Winter 2016

Traveling can sometimes feel uncomfortable and lonely. But using these firsthand conversation tips from experienced travelers can help you feel comfortable talking to almost anyone.Get out of your Comfort Zone

Disney-inspired travel, anyone? Many Disney movies draw inspiration from real-life places and structures. Add a little whimsy and a dash of Disney to your worldwide travel by visiting the sites that inspired locations portrayed in Disney movies.

The Holocaust claimed the lives of over 11 million people, including Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, Roma (also known as gypsies), Poles, and the disabled. While it was the deadliest period of genocide in recent history, it is far from the most recent. Artists are working to remind people that other genocides continue to occur.

The movie reaches its emotional climax. Almost effortlessly, the actors begin singing. Large groups of dancers join in, and suddenly, a bright, colorful dance number transitions the scene from one location to the next, sweeping across the screen in grandeur and excitement.

When you think of strange food, your first thoughts may gravitate toward foreign foods such as fried scorpions in China or escargot from France. You may think you need to travel halfway around the world to taste peculiar cuisine. But unique foods can be found right here in the United States, specifically in the South.

As twilight covers the warm stone walls, an otherworldly green light appears on a minaret amidst the rooftops. Soon another light appears. And another. Before long the cityscape is dotted with green, and the Islamic call to prayer begins to echo through the streets, inviting all to remember the ancient prophet Mohammed and the law that God sent him to declare.

North of everywhere in Europe lies a winding, wet road that has been considered the best road trip in the entire world. The road stretches across churning waters, whose waves crash over the asphalt and smash into passing cars. The drive inspires awe in all who face it. This exciting drive is known simply as the Atlantic Ocean Road.

Through countless centuries, Europe has been ravaged by war as various groups have tried to conquer as much land as possible and claim territory. The evidence of this history is manifest not just in history books but also in architecture. The Baltic States—Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania—showcase great examples of architectural diversity resulting from war. With baroque cathedrals, medieval castles, Russian Revival churches, and Soviet Union–era complexes, these countries are hodgepodges of architectural history. New architecture demonstrates that all three countries are becoming leaders in modern architectural design. However, blending the new and old poses challenges, and each country has met those challenges in different ways as they try to simultaneously preserve their architectural history and create a new style for the future.

We’d had good weather the previous two days, high clouds with frequent blue sky and sun peaking through, but then we drove south on Highway 101 from Newport, Oregon, that afternoon of the third day. Our luck ran out and we got the normal spring conditions, low clouds blocking our view of everything except rain on the windshield. We were due back in Eugene, fifty miles inland, that evening. It looked like this last part of our trip might be a bit of a bust. Still, our older son told us that he wanted to see at least one lighthouse as long as we were out here by the ocean, so we took a chance and turned off at the sign for the Heceta Head Lighthouse.