We all learned the story in history class–that the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to honor his wife Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. What I didn’t know was how little of the interior you actually get to see as a tourist. There are over 20 rooms that have been permanently locked.…
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In 2020 (yes that’s right), we all made our way to India for my sister-in-law’s wedding. What a fascinating, beautiful country, filled with fun traditions. Here are a few highlights of the customs we were lucky enough to experience: Color is important in India. Each has its own meaning–different than those we associate in the…
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Years have felt less year-like. In the time warp following 2020, there’s just pre-pandemic and post-pandemic. Dates seem to drip, flowing without delineation into a blur. That’s why it took be so long to pull this year in review together. It’s a tradition I’ve kept since 2012 that usually brings me a lot of joy…
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Well, this is chilly Toronto, Ontario. About 3 million people call the metropolitan area home, and that population is steadily on the rise. Believe it or not, it’s also a multicultural hub. Over half of the residents were born somewhere else. In fact, over 180 languages are spoken here. Along with a vast array of…
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Well, I took the train from Milan to Como. Tickets were cheap and the ride was only 30 minutes. After leaving the train station, a giant hand immediately greets you. The Monumento ai Caduti per Servizio is dedicated to wounded service people. Lake Como, which is shaped like an upside down “Y,” is located in…
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A while back I was lucky enough to spend a week in Milan. What an incredible city. It’s old. It’s new. The locals are impeccably clad in clothes way cooler than anything you could pull out of your closet. And let’s not forget the food and wine. The first tourist-y thing I did was visit…
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Welcome to the sovereign city-state of Monaco! It’s the world’s second smallest nation, after Vatican City. It isn’t even an entire square mile, but has a population of 39 thousand people–and 32% of those folks are millionaires. Every day the city’s headcount nearly doubles during work hours as people from France and Spain commute in…
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And now, the final stop on my tour of the South of France: Èze. But first I’d like to mention what a pleasure driving has been. The country roads are just as fun as exploring the towns along the way: from vineyards to lavender fields to intensely blue waters. Èze, referred to as the eagle’s…
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Cannes, once a tiny fishing village named for its reedy shore, is now a grand stage of competition for film makers ’round the world. The commune is most known for the film festivals they hold every year: 1.) Cannes Film Festival2.) Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity But this picturesque city has more to offer…
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For about 12 rainy hours, I enjoyed one of Europe’s favorite summer getaways. But it wasn’t summer and it wasn’t sunny. However, in no way did that prevent me from enjoying the beautiful beach town of Nice, France. The soaking wet streets reminded me of Paris. Sure, it looks wonderfully old and quaint. But Nice…
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for the love of nike 