For the past five years, the Latvian capital has been home to “Staro Riga,” a festival of lights akin to those held in European cities like Berlin, Ghent and Lyon. This year, the festival coincided with the city’s reign as the European Capital of Culture, and from what I’ve gathered, Riga pulled out all the […]
Festivals and Holidays
Happy Birthday Riga: Celebrating at the Riga City Festival
Founded in 1201 by Albert von Buxthoeven, the German crusader who brought the Christian faith to the Baltics, this resilient capital has managed to maintain its unique Latvian culture while adapting to outside influences. This is evident by the remarkable mix of architectural styles, cuisines and languages found on its streets. As an American, I […]
A Guide to the Washington, DC Cherry Blossom Festival
The Washington, DC cherry blossoms are a most extraordinary gift. In 1912, Japan gave the United States 3,020 cherry trees in a grand show of international friendship. First Lady Helen Taft and the wife of the Japanese ambassador planted two of the trees along the banks of the Tidal Basin. Little did they know the […]
Willard Hotel Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
One of the highlights of the Washington, DC spring season is, of course, the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Many area bars and restaurants celebrate the annual event, adding special cocktails and dishes to their menus. The best of the bunch is the Willard Hotel cherry blossom tea. This exquisite high tea is served in the […]
Saddle Up: My Revelations for the Year of the Horse
2014 is the Year of the Horse, under the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. Were I still in Shanghai, I would see red lanterns and giant horses strung up all over the city in celebration of the auspicious occasion. Last year was the Year of the Snake, supposedly a period of great change […]