Topics

Mar

Street “Seen”!

by Joyce McGreevy on March 6, 2018

A mural in a street in Glasgow, Scotland shows why walking is a great way of seeing the world close up. (Image @ Joyce McGreevy)

Street art is big in Glasgow, Scotland.
© Joyce McGreevy

Seeing the World One Step at a Time

When was the last time you took a walk just to see what you could see? What discoveries did you make? Sometimes seeing the world comes down to a stroll around the corner.

French photographer Robert Doisneau wrote, “The marvels of daily life are exciting; no movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.”

So, put on your favorite walking shoes. Let’s meander from street to street. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy Comments

Art of Travel/Discoveries/On Foot/Worldwide Sites

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

Feb

Don’t Say Goodbye to Saying Hello

by Joyce McGreevy on February 5, 2018

A man and a woman conversing in Ireland shows how saying hello is fundamental across cultures. (Image © Joyce McGreevy)

Meeting & Greeting Across Cultures

In a New Yorker cartoon entitled “How to Clear a Space at a Crowded Beach,” a man says hello to all and sundry. His cheeriness so horrifies New Yorkers that hundreds collectively retreat.

Oh, I see: Some people like saying hello. Some people give hello the heave-ho.

In Galway, Ireland, (pop. 258,000) passersby often say hello to one another. Nothing fancy, mind you. A quick tap of the second syllable and you’re on your way. In Istanbul, Turkey (pop. 15 million) a local who said hello to passersby would prompt a puzzled reaction. Read more...

Joyce McGreevy 8 Comments

Crossing Cultures/Language & Culture/Secrets to Life/Worldwide Sites

World Views: