by Vladia Jurcova Growing up in communist Czechoslovakia, traveling abroad was more or less out of the question. Thus, Bratislava became my world. The city’s opulent past and its bold vision of the future had both destroyed and preserved the unique place where I grew up. Although Slovakia’s capital is located only thirty-five miles north…
by Amy Mallett Ah, Paris. Just saying the word conjures a feeling of wistful longing and evokes a little, breathy sigh. I can attest that everything you’ve ever heard about it in a song or seen in a movie is true: Paris is a magical, mystical place. With the exception of picking up a flu…
by Avi Kramer Train stations in seemingly every city in China are packed with country folks, “nongmin” or peasants as they’re called, crouched on the curb, waiting for a job. They are tiny people with wide eyes dressed in old military fatigues. Next to them are puffy, thin-canvas bags that hold all of their worldly…
by Sharon Spence Lieb Chiang Mai, Thailand… In my fantasy, I am Keeper of the Royal Elephants for his Majesty, The King of Thailand: “Bring me a female White Elephant,” my King commands. “Sacred and rare, they’re not easily found. I hear they are charmed by purple orchids.” “Your Majesty,” I stammer. “In all my…
by Stephanie Block I am the worst person to write this article. My idea of an outdoor adventure is being approached by an off-leash poodle at the park near my house. Don’t get me wrong—I love the outdoors. I’m glad it’s there. I just don’t feel the need to commune much with its poison oaks…
by Sarah Ruether Like many women, I used to be afraid to travel alone. But when my sister fell back on her promise to show me Chile, I knew that if I wanted to go, I would have to go alone. I had completed my course work for graduate school, and felt the walls of…
by Roxanne Van Leuven, Style Diva A girl’s gotta have great gadgets, and our Style Diva recommends these Top Ten! 1.iPod with Video The innovative iPod has improved yet again, making tiresome travel and weary work commutes a thing of the past. Whether you’re in the mood for music, movies or you’re simply desperate to…