When I first contacted Pawo Choyning Dorji about two months ago, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” - his directorial debut had been shortlisted for the Best International Feature in the 94th Academy Awards. He told me he did not expect the film could go this far to the Oscars. But, sometimes the most unexpected thing happens when you least expect it. Lunana was not only on the shortlist, it successfully made it through to the top five … [Read more...]
Boyd McCleary, Former Governor of the British Virgin Islands
Boyd was the British High Commissioner to Malaysia when I worked as Contact Database Officer at the High Commissioner Kuala Lumpur in 2009. Despite his high- profile status and prominent role, there was never a barrier between him and the rest of the staff. He is a highly charismatic leader with a fun-loving sense of humor. He always dropped by our office and chatted us up, and the conversation always ended with a good hearty laugh. … [Read more...]
It’s about to Become More Complicated for Americans to Visit South Korea
Whether it’s traveling to see the cherry blossoms bloom during the spring, enjoying a K-pop concert with thousands of other fans, or taking in the relaxed atmosphere of Jeju Island, there are thousands of reasons to visit South Korea. However, starting this month, there is a new version of the South Korea visa for U.S. citizens rolling out. Known as the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (or K-ETA), this travel authorization will be … [Read more...]
6 Exciting Additions to the “Smithsonian of the West”
With 17 diverse museums, 16 beautiful gardens, the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Tony Award®-winning Old Globe theater and more, San Diego’s Balboa Park provides visitors dozens of different experiences unlike other city parks. Often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West” due to its large number of museums, this National Historic Landmark near downtown San Diego spans 1,200 acres, beating out both New York City’s Central Park and San … [Read more...]
Impressions: Ulanbaatar, Mongolia
I landed in Ulanbaatar in the very early am. My pre-arranged ride was not waiting at airport so I found a taxi who promptly delivered me to my guest house, 20 mins to town w/o traffic. Two story guesthouse. I ended up on the second floor - frustrated because the inside door to the guesthouse was locked and it was 430am. Knocking over and over again resulted in no action from within. I began to prep a rudimentary sleeping arrangement in the … [Read more...]
Top 9 for 2019: What’s New in Minneapolis
Leisure travel and tourism news from the City by Nature Minneapolis – Not content to sit back and chill after one, big, football game, Minneapolis keeps building momentum and enticing more visitors with new hotels, restaurants and major sports news in 2019. In this Meet Minneapolis leisure travel round-up, here's more of what to look for in the coming year with our Top 9 for 2019. Minneapolis hosts the 2019 NCAA Men's Final Four: U.S. Bank … [Read more...]
Arriving Into Iran and the Tests of Traveling
I left for the Tbilisi International Airport in the country of Georgia at 10pm. I arrived at my final destination, Shiraz, Iran some 20 hours later - the next day. If you look on the map this is about a 3 to 3.5 hour flight. As it were, the airport in Tbilisi is under construction; a new runway is being built so all day flights have been moved to the night. I spent all night in the beautiful fairly new Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, … [Read more...]
What’s New in Minneapolis – Summer 2018
Minneapolis – Summer time in Minneapolis is festivals, concerts, biking, dining on patios, the X Games, riverfront fireworks and so much more. It’s also a booming time for new museums, water taxis and even axe throwing in this six-time #1 Park System in the U.S. winner. With this Meet Minneapolis leisure travel round-up, here are highlights of what’s new in Minneapolis and the surrounding area this summer: Bell Museum The Bell Museum, … [Read more...]
Visiting North Korea (not really)
During a recent visit to Yangon, Myanmar a friend of a friend working in the city informed us about a North Korean restaurant within a 10 minute drive of where we were staying (the Merchant Art Boutique Hotel). My only other experience with North Korea was in Dandong, China. An old military bridge (today called the Friendship Bridge) extends half way across the Yalu River. I was there in the middle of winter and I remember it was extremely … [Read more...]
Travel Etiquette 101: Your Guide to Tipping around the World
As a citizen of the world, your travelling mantra may revolve around two things: show respect towards other cultures and offer kindness whenever you can. So one of the appropriate things to do is leave tips after an amazing meal or a memorable service. But hold on to your money for now. Inasmuch as tipping feels good to the soul, it may do more harm than good. Not all countries appreciate it. The last thing you’d want during a trip is to find … [Read more...]
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