Culture by Katerina Papathanasiou
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New Acropolis Lighting System Creates a Vision of Athens–After Dark

Athens, Greece, has long been a heralded site in history: the center of early civilization and epic tales of fortified gods living among men. To today’s viewing audience, the mighty Acropolis of Athens is a rousing mixture of futurism and tradition, sitting stoically against a twenty-first-century landscape of modernity and contemporary life. The building system’s various structures, which have been under construction for the better part of 50 years thanks to the Acropolis Restoration Project, is now in the midst of another revision. And this one might be the most illuminating update of them all.

Life by Katerina Papathanasiou
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La Calavera Catrina: Mexico’s Lady of the Dead

Often referred to as the Grande Dame of Death, La Calavera Catrina (the “elegant skull”)—or, simply, La Catrina—is frequently seen throughout the streets of Mexico during the Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, celebrations. You’ve likely seen the face before: an eerie meld of macabre and charm; fear and poise. But from where did this deathly figure emerge? What does she stand for? And why has she become such a ubiquitous part of Mexican culture?

Travel by Katerina Papathanasiou
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The Only Constant Is Change at Monahans Sandhills State Park

At the southern tip of the Llano Estacado mesa in West Texas sits a small state park that boasts an unusual attraction for its visitors: no two trips to the 4,000-acre Monahans Sandhills State Park are ever the same. With its endless, sprawling sand dunes, the park itself is a canvas waiting to be painted by the constant wind that whips across the landscape.

Travel by Katerina Papathanasiou
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Airbnb Offers Chance To Spend the Night in Hell

Hell, Michigan, that is. That’s right, nestled deep in the southern region of the “Great Lakes State,” in Livingston County, lies an unincorporated community called Hell. With no defined boundaries or population statistics, Hell (as it appears on maps) is difficult to take seriously as a place name. But don’t tell that to the locals, especially the self-proclaimed Mayor of Hell, John Colone, who keeps his town’s reputation alive by indulging visitors with terrifying tableaus and horror stories.

Life by Katerina Papathanasiou
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Tips for Visitors To U.S. National and State Parks During COVID-19

As we adapt to a new normal to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, outdoor enthusiasts are finding ways to get back outside safely. Being outside isn’t just good for your physical health, it can help combat feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry brought on by the uncertainty of the global pandemic. As long as we’re following guidelines set out by local governments and keeping the wellbeing of ourselves and our neighbors in mind, it’s possible to get your much-needed fix of mountain air.

Travel by Katerina Papathanasiou
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Conway: A Riverfront Historic Town to Visit in South Carolina

Conway is best known as a historic riverfront town that was founded in 1734 as the “Village of Kingston.” The Waccamaw River made trade and commerce convenient by producing lumber and turpentine and hauling them down the river. This made Conway’s economy strong and prosperous for many years, long before any touristy-resort communities were developed.