Tag Archives: Culture

Historical Views: Ponte Vecchio In Florence, Italy

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the most iconic bridges in Florence, Italy. It is the oldest bridge in the city (Ponte Vecchio literally translates to “old bridge”), and one of the oldest segmental arch bridges in the world. Since the Middle Ages, the base of the Ponte Vecchio has consisted of three stone arches and two piers.

The stone structure was completed in 1345, and was built over the course of twelve years. It replaced an earlier wooden structure that collapsed in a flood in 1333. Originally, the buildings on the Ponte Vecchio housed apartments and workshops, as well as butcher shops. Later, the business premises were given to goldsmiths and silversmiths, who added several structural changes to the buildings, such as bay windows and balconies.

Travel: The Top Ten Places To Visit In Bangladesh

Bangladesh, which means the land of the Bengals, is one of the most populated countries in the world with an estimated 170 million people. In the past, Buddhists ruled for centuries, but by the 10th century, Bengal was primarily Hindu.

In 1576, Bengal became part of the Mogul Empire, and the majority of East Bengalis converted to Islam. Bengal was ruled by British India from 1757 until Britain withdrew in 1947. At this time, the province of Bengal was partitioned into East Bengal and West Bengal.

In 1971, Bangladesh fought Pakistan for independence and became the independent country Bangladesh that it is today. The country is home to the world’s largest river delta, and the longest natural uninterrupted sea beach in Asia, which is 120 km long. The villages appear to be buried in groves of mango, jackfruit, bamboo, betel nut, coconut, and date palm. However, only a small portion of the country’s land surface is covered with forests.

The most significant feature of the Bangladesh landscape is provided by the rivers. None of the major rivers of Bangladesh originates within the country’s territory. Thus, Bangladesh lacks full control over the flow of any of the streams that irrigate it. In addition, there are many severe storms during the rainy season. Each year between June and October, the rivers overflow their banks and inundate the countryside.

The inundations are both a blessing and a disaster. Without them, the fertile silt deposits would not be replenished, but severe floods regularly damage crops and sometimes take a heavy toll on human and animal populations. The typical household in Bangladesh, particularly in the villages, includes several generations of extended family. Most marriages are arranged by parents or other relatives, but increasing numbers of educated men and women choose their own partners.

The best time to discover Bangladesh is from October to March. The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by rickshaw. The rickshaws in Bangladesh are unique and colorful. Bangladesh is covered by more than 700 rivers, producing a deliciously lush landscape with more shades of green than you ever imagined. Traveling by boat is a way of life here, and provides a fabulous opportunity to see the country from a more unusual angle. As an un-touristed destination, Bangladesh also lacks much infrastructure, and traveling around can be hard work. So don’t try to pack too much into your itinerary. It’s a place to relax, meet people and discover new ideas and ways of life.

Views: Stone Sculptors Keep Craft Alive In Egypt

For over sixty years, Sayed Al-Mataany has been using thousand-year-old, Ancient Egyptian methods to carve hieroglyphs into vases and sculptures — but major blows to Egypt’s tourism industry have caused a steady decline in the number of tourists coming to Luxor to buy his ornaments. We went to Luxor in Egypt to see how his business is still standing. Sayed does not have a website. He sells his work locally in Luxor.

Cover Preview: Decanter Magazine – June 2022 Issue

Inside the June 2022 issue of Decanter Magazine:

FEATURES

  • Finding value in Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits Charles Curtis MW
  • Spätburgunder Caro Maurer MW
  • NZ Pinot Noir: 20 premium wines Selected by Decanter’s Tina Gellie
  • Muscadet: the crus communaux Beverley Blanning MW
  • The language of tasting notes Chris Losh on the good – and bad

Previews: Art In America Magazine – May 2022 Issue

‘Art In America’ May 2022 – Each May, Art in America brings our readers a sampling of “new talent,” with a special focus on artists whose practice makes them stand out in a sea of competitors vying for attention. “Practice” is very much the operative word here: at a time when many artists are becoming known more for their social-media presence than for their creative endeavors, and when careers are bolstered more by the market than by critical attention, the editors, critics, and curators who contributed to our selection this year remained centered on what matters. As you’ll discover in these pages, the artists showcased are all contributing in some resonant way to the ongoing dialogue around art, aesthetics, and the culture at large, from Alexander Si, who turns an anthropological lens on the culture of whiteness; to Suneil Sanzgiri, whose films engage with anticolonialism; to Laurie Kang, who treats photography as a form of installation art (and who has contributed a compelling print to this issue); to the other notable talents featured. With this issue, we continue a tradition developed over more than a century of this magazine: writing art history as it is being made.

Travel Study: Barcelona Is The Best City In The World

Barcelona

“Barcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design clout of almost any city in the cold north.”

SALLY DAVIES, TELEGRAPH DESTINATION EXPERT

DINING & HOTELS

 

36/50

CULTURE & HISTORY

 

31/50

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

 

35/50

TRANSPORT & GETTING THERE

 

43/50

Views: American Arctic’s Disappearing Traditions

To Laureli Ivanoff, climate change is far from an abstract idea. As an Iñupiat writer living in the remote Alaskan town of Unalakleet, she’s seen firsthand the warming planet’s tangible impact on her culture’s food traditions, some of the only practices to survive colonization. “Ice fishing or hunting or just going out and enjoying ourselves, there’s no way to really do that if there isn’t any snow,” she says.

Animals that rely on snow and sea ice, such as the ugruk—or bearded seal—are harder to find as sea ice melts, leaving subsistence hunters concerned for their livelihoods. Although local native communities have weathered many historic hardships before, Ivanoff believes the challenges ahead are unprecedented. “Already every year, we’re wondering, ‘Is the ocean ice going to form?

Read more about climate change’s impact on the American Arctic : https://ti.me/3MqmwOe

City Guides: The Food And Flavors Of Athens, Greece

Athens! What a city. The Greek capital is home to more culture and history than you can imagine so our Athens travel guide is designed to give you the tools to unlock Athens on your own terms. Athens transport, Greek food, and tips to stay safe are all included.

Athens is the capital of Greece. It was also at the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel topped with ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple. The Acropolis Museum, along with the National Archaeological Museum, preserves sculptures, vases, jewelry and more from Ancient Greece. 

Previews: Humanities Magazine – Spring 2022

HUMANITIES: The Magazine of the National Endowment for the Humanities

In This Issue

Dueling: the Violence of Gentlemen

What honor required of men.

Joseph Farrell

Politics and the Psyche    

During World War II, François Tosquelles treated patients by addressing the sickness of society

Camille Robcis

A New Museum For First Americans 

Oklahoma

Andy Rieger

Culture: ‘Brooklyn Best’

“Brooklyn Best”

Director/Editor: @newyorknico
DoP/Producer: @joebressler
AC: @brianfreakinansel
Gaffer: @johnizarpate
Sound: @_billvella_
PA: Michael Ortiz
@indyb123
Copywriter: @patrickjewing33
Music: @isaac.chords
Colorist: @ceen.mkv

Starring: @nems_fyl @gizmo_vintage_honey @charliedawolf @lilmomozzarella @slikniktheruler @mrsaks5th @aceboon718 @greenladyofbrooklyn @aloeadvntrs @lennyspizza86 @ll08312014 @creationsbyerma @abgneal1 @halseylewisbk @sabinocurcio @thebakeryonbergen @mclarenkickshop1