Bonfim Church

Filled with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and landmarks on every block, Salvador reflects the true heart of Brazilian culture.  When I stepped onto the sunny streets of Salvador for the first time, the difference between urbane Southern cities like Rio was palpable.  The air is scented with the fragrance of guavas, mangoes and acaraje sold on the streets. Baianas navigate the winding avenues and squares with a more languorous pace.  The cobalt blue water of the Bay of All Saints wraps around the city and blows a feeling of tranquility over everything. The city also boasts 75 churches and one of the most significant is St. Bonfim Church. Read More »

Dancer's at the Smith's Family Garden Luau

Attending a luau has grown into a broad stereotype of Hawaiian culture but a traditional luau remains a very important Hawaiian tradition.  In ancient times, luaus were held to honor royalty, gods and special visitors. The  luau tradition of dancing and feasting stretches back 2,500 years to Hawaii’s Polynesian ancestors. Today, a luau can be organized to celebrate everything from a birthday, wedding or your first time visit to Hawaii. There are many luaus offered on Kauai but the most popular is the Smith’s Family Garden Luau and the most authentic is the Grand Hyatt Kauai Luau. Read More »

The results from an Urban Habitat Chicago Earth Day Workshop

Earth week is upon us and the best way to celebrate is to get out into nature. If you’re in Chicago, where snow covered the ground a few days ago and the notorious Chicago wind is still in chilly effect, you might do better to head to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  An urban oasis of nature and science in Lincoln Park, the museum supplies Earth Day activities for adults and kids alike. Read More »

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale

As a Boston Red Sox fan and season ticket holder, spring training is always a welcome time.  It’s the beginning of the new season, with all of the eternal optimism that comes with a clean slate.  It’s also (usually) the end of our painful winter.  While I’ve never attended Red Sox spring training, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do.

This year, as part of the Greater Phoenix media trip that I recently attended, I had the opportunity to see three different Cactus League games at three very different stadiums.  Despite the fact that our home team trains in Florida, I plan on taking the whole family to Phoenix next year for spring training.  I loved it that much.

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