London’s Oasis: Hampstead Heath’s Historic Charm
In his global compilation of top urban green spaces, The Guardian‘s Rowan Moore highlights Hampstead Heath, a historic sanctuary in London tracing back to the Middle Ages. Its allure lies in vast heathlands, ancient forests, and panoramic skyline views, actively promoting physical activity in the bustling city. It is everything that people say it is, […]
Unraveling Quantum Physics: A Journey to CERN, Geneva
Geneva, Switzerland, stands out as one of the top travel destinations for 2024. With its majestic Alps and convergence of diplomacy, culture, and natural beauty, Adam H. Graham of The New York Times recommends exploring this vibrant city. Delve into a mind-bending journey at CERN, home to the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, to satisfy […]
Edward de Bono’s Eccentric Theory: Marmite for Middle East Peace?
In its obituary, The Irish Times highlights Edward de Bono, the esteemed philosopher and pioneer of “lateral thinking,” who famously suggested using Marmite, the proverbially divisive spread, as a solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. His belief was that consuming yeast extract could potentially foster peace: The thinker and writer Edward de Bono, who has died […]
Avant-Garde Treasures in Germany’s Dresden
As a top travel destination for 2024, Dresden, Germany, is recommended by Abbie Kozolchyk of The New York Times. The city is renowned for its baroque architecture, world-class museums, and cutting-edge art scene. As Dresden gears up to commemorate the 250th birthday of Caspar David Friedrich, travelers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the […]
How Success Weighs More Than Failure
Erwin Raphael McManus’s discourse from Mind Shift: It Doesn’t Take a Genius to Think Like One (2023) emphasizes the importance of life’s purpose transcending the pursuit of money, fame, or power. Without deeper meaning, success remains hollow. While money, fame, and the trappings of success can be extraordinary outcomes of a life well lived, they […]
Brasília: Brazil’s Capital City Reopens
Paulo Motoryn, writing for The New York Times, highlights Brazil’s capital city, known for its architectural masterpieces and modernist white structures emerging from the Brazilian highlands. In 2024, as Brasília unveils its iconic landmarks, verdant parks, and vibrant nightlife, travelers can immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic cultural offerings. The Palácio da Alvorada, the presidential […]
Thrift and Triumph: The Calvinist Work Ethic in the IKEA Story
Bob Chaundy’s BBC profile (c.2000) underscores IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad’s adherence to the Calvinist work ethic, emphasizing the importance of hard work, frugality, and diligence as virtues reflecting one’s salvation. A firm Calvinist work ethic was instilled in Ingvar Kamprad from the very beginning. In 1897 his grandfather killed himself with a shotgun when he […]
Iconic Sydney Trail: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Caro Ryan of the BBC features six top hikes in and around Sydney, where the charm of the harbor, beaches, and diverse communities pairs with trails unveiling natural wonders, all easily reached via public transport: There’s a reason that the 6km (2.5-3 hour) Bondi to Coogee walk has become a rite-of-passage among residents of and […]
Everglades Rediscovery: Staying at Flamingo Lodge in Florida
Experience the untamed allure of Florida’s Everglades, home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times recommends a visit in 2024, with Flamingo Lodge offering a cozy retreat amidst the wetlands. Explore the park’s natural beauty, especially at night, when stargazing and wildlife sightings abound. Flamingo Lodge, now elevated and […]
Vegetarian Bee Hoon at Tiong Bahru Hawker Stalls in Singapore
In Singapore, eating at hawker stalls is a cherished tradition. In The Guardian, Ignatius Chan, founder of Iggy’s, praises these spots for pleasure, inspiration, and umami. He recommends a vegetarian hawker stall at #01-49, 71 Seng Poh Road, Tiong Bahru. The stall next to Loo’s serves Chinese vegetarian food, which comprises vegetarian spring rolls, fried […]