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Jun

Ultimate Paris Elegance: The Secret Dinner in White

by Meredith Mullins on June 11, 2018

Four happy Dîner en Blanc guests at the table, enjoying the cultural traditions of the Dinner in White in Paris. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

How do you keep a party of 17,000 secret?
© Meredith Mullins

Cultural Traditions of Dîner en Blanc

To the north, the Grand Palais glows in the twilight. To the south, the golden dome of Invalides dominates the sky. To the west, the Eiffel Tower peeks out above the trees. And, in a 360-degree panorama, everywhere there is a sea of white elegance.

Where are we?

We’re at the 2018 Paris Dîner en Blanc. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 8 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/France (Paris)

May

Ten Fun Facts About Chocolate

by Meredith Mullins on May 21, 2018

Mexican chocolate, showing the cultural traditions of chocolate and the cocoa bean and fun facts about chocolate. (Image © Viennetta/iStock.)

The appeal of chocolate . . . worldwide
© Viennetta/iStock

Cultural Traditions of a World Favorite: The Cocoa Bean

There is nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.—Linda Grayson

Chocolate is high on the favorite list of many people. It soothes stress, is a weapon against depression, heightens awareness, elevates mood, and rouses passion. It is the choice of many as the answer to “What one thing you would take with you if stranded on a desert island?” Read more...

Meredith Mullins 4 Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Worldwide Sites

May

The Lucky Language of Fortune Cookies

by Meredith Mullins on May 14, 2018

Man's hands opening fortune cookies, revealing proverbs and sayings that can change your life. (Image © Comstock/Stockbyte.)

Can Cookie Proverbs and Sayings Change Your Life?

We are often drawn to a peek at the future, whether fueled by fact or fantasy, proverbs or sayings, instinct or reason.

We shake the Magic 8 Ball to answer our important YES/NO questions and get answers such as “Signs point to yes,” “Outlook not so good,” or the annoyingly evasive “Reply hazy. Try again later.” (Was this a forerunner to sassy Siri?)

We sit in silence between worlds with our Ouija board and call on the spirits to guide us. We have our palms read or consult our horoscopes. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 3 Comments

Language & Culture/Proverbs & Sayings/USA

World Views: