How Insulting! Common Gestures That Mean Different Things in Different Countries

by Lindsay Shapka in ,


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…

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The 20 Most Popular Posts of 2020

by Lindsay Shapka in , , ,


Saying that it has been an interesting year is an understatement — 2020 has brought on changes to the way we live that could have never been predicted.

We stayed home, started working from the couch, and stopped traveling.

But, we also have had the opportunity to find new ways to connect with people we love, get a little perspective on what really matters, and read more than ever before.

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Just Blues: Experiencing The Music of The Legendary Sonny Rhodes

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


My heels click on the sidewalk as I cross the street and walk down the avenue towards the Commercial Hotel. I don’t know why, but I’m nervous. I’ve been to concerts before, but never a Blues concert and I’m not really sure what to expect.

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Hawaii 101: What is the meaning of Ti Leaves to Hawaiians?

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,


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.

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Popular English Idioms and Their Curious Origins [Infographic}

by Lindsay Shapka in , , ,


If you’ve ever studied abroad or travelled to destinations with the intent to absorb as much of the culture and language as possible, you’re well aware of how difficult it is to learn the intricacies of each spoken word and phrase.

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