Lanzarote and the Magic of Manrique
By: Nick Ball Very few artists have bequeathed the type of legacy that Lanzarote has received from one of its most famous son’s, César Manrique. Not only was he ahead of his time with regard to environmental matters, but his creativity spanned a range of forms that is beyond the reach of most painters. Manrique’s output covered oil canvases, sculptures, architectural designs, landscaping and numerous other expressions. His understanding of man’s relationship to his environment also led him to champion the way in which his beloved island dealt with tourist development. As a result, Lanzarote is one of the only holiday destinations in the world that owes much of its unspoiled charm to an artist’s eye, as well as the immense natural beauty it possesses....
Read MoreBest Ways To Stay In Touch When Traveling
By: Susan Gerle It is always a concern to try and stay in touch with family and friends while traveling to different parts of the globe. Here are a few ways to communicate when you are out of the country. 1.Local Phone Cards I always carry a phone card with me when I travel in the US or Canada. The one I have used for 3 years now is Liberty/ Premier Plus combo card, which I purchase at London Drugs in Canada. It can be used for short or long calls. The only thing to be aware of is it expires 6 months from the first use. That’s better than other cards that often expire in 30 days. 2.International Phone Cards Pretty well every country sells phone cards to make calls overseas. The hardest part is to find one that has an English voice option to follow...
Read MoreViernes Santo Silent Procession in San Luis Potosí, Mexico
By: Laura Nazimiec Easter Holy Week or Semana Santa is celebrated in cities and towns throughout Mexico with dramatic processions and passion plays. Mexico is a predominantly Catholic country and religious traditions play an important role in Mexican culture. Viernes Santo, or Good Friday, is one of the most important days of the Holy Week celebrations with solemn processions and recreations of the crucifixion. One of the country’s largest passion plays is acted out in the Ixtapalapa neighborhood of Mexico City, not far from where I’m living in Santiago Zapotitlán. On Good Friday Ixtapalapa attracts more than a million spectators. The passion play in Ixtapalapa is a realistic reenactment of the crucifixion that takes place on the Cerro de la...
Read MoreWhat to Pack for a Mediterranean Cruise Vacation
By: Adrianne Duthie When one thinks about a Mediterranean cruise the first word that comes to mind is ‘relaxation’. Sitting by the pool, enjoying a good book and a frozen daiquiri while slowing drifting by the ancient isles of the Mediterranean Sea sounds like the very definition of the phrase. However, the preparation for a cruise vacation, and most particularly, the packing is anything but relaxing. I know firsthand how stressful it can be, so I thought I’d share some of my own experience to help make your preparation go a little more smoothly. Start packing early This is the most valuable tip I can give you, and one that I cannot stress enough. The last thing you want to be doing is scrambling around, trying to get stuff organized for your...
Read MoreThe 4 Top Things to Do and the Best Places to Visit on Your Trip to Mexico
By: Susan Gerle Whether it’s discovering the ruins, diving and snorkeling, visiting major cities, or studying cultural differences, Mexico has it all! Whatever the tourist is looking for, they can find it in this country. 1 – Discover The Ruins The Aztec and Mayan ruins in Mexico are really worth seeing. Three of the most popular sites are Chichen Itza and Tulum on the Yucatan Penninsula, and Tenochtitlan in Mexico City. Chichen Itza and Tulum are side trips available to anyone visiting the Mayan Riviera or Cancun. It is well worth taking in both to get an understanding of the Mayan culture. El Castillo is the highest pyramid on the site at Chichen Itza. The structure was built for the Mayan astronomers and during the spring and fall equinox in the...
Read More
