Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 142
January 22, 2018
Chinese New Year: Lessons in Lion Dancing
Have you ever seen a lion dance? In the Chinese culture, for each New Year the lion dance is part of the traditional ceremony meant to chase away evil spirits and to shower people with prosperity (in the form of lettuce, but I’ll get to that).
This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 16th, but celebrations are held throughout the month. One of those celebrations is the lion dance. We had a chance to watch the lion dance at our local Chinese...
8 Mayan Dishes to Try in the Yucatan
While I'd visited other parts of Mexico before, the Central and Gulf regions, places like Taxco, Puebla (the birthplace of mole), Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta, neither my husband, who lived in northern Mexico for two years, nor I had ventured to the Yucatan. Dotted with Mayan ruins, colonial cities, Spanish haciendas, tangled jungle vegetation, towns, and cenotes (sink holes that deserve a whole library of stories all to themselves), the Mexica...
January 20, 2018
Gothic Milwaukee: Haunted, Historical Walking Tours
Anna Lardinois tingles the spines of locals and visitors to Milwaukee through her haunted, historical walking tours known as Gothic Milwaukee. She is the creator of the self-guided walking tour collections Walking Milwaukee: Downtown Edition and Walking Milwaukee: Tosa Edition. The former English teacher is an ardent collector of stories, an avid walker, and a sweet treat enthusiast. The author happily resides in a historic home in Milwaukee which,...
January 19, 2018
Florida Culture for the Week of January 20, 2018 By Josh Garrick
Florida Culture for the Week of January 20, 2018 By Josh Garrick
Symphony Story-Time presents ‘The Jazz Fly’ at The Plaza Live
January 21, 26, & 27
The Jazz Fly is on his way to an important performance where he is so inspired by his friends that his performance ‘steals the show.’ Presented by Orlando Philharmonic jazz performers, the Storytime Series at The Plaza Live presents live music for children ages 3 to 7. Performed with narration and...
January 15, 2018
Music for Winter's Changes
It is winter, just past the turning of the year. This is a time which in invites reflection, resolutions, thoughts of change, thoughts of what may come. Here is music which will be a good companion to you as you consider these things, in winter and at other times of year.
Aine Minogue comes from County Tipperary, in Ireland. The harpist, singer, and composer has lived for some time in New England in the United States, as well. You may hear aspects o...
How to Use a Road Trip Planner
Most people who take road trips already know about using a road trip planner. These planners make a whole lot of difference in a trip. Heading out on a road trip is a pretty refreshing experience for anyone looking to get a glimpse of the real outside world, finding quirky things to do and fun places to eat. In this case, a road trip seems like a great travel choice. However, you need a plan to make the most out of your trip.
In essence, such a tra...
January 14, 2018
10 Great Things to Bring on a Trip with Kids
Sure there's the obvious hand-held video games, e-book readers, portable dvd players, laptops, iPads etc. What are some other things that might be great to bring on a trip with kids that encourage safety, education, and adventure ... ?
Need inspiration on WHERE to go? Click here for a list of popular places for family travelers!
Walking Wings
I wish we had had these when our kids were learning to walk and we were on the road. Small, lightweight, an...
January 13, 2018
Discovering the Hidden History of Sydney
One of the most visited cities in the world, Sydney, Australia boasts many landmarks and interesting things to see and do. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to climb atop the Sydney Bridge, or take a ferry to Manly and explore. Be sure to see the Sydney Opera House from a boat - it’s an incredible experience. Or, skip the seven bridges walk for a more interesting (and leisurely) three bridges walk.
But there’s so much more to Sydney than the usual haunts...
January 6, 2018
Florida Culture for the NEW YEAR! By Josh Garrick
Florida Culture for the NEW YEAR! By Josh Garrick
Fantashique: “The Starting 20”
TODAY -- January 6 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm
Central Florida’s Fantashique Dance Company presents “The Starting 20” featuring a showcase of talent, passion and dedication on the dance floor. Performing a variety of dance styles, including lyrical, jazz, and hip hop, these pre-professional dancers ‘bring it’ to the dance-floor as they share their talent for the whole family....
January 3, 2018
How to be a Traveler…Not a Tourist
There is a time and a place to be a tourist.
Trust me, if you ever find yourself standing in front of The Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will know exactly what to do. Have no shame, go for it! What happens after that is up to you. I am forever seeking the story of the place I am in. The story doesn’t come from the architecture, the art, or the landscape, it comes from the people. Whether I am traveling with my kids or flying solo, I yearn to get immerse...
