Florida Culture for the Week of May 14, 2017 By Josh Garrick 
 
NOW to May 28 – “Into the Woods” at the Garden Theatre
Each year the Garden Theatre pulls together the community to present its annual musical, and this year features the mature/clever words and music of Stephen Sondheim. Story-book characters journey into those Grimm woods for adventures that won the 1988 Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score of a Musical. Along the way, the musical makes you think twice about ‘getting what you wish for.’ Call 407.877.4736 or visit gardentheatre.org 

In this world of continual distractions, those with the ability to be present enough to notice things have an unfair advantage. My drive from Utah to Minnesota has taught me that I can have that advantage, too. All I have to do is remember to breathe, pause, and focus on one thing at a time. A long road trip is the perfect place to practice this sort of thinking. 

For the first time, the original Magdala Stone will be exhibited at St. Peter’s Square and in the Great Synagogue of Rome. 

Motown the Musical is a thrilling story that takes place throughout the history of one of the greatest record labels in history. Motown Records was responsible for countless hits, innumerable cultural influences, and was an important avenue for social activism and black culture. 

Miami - and family travel? You may think that Miami is not a family destination. Things couldn’t be further from the truth. Miami has something for everyone - including families with kids. You've got beaches galore, great food, art, culture, and a fun vibe. Here are a few activities your family will enjoy:

I drove from Utah to South Dakota yesterday, once again confirming that if I were a trucker, I’d be fired. I stopped along the way to look at interesting buildings, snap pictures with my iPhone, and once I even stopped to take a nap. Driving a Corvette equipped with a Corvette performance package made the journey even more exhilarating, enhancing the thrill of the open road.

Florida Culture for the Week of May 7, 2017 By Josh Garrick 
 
NOW to May 28 – “Into the Woods” at the Garden Theatre

The performing arts have long recognized and taken inspiration from great works of art. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Broadway musical, Sunday in the Park with George, paid tribute to artist Georges Seurat in months leading up to the completion of his most famous painting, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. The song, Mona Lisa, written by Ray Evans and Jay Livingston describes Leonardo da Vinci’s portrait, Mona Lisa.
 

Travel can be hard – challenging at times, less than comfortable, and the stresses of dealing with unfamiliar cultures, people, and food. This can sometimes overwhelm the joys of travel – the wonder of the newly discovered, the kindness of people, the breathtaking scenery. Travel is as much about the journey within as the journey without. It’s about cultural adaptation, and changing worldviews, and intercultural growth. And, it’s about being open to learning, trying new things, understanding difference.