Born in 1875 on the rugged Caribbean island of Martinique, Ludger Sylbaris led a roguish, if uneventful, life of crime and debauchery. Petty thievery, drunken stupors, fisticuffs with local merchants—Ludger earned a well-deserved reputation as being the island’s bad egg. So how did this nefarious character earn his claim to fame?
During this uncertain time, stories of human survival—especially in times of sheer hopelessness—can provide an uplifting swell throughout long periods of tedium and fear. This one, in particular, redefines the term: perseverance.
Many of us are currently sequestered indoors, away from our invigorating and purpose-driven routines. It can be argued that those who are confined with others, like roommates, family, or friends, are lucky in that they are at least allowed to engage in conversation with others and aren’t made to struggle with complete loneliness. Wherever you are, you should know that there are benefits to being alone. And, of course, some drawbacks.
Nestled deep in the hidden valleys of Yunnan, China, east of the Himalayas and abutting the blue waters of Lugu Lake, sits a community of inhabitants known as the Mosuo people. And like most members of this community, they collectively share several similarities—traits, ideals, morals, beliefs. What sets this group apart from the rest of their mainland counterparts is their surprisingly modern approach to Chinese tradition. In this mysterious and unspoiled region, known as the “Kingdom of Women,” men take a backseat.
In the quaint Romanian town of Săpânţa, the local Merry Cemetery features a colorful tableau of more than 800 grave markers that manage to elicit emotions that are uncharacteristic of traditional burial grounds. Somber slate and graphite mounds are replaced with colorful wooden crosses—each depicting, in almost playful detail, the life and death of each of the town’s former residents.
The Spanish Flu wreaked havoc on an unsuspecting audience between the years of 1918 and 1919. While flu viruses are common, this particular strain proved deadly—and was an eerie foreshadowing of things to come.
If you’re still picnicking the old fashioned way (flannel blanket, a bag of chips, and a lukewarm bottle of chardonnay), you are seriously missing out. Gone are the days of ants spoiling your fun. And forget about cramming store-bought snacks into that dusty wicker basket. Because one California-based company is doing for picnicking what glamping did for spending a night out in the woods.
Set out on a digital hike throughout the National Park of your choosing and take in the scenery via crystal-clear resolution for a truly immersive outdoor adventure—or as near as one can get to it.
If you are currently self-contained as a courtesy to at-risk audiences, or if you yourself are recovering from a bout of the COVID-19 virus, there is no better way to while away the hours in isolation than to become swept up in the magic of Monet, Manet, Modigliani—and everything in between. Google Arts & Culture has gathered an impressive collection of over 1200+ museums on its platform—and anyone with access to an internet connection can take a virtual tour from anywhere they like.
Dallas is an absolute gem of a city—and one of the largest, most populated in all the country. As such, you will never be short of a good time as ample opportunities to experience the southern charm, history, and hospitality of Texas are abounding. Get ready to giddy up and discover everything you need to see if you’ve got a few days to spend in this charming, cultural metropolis.
