Articles
Buffeted by ferocious winds, I stared into the abyss of an open airplane door. The bright South Carolina June sky and cotton candy clouds seemed a cruel contrast to the darkness gripping me — an innate fear of falling that has haunted me for years. I could barely hear my Skydive Carolina instructor Cathy Abelleira's words in my ear as I clenched my jaw.
Best known as the nation’s oldest city, the mention of St. Augustine, Florida conjures up images of a centuries-old fort, swaying palm trees, glistening beaches, the Fountain of Youth, and an abundance of fresh seafood waiting to be devoured. But there’s so much more to Florida's Historic Coast and much of that lies within the area's Black history.
Some wonderful travel options are available to the LGBTQ+ community, where travel can be enjoyed without fear of discrimination or violence.
I, of course, was not the first to immortalize travel experiences in poetic form. According to The Cambridge History of Travel Writing, poetry is “inseparable from the experience and discursive fabric of travel.” Some of our most ancient texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh and Homer’s Odyssey are, in effect, “travel poems”—though they may be of imagined journeys and quests.
America has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered by those who love traveling but want more than local tourist traps or busy attractions. Below are just a few hidden gems that I suggest for the new year.
Embarking on a road trip through the diverse landscapes of Europe is an enchanting adventure that promises a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. From ancient cobblestone streets that whisper tales of bygone eras to breathtaking coastal roads that caress the edge of the continent, Europe beckons wanderlust-filled souls to explore its captivating charm.
Cities across the States get a little more colorful as groups of people come together to celebrate Pride each year in June, with rainbow flags and clothes to symbolize gay pride.
Just outside the small town of Murfreesboro, Arkansas, a sign near the entrance of Ka Do Ha proclaims it as the “home of the world’s largest diamond.” I think the village itself is a precious gem. Ka Do Ha is a beautiful mix of authentic scientific knowledge and tourist attraction fun you do not want to miss.
European, Asian, and Middle Eastern influences intertwine in Georgia where two continents converge. You’ll see this through the architecture of Tbilisi where Art Nouveau mansions jostle alongside Persian-inspired courtyard residences and the bevy of spices and foodstuffs at markets. Although Georgian Kartuli with its unique alphabet is unlike any other language, its rhythm and some vocabulary overlap with Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and Aramaic.
All roads seem to intertwine here in San Cristobal, making this destination a booming town for emerging artists from all over the world. It's the type of place where you can sit back and stay awhile taking in the sights, sounds, and colors passing through the bustling Andador Real de Guadalupe – perhaps over tapas and a cheap glass of Malbec at La Viña de Bacco, a long-time favorite.
