Blogs of the World

From our contributors: week of October 25th

We continue with our bi-weekly roundup of articles written by some members of our contributors team on their personal blogs.

Sandra, our contributor from Portugal, published a series of posts where she pairs a Dutch flower with a Portuguese song. A fun and entertaining way to enjoy beautiful flowers and great music.

Jenna, our contributor from Poland, describes her backpacking journey across Poland, visiting the towns where her ancestors came from and how those places have shaped the person she is today.

“And I’m even more dumbfounded by the history of seemingly coincidental connections that shaped my family past and who I am. Each of my great-grandparents moved from these very similar places in Poland to America – alone. As far as I know, they all met and married in America. Yet, their home villages were all so much alike – places that have probably retained these similar characteristics for over a century.”

Marta, our contributor from Spain, writes about 48H Open House BCN, an event during which more than 160 buildings open their doors to the public.

“48H Open House BCN means the chance to visit more than 160 amazing buildings in Barcelona, next weekend, and completely for free. I think it’s a really interesting activity, as many of the buildings are not usually open to the public for a guided visit.”

Mike, our contributor from Japan, brings us photo essay about old staircases in Okinawa.

“On the outer islands of Okinawa, Japan there are many old caves and sacred wells. Some of them are pretty cool and they make great subjects for photography.”

Read more

From our contributors: week of October 11
Italian food lover in California
Ethiopian art and culture

Italian food lover in California

I found Simona’s blog while making a Google search to find out what lenticchie Castelluccio are. She’s an Italian living in California and describes Briciole (crumbs) as “An idiosyncratic and opinionated dictionary of Italian words related to food, with audio accompaniment – and recipes”.

Briciole is both cookery blog and guide to Italian language and customs related to food. For example this post, which touches on the difference between Italian biscotti, American cookies and English biscuits.

There’s also advice on how to track down Italian ingredients in California (including the lentils I was after). For Italian speakers, some posts are in both languages.

Read more:
Blogs from Italy
The cappuccino rule: fact or fiction?
Why Italians don’t use a bath towel

From our contributors: week of September 27th

Here’s our bi-weekly roundup of articles written by some members of our contributors team on their personal blogs. Happy reading!

LeX, our contributor from Malaysia, writes about the 10 festivals visitors to Korea shouldn’t miss this autumn. From the Icheon Ceramics Festival to the Andong Mask Dance Festival to the Gyeongju Traditional Drink & Rice Cake Festival, LeX provides interesting and useful information for visitors.

“After a hot steaming summer, autumn is on its way. The floras started to shrink back to its buds, some of the flowers may start to wilt and fall drop to prepare the coming of cold season. The tree of the leaves will start to turn into maple leaves where various attracting colours such yellow, orange, red maple leaves can be seen everywhere in Korea. So, what can you do if you want to visit Korea in this refreshing fall season? ” (more…)

From our contributors: September 13th

Here’s our bi-weekly roundup of articles written by members of out team on their personal blogs. This week we take a virtual tour of the art in some Paris churches, take part in the Moon Festival in Japan, get pushed in Hong Kong and celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai. Happy reading!

Anu, our contributor from India, writes about the last day of Ganesh Chartuthi, a festival devoted to the Hindu god Ganesha. Although it was raining, devotees came out ion full force to celebrate their god.

“This year, the Lord arrived amidst pouring rains, and he decided to leave amidst pouring rains too! After a couple of dry days, the heavens seem to have opened up just for Him to leave! However, the enthusiasm has not abated…” (more…)

Ethiopian art and culture

Addis Journal is dedicated to “Arts & Culture, Life & Society” of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia. The author Arefe says:

“it chronicles the emergence and growth of Ethiopian painting, drawing, sculpture and decorative arts.”

Ethiopia has a lively arts scene – amongst other things you can read about cutting edge Ethio-jazz musicians and the Art of Ethiopia exhibition recently held in the Addis Ababa Sheraton hotel.

Read more:
More East African blogs from Blogs of the World
An Eritrean village in photos
The rains continue in Zambia

From our contributors: August 30

This roundup of posts published by our contributors on their personal blogs is now bi-weekly.  Happy reading!

Mike, our contributor from Japan, brings us an impressive photo essay about a cave called Shimuku Gama, located in Yomitan -Okinawa-, where a thousand villagers took refuge during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. The monument to two local heroes is, indeed, a sobering sight.

“To appreciate what it must feel like being bombed into the Stone Age it’s probably best to show you this cave from the inside, looking out.  Welcome to a cave called Shimuku Gama in Yomitan Okinawa, Japan.”

Anu, our contributor from India, writes about different religious traditions and celebrations in India, especially those which are new to her. She comes across a new festival by chance while visiting a market. (more…)