Emma Nelson, Terry Stiastny, Tessa Szyszkowitz and Monocle’s Hong Kong bureau chief, James Chambers, unpack the weekend’s hottest topics.
All posts by She Seeks Serene
Front Page: The New York Times – September 18, 2022

Ukraine Wants the U.S. to Send More Powerful Weapons. Biden Is Not So Sure.
President Biden wants to avoid provoking Russia at a moment when American officials fear Vladimir V. Putin could escalate the war to compensate for recent losses.
The ‘Wild Field’ Where Putin Sowed the Seeds of War
In one small town in the Donbas region, everything suddenly fell apart. It was part of Vladimir Putin’s grand plan, and it helped lay the groundwork for the invasion of Ukraine. Now things are heating up again.
Cinematic Travel: An Epic 30-Day Roadtrip In Iceland
Iceland, island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Lying on the constantly active geologic border between North America and Europe, Iceland is a land of vivid contrasts of climate, geography, and culture. Sparkling glaciers, such as Vatna Glacier (Vatnajökull), Europe’s largest, lie across its ruggedly beautiful mountain ranges; abundant hot geysers provide heat for many of the country’s homes and buildings and allow for hothouse agriculture year-round; and the offshore Gulf Stream provides a surprisingly mild climate for what is one of the northernmost inhabited places on the planet.
Travel & Culture: North In The Mountains Of Iran
Iran’s mountainous terrain has always been an important part of people’s lives. Years ago, these mountains were populated by legendary horsemen. Today, they are the subject of scientific investigation. This film provides the viewer with stunning arial views of these mountains. It unfurls the rich tapestry of Iran’s history, from the legendary Order of the Assassins to the Mongol invasions. We also get to know Iran by meeting some of the fascinating people who live there. Take Ali, a world champion of mounted archery. Despite its waning popularity, the sport has endured in Iran due the importance of horses throughout Iranian history. We get to explore the historic Tabiz bazaar, which is still a bustling market and kaleidoscope of cultures today. There, we meet Dschebrael, a stall owner who speaks Azeri, the official language of Azerbaijan. In fact, Azeri can be heard throughout the market, which serves as a meeting place for Iran’s many ethnic groups, and thus as a microcosm of the country’s cultural diversity. The film introduces us to beekeepers and violinmakers, as well as young people living in Iran who want to travel and express themselves freely on social media — even though it is forbidden.
Italy Views: A 36-Mile Bike Ride Around Lake Como
Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio.
Video timeline: 0:00 Intro and Map 1:25 Tremezzo 3:25 Villa Carlotta 4:32 Cadenabbia 6:07 Griante 14:07 Menaggio 22:08 Nobiallo 32:18 Acquaseria 34:03 Sant’Abbondio 36:19 Santa Maria 38:47 Santa Maria Rezzonico 40:02 Castello di Rezzonico 44:46 Prato 46:02 San Vito 50:36 Calozzo 53:46 Bellera 54:16 Musso 58:50 Dongo 1:04:32 San Gregorio 1:07:19 Gravedona ed Uniti 1:11:40 Domaso 1:18:07 Vercana 1:19:58 Cinque Case 1:23:27 Gera Lario 1:25:17 Sorico 1:30:30 Ponte del Passo 1:38:32 Adda River 1:40:26 Colico 2:05:45 Dorio 2:09:59 Corenno Plinio 2:11:42 Dervio 2:19:30 Bellano 2:29:35 Perledo 2:33:48 Varenna
At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate.
Views: American Heritage Magazine – September 2022

Antietam, America’s Bloodiest Day
In September 1862 the South hoped to end the war by invading Maryland just before the mid-term elections. But its hopes were dashed after the bloodiest day in American history. By Justin Martin
Johnstown: “Run For Your Lives!”
In the hills above Johnstown, the old South Fork dam had failed. Down the Little Conemaugh came the torrent, sweeping away everything in its path. By David McCullough
Remembering David McCullough
He became the dean of American historians after learning his craft working for five years on the staff of American Heritage. By Edwin S. Grosvenor
Carving Up the Americas
By artfully illustrating the boundaries of colonial powers, mapmakers in the 1700s helped define what our New World would become. By Neal Asbury, Jean-Pierre Isbouts
Summer Resort Walks: Vail In Northwest Colorado
Vail, Colorado, is a small town at the base of Vail Mountain, home of the massive Vail Ski Resort. Set within White River National Forest, the town is a gateway for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a summertime destination for golfing, hiking and cultural festivals. Gore Creek, popular for fly fishing, runs directly through the town center.
Alpine Walks: St. Moritz In Southern Switzerland
Saint Moritz, a town, or Gemeinde (commune), Graubünden canton, southeastern Switzerland. Saint Moritz lies in the Oberengadin (Upper Inn Valley) and is surrounded by magnificent Alpine peaks. The town consists of the Dorf (village), the Bad (spa), and the hamlets of Suvretta and Champfèr. Originally known for its curative mineral springs, it became a fashionable spa and summer resort in the 17th century. Since the late 19th century, it has developed as one of the world’s most famous winter-sport centres and was the scene of the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and 1948. The resort is on an international highway, is linked by rail with international lines, and has an airport at Samedan, just northeast. Saint Moritz depends on tourism and the hotel industry.
Walking Tour: Leuven In Central Belgium (4K)
Leuven is a city east of Brussels, Belgium, known for its breweries. On a central square is the 15th-century town hall, with its tall spires. The building is decorated with hundreds of statues of local figures, biblical characters and saints. Opposite, the late Gothic St. Peter’s Church houses a “Last Supper” by the Flemish Primitive painter Dieric Bouts. Nearby, Oude Markt is a long square lined with bars and cafes.
Resort Town Walks: Banff In Southwestern Canada
Banff is a resort town in the province of Alberta, located within Banff National Park. The peaks of Mt. Rundle and Mt. Cascade, part of the Rocky Mountains, dominate its skyline. On Banff Avenue, the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with château-style hotels and souvenir shops. The surrounding 6,500 square kilometres of parkland are home to wildlife including elk and grizzly bears.