March's Culture Article

Assyrian Chaldean Syrian Wedding Traditions

by Rafi Michael (edited by Lynne Hand)

The wedding really starts the night before (usually Friday) in the groom’s house where a small party is held known as (khyapta d khitna) or a shower party for the groom (literally). Usually the party is small and only the closest relatives and friends are invited to the shower.

January's Culture Article

The History of New Year's Resolutions

The tradition of the New Year's Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year

Fine food down at the local...

Source CC - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kake_pugh/

Ever since David Eyre and Mike Belben bought a run down pub called the Eagle on London's Farringdon Road in 1991 and started serving their robust, unpretentious home-cooking, the gastropub has developed into a fully fledged British dining institution. As a result you get all the cosy warmth and neighbourliness of a local pub with some great food, too.

Where once pubs had a limited range of food, if any, now most have a tasty menu on offer at reasonable prices, but gastropubs are the thoroughbreds of the genre. They offer an array of delicious, seasonal, fairly priced food, usually sourced from local suppliers and growers. The gastropub has created a new platform for some of the country's most talented and energetic chefs, determined to show that food doesn't have to be formal to be fabulous.

December's Culture Article

Photo by Your Teacher

Christmas Markets

In many towns in Germany and in Austria, Advent is usually ushered in with the opening of the town's Christmas market or Weihnachtsmarkt. In southern parts of Germany and in Austria often they are also called "Christkindlmarkt" or "Christkindelsmarkt" (which translates as Christ child market). Generally held in the town square and pedestrian zones, the markets combine food and drink in the open air, shopping and pageantry as well as tradition. On opening night and, in some towns, every night, onlookers welcome the Christkind, or Christ child, in the form of a golden-haired angel played by a local youth.

The Best In The South - Cape Town South Africa

Original photo by Scott R

A range of jagged mountains thrusting into the splendid desolation of the southern Atlantic, the Cape Peninsula is one of the world's most beautiful places.

Pristine beaches, sheltered bays and secluded coves encircle the majestic might of Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site and home to some 8,500 species of flower. Between the mountain's looming crags and Table Bay's deep blue sweep lies South Africa's Mother City and the cosmopolitan hub of the Western Cape Province - Cape Town.

Visiting Croatia

Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good reason. The rocky coastline continues for 1778 kilometres and includes pine-fringed coves, wide sandy beaches and cozy inlets. As if that weren't enough, there are a good 1185 islands that range from lush and wooded to stark and hilly. Yachties love the sailing opportunities, sunbathers have an incredible choice of beaches and scuba divers have a paradise of sea life to explore.