culture

Get the authentic cultural experience on your next foreign jaunt. Wander like a local; here, there, and everywhere.

Walls Jumped, Bridges Made
What if your parents decided to move to another country? More importantly, moving to another country without asking you for permission? When we crossed the border I was scared out of my mind. I felt like I was yanked from my clothes and kicked overboard in the dark Arctic waters. I felt exposed and deprived of parts of my identity. That was 10 years ago when I was in fourth grade, but today I feel much different. Now that my family and I live here, in “el otro lado,” as we call it where I come from. I realize something heart-warming and soul-fulfilling as freshly made tortillas. I am a man of two nations and I am prideful to claim that I have two places to call home.
By Salvador Bravado7 years ago in Wander
Madeira
Madeira is a popular holiday destination. The Portuguese island offers a mixture of luxury villas, holiday complexes, and wild wilderness. As we flew into the airport it seemed like a maze of holiday houses, swimming pools, and restaurants... Not my cup of tea! We spent the first night in a villa in Canico. If luxury is your thing, this place would suit you perfectly. Palm trees and swimming pools adorned the whitewashed glass-sided pads. All sat proudly in a row overlooking the terquoise water. The interior was dotted with designer furniture and lighting. Each room with its own luxury bathroom, and the cherry on the cake was a large infinity pool overlooking the sea. Just a short walk up the road and we were spoilt for choice with five star resturaunts and top seafood menus. Classy bars and cafes. It was the perfect millionaire's paradise. As for us, we crave adventure! Not relaxation. So we caught the next bus into Funchal, the main city on the island.
By Kader Folles7 years ago in Wander
How to Speak Brooklyn
In this article, world renowned linguist (and suspected serial killer) Don Aska Donatelli shares his expertise on how to correctly pronounce some of the most popular phrases tourists or visitors may want to ask when communicating with the quaint inhabitants of Brooklyn, New York.
By Reid Moore7 years ago in Wander
Campfire Culture
Fire has been man’s lifeline since the beginning of time. Food, warmth, and light are what fire gives to man. In many cultures, fire is the symbol for life, and anywhere you go today, fire is still used in a powerful way. The campfire to many that live for an outdoor, dirt bag lifestyle, a campfire is a sign of community. Never are you alone when around a campfire, no one has the feeling of depression in a campsite around a campfire. There is something that draws us to a fire, like mosquitos to a light.
By SF Adahy7 years ago in Wander
Virtual Tour of Cabbage Town - Atlanta
Krog Street Tunnel - Cabbage Town I am a geek for walkable neighborhoods. Anything that allows me to feel like I’m part of a community—local eateries, galleries, gathering spaces—draw me in like a moth to a flame. Atlanta in my opinion is not the most walkable city, but it has its enclaves; it’s little nooks and neighborhoods within the city.
By The Musings Of Moses Ukoh7 years ago in Wander
Puerto Rico After Maria
From mid-September to early October of 2017, Puerto Rico suffered from a category 5 hurricane that left the country devastated. Since then, the community has had to band together to restore the damage caused by the relentless hurricane Maria. Despite being a United States Territory, Puerto Rico received very minimal support from the US government in the restoration process. Donations from overseas have spearheaded the reconstruction of the beautiful country.
By Syd Glisan8 years ago in Wander
Argentina, Stories of a Native to His Son
Before I onset this piece, I will say I am thankful for the inheritance of my father’s wisdom and knowledge, even if I am a portrait of the worlds wicked ways.
By Steven Buriek8 years ago in Wander
5 Differences Between Japan and America
Japan is no doubt one of the most beautiful countries that you can visit. It is also one of the most interesting to visit, especially if you grew up in America. I say this because living in America, you grow accustom to certain things, most of which are completely different in Japan. Even the simple things such as parking is different in Japan. This was more than half of the reason why I wanted to go to Japan, the fact that it could be so vastly different from what I am used to interested me. I wanted to know first hand what made it so different. I came to find out that the differences were mainly the little things that people did in their day to day life. The things that one might not even realize they are doing.
By jasmine james8 years ago in Wander
From London to New York: What I Learnt From a Week in the Big Apple
For my 23rd birthday, I was lucky enough to go to New York for a week - and it was one of the best weeks of my life. Growing up I’ve always dreamt of travelling through the US, going to as many states as possible and the first on my list was New York. I spent years saying to myself “one day I’ll go if I have the time, the money...” but now I can say I’ve finally achieved it for myself. It was an amazing experience, one I’ll never forget.
By A Clem8 years ago in Wander
Body Modifications Around the World
Body modifications are a common practice all around the world. Many use them to tell a story or to show creativity. There are numerous types of body modifications. Some of the more common kinds are tattoos and piercings. Then there are more complex types such as stretching of the skin in many regions and deforming certain body parts. While many of these modifications may seem peculiar, they are a normal part of many cultures around the world. Numerous people around the world decorate their body for several reasons, including trying to look more attractive for a mate, to show off their marital status, and to embrace their children into their culture.
By Kayla Myers8 years ago in Wander
The Beauty of Sigulda
The History of Sigulda Sigulda’s inhabitants can be traced back as far as the 2nd century B.C. as they settled here and hunted, fished, and bred domestic animals. Settlers known as Livi have been in the Sigulda Region since around the 11th century. One can still see the ancient decorations they once made which show that the Livi lived on both banks of the Gauja. When in the 13th century Christianity bearers appeared, they took over the Livi settlements. In medieval documents, one can see the town referred to as Segewold instead of Sigulda. Up until the end of the 16th century, Sigulda Castle was under the rule of the Livonia Order and a small town was set up by the castle whose inhabitants were mostly craftsmen and merchants. Wars came along and the Sigulda Castle and town got destroyed during the time of the Polish-Swedish War.
By Rasma Raisters8 years ago in Wander
What is Raksha Bandhan Festival
Raksha Bandhan has a huge significance in India. It is celebrated like any other festival in the country and dedicated towards the love of a sister and her brother. It is a Hindu festival, which is celebrated once every year. The sister ties a Rakhi around the brother’s wrist, on this day. The brother undertakes the oath to protect his sister through his life. The Rakhi (a holy thread), symbolizes the strength of love, strength, and attachment between the siblings. Raksha Bandhan gets its name from two words, which are Raksha (means protection) and Bandhan (means relation).
By Dines Rohila8 years ago in Wander