Throughout the world, 79.5 million people have been forcibly displaced, and 26 million of them are refugees. Many people are vaguely aware of the plight of refugees worldwide, but most have no idea of just how dire the situation truly is. In an effort to shed light on this horrific crisis, a puppet by the name of “Little Amal” is going on an 8,000-kilometer journey, beginning at the border of Syria and Turkey.
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.
When searching the centuries for suitable examples, Alice Liddell is perhaps not the most likely of literary muses. Few children are. But it was her natural charm and, most significantly, her wondrous sense of curiosity that endeared her to Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name, Lewis Carroll. In fact, little Alice proved to be such an inspiration to the budding English writer and mathematician, that had the two not been introduced during the mid-1800s, the world of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” might never have come to be.
As the rest of the world continues to power through the COVID-19 pandemic, a delightful and intoxicating respite has returned to Italy — one of the planet’s most ravaged and earliest hit countries — in the form of tiny windows scattered throughout the luscious Tuscany region. The surprise awaiting imbibers on the other end of the opening is vino, pure and simple. A staple beverage that is ubiquitous to Italy; presented, with discreet charm, in a historic display that seems to indicate that things, finally, might just be returning to normal.
There are unique living spaces, and then there’s Bruce Campbell’s humble abode. Nestled deep within the expansive forests of Hillsboro, Oregon, resting atop the nettled-strewn ground, sits a massive airliner. No, it’s not just the hollowed-out hull of some twisted fuselage from a bygone crash landing. This airplane is supposed to be there. Well, maybe not supposed to be there, but its presence in the woods is definitely by design.
Iceland has long maintained a reputation for being one of the most serene and otherworldly landscapes on the planet. The stark, natural beauty of this remote land has garnered more than just fleeting interest from tourists from all over the globe. For years, one of the key attractions has been the thermal pools and hot springs that populate the countryside. And, with the impending completion of what looks to be the Rolls Royce of outdoor luxury experiences, there will be even greater reason to visit.
When you think of watching movies under the stars, your mind may immediately cut to images of the age-old American pastime of the drive-in theaters, which have since witnessed their own type of renaissance and resurgence in popularity. The romance, the entertainment, the personal touch—all of these elements are brought to the forefront when indulging in alfresco cinema. But is there a way to take this quintessentially American experience and make it… better? A dedicated crew of French culture enthusiasts seems to think so.
Imagine going on vacation and waking up to see the breathtaking Swiss Alps in front of you, lying in bed and feeling the cool wind of the mountains on your skin. It may sound like a dream, but Zero Real Estate has made it a reality.
When packing for a trip to the beach, it is still customary, regardless of age, to bring along your bucket and spade. Sand, after all, is a fascinating material. Why else should we still be so captivated by the idea of laying in it for hours while soaking up the sun’s rays? It is a natural exfoliant—is there any greater feeling than the sensation of micro-granules trickling through your fingers?—and, to one Spanish artist, the perfect substance for creating stunning works of art.
As sanctions continue to lessen and physical distancing rules are easing across the globe, many people are eager to get back to some semblance of routine. The fact remains that a post-COVID-19 world will not look the same no matter how quickly we return. And in no aspect of social life is that harsh reality felt greater than in the hospitality industry. However, one “restaurant” in Sweden is taking a unique approach to dining—an approach that may well become the new normal.
