Summer 2011

Guatemala

When the air is hot and your mouth is watering, your first instinct is to reach for a cold, delicious treat that will relieve you from the summer heat. Frozen treats are a summer staple no matter what country you are in. But when you can’t break the bank to travel the world, use your grocery money to bring the world to you. Here are some fantastic recipes that will help you cool off.

Queen Amidala’s wardrobe in the Star Wars movies did not come from a galaxy far, far away. It came from the simple Mongolian countryside. When concept artist Iain McCaig and costume designer Trisha Biggar worked to create an exotic, regal look for their leading lady, Mongolian fashion offered the richness they were looking for. But traditional Mongolian clothing is much more than a great source for costume ideas; each article of clothing carries rich meaning for the Mongolian people.

How are IHOP, Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and other widely franchised restaurants similar? They’re incredibly common and can become dreadfully dull if you eat out at any of them regularly. To expand your culinary tastes, look for the small, locally owned ethnic restaurants in and around your neighborhood.

When the weekend is short but the dreams are tall, head to Montréal, which promises adventure, culture, and, of course, l’amour. A weekend is all you need to fall in love with this city.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Calvin Lawrence has hitchhiked into town, fallen and rolled 25 feet down a rocky slope, traipsed through cow pastures, ridden 36 hours on a bus, and hiked more than 1,600 miles—all in six months. An avid hiker and camper, Lawrence has immersed himself in the lifestyle of the Appalachian Trail. “I like the freedom of having no responsibilities,” he says. “Hiking the trail is like taking a break from life while still enjoying life-changing experiences.” As a thru-hiker—someone who hikes long distances—Calvin has had some life-changing experiences. He hiked most of the trail on his first hike in 2009 and has a second hike planned for this summer. His goal this time is to hike the entire trail—and also to have another fun adventure.

Two years ago, I walked across Europe in a brand-new pair of Converse sneakers. Though they provided me with (what seemed like) innumerable blisters, they also gave me a myriad of memories. As I traveled through each country, I asked at least one person to sign my shoes—someone who stood out to me as unforgettable. In many of the countries I visited, it was impossible to choose just one person to sign them. And by the end of my trip, not only did I have over 50 signatures on my “new” shoes, I had even more memories to go with each one.

Tucked away in an offshoot of the Grand Canyon lies Havasupai—Arizona’s hidden paradise. The Havasu ‘Baaja, the aptly named people of the blue-green water, maintain this desert oasis. Havasupai is the ideal place for scaling waterfalls, exploring riverbed travertine (limestone) formations, and relaxing in natural pools to the soothing sound of rushing water. Read more about Havasupai and other stories in the current issue of Stowaway.

Thanks to everyone who submitted photos and essays for our Summer and Fall issues! Stowaway is now taking submissions until October 19th!