Discover the World with Arrangements Abroad
For the intellectually curious traveler
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Beyond Tulips
February 21, 2012
By Anastasia Mills Healy
If you have to wonder how anyone might be able to write 388 pages about tulips or why anyone would want to read said tome, then perhaps a trip with a garden focus is not for you.
The distinguished British garden authority Anna Pavord in fact did write a fascinating history of tulips, a bestseller no less, complete with tales of trekking in desolate areas searching for rare species; Turkish sultans who required guests to dress in colors that matched their tulips; and a single bulb selling for the same price as the most expensive house in Amsterdam in the 1630s.
The author of numerous other books on gardening and the gardening correspondent for The Independent, Pavord will be the study leader on an upcoming cruise that focuses on the lush tropical gardens of the Caribbean. Obviously passionate about her subject, Pavord is a riveting lecturer. Even the most unapologetic black thumb will be drawn into her observations about rare orchids and bromeliads, Ixora, Heliconia, and Balisier. You will never look at a Bird of Paradise the same way again.
Happy 300th Birthday, Old Fritz!
February 3, 2012
By Anastasia Mills Healy
This year Germany is celebrating the tercentenary of the birth of one of history’s most interesting rulers, Frederick the Great. Books, performances of his symphonies, lectures, a play, parades and architectural tours all compete for attention from those keen on learning more about the “enlightened despot” who ruled Prussia for 46 years.
The fact that Frederick II was an art collector and arts patron, as well as an intellectual who spoke many languages and read voraciously on many topics justifies the descriptor “enlightened.” As for “despot,” historians can tick off the battles forged, lives lost and territories annexed in his role as military commander.
Many handsome buildings Frederick had built-in Berlin exist today, including the Berlin State Opera. And in Potsdam, there is the newly restored Neues Palais, which will open major areas never before available to the public in honor of this anniversary. However, the yellow, rococo Sans Souci palace in Potsdam was his retreat. Here he died here peacefully and it is here you may find a simple stone slab marking his grave (after numerous moves due to politics over the years).
Bring a potato to leave. Read the following January 24 article from The New York Times to find out why.
The Met Meets “The Lady”
January 31, 2012
By Christine Pagnani
“Extraordinary and inspirational”…these were emotions felt by all twenty-seven Met members and myself as we were warmly received by “The Lady,” as she is affectionately called by her devoted followers. Aung San Suu Kyi, elegant, intelligent and gracious, yet formidable enough to “move a dozen elephants” personally greeted each one of us at her residence on a glorious Sunday morning. She engaged in conversations including art, culture, theater (all in her favorite city Manhattan), public health, land reforms and of course, economics and government as we sipped tea on her veranda overlooking the river. Suu Kyi entered politics to work towards the democratization of her country… hoping to eliminate diversity and fear by empowering confidence in her people of Burma.
As we thanked “The Lady” and said our goodbyes, she walked the group, arm-in-arm with a Museum member, down the bougainvillea-lined driveway to the coach. January 22, 2012, was indeed a historic moment for all of us… it’s forever etched in my memory.
Egypt
January 27, 2012
By Clive Porter
The restaurant in downtown Cairo was empty compared to visits in years passed. There was no taxi outside when we left so we decided to walk to our hotel. Within a few minutes we were crossing Tahrir Square, once a bus station amid pulsing traffic, now a beacon for freedom in Egypt and throughout the region.
On a Thursday evening in early January it was peaceful: some traffic to dodge as we crossed to the middle were the scene was reminiscent of the Occupy protests around the world: banners; some tents; people hanging around but a far cry from the mass demonstrations of the last twelve months.
We wandered across the square, took a few photographs, continued by the Nile and reached our hotel.
All very easy and normal.
Our experience during the remainder of the trip was exactly the same. Indeed, everything was easier than before as so few other people were visiting the country. At the Egyptian Museum we could linger in front of Tutankhamen: no crowds jostling us and urging us to move on. We were alone in the tomb of Ramses IV on the West Bank in Luxor. Many of the vendors shops were closed in the usually bustling market outside Edfu temple. And we could photograph the temples at Abu Simbel with not a soul in the pictures.
There is nowhere like Egypt. No other country has the pyramids and temples and tombs. Contrary to what the Greeks may claim, much of Western civilisation began in Egypt. Anybody with a love of travel has to see Egypt at least once. This is the time to go. While it is without the crowds and in the knowledge that visitors are exactly what this tourist-dependent country needs as it seeks a new course into the future.
Temple of Ramses, Abu Simbel.
Questions for Aung San Suu Kyi?
January 17, 2012
By Anastasia Mills Healy
A group from Academic Arrangements Abroad will be meeting with Burmese political leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi this Sunday, January 22, 2012.
Please click comment* to post your question. We will get your inquiries to the group leader and hope to answer them in this blog next week, along with a summary of the meeting.
*The comment section will appear to the right of this post.
A Caribbean Quiz
January 11, 2012
By Anastasia Mills Healy
Calling all sailors and Caribbean buffs! Which Caribbean island is, at only a third of the size of Manhattan, the largest of the 32 Grenadine islands? Its S-shape is covered in rolling green hills and its shores boast beautiful white-sand beaches lined with almond and cedar trees and picturesque yacht-filled harbors.
Just try meandering down the waterfront Belmont Walkway without stopping for a Hairoun beer or callaloo soup.
Visit a turtle sanctuary and a whaling museum (it is still legal to hunt humpback whales here) or purchase a well-crafted model boat. If you’ve finished your reading material, seek out its excellent bookstore.
Alexander Hamilton’s father was a longtime resident.
Which island is it?
Bequia (pronounced BECK-way)!
*For more information about Bequia’s Wildlife Protection and Conservation at Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary, please visit http://www.tourwrist.com/tours/995 for an interactive tour or contact Orton “Brother” King at oldhegg@vincysurf.com.
Orton King at Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.
What is French for “Yum!”?
January 6, 2012
By Anastasia Mills Healy
If you haven’t heard of Paul Bocuse, we suggest you put down your frozen dinner and hightail it to Lyon. Named the “Chef of the Century” by the Culinary Institute of America last year, the 85-year-old Bocuse has earned three Michelin stars without fail since 1965 for his traditional French cooking at Auberge du Pont de Collonges.
Set in his childhood home on the Saône River, the restaurant was run by his father until 1958. To give you a notion of how he feels about tradition, Bocuse still sleeps in his childhood bedroom.
During his more than 50 years in the kitchen, Bocuse has served presidents and celebrities and mentored some of the world’s most renowned chefs, including Daniel Boulud and Jean-George Vongerichten, who speak of him with reverence. He does not don his toque these days, but does oversee this and other restaurants and a small hotel in addition to his culinary institute and annual cooking contest.
What might you find on the menu? His most famous dishes are truffle soup in a puff pastry and Bresse chicken cooked in a pig’s bladder. Those with an aversion to fungi or on Lipitor should stay clear.
Eighty euros for a bowl of soup? Mais oui. But Ooh la la!
View of Lyon across the Saône River. Photo © Yenwen Lu.
Performing Arts in Cuba
December 26, 2011
I was fortunate enough to lead our company’s first trip to Cuba since 2003, and was thrilled to find that the Cuban art world is thriving. Our trips are focused on interaction with locals, so we were able to meet, talk to, and enjoy performances by a surprising variety of artists and performers. Here’s a glimpse at two of my favorite performances:
In Havana we attended a rehearsal of the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba in their studio. During most of the rehearsal, a bongo player and singer provided live music and filled the room with energy as their songs became more and more up tempo. Later the male dancers joined in as the group practiced a new routine for an upcoming performance. We were all envious of their talent, and surprised at how quickly the time flew by while we were watching! Here’s a short video clip of their rehearsal:
Los Cantores de Cienfuegos serenaded us with a variety of popular Latin American and Spanish songs, as well an American song sung so beautifully that sent chills down my spine. The acoustics were fantastic, and the group was very friendly and happy to answer all of our questions. (I didn’t include a clip because it just doesn’t do the group justice!)
The Cantores told us that there is an intense audition process to become a member, and that the group practices nearly every day. They really treat this as their job. Many went to school to become musicians, and play instruments and practice their own music on the side.
I hope you enjoyed these clips and photos as much as we enjoyed the performances!
Triggerfish With a View
December 20, 2011
By Anastasia Mills Healy
Usually it’s either a memorable view or an amazingly good meal – rarely do the two go together. But on St. Lucia, nestled high between the lush twin volcanic Piton peaks, is the Ladera Resort whose restaurant, Dasheene, is laid out in such a way that most every table is treated to a jaw-dropping vista of the azure Caribbean.
Chef Orlando Satchell sources many ingredients from local plantations, farms and fishermen. You might find on the menu sweet potato and coconut soup, Caribbean lamb salad, roast conch, sugar cane shrimp and a daily catch such as red snapper or triggerfish, prepared with West Indian flare.
When was the last time you perused a menu offering christophene, callaloo and shadow bennie?
All That Glitters
December 14, 2011
By Anastasia Mills Healy
Any Sicilian guide can confirm the predictable reaction of people when they first see the shimmering golden mosaics in the Palatine Chapel in the Palace of the Norman Kings. Widened eyes are often accompanied by a dropped jaw, intake of breath and an exclamation of wonder.
This chapel, which is at the center of the Palazzo Reale in Palermo, shines from floor to ceiling with 12th-century Byzantine mosaics. Elegantly portrayed figures are masterfully crafted and set in a luminous gold backdrop. The brilliance of color married with the superior technique and radiance of these mosaics earn the stunned silence of viewers.
The mosaics illustrate scenes from the Bible and include Adam and Eve, each with a piece of fruit in their mouth and reaching for more. Christ Pantocrator looks down from the center of the cupola, with angels encircling the dome.
The chapel and the palace have fascinating histories, having been built over the centuries by Arabs and Spaniards on the former site of Roman and Punic fortresses. The architecture is a lovely mix of Arabic, Norman and Byzantine styles. Of special note is the Arab muqarnas (honeycomb) painted wooden ceiling. While you’re looking up, take in the details of the 15-foot Paschal candelabrum: See lions with their prey, birds, humans and intricately rendered foliage including acanthus leaves.
Plan to spend at least an hour here to fully experience the majesty of this awe-inspiring chapel.
