Category: Culture

Where to Get Away From it All: Haleakalā, The Quietest Natural Place on Earth

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of Haleakalā National Park on the Hawaiian island of Maui. There really is no better feeling than leaving the busy city streets behind and heading up a dormant volcano to catch the world’s most beautiful sunrise and breathe in the crisp air. There are no beaches...

A Local’s Guide to May Day in Hawaii

As the saying goes, “May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i Nei”. May 1 is always a beautiful day of the year filled with tropical flowers and amazing, delicately crafted lei. The Hawaiian lei is a typical symbol of Hawai‘i, just as well-known around the world as aloha shirts, surfing...

A Quick Guide to Sant Jordi: Celebrating the Day of Books and Roses

Every April 23, Barcelona (and all of Catalonia) becomes filled with bookstalls and roses on the most romantic day of the year! Locals celebrate the day of Sant Jordi (Saint George), the patron saint of Catalonia by rummaging through the many stands in search of the perfect book and stopping for a vermouth...

Easter Traditions in Spain: Semana Santa

Although Barcelona isn’t known for celebrating Easter as extravagantly as some of the other cities in Spain, they do host their own special services and processions for Semana Santa (Holy Week), which are exciting to watch. Most of the activities take place near the Barcelona Cathedral in the city’s Gothic...