Perhaps the best way to see French Polynesia is to take a cruise on the Aranui 5, a combination cruise ship and freighter. The ship visits three of the island groups in the French territory and delivers freight to all six of the inhabited islands in the Marquesas Archipelago. In this video, I…
Category: Videos
VIDEO: Celebrating the Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) in Chiang Mai
In mid-April each year, Thailand celebrates the Songkran Festival, Thai New Year. While festivities occur all over the country, the most lavish celebrations occur in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Held over a four or five day period, Songkran begins with a monk blessing and alms-giving ceremony, followed by the presentation of…
VIDEO: From Farmer to Fruitiere to Affineur – the Making of Comte Cheese
Comte cheese may not be a household word in the United States, but every Frenchman and woman is intimately familiar with this semi-hard cheese from the Franche-Comté region in Eastern France. Comté holds the coveted PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status in the European Union, which means that only farms, dairies, and aging…
VIDEO: An Undiscovered Gem in Italy: The Le Marche Region
By now, it’s no secret that I fell in love with the little-known region of Le Marche, Italy. I’ve written about the artisans and traditions of Le Marche, and about my authentic Italian experience while staying at Palazzo Donati in Le Marche, but words can only go so far to describe the wonderful…
VIDEO: Hindu Worshipers Bathing in the Ganges River in Varanasi, India
During a dawn boat ride along the ghats in Varanasi, India, I witnessed devoted Hindus bathing in the Ganges River. Many save for years to make the trip and are joyful at finally being able to touch the river they know as Mother Ganga. Despite being severely polluted, they flock to the…
VIDEO: Aarti Fire Purifying Ceremony at Assi Ghat in Varanasi, India
Every evening after the sun sets, devotees perform the Aarti Fire Purifying Ceremony at Assi Ghat, on the banks of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India.
