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Category Archives: Culture
Previews: France Today Magazine – April/May 2022
Ecosystems: Plastic Nets On The Ganges River, India
Follow a local fisherman as he navigates his community’s dependency of plastic nets and the effects this has on the river. The National Geographic Society, committed to illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world, funded the Sea to Source: Ganges expedition.
Travel & Culture: In The West Bank Of Palestine
Palestine means a lot of different things to many people, and may not be the most obvious travel destination. It is often associated with conflict and political unrest, overlooking the fact that it’s also a beautiful and fascinating region, with a vibrant culture, incredible historic landmarks, spectacular natural scenery, inspiring religious sites, tasty food, and friendly, welcoming people.
On this journey, I’m traveling through the Holy Land, a region important to the three main monotheistic religions, and known today as Israel and Palestine. In this first episode, I’m exploring the West Bank, the largest and most accessible part of Palestine. From stunning natural scenery to intriguing historic sites. From the busy streets of Ramallah to the narrow alleyways of Nablus’ old city.
From religious landmarks in Hebron and Bethlehem to the ancient ruins of Jericho. Along the way, I meet some of the people that call this land home, and sample the local cuisine. I’ll do so from a traveler’s perspective, focusing on the positive stories and things to do. But here and there I also mention the conflict between Israel and Palestine, since it has impacted the lives of many people in the region. For those interested in the politics and modern history of the region, however, I recommend to read, watch, and listen to as many different sources as you can.
Travel Guides: Culture, Food & Beer In Brussels
Brussels! We’re back with the Attaché “Classic” format for this one. Brussels, an unappreciated city on so many levels, this Belgian capital has so much to offer.
Great food like frites, Belgian waffles, and of course Belgian beer, but also Brussels is home to amazing architecture, a solid public transport system, and layers and layers of fascination. We take a deep dive in Belgium’s political centre and put some of those long-standing Brussels stereotypes to bed.
The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and historical centre of the Brussels-Capital Region, as well as the capital of Belgium. It is also the administrative centre of the European Union, and is thus often dubbed, along with the region, the EU’s capital city.
Travel & Culture: Route 66 America’s Heartland Road
The historic ‘Mother Road’ of America is Route 66. It has connected Chicago and Los Angeles across eight states and four time zones since it was opened almost 80 years ago. It now provides a nostalgic and entertaining journey through a dramatic and exciting period of American history.
From Chicago in the east to Los Angeles in the west, there is only one direction in songs, novels, and for Route 66 lovers. This fabled route snakes its way through the gorges of the city at Lake Michigan before becoming a rural road for about 4000 kilometres across “Small-town America.” In many parts, Route 66 still looks like a museum from the 1930s and 1950s. This three-part series delves into the rich and historic route that has come to resemble a piece of American history, geography, and faded American ambitions from the past.
Views: The Mail Carriers Of Réunion Island, France
Cyril Maillot is a mail carrier in Réunion – in the most literal sense. On the tropical island in the Indian Ocean, some villages can’t be reached by road. So Maillot hikes to remote areas with a backpack full of mail. He travels by foot to places not accessible by car, deep into the mountainous region of Mafate.
A hike of several days over narrow paths and steep ascents – and in all kinds of weather. When it rains, the streams sometimes swell into a raging river. But Cyril Maillot loves his job. It’s his personal yoga: “You switch off completely and leave city life behind.” And for many of the local people in the mountains, the weekly visit by Cyril the mail carrier is their only regular contact with the outside world. A report by Lisa Louis.
Réunion Island, a French department in the Indian Ocean, is known for its volcanic, rainforested interior, coral reefs and beaches. Its most iconic landmark is Piton de la Fournaise, a climbable active volcano standing 2,632m (8,635 ft.). Piton des Neiges, a massive extinct volcano, and Réunion’s 3 calderas (natural amphitheaters formed by collapsed volcanoes), are also climbing destinations.
Hawaiian Views: Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha Farm, Oahu
EYES OF THE LAND celebrates the spirit of Hoa ‘Āina O Mākaha, an ever-evolving community resource and sanctuary that has become a template for educational farms on O’ahu.
Born in the small village of Uggiate in Italy, and originally serving as a Catholic Priest in the Philipines, Gigi Cocquio helped found HAOM in 1979, nurturing it as executive director and caretaker, alongside his wife Judy, for the past 40+ years.
This film honors the legacy of what has been built, the seeds of hope that have been planted, and the many lives that have been touched.
hoaainaomakaha.org
Directed, Filmed, & Edited by Rob Lau
Story Design by Emily Lau
Aerial Cinematography by Bayly Buck
Additional Aerials by Valen Ahlo
Additional Camera by Valen Ahlo & Oz Go
Additional Footage by ʻŌiwi TV
Sound by Rob Lau & Chris Balidio
Music by Tiny Music “Ask the Right Question” l Peter Sandberg “Dismantle” | Tall Heights “Keeps Me Light Instrumental” | Judah Earl “Dreaming in Color Instrumental”
Archival Photos Courtesy of Gigi Cocquio & Ed Greevy
Special thanks to Jasmine Joy, Judy Seladis-Cocquio, Kelsey Thornberry, Puanani Burgess, & the Hoa ‘Āina Staff
Coffee Culture: Italy’s ‘Magical’ Espresso Ritual
A shot of dark, velvety coffee is more than just a quick caffeine hit: #Italy‘s #espresso is a prized social and cultural ritual the country considers a national heritage worthy of #UNESCO status.
Espresso is a coffee-brewing method of Italian origin, in which a small amount of nearly boiling water is forced under 9–10 bars of pressure through finely-ground coffee beans. Espresso coffee can be made with a wide variety of coffee beans and roast degrees.
Views: Barbados – World’s Youngest Republic (Video)
On November 30, 2021, #Barbados became the world’s youngest #republic, cutting historic ties with the British monarchy. In the 17th century, the #Caribbean island state became a British colony dedicated to sugar production. Some 90 percent of its population are descended from slaves. Since independence in 1966, Barbados had long been ambivalent about its colonial heritage. But today, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley is taking the country into a new era. Our team reports.
Boomers Daily 