culture
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Tasty Taters: Potato Recipes from Belgium, Japan, Utah, and Kenya
Mr. Potato Head made it onto Time’s list of “All-Time Top 100 Toys.” That’s no surprise though, because who doesn’t love a potato? The United Nations declared 2008 to be the International Year of the Potato, and in 2010, the world dedicated 46 million acres to potato cultivation. Burn centers in India are experimenting with potato skins and honey, and the combination has long been used as a folk remedy for burns. Potatoes have even been used to send messages! Companies like Potato Parcel and Mail A Spud will write messages on potatoes and mail them to people, a service that I used within the last year.
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European Hostels: Get Away for a While
So you’ve always wanted to travel Europe, but unfortunately, you weren’t born into a trust fund. And while you appreciate living vicariously through your Instagram feed, you don’t just want to go to the Colosseum and the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower; you want to see all of Europe—the lives and culture outside of the big cities. Well, you’re in luck! Here we’ve compiled some of the best hostels throughout Europe that can be jumping-off points for your vacation. These places will help you get away without giving up your budget or your dreams of exploring! So, get ready; after this, all you’ll need is a plane ticket!
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Night Markets in Taipei
Photo by Lulu ChenIn Taipei, snacking is almost a cultural celebration, and nowhere showcases that better than the city’s numerous night markets. For more than a century, every night around 5 p.m., hundreds of vendors flock to stalls lining both sides of the designated night market districts of Taipei.
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Volcanic Vacations
Volcanic VacationsMust see volcano tours around the worldMaybe it’s the lava they spew, the earthquakes they create, or even the noise they make when they explode with more energy than a nuclear bomb—whatever the case may be, volcanos are naturally intriguing. That’s why you should go on a volcano tour for your next vacation. Here are the volcanos you should visit:
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A Cyclist’s Dream Vacation
The Shimanami Kaido trail in Japan offers a unique way to travel—by bike. At seventy kilometers, this cycling trail connects the country’s main island, Honshu, with the fourth largest island, Shikoku, while passing through six smaller islands along the way.
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Rafting Rapids
A whitewater river rafting trip is an unforgettable experience. There are astounding views, soul-stirring towering canyons, majestic waterfalls, magnificent overlooks, and marvelous slot canyons—all only accessible by river. Away from distractions, it is a time of absolute relaxation in the wilderness. Here are the top suggestions from my personal whitewater rafting adventures.
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The Dignity They're Due: Respectfully Photographing Memorials of Tragedy
Visiting memorials is a meaningful part of travel for many people. While some of these memorials might seem like the perfect locations for cute Instagram or Facebook photos, remember that memorials require respect. Here are a few tips for taking interesting, respectful photographs with memorials of tragedy.
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Plum Crazy
Plums are one of the world’s most delightful fruits. They come in many varieties, and can range from mellow to tart. This versatile fruit is enjoyed by many cultures in both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some tasty examples!
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Sugar Rush
You will find happiness in every bite of European chocolate and candy. Full of rich, unique, and sweet flavors, here are some of the best chocolates and candies from Europe:
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Holy Emblems: The Symbolism in Sacred Gothic Architecture
As you walk into a Gothic church, the ethereal atmosphere is immediately evident. The reverent hush and the dark stonework lit by brilliantly colored stained-glass patterns of light create this aura that is completely unique to sacred Gothic architecture. Most people, whether seasoned or amateur travelers, are relatively familiar with Gothic churches. But the symbolism hidden within these centuries-old structures is often lost on visitors. Gothic churches were built with symbolism incorporated into every element. While each building differs slightly in terms of symbolic components, every symbol allows the visitor to have an enlightened and almost otherworldly experience.
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Splashing into the New Year at the Thailand Water Festival
Imagine walking down the streets of Thailand enjoying the magical beauty of your surroundings. You see the ornate temples and hear the birds chirping overhead while you bask in the warm sunlight. And then, all of a sudden, the peacefulness of your moment is shattered—you are drenched in water, head to toe! This is Songkran, also known as Thailand’s Water Festival, and it is a splash that will stay with you for a lifetime.
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All Shook Up over Death Week: The Wacky and Wonderful Ways Memphis Remembers its King
Memphis, Tennessee, is, without a doubt, home to the legacy of a royal. Not a crown-wearer, but a blue-suede-shoes-wearer. Elvis Aaron Presley passed away on August 16,1977, but has continued to leave his mark on the greater Memphis area in the 40 years since. His influence on Memphis, the city nestled right next to the delta of the Mississippi River, is unmistakable. From souvenir trinkets to restaurant menus, Elvis’s name and image are everywhere.
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From Tourist to Traveler
On the whole, more travelers are choosing to experience the world, rather than just seeing the sights. As this trend of immersive travel sweeps the tourism industry, companies are slowly developing historical and cultural experiences to keep up with the trend.
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From Flames to Art
A red one, a pink one, a teal one—all squished together. Welcome to Olinda where the colorful homes welcome visitors to one of the cultural centers of Brazil just 20 minutes outside of Recife.
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The Blind Cafe: The Enlightening Experience of Dining in the Dark
It's 2007. American songwriter Rosh Rocheleau and his band—then called “Rosh and One Eye-Glass Broken”—were touring in Europe. Rocheleau stumbled upon “Café in the Dark” in Iceland, a restaurant where blind servers brought food to diners, who ate completely in the dark. The experience stuck with Rocheleau.
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Selfie Stick Savvy
If you travel to any popular tourist location, you’ll likely notice one similarity: selfie sticks. It is likely that when you’re around people under the age of thirty, selfie sticks are everywhere. Selfie sticks can be useful when you’re on your own or with a group and want to capture a unique experience without asking someone else to take your picture. You can even capture epic moments while snowboarding or cliff diving using a selfie stick. Generally, selfie sticks allow you to capture more authentic photos and videos because they don’t require posing. But many travelers agree that there are rules of etiquette that should be followed so that everyone (selfie stick user or not) can have an enjoyable travel experience.
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Artwork in Action: Saying Yes to Street Art
Though graffiti is often seen as vandalism, many places throughout the world have embraced graffiti as a valid art form and as a way to enhance the community. Any vacation can be complemented with a stop to look at one of these legal graffiti destinations. Found in typical art hubs and less expected locales, graffiti art is visually impressive. A side trip to these outdoor art displays can offer an untamed perspective of any tourist hotspot.
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