I recently learned that the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere is located in…Willemstad, Curaçao.
Read MoreExploring Jewish Life in Curaçao
in Travel
history
Castles of Bellinzona
in Travel
I chose Bellinzona to visit, primarily for one reason: CASTLES. Despite its small size, Bellinzona boasts not one, not two, but THREE medieval castles. In fact, these castles are the only remaining example of late medieval military architecture in the Alps, so that whole area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Read MoreBeautifully Bookish St. Gallen
in Travel
St. Gallen is a place best for wandering and exploring the many hidden juxtapositions of a historic centre clashing up against a thriving university.
Read MoreAsheville for All
in Travel
Asheville, NC is by no means “a hidden gem” - it’s been a tourist destination since the 1880s, when that pesky Civil War calmed down and trains became the hot new thing. In 1889 William Vanderbilt built Biltmore (tongue-twister, much?), an extravagant mansion that remains the largest private residence ever built in the United States and is now a fancy hotel with grounds open to the public (for a price).
Read MoreThe Feminist Tour of London
in Travel
Our tour was based around female statues in London, but once we arrived at each landmark we were treated to a mini history class about the subject, time period, political happenings, and so on. I consider myself fairly well-read on feminist issues and found myself learning so many new things.
Read MoreFirst in Flight
in Travel
I think it is safe to assume that nerds the world over never lose their spirit for the pursuit of knowledge and have some undying sense of determination. When these two qualities are combined, the world better watch out!
Read MoreThe Science Museum of London
in Travel
What can you find on display at the new “Medicine” exhibit at the Science Museum?
Read MoreTwo Worlds
Burning butane and brewing pu’er tea.
These are a couple of aromas I usually encountered in tandem from my childhood. I had a chance to smell these two together again on a trip to this place:
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How About Howth?
in Travel
Dublin is a great city. It's moody, historic, fun-loving, intellectual, and a tad gritty - all-in-all, it's delightful. But - and perhaps it was the challenges posed by the historic snowstorm during our visit, perhaps it was the particularly ineffectual heater in our AirBnB - I was ready to get out of the city after a couple of days.
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