a healthy heart, the cultural pulse of Waukesha, Wisconsin beats with surprising vigor for a city of its size. As both a cardiologist and avid traveler, I've learned to diagnose the true character of destinations...
The rhythmic pulse of Darija rap mingles with the scent of mint tea and shisha as I stand on a rooftop overlooking Hassan II Mosque, its laser beam piercing the night sky. This is Casablanca after dark—a city where Morocco's...
The ancient city of Samarkand stands as a turquoise-domed jewel along the Silk Road, its magnificent madrasas and minarets telling tales of conquests and commerce that have shaped Central Asia for millennia. But beyond the UNESCO-listed treasures of Registan Square...
The moment I stepped off the plane at El Dorado International Airport, Bogotá hit me with its intoxicating blend of mountain air, street art, and the unmistakable aroma of *arepas* sizzling on roadside grills. After three diplomatic postings across Asia,...
The first time I wandered through Hyderabad's labyrinthine Old City, I made the classic tourist mistake: I thought it was all about the biryani. Don't get me wrong—that fragrant, slow-cooked rice dish deserves every bit of its legendary status. But...
As someone who's tracked down clues across five continents, I've developed a knack for uncovering hidden gems that most tourists overlook. Just 40 minutes northwest of Chicago sits Elgin, a riverside community that reminds me of the smaller Japanese towns...
Standing at the intersection of East Valley Highway and James Street, I found myself at a culinary crossroads that perfectly embodies Kent's spirit. This suburban gem south of Seattle might not make most travelers' Washington state bucket lists, but *sumimasen*...
The first time I stepped into Marrakech's autumn light, I was struck by how the shadows cast perfect geometric patterns across the ochre walls—a living demonstration of the mathematical principles that have guided Moroccan design for centuries. While most visitors...
Standing at the edge of Debrecen's Aquaticum thermal pool, I watched as steam rose in delicate spirals, carrying dissolved minerals that have been filtering through Hungary's ancient geological strata for millennia. As a biologist, I'm fascinated by how these mineral-rich...
