Topics

Feb

Amazing Places in the World: The Kumbh Mela

by Meredith Mullins on February 25, 2019

Pilgrims on the main street of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh Mela in Praygraj, India, one of the amazing places in the world. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

The 2019 Ardh Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj (Allahabad), India
© Meredith Mullins

Where Faith and Family Merge in Festival

Some travel opportunities are so rare and so provocative that their seductive siren’s song goes straight to the soul.

A total eclipse of the sun in Patagonia. A full moon at the Taj Mahal. Summiting Mount Everest (well, maybe, Base Camp). Running with the bulls in Pamplona. Finding the spiritual rhythm of the Camino de Santiago. The unending magnetism of amazing places in the world.

The only way to silence this call of adventure is to “just do it.”

Such was the song of the Ardh Kumbh Mela for me in India this month—the largest peaceful religious gathering of humans on Earth. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Adventure Travel/India

Feb

First-Class Economy Travel

by Joyce McGreevy on February 18, 2019

Dublin International Airport, Ireland prompts a favorite travel tip: You can clear U.S. Customs before you board. (Image © Carolyn McGreevy)

Fly home via Dublin Airport (above) to clear U.S. Customs before you board.
Your jet lagged brain will thank you!
© Carolyn McGreevy

Travel Tips to Upgrade the Experience

Overseas travel is enriching, and you don’t have to be rich to travel well. When people say it’s all about managing resources, they usually mean money. But another resource is our mindset.

If we’re fixated on how things “should be,” it won’t take much to discourage us from our travel goals, and any little thing could “ruin the trip.” If we’re adaptable, we’ll “find a way” and savor both the journey we anticipate and the journey as it actually unfolds. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy Comments

Art of Travel/Clever Ideas/Worldwide Sites

Feb

A Taste of Italian Wordplay

by Joyce McGreevy on February 12, 2019

A woman serving gelato reminds the writer that Italian wordplay includes many Italian food idioms—that aren’t about food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Spice Up Your Speech with Italian Idioms

One of the pleasures of travel in Italy is immersing yourself in the language. As you treat your palate to its cuisines, treat your tongue to Italian wordplay.

Oh, I see: Sampling Italian idioms is a rich, non-fattening way to savor Italian culture.

An array of Italian side dishes remind the writer that many Italian idioms refer to food. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Complimenti Allo Chef!

In English we favor plain statements when seeking the simple truth: “Tell it like it is.” “Give it to me straight.” Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 4 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Italy/Proverbs & Sayings

World Views: