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The other weekend, my husband and I were at Borders. My husband is a CD junkie and is always in search of any type of music to add to our collection. Upon browsing through the international music section, he came across a 3 disc set of Arab music. I know he was very intrigued by this music, and at the same time could not pass up the great deal (3 CDs for $9.99). Later in the weekend, we were cleaning and doing things around the house, and decided to put on the new CD collection. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of music it included. Everything from traditional orchestral type music with a Middle Eastern flair,
Continue reading "Arabic Music Review"
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Learn Italian through Italian Films |
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By Kayla Alen - Film is a medium that can often transcend language, but for me the Italian in Italian Cinema is just as important as the cinematography, the actors, the landscape and the soundtrack. Even with no comprehension of the language it is impossible not to intuit some meaning from the sound, inflection, fervor and color of Italian on film. Of course Italian film has more to offer than just its language, like gorgeous framing, unmistakable sex appeal and gritty realism paired with a slow dreamlike quality. All this visual stimulation paired with such an emotional and urgent sounding language draws you so far into the story that you can feel and taste the atmosphere of Italy. You're just
Continue reading "Learn Italian through Italian Films"
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Travel Al Ain and UAE - Local Events |
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By Alexa Boyce - Al Ain was designed as a garden oasis city, and therefore attracts thousands of tourists each year who are looking for resorts and hot springs spas. However, the city stages a wide variety of social, cultural and business events. The city is home to a number of leading academic and medical facilities, which makes it a focal point for educational, research and medical meetings and conferences. Al Ain is also a hub for sports excellence in the country, especially domestic and international events organized by Al Ain Sport Club. In addition, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) organizes annual sporting events, including the Al Ain dune driving competition and Al Ain Aerobatics Show featuring the FAI World
Continue reading "Travel Al Ain and UAE - Local Events"
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Travel Guatemala - Semana Santa Traditions |
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By Kayla Allen - Having just spent ten days in Antigua I was lucky enough to witness first hand some of the many traditional festivities preceding and culminating on Semana Santa, or the week before Easter, in Guatemala. These celebrations are varied and rich and you'll find if you travel from city to city or from pueblo to pueblo that each location will celebrate in their own unique way. Entering Antigua on a Sunday before Semana Santa is like stepping into another world. One where the very streets you trod on are a wonder to behold. You'll see whole families working together in the street in front of their homes to create ridiculously intricate and beautiful alfombra, or rugs, made
Continue reading "Travel Guatemala - Semana Santa Traditions"
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Travel Spain - Semana Santa Traditions |
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By Alexa Boyce - Spain has a rich and vibrant culture full of celebrations and festivals, particularly those centering around religious holidays. Each of these is exciting and fascinating, but none more so than Semana Santa, or Holy Week. Spain's predominantly Catholic society ensures that the week leading up to Easter is filled with processions and celebrations. Each city and town has its own unique traditions, but some of the most famous take place in Valencia, Cuenca, Valladolid, Murcia, Zamora, Malaga and Cordoba. Semana Santa celebrations take place in the eight days leading up to Easter. They begin on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and end on Easter Monday (Lunes de Pascua). These celebrations consist of artistic, spritual and emotionally
Continue reading "Travel Spain - Semana Santa Traditions"
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Secrets of Italian Cooking |
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By Beth Klemick - I have noticed and maybe those of you reading our entries have as well, I often blog about topics that are not necessarily my strengths in life: packing, patience to research airfare and now cooking. When I prepare an Italian meal it generally consists of boiling the water, tossing in the store bought pasta and opening a jar of Ragu. “Crazy!” says my sister-in-law the proverbial Italian woman and cook, whose lasagna and eggplant parm are out of this world. From my sister-in-law’s kitchen, and her good graces in combination with watching the PBS cooking series with Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, I am slowly learning the secrets of Italian culinary traditions. Italian cooking is among the richest
Continue reading "Secrets of Italian Cooking"
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SALUD Peru Participant Story |
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By Shane Smith, Guest Blogger - Peru, Summer 05 - About six months ago I was, like all first year medical students inching their way towards June, faced with a decision. How should I spend the final few months of summer vacation that I would ever be granted? Looking into my future I saw 40, maybe 50 years ahead of me void of a similar opportunity to follow my nose where it would lead without distraction. There are several things to consider when making this decision and each must weigh them according to their own priorities. Being of the ambitious mold our type heralds it is natural to consider an activity that is both productive and fattening for one’s CV.
Continue reading "SALUD Peru Participant Story"
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Marbella Tour - Celebrity Homes and Restaurants |
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By Alexa Boyce - While studying abroad in Marbella, Spain, I heard a rumor that Antonio Banderas not only lived there, but owned a restaurant in town as well. I asked my host family and sure enough, they gave me directions to La Posada de Antonio, which happened to be three blocks from the school. A classmate and I would often alter our route to ensure that we would walk past the restaurant – just in case Antonio dropped by. La Posada specializes in tapas and grilled meats, and it always smelled delicious. However, meals cost between $10-30, and being the poor college students we were, we never opted to actually go in and eat. Antonio Banderas was born and
Continue reading "Marbella Tour - Celebrity Homes and Restaurants"
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