Travel & Leisure

Brazil: Much More than Samba and Football

When people think of Brazil, two things surely come to mind: Carnival and Football. But Brazil is way much more than that. It has wonderful places spread all over its varied geography. Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Bahia are some of these hidden jewels.

Hidden Brazilian Jewels

Brazil is synonym of lush rainforests, sun-kissed beaches, magnificent colonial towns and incredible musical richness. As cities go, there aren't many other countries that offer so many opportunities for adventure and discovery. We selected cities where football matches will take place and out of the treaded path, and yet with plenty to offer and render youth trip to Brazil an unforgettable one. Enjoy their rich cultural heritage, wonderful cuisine, marvelous music, vibrant urban landscapes, post-card like coastlines, exciting activity and fun night life.

BONAIRE: working towards a wellness destination!

It is no secret that when people visit Bonaire, they change gears almost immediately and adopt a slower pace. If they remain for any length of time, they find that many of their aches and pains have disappeared or have been greatly reduced. I speak from experience. When I first arrived on our sunny shores I had been diagnosed with MS (multiple sclerosis) and was certainly suffering the early stages of trying to deal with an unsure future. That was over thirty years ago and counting!!

Staircases of the World

While staircases are fundamentally a means to get from one point to another, they become cool—and worth seeking out—when the form is made at least as important as the function. Whether in shops, museums, or the great outdoors, these staircases are inspiring works of public art and provide interesting perspective on a destination.

Aruba: Sunny Melting Pot in the Caribbean

With a population of over 100,000 inhabitants Aruba is made up of a culturally diverse mixture of well-educated people with a friendly nature and a zest for hospitality. Today’s Arubans are generally of mixed ancestry of Caquetio Indian, African and European roots. The island is a happy melting pot.

Lights, Camera, Christmas!

Celebrating the season spirit with lights all over the World

The Rich Culture of the Virgin Islands

Mention the word "Bamboula" and few Virgin Islanders today will know what you're talking about. We once did. The Bamboula was an African-derived dance, music and drumming tradition that flourished in the Virgin Islands prior to the 20th century; it is cousin to the "Bomba", an African-inspired folkloric tradition that still thrives in Puerto Rico.

Nicosia

At a corner of the Turkish section of Nicosia I stumble upon a small niche in the scorched wall. It is just past three in the afternoon, and the streets are empty. Actually, half of the old, walled city looks a bit deserted most of the day both on the Turkish and Greek side of the demilitarized zone.

The Multi-Cultural Spirit of Genuine Curaçao Liqueur

When the Spanish colonized Curaçao in the early 1500s, they imported their deliciously sweet Valencia oranges in the hopes of cultivating a New World citrus crop. Originally from Southern Asia, the orange made its way to Syria, Persia, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

The Sand-Covered Floors Synagogues

Synagogues are a vital part of Jewish heritage and some of them are magnificent historical landmarks. A special feature of some synagogues is that they use sand-covered floors. There are five such synagogues in the world. All five belong to Sephardic congregations.