Have you ever wondered what it would REALLY be like to live in Africa? Not the Africa of tourists, or the Africa of locals (because we’re not locals), but the Africa of an expat. I have wondered about Africa, because I was an expat in Japan, which is also radically different from the US. What is it like to live in a completely different culture than your own? What cultural adjustments will you have to make, what will surprise you, and what impact will your time in Africa have, when you return home? 

I’ve lived near the water my entire life. Summer days were spent running toes through the sand and jumping through endless waves. At university, I met a girl from Kansas and asked her what she did during the summer - many of our answers were different. I don’t think I appreciated the beauty of landlocked regions until much later in life. In my opinion, the sun rose and set on oceans and beaches - everything else was moot. Travel changed that. Interaction with others changed that.

Nestled just off Stratford’s main square is an artist’s cottage. It is a muted yellow with deep chocolate accents; a white portico with columns entices you in off the street. Enter through the small English cottage garden, past a sign that shows that, indeed, this is an artist’s cottage.

“Mom, what’s for dinner?” It’s a question my kids used to ask all the time. I found myself fumbling through my thoughts on a daily basis, too, about 3 p.m. wondering what should we eat tonight? The result, not always, but sometimes, was either picking up Chinese food, throwing together a quick meal that no one (myself included) was really looking forward to eating, or getting so overwhelmed with everything else going on that we had cereal for dinner.
 

Winter: it is a time of drawing in and venturing out, of traveling and welcoming travelers, of celebration and of quiet reflection, of learning from the gifts of solitude and the warmth of community. Music makes a fine gateway and companion for all this.

During my time in London, I had the chance to see several memorials and statues. Some of them were planned ,such as the Queen Victoria Memorial just outside of Buckingham Palace, but several of them I came across while I was exploring London. September 11 was a day many of us from the United States will never forget, but I had no idea they created a memorial anywhere else in the world. It was an eye-opening experience to see what it means to live in a global community.

Sarah Kierstead, a native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, discovered her passion for photography only a couple of years ago and at the young age of 19, has proven that she has a eye to capture unique and raw images. She has been traveling around her home province as a lifestyle, portrait, and wedding photographer/filmmaker over the past 10 months professionally - and she wouldn’t have it any other way. With Sarah’s bubbly personality, there is no question that whoever is on the other side of the lens is always made comfortable.

If there's one thing I know well, it's the deliciousness of dumplings. Thanks to my husband's love for them, I have tasted them everywhere we go. I've even become a dumpling aficionado, like him. Thinking of eating dumplings is a joy, making them is lovely, but actually eating them is divine. 

ALAS! Tavola is closed.

Sometimes the unexpected brings the greatest joy. One of the best meals I had in St. John's, Newfoundland this summer was at Tavola. It was at a meal hosted by Destination St. John's (thank you!), and since I hadn't done any restaurant research before coming to Newfoundland, I didn't know what to expect. But as with all the meals we ate in St. John's, I was delighted and surprised by the excellent food, warm interior, and great conversation.

With the soccer world cup and the next Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has been getting a lot of press. Whether you’re a fan of Neymar, Havianas or speak a bit of Portuguese – Rio has much to offer. A short overnight flight from the east coast of the United States, Rio de Janeiro offers visitors sightseeing, culture, cuisine, scenic views, and endless vistas. From the top of Corcovado to the bottom of the highly populated favelas, Rio is filled with life.