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...
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...
So many butterflies... they will fly right up to you! Just make sure not to touch the wings as it damages them.
New York during the holidays is magical. New York during the holidays is crowded. New York during the holidays can be miserable if you’re not careful. Avoid a New York Christmas nightmare with the right gameplan. There’s nothing in the world like seeing the first snow of the season reflecting the lights of Manhattan. There’s also nothing like...
Introduction to lucha libre Lucha libre, or free fights, started in Mexico in the mid 1800s, derived from Greco-Roman wrestling. The first masked luchador stepped into the ring in 1942 (El Santo), and his mystique captivated the public interest so much that the masked form we know today became the standard. The fights are characterized by flamboyant masks and capes...
