1. The Inuit are the indigenous people that inhabit the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, the US (aka Alaska), and Eastern Siberia.
2. Inuit is the plural version of Inuk meaning "people" in the Inuktitut language.
3. Archaeologists believe they are descendants of the Thule culture that emerged in the far north after crossing the land bridge from Asia around CE 1000.
4. Almost 75% of their daily caloric intake comes from fat. This is because they eat whales, walrus, caribou, seal, narwhal, polar bears, muskoxen and birds!
5. Traditional modes of transportation include a sealskin qajaq aka kayak, dog sleds and good old-fashioned walking (in mukluks of course!).
6. The Inuit have a strong connection to the natural world, believing that ALL things have souls like humans and that their ancestors can be seen in the aurora borealis aka northern lights.
Did you know that your clothing is sending a message?
When you are traveling and meeting new people, first impressions matter — we determine whether people are trustworthy, attractive, friendly, and even intelligent by the way that they look every single day.
Curling, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, and Ski Jumping — oh my! I don't know about you, but I am an Olymp-addict — and I can never get enough of the Winter Olympic Games!
Tipping can be confusing when you are traveling — it can be insulting to leave money on the table in some countries, in others leaving too large a tip is considered a sign that you loved the service, and in others tipping is different depending on the service you are receiving.
So, how do you avoid awkward moments when paying the cheque? You read this blog of course!
Nope, that web of wires you might notice above your head while wandering through Manhattan are not all for carrying electricity.
There are actually 18 miles(!) of translucent wire that run throughout the borough called an eruv. The eruv (or eruvin) is there because of the Jewish Sabbath. A day of rest in the Jewish tradition, people observing the Sabbath aren't permitted to do any sort of work in public places, which includes carrying things like groceries, laundry, or books.
Italians consume over 14 billion espresso drinks each year (!) making the country’s coffee intake the highest in the world.
That’s A LOT of caffeine.
In Thailand, the head is considered to be the most sacred part of the body (NEVER touch a Thai person on their head), and the feet are considered to be the dirtiest.
Why does this matter to you?
Are you planning your first trip to NYC? You are in for a treat — there is a reason this is known as the city that never sleeps. There is a neverending list of things to do, experience, and explore.
You have mastered the basics of the spoken language, have appropriate clothing, and have the latest Lonely Planet tucked safely in your bag. You are ready for all that experiencing a new culture will bring — or are you…
On my last visit to Oahu, I ended up at a University Men’s Volleyball Game and, before sitting down, was handed a long, slim green leaf. I was told it was a “Ti Leaf” and I was supposed to use it to cheer for the team.
What are these leaves, you ask, and why do ti leaves in Hawaii make an appearance at major sports events?