Category Archives: Culture

Food Culture: Germany’s Love Of White Asparagus

Even the ancient Greeks, wealthy Romans and Emperor August were big asparagus fans. Presumably, the Romans with their expansionist campaigns were behind its quick spread in Europe, including in Germany.

Today, Germany is one of the leading producers of asparagus in Europe. But why are Germans so crazy about the “white gold”? Our reporter Brant Dennis visits an asparagus farm during harvest, to see what exactly makes this funny-looking vegetable so popular.

Cover Preview: Scotland Magazine – July/Aug 2022

SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Published six times a year, every issue of Scotland showcases its stunning landscapes and natural  beauty, and delves deep into Scottish history. From mysterious clans and famous Scots (both past and present), to the hidden histories of the country’s greatest castles and houses, Scotland‘s pages brim with the soul and secrets of the country.
Scotland magazine captures the spirit of this wild and wonderful nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit, so you feel at home here, wherever you are in the world.

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Magazines: The Good Life France – Summer 2022

Front cover of The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2022 issue

The Good Life France Magazine Summer 2022

Discover the intoxicating island of Corsica, a well-kept secret island of beauty where 80% of visitors are from France. Head south to arty Arles, once a Roman colony, adored by artists and now a cultural hotspot, and the wetlands of the Camargue where wild white horses and pink flamingoes roam. We explore gorgeous Antibes on the Mediterranean coast, nothing like its more well known neighbours Nice and Cannes where we also go to find out more about this bucket list beauty. In the north, discover the historic department of Aisne in Picardy – the ancient cradle of France, and Agincourt, a land of glorious countryside and a super museum dedicated to its famous battle.

Cover Preview: Monocle Magazine – July/Aug 2022

Issue 155 cover

Where is the best place to live? What makes a city tick? How can we improve our lot? Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey has posed this question for the past 15 years and 2022’s July/August issue contains the latest. How does your city fare? Plus: hot looks, sunny stays and the perfect summer playlist.

Views: Ancient Food In Merzouga, Morocco

Ancient food in the Merzouga Region of Morocco. Merzouga is a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. It’s known as a gateway to Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes north of town. West of Merzouga, Dayet Srji is a seasonal salt lake that’s often dry in summer. When full, it attracts a wide range of migratory and desert birds, including desert warblers, Egyptian nightjars and, occasionally, flamingos.

Restaurants: Dar Aytma Restaurant and Dar Gnaoua Bambara.

Magical Towns: Cholula & Puebla, Southern Mexico

@Eva zu Beck takes you on a journey to Cholula and Puebla, two cities in central Mexico designated as Pueblos Mágicos, or Magical Towns. These are places that offer visitors a very special experience, owing to their typical historic character and in some cases, colonial-era architecture. As well as a spectacular pyramid and a miniature volcano, the towns are a great place to experience the Danza de los Voladores, or Dance of the Flyers.

Views: Horses Return To Vineyards In France

Horsepower is making a comeback in vineyards across France as wine growers look for more ecological ways to operate. Not only does using horses instead of tractors help reduce CO2 emissions, the animals are also more precise and better for the soil, say converts.

Medieval Views: Guédelon Castle – Burgundy, France

More than 20 years ago, a community of men and women in the French region of Burgundy set themselves a massive challenge: to build a castle using the techniques of the Middle Ages. The site in the town of Guédelon is open to visitors, offering them an immersion into the 13th century. Today, nearly 40 people work every day on this medieval construction site. Stone quarrying is the first step in building a castle. And to transport the stones to the site, modern machines are banned: everything is done like in the 13th century, with horsepower.

Views: 2022 Vogalonga Festival In Venice, Italy

The Vogalonga is a non-competitive celebration for all rowers. This peaceful protest against wave damage caused by motor boats, and lagoon degeneration, brings together Venetians and enthusiasts from around the world.

The naval review Vogalonga is held, yearly, in Venice on the  Pentecost  Day. The Vogalonga which started in 1975 by the local rowing clubs as a protest against the wash and the waves created by the ever increasing number of motor boats in the city and the lagoon. More than 400 boats in various kinds and sizes from 50 Venice’s clubs and private boats from all over the world participate in this wonderful event.

Views: Snowdrops From The Caucasus, Georgia

Khatuna Jakeli loves snowdrops. Not only because they’re pretty, but because they provide her with an income. Every year in April and May, she treks through the Caucasus mountains of Adjara and collects the wildflower bulbs. The bulbs are then sold to the Netherlands, from where they are shipped to flower stores throughout Europe.

The Caucasus delivers 22 million snowdrops to the Netherlands every year, including 15 million wild snowdrops. A lucrative business, from which little remains for Khatuna Jakeli. Yet it is her most important source of income. A report by Juri Rescheto.