10 unique carnival / masquerade traditions around the world Lent is coming up quickly, and with it the colorful Carnival celebrations around the world. Also known as Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, masquerades, and bacchanals, Carnival is traditionally an indulgent and hedonistic holiday observed before the strict fasting of Lent. For the most part, celebrations take place...
A Fairytale History Neuschwanstein has a fairytale history to match its design. Bavarian “Mad King” Ludwig II commissioned the castle to fit a Wagner theme. Neuschwanstein castle was meant to be a medieval style retreat, and was built in what is now called the “Romanesque Revival” style, also known as “castle romanticism” or Burgenromantik. Contrary to popular myth...
It’s the end of the year, and time to reflect on the year past and plan for the year ahead. I am very pleased to report I knocked my Goodreads goal of 30 books for 2017 out of the park (I read 40!). Should I stretch myself in 2018 and aim for a book a week? Anyhow, it’s time to share some of my favorite travel books from this year that kept my wanderlust stoked while...
During my summer visit to Bulgaria this year, I knew I had to make my way to the stunning Rila Monastery. I had seen images circling all around social media of the beautiful Eastern Orthodox monastery colorful frescoes. I was worried it might be a tourist trap, but it was stunningly enchanting in person. If you find yourself in Bulgaria, I highly recommend taking a...
I’m putting together a series on design trends! I love learning about the history of trends and exploring the folk art that often serves as the inspiration. This week I’ve been reading about Otomi embroidery. As someone in the US, I often see trends come and go without any explanation of the people or places they came from. We are very guilty as designers of...
If you have time during your visit to Distrito Federal, you have to stop by Teotihuacán. It’s about an hour’s drive away from the Historic Center of Mexico City, and is absolutely worth the half a day or so that you will need to see its full glory. Background Info Teotihuacán was one of the most important and largest cities in the pre-Columbian Americas, with a...