Topics

Feb

Travel Inspiration from Lemons . . . Lots of Lemons

by Meredith Mullins on February 26, 2018

An elephant temple made of lemons and oranges, part of the Menton Lemon Festival that provides travel inspiration to learn about lemons and India. (Image © Meredith Mullins.)

An Indian Elephant Temple made of lemons and oranges
© Meredith Mullins

Welcome to the Menton Lemon Festival

What happens when a small French coastal town has one of the most famous lemons in the world thriving on its sunny hillsides?

The townspeople know a surprising number of lemon jokes?

Q: Why did the lemon go to the doctor?
A: Because it wasn’t peeling well.

Q: Why did the lemon get depressed?
A: Because it lost its zest for life.

Perhaps . . . but they’re too cultured to say these eye-rollers out loud. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 2 Comments

Art of Travel/Cultural Heritage & Traditions/France

Feb

Cultural Traditions for Valentine’s Day

by Meredith Mullins on February 12, 2018

Valentine's Day wish with paper hearts, showing cultural traditions of the holiday. (Image © Alenaohneva/iStock.)

Hearts abound on Valentine’s Day
© Alenaohneva/iStock

Hedgehog or Cockroach—Which Would Your Valentine Prefer?

Valentine’s Day arrives this week, so there’s no time to lose in selecting the perfect gift for your special someone. In most countries, the gifts of choice are the usual items—flowers or chocolates, all wrapped in Valentine’s red.

But it might be time to challenge the marketing hype and create your own cultural traditions. Oh I See. How about a cockroach or a hedgehog?

Couple on a date on Valentine's Day, showing cultural traditions of the holiday with roses and dinner. (Image © George Rudy/iStock.)

Valentine’s Day can be full of surprises.
© George Rudy/iStock Read more...

Meredith Mullins Comments

Cultural Heritage & Traditions/Worldwide Sites

Dec

Angels of Paris

by Meredith Mullins on December 18, 2017

The Most Celestial of Cultural Symbols

Happy holidays to all! This festive season surrounds us with sparkling lights, fir trees of all shapes and sizes, menorahs, wish lists, santas, elves, mangers, jingling bells, and heralding angels. We celebrate with a variety of cultural symbols at this time of year.

One of these symbols, however, has more than just a holiday presence. Angels can be full-time residents, finding a home in history and architectural design, especially in a city such as Paris. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Cultural Symbols/France (Paris)

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