Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 116
January 11, 2019
How To Discover The Secrets of Florence's Duomo
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Florence, or an old pro, there are always secrets to discover in this ancient city.
Perhaps the most interesting secrets belong to Il Duomo, Florence’s unique cathedral.
This Catholic cathedral, which took two centuries to complete, was begun in 1296 and finished in 1436.
The masterful octagonal dome was designed by Brunelleschi, and consists of a double shell of herringbone bricks. The diameter of this dome...
Apartment Hunting? Here are 5 Things to Consider
If you had lots of money to burn, you wouldn’t be worried about finding an apartment to rent, wherever you are in the world. In fact, you would just buy your own property and be done with the nerve-wracking hassle of house hunting for good. However, if you have a budget that you have to operate within, then being practical with your objectives is not an option. You have to find an apartment that chimes perfectly with your needs such that you don’t p...
January 10, 2019
History Comes Alive in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina is consistently voted as one of the top destinations to visit in the United States. Travelers are enticed by this East Coast city’s broad-based appeal, showcasing Lowcountry cuisine, cobblestone streets with architectural treasures, outstanding accommodations, diverse shopping opportunities, a moderate climate, and a rich history that spans multiple generations.
To capture a small portion of the region’s history, I visite...
January 7, 2019
Through the Eyes of an Educator: How will you write the first page of this new year?
Breathing in the first month of a new year is as good as chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven, ocean spray as it hits the air, and a brand new baby all snuggled up after a warm bath. It’s the promise of that new dawn, the beginning of something powerful, and a chance at all those do-overs we all at times require. How will you write that first page?
In my experience, school always began in September and finished in June. Often, it seemed that...
January 3, 2019
2019 CFP: Society, Identity, and Transformation in Language Teacher Education
CFP: Society, Identity, and Transformation in Language Teacher Education
11th International Language Teacher Education Conference
May 30–June 1, 2019
The Graduate Hotel
Minneapolis, MN
Call for Papers Deadline: January 18, 2019
Invited Speakers
Cori Crane, Duke University
Richard Donato, University of Pittsburgh
Maggie Kubanyiova, University of Leeds
Suhanthie Motha, University of Washington
The 11th International Language Teacher Education Confer...
January 2, 2019
#StudyAbroadBecause it will be one of the most transformative and enlightening experiences you will ever have
David Wienir is the author of Amsterdam Exposed: An American’s Journey into the Red Light District, released in May 2018 with De Wallen Press in paperback, e-book, and audiobook formats. David is a business affairs executive at United Talent Agency and entertainment law instructor at UCLA Extension. Before UTA, he practiced law at two of the top entertainment law firms where he represented clients such as Steven Spielberg and Madonna. His previous boo...
December 24, 2018
5 Surprising Czech Christmas Celebrations

Cookies. Carp. More cookies. A side of potato salad.
While many Christmas festivities in Czechia are similar to those in other parts of Europe, this nation of just under 11 million has some unusual – and noteworthy – holiday traditions all their own.
A little Czech historyAdmittedly, Czechia, a country circled by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria, is known more for its culture and history, than cuisine.
Created in the aftermath of World War I, C...
December 22, 2018
A Joyful, Colorful Show with Cirque Dreams Holidaze
We didn’t know exactly what to expect when we walked into our favourite place, Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University. We talked about all of the possibilities while walking in, but knew it would be centered around getting us into the holiday spirit, hence the name: Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
The performance included brightly colored sets, costumes, and characters. It was a visual extravaganza.
There wer...
December 17, 2018
December: A Time for Reflection, Community, Solitude, and Music

December: it is a time of darkness and light, star-filled nights and bright celebrations.
As the calendar of the year begins to turn, December is a time of reflection.
As winter sets in, December is also a time for community, and for solitude.
See how the work of these musicians encourages you to reflect on all these things...
Every year in New England, there's a series of holiday concerts called Christmas Celtic Sojourn. These arose from the year-...
December 15, 2018
Photographer of the Month: Larry Prosor

Did you ever run across photos that captured you instantly? That took you to a place, and got you dreaming? Such is the case with our featured photographer this month, Larry Prosor. With photos from New Zealand's North Island and Northern California for this feature, he takes us to two very different locations—and gives us a true sense of place.
New Zealand (above)
Larry is a novelist, screenwriter, and photographer. His books incl...