Sarasota, Florida, can elicit many different images: sunny beaches, lush golf courses, groves of orange trees. The possibilities are endless – it’s a veritable paradise for outsiders looking to escape the year-round doldrums.
Category: Life
Devil in a Green Dress: A Brief History of Absinthe
There was a time when you’d have to be mad to take a swig from a bottle of absinthe. However, the once-forbidden anise-flavored spirit has experienced a resurgence in popularity and is now the go-to tipple for many partygoers – from bachelorette parties to golden wedding anniversaries. But how did it get here?
The Elegant Tradition of Mime in Ballet
In order to grasp the intricacies of the art of ballet, one must truly understand and appreciate the elements that have been incorporated into its delicate folds since its creation nearly 600 years ago. One such element has managed to leave a particularly indelible impression.
A Brief History of Saint Valentine’s Day
Few patron saints have birthed polarizing legacies as lasting as Saint Valentine. Valentine’s Day, or Saint Valentine’s Day, is a recognized holiday, occurring each year on February 14, wherein lovers exchange gifts and indulge in pleasantries. Alternatively, the unattached are often left to feel castigated for their failures to find a partner. Whatever your thoughts on the occasion, Saint Valentine’s history is as important as it is fascinating and murky.
The Cliffside Cemeteries of Sagada, Philippines
In the remote Mountain Province of Sagada, Philippines, the natives practice a burial ritual that draws curious visitors and photographers from countries all over the world. For over 2,000 years, the Sagada people have laid their deceased residents to rest in coffins that dangle from the side of Sagada’s steep Echo Valley cliffs as well as inside its many caves.
Tupelo, MS: The Humble Birthplace of the King of Rock and Roll
When most people think of Elvis Presley, they picture him in his famous Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee – a symbol of opulence and prestige. It may come as a surprise, however, that the “King” wasn’t born into the wealthy lifestyle that was virtually synonymous with his fame.
Shackleton’s Hut: Home to Hundred-Year-Old Frozen Whisky
In August of 1907, Irish Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew set sail on their 200 ton-ship, the “Nimrod,” in an attempt to be the first expedition to reach the geographic South Pole. Shackleton and his small team were met with many hardships, but also achieved many “firsts,” including climbing Mount Erebus, the world’s southernmost volcano.
Morocco’s Souss Valley: Where Goats Grow on Trees
Morocco is a country of vibrant sights and sounds. From its delectable cuisine to its colorful open-air markets, it appeals to each one of the five senses. In southwestern Morocco, nestled inside the Souss Valley, visitors are treated to one of the country’s most unique spectacles..
Hidden Heroine: Exploring the Story of Anne Frank
One of the most compelling figures to emerge from World War II wasn’t a military hero or a world leader. It was a young Jewish girl with a front-row seat to the Holocaust, who kept a diary of her most candid thoughts and observations. Her story serves as a reminder of the horrors of antisemitism, racism, and discrimination, even today.
The Real History of Santa Claus
For years, Santa Claus has been busy “making his list and checking it twice,” but the man in the red suit has come a long way from his humble beginnings to the Santa the world knows and loves today.