Nicole Carlson

When most people think of food from Europe, their mind usually jumps to Italian pasta, French crepes, or British fish n’ chips. I doubt many people think of Portugal for its culinary arts. Most people probably don’t even know what they eat in Portugal—I know I didn’t before I traveled there! But while living there for six weeks, I learned of some of the unique foods Portugal has to offer, and I was not disappointed.

As the 2020 election fades into memory, Americans can take the opportunity to reflect on our country’s election systems and culture. Political ads, rallies, debates, and even car parades—they’re all part of the American political landscape leading up to an election. We’re often so engrossed in the culture and events surrounding the election, that we don’t take time to compare our voting customs to those of other countries. Here’s a look at democracy in four different countries around the world.

Italy: The land of cobblestone alleys, enchanting small towns, and heavenly food. I was lucky enough to live there for two years, two months of which I spent in an enchanting town just north of Naples. While there, I fell head-over-heels for Neapolitan pizza. I ate it often, sometimes three or four times a week! Safe to say, this pizza accounted for the eight pounds I gained during my time near Naples.

Compared to Europe, there are few places in the United States that are deeply rooted in history; after all, the US is a comparatively young country. But Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia has ties to nearly every famous Revolutionary War figure, and the town still feels like it did over two hundred years ago. Walking the cobblestone streets of Colonial Williamsburg literally feels like stepping into history. All the workers are in colonial dress, made from on-site materials and with authentic weaving processes. So many people are in era-appropriate attire that it almost feels out of place to wear jeans. The tour guides in each destination spot are incredibly knowledgeable in their craft and deliver all their information in character. There are no cars in Colonial Williamsburg, even for the people that live on-site. It’s all horse-drawn carriages and buggies (and if you ask nicely, the coachmen will let you pet the magnificent horses). Across Colonial Williamsburg’s 301 acres are over 80 original buildings housing many historic tradesmen, with lots of hands-on experiences for tourists. There is a brickyard, carpenter’s yard, garden, courthouse, armory, printing press, and farm. (Quick tip for the kids: at the brickyard, you can take off your shoes and stomp in the red mud!) As you wander along the streets, you might be lucky enough to watch a group of musicians perform.