Cultural Heritage
The ubiquitous street art, depicting portraits of Ho Chi Minh, flying pigeons, and people waving the national flag, reminded me that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification in 1975.
This week, “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth” returns to Calgary in the Canadian province of Alberta. Better known as the Calgary Stampede, this annual 10-day event features an opening parade, a rodeo, a festival filled with rides and indulgent treats, as well as pancake breakfasts throughout the community. But, perhaps one of the Calgary Stampede’s most intriguing events is the Elbow River Camp, formerly known as Indian Village.
Explore South Africa’s art revolution with Soweto Fine Art, uncover the hidden creative spirit of Eritrea, and dive into a powerful conversation on African art, identity, and preservation with Galerie Myrtis in Baltimore.
The natural beauty of the mountains of North Carolina has beckoned travelers for decades. When autumn arrives and vibrant shades of gold, orange, yellow, and red paint the landscape, even more visitors arrive. Residents and business owners eagerly anticipate the fall season and welcome travelers with a smile. But in September 2024, in the midst of the colorful season an unwelcome guest arrived…Hurricane Helene. The horrific storm caused significant damage to many mountain towns in the North Carolina mountains, and some have still not recovered. Lives, businesses, and property were lost to the storm.
The sleepy village of Licin is situated in the Banyuwangi regency of East Java, Indonesia. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Banyuwangi – Java’s easternmost tip – and an hour from the slopes of Kawah Ijen, the legendary volcano famous for its electric blue flames. It’s often used as a base for hiking the world’s most fascinating crater, and foreigners usually pass through it. But during my travels in Indonesia last November, I was instantly drawn to Licin’s wild beauty and tranquility, making it my home for the remaining two weeks of my stay in the country.
Award-winning artist and sculptor Tyree Guyton started The Heidelberg Project in 1986 as a political protest after he returned to his old Detroit neighborhood, the Heidelberg area in the McDougall-Hunt Neighborhood, and found dereliction and debris. Drugs and crime made the neighborhood unsafe to walk even in the daytime. He began cleaning up vacant lots with the help of his grandfather, Sam Mackey. Then he took the first step in what became known as the Heidelberg Project; he painted his mother's house with brightly colored polka dots as a statement that we are all different but should all be treated equally. It became known as the Dotty Wotty House, sometimes called the People's House.
In my broken Thai, I pointed toward the water and looked at the boatman. “Bua?” I asked. "Bua" means lotus in Thai. I tried to mimic the local accent and used a hand gesture, hoping he would understand and take me to see the flowers. He nodded and smiled, mumbled a string of words that I could not understand, and steered the boat into the open water, still shrouded in morning fog. The boat slowly pierced through the dissipating mist, eerily silent, like something out of a sci-fi movie. Before us, a sea of pink lotuses started to unfold, bit by bit, like a watercolor painting coming to life with each brushstroke. It was surreal, almost like a dream, yet it was real. My jaw dropped in awe when the scene finally unfolded in its entirety.
Join us for this immersive audio journey through Kansas City’s African American heritage. Whether you're a cultural traveler, a history lover, or someone seeking deeper truth, this episode offers a window into the resilience, brilliance, and legacy of Black Kansas City. 🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts: [Apple Podcasts] • [Spotify] • [iHeartRadio] • [WorldFootprints.com]
Plan a culturally rich Southern road trip through Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina with this guide to 24 must-see museums showcasing Southern heritage, art, science, and architecture. Discover iconic landmarks and cultural treasures perfect for itineraries through the Carolinas and Georgia or family outings in the Southeast.
In this special commemorative episode of World Footprints, we reflect on the courage, grief, and resilience that define the American spirit—from the families of fallen soldiers to the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy, and the heroism of World War II veterans.
As the gateway to the world-famous Norwegian fjords, Norway’s Ålesund and Sunnmøre region overflows with an abundance of natural treasures. But nature is only part of the story. The town of Ålesund is a cultural treasure as well, with a tragic yet beautiful history. On a winter’s night in 1904, Ålesund was devastated by a rapidly spreading fire. The fire left 10,000 people homeless and 850 homes in ashes. In a span of three years, the entire town rose from the ashes. Rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style prevalent throughout Europe then, its new facade was stunning.
Over the years, many people helped create the Florida Keys we know today. Some lived there, others only visited. Today, Mallory Square Sculpture Garden displays busts of people who impacted Key West. From Bogart to Hemingway to President Harry Truman, the Florida Keys has always been a magnet for famous characters.
