Culture: Modern Beijing: The New Greets the Old

Culture: Modern Beijing: The New Greets the Old

by Shelley Seale Beijing is a city with more than 3,000 years of recorded history and a glorious cultural heritage; yet it is also a bustling metropolitan that has given birth to an artistic youth movement in recent years. Today’s Beijing is a place where ancient historical sights stand side-by-side with a thriving avant-garde culture…

Culture: Navigating Wine and Waters in San Diego’s Downtown

Culture: Navigating Wine and Waters in San Diego’s Downtown

by Alexa Evans Apparently, you can have too much Sauvignon Blanc. Although I am admittedly quite fond of the herbaceous varietal, a taste I obtained while residing in New Zealand, I temporarily called a moratorium on all glasses of glistening white vino until I was certain they would no longer induce spinning rooms. The decision…

Inspiration: An Annual Southwest Adventure: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Inspiration: An Annual Southwest Adventure: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

by Sheila Gaspers Rising before the crack of dawn is no easy task for me. But the anticipation of seeing hundreds of colorful balloons dance amidst the clouds against the spectacular backdrop of New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains was a motivating force that could not be ignored. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a world class…

Wine Roads of Croatia: Discovering Slavonia

Wine Roads of Croatia: Discovering Slavonia

There are many reasons to visit Croatia. The country’s rich history, beautiful countryside, magical coast, and welcoming people draw thousands of tourists each year. But sidetracking from the standard tour to explore the roads less traveled will bring discoveries that promise to enlighten the heart and palate. My travels would take me to Slavonia, a…