Kilim is a pileless, tapestry woven rug (or textile) with geometric designs in bright colors, traditionally originating in Anatolia, Turkey. Kilim is produced with a flat weaving technique and can be used in rugs, prayer rugs, wall hangings, table covers, bed spreads, furniture, bags, or even shoes.
Spain has such a wonderful and rich art history, and a culture dedicated to historical preservation. These artist homes sprinkled throughout cities and countrysides are a prime example.
Osaka is widely regarded to have some of the best food in Japan. Quick, tasty bites are in Osaka’s DNA. And best of all, they are all super cheap! History of the yatai Yatai street food carts or “shop stands”, as they are translated, date back to at least the 17th century, with some sources saying they were around in the 5th and 6th centuries! Yatai...
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan and have never visited Japan before, don’t despair. You might have a picture of porky ramen, wagyu beef, and raw sushi in your head when you think of Japanese cuisine, but I’d like to introduce you to another style of cooking that is authentic, wonderful, and uniquely Japanese. Even if you are an omnivore like myself...
Picture yourself sitting on the tatami mats in your private room, enjoying a cup of tea. You step out on to the deck of your private garden and slip out of your yukata nightrobe for a nighttime (or daytime) dip in your private tub, surrounded by a bright green carefully sculpted and curated garden. What more could one ask for? What is a ryokan? A ryokan (旅館) is...
Jordan is a melting pot of cultures and the cuisine reflects this deliciously. You can trace the influence of Jordanian dishes from the Levant, the Middle East, Persia, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Hummus and falafel are barely scraping the surface of the depths of Jordanian fare. When it comes to the cuisine of the Levant, Lebanon and Palestine tend to get...