Author: Tricia A. Mitchell
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Photo du Jour: Balinese Canang Sari Offerings to the Gods
On the island of Bali, religion is tightly intertwined with everyday life. Temples and religious celebrations are plentiful. And locals adorn their places of work, home entrances, and street intersections with offerings called canang sari. These banana leaf vessels are made on a daily basis and hold a large variety of items — everything from colorful flower…
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Scenes from Singapore: A Sensational Start to Our Sabbatical
After more than 24 hours in transit via Germany and Dubai and following a most-bumpy approach through the Strait of Malacca, Shawn and I were delighted to touch ground in Singapore this past weekend. This ‘Lion City’ that is home to 5 million, is made up of 63 islands, just 85 miles (137 kilometers) north…
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Above the Rooftops of Heidelberg: Autumn Views from the Heiliggeistkirche
With a golden sun overhead, and fall colors all around, Shawn and I climbed up to the Heiliggeistkirche’s platform. I had never ascended the 600-year-old Gothic church’s curvy staircase during the autumn season, so I was pleasantly surprised by the splendid panorama that greeted us at the top. On the sandstone perch overlooking Heidelberg’s Altstadt (Old Town), ladybugs…
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Magical Moments in Malta
Malta is an enchanting island nation. It’s a tranquil place where residents christen their homes with titles meshing a couple’s first names. Its harbors are studded with elegant white yachts, as well as humble and colorful fishing boats called luzzus. Despite its diminutive size, Malta has heaps of history and culture, marvelous architecture, and a dramatic…
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Photo du Jour: The Red Buddha – Luang Prabang, Laos
A vibrant-red Buddha is the focus point of a courtyard in Luang Prabang, Laos.

