Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 202
October 23, 2016
All You Need to Know to Teach Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead
“The word death is not pronounced in New York, Paris or in London,
because it burns the lips. The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death,
jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of his
favorite toys and his most steadfast love.”
-Octavio Paz, The Labyrinth of Solitude, 1961.
"Días de los Muertos is an ancient, Mexican and Mexican American religious holiday, with a historically rich tradition that integrates pre-Co...
October 21, 2016
A Journey Back in Time on Assateauge Island
I awoke with a start as the wind whistled past my window. Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I rolled over to check the time on my phone. It was 5:43 in the morning, and there was no way I was going to fall asleep again. Sighing, I swung my legs over the side of my bed and made my way down the ladder, careful not to make noise. I grabbed a crumpled piece of paper off of the table and scrawled a quick note to my mom in case she was to wake up while I wa...
Life as an Overseas Educator: Kids, Camels, and Cairo
Wondering about what life is like, teaching overseas? Global Educator Jill Dobbe (read our #teachabroadbecause interview with here here) has penned a fascinating, intriguing book that details teaching in Egypt, called Kids, Camels, and Cairo. In this book, she reflects honestly about moving a family abroad, teaching in a different country, and cultural adjustment.
What I loved about Kids, Camels, and Cairo is the genuine love for students, learning,...
October 20, 2016
Have you been to the Book of Mormon Musical? It's Hilarious
It started with the infamous doorbell ringing, which had the audience in hysterics. And it ended with a story of self-understanding and joyful laughter. In between, we laughed so hard that our stomachs hurt.
Last night, we saw the Tony Award-winning The Book of Mormon at WMU's Miller Auditorium. I've been to countless concerts and plays at Miller, but this was the first time I'd laughed for hours there.
Have you seen this musical yet?...6 places you can only get to by a cruise
While air travel has undoubtedly enabled us to visit an astoundingly wide range of destinations that may have previously been virtually unreachable, there are still certain remote places to which you are unable to gain access unless you climb aboard a cruise ship.
Here are just six of our favourites.
This tourist resort at the southern end of the Bahamas island of Eleuthera offers something for everyone desiring the most i...
October 19, 2016
Head to the Beach with Colbie Caillat and her Malibu Sessions Acoustic Tour
If you want to go to the beach, but a) it's fall now, and Lake Michigan is Very Cold; or b) you live far away from sunny climes, then I suggest listening to Colbie Caillat's new Malibu Sessions album. It was recorded over 2 months - get this: at a beach house, on the ocean in California. Yes, I love that, too.
We headed downtown to the Kalamazoo State Theatre last night to catch the show. The theatre was built in 1927 and is just gorgeous inside. I...
How to Find the Best Holiday Gifts
When we’re traveling, we often purchase holiday gifts – art, textiles, and creative things we find in markets. But when we’re home, it’s a bit more difficult to come through each year with fantastic gifts that our loved ones will appreciate – and use.
Enter Uncommon Goods. I love them for many reasons, including their commitment to discovering creative, interesting items, most handmade, sustainably sourced and, best of all, global. Whether you’re loo...
October 18, 2016
Malaga fulfills bucket list for sun, culture, and adventure
Last spring, I discovered the beautiful port city of Málaga. On previous solo and group trips, I had visited Seville, Granada, and Cordoba. But this city is unlike any other in Spain. And it’s not just because it’s the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso.
Anchored on the “Costa del Sol” in the southern Andalucía region, Málaga is a beacon for all those yearning for the “beach-bum” lifestyle but also want history, culture, haute cuisine, and safe even...
October 17, 2016
The Top Three Natural Destinations of the Windfall Islands
The Caribbean has something to offer everyone. This winter there is no better place to kick back and relax than in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. The more obscure islands of the Lesser Antilles are full of adventure.
One of the most compelling aspects of the islands is the natural scenery. Just about everywhere you look you can find an abundance of biodiversity and pristine waters. If you’re a nature lover and looking for some of the region...
October 16, 2016
All Along the Wild Atlantic Way with Aoife Scott
Aoife Scott's debut album, Carry the Day, shows a songwriter and singer with a voice of distinctive character, an ear for good story, and the ability to bring these together in ways that draw the listener in, and invite repeated listenings.
Scott opens things up with the song All Along the Wild Atlantic Way, using word and melody to paint a lively, loving, and memorable story of place framed thoughts of a woman long away from Ireland of a loving jou...
