“Supporting new small businesses, creating jobs and stabilizing communities.” Sounds like a tag line that every city in the US aspires to achieve. But thanks to the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) in Minneapolis-St Paul, this has become a thriving reality. I visited the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis during TBEX North American conference. At first glance, the […]
In July 2015, my husband and I headed to Rwanda, a country that suffered one of the worst genocides the world has ever seen – more than 800,000 people were slaughtered in 100 days. We met a small group of women there that were living in terrible conditions and had faced the most unimaginable circumstances. Many are victims […]
BIG NEWS!!! My first children’s book, Beato Goes To Greenland will be available in bookstores and online next week! Pre order your copy through Mascot Books by clicking here. It has been a long process. I have started to write books, finished the chapter outlines, pitched to editors, started working on the Book Layout Design, […]
Exclusive interview with 21-year old Alison Lee, a LPGA champion and one of the most beautiful women in golf.
When you think of Finnish food, what comes to mind? Actually, I never saw a Finnish restaurant outside Finland, or came up close with a Finnish chef or famous Finnish recipe. I did know they had reindeer and fish, so perhaps I would find something reasonable to eat in Finland? Well, there are actually quite some delicious […]
Interview with LPGA champion Brooke Henderson (age 18), named top-ranked woman amateur golfer in the world.
When shopping for new luggage, what are some things that you look for? For me, it is looks, durability and price. With thousands of black, blue and red check-in bags circling around the conveyor belt, it can get difficult to identify your bag. Have you ever picked up someone else’s suitcase because it was the same, […]
Ichcha is a social enterprise started by sisters from India, who showcase traditional artisans and sell their handmade merchandise online.
Up until recently, when I visited the tiny country of Bhutan, it remained a mystery to me. I pictured this magical place where the entire nation practices Buddhism, animals roam free through the protected forests, and everyone is happy and content all the time. Some of the movies I watched also suggested that one becomes very […]
Picture a human female nursing a stray doe with her own breast milk. When I first saw this video in a BBC documentary, I was speechless. It was filmed in a village in Rajasthan, India that I had never heard of before. The lady’s husband found a baby deer who went astray, brought it home, and […]
Taktsang Palphug Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, in Bhutan. It was said to have been built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup cave where Guru Padmasambhava meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Padmasambhava is credited […]
Is Bhutan truly a happy country? Interview with executive director of the happiness projects, locals, plus my observations.
Not many tourists think about the kingdom of Bhutan as a top travel destination. This is mainly because Bhutan does not advertise itself among global vacation spots and is perhaps still, a well kept secret. Those who do know about Bhutan’s rich culture, beautiful scenery and colorful festivals, make it a bucket list item. Traveling […]
Home to the beautiful Khone Papeng Falls (largest in southeast Asia), ornate temples, while being the “World’s Most Bombed Country” from the Vietnam War, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has endured a long history of hardships. Like most countries in Southeast Asia, Laos has been a target for colonialism from France, as well as Japan. […]
A trip to downstate New York can offer a quick escape; with beautiful natural surroundings, charming towns, farm to table dining, wineries, and more. If you plan your trip in advance, you can also catch some of the local festivals and concerts that happen in New York’s Dutchess County. Here are the top 10 […]
Are you horrified by how much bottled water costs at airports and hotels? Sometimes, you arrive at your destination late at night, and have to searching for a store that is open late so you can buy a bottle of water? Or you love to go camping and hiking and find yourself hauling loads of […]
If you have made it up to Hudson Valley on your weekend getaway from New York City, also check out a precious gem in the area – Westchester County. There is an easily accessible train ride or quick road trip that will get you away from the city in just a few hours. If you […]
What comes to mind when you think of Australian cuisine? Steaks, meat pies, kangaroos and backyard barbies? Sure, Australians love grilled meats, but there’s a new trend emerging in the Australian dining scene that may surprise you. According to The Australian, the local population is diverting their income from expensive housing to somewhat affordable dining. […]
Whether you have a long layover in Sydney, or are planning a weekend getaway, this urban capital of New South Wales is full of exciting choices for food, drinks, sightseeing and adventures. Here are some highly recommended things to do in Sydney based on my recent visit. Travel like a celebrity. From the airport, ride […]
Anthem of the Seas is the third largest cruise ship in the world and after months of sailing in the Pacific and Mediterranean, the ship has finally arrived in the Atlantic. As I approach the docks, my complete attention draws towards a majestic 18-story building. It is longer than seven Boeing jetliners and there’s a […]
