#National Hill Climb Association

[southernsolarpunk]

Hey check this out

I was making a zine (solarpunk ofc) and decided to use a bunch of old National Geographic magazines to cut up and use in a scrappy diy scrapbook fashion and of course I started reading them. This one in particular:

It caught my eye because it’s from September 1980 & talks about the Middle East. My brain wonders if they mention Palestine and they do! I copied the text for accessibility, but I put pictures at the end of the original pages.

“Jerusalem: reunited or occupied? The question has divided the city's 400,000 Jews and 100,000 Arabs since Israel annexed East Jerusalem in 1967.

BEIRUT, JANUARY 1975. Armed soldiers lead me through labyrinthine back streets, up a dark stairway to a midnight rendez-vous. Only a bare bulb lights the temporary command post; Yasir Arafat, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, seldom dares spend two days in the same place. “Our argument is not with the Jews” He tells me. "We are both Semites. They have lived with us for centuries. Our enemies are the Zionist colonizers and their backers who insist Palestine belongs to them exclusively.

We Arabs claim deep roots there too."

Two decades ago Palestinians were to be found in United Nations Relief Agency camps at places like Gaza and Jericho, in a forlorn and pitiable state. While Palestinian spokesmen pressed their case in world cap-itals, the loudest voice the world heard was that of terrorists, with whom the word Palestinian came to be associated. Jordan fought a war to curb them. The disintegration of Lebanon was due in part to the thousands of refugees within its borders.

Prospects for peace brightened, however, when President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, most powerful of the Arab countries, made his historic trip to Israel in November 1977. A year later Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin signed the Camp David accords, a framework for the return of the occupied Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

The former enemies established diplomatic relations and opened mail, telephone, and airline communications.

The Camp David accords also addressed the all-important Palestinian question but left it vague. Sadat insists that any lasting peace depends on an eventual Palestinian homeland in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Israel agrees to limited autonomy for those regions, but, fearful of a new and hostile Palestinian state suddenly planted on its borders, insists that Israeli troops must maintain security there.

Crowded Rashidiyah refugee camp, set among orange groves south of the ancient Phoenician port of Tyre in Lebanon, lies on the front lines. Frequent pounding by Israeli military jets and warships seeking PLO targets has war-hardened its population, some 13,700 Palestinians.

At the schoolyard I watched a solemn flag raising. Uniformed ashbal, or lion cubs, stood rigid as color guards briskly ran up the green-white-and-black Palestinian flag.

Ranging in age from 8 to 12, they might have been Cub Scouts— except for the loaded rifles they held at present arms. Behind them stood two rows of girls, zaharat, or little flowers. Same age, same weapons.

Over lunch of flat bread, hummus, yo-gurt, and chicken I commented to my hosts, a group of combat-ready fedayeen, that 30 years of bitter war had settled nothing nor gained the Palestinians one inch of their homeland. Was there no peaceful way to press their cause?

"Yes, and we are doing it. Finally, after 30 years, most countries in the United Nations recognize that we too have rights in Palestine. But we feel that until your country stops its unconditional aid to Israel, we have two choices: to fight, or to face an unmarked grave in exile."

AFTER CROSSING the Allenby Bridge from Amman, I drove across the fertile Jordan Valley through Arab Jericho and past some of the controversial new Jewish settlements: Mitzpe Jericho, Tomer, Maale Adumim, Shilat. Then as I climbed through the steep stony hills to Jerusalem, I saw that it too had changed. A ring of high-rise apartments and offices was growing inexorably around the occupied Arab side of the walled town. Within the wall, too, scores of Arab houses had been leveled during extensive reconstruction.

"Already 64 settlements have been built on the West Bank," said a Christian Palestinian agriculturist working for an American church group in Jerusalem. "And another 10 are planned," he said. Unfolding a copy of the master plan prepared in 1978 by the World Zionist Organization, he read: "Real-izing our right to Eretz-Israel... with or without peace, we will have to learn to live with the minorities...

The Israeli Government has reaffirmed the policy. In Prime Minister Menachem Begin's words: "Settlement is an inherent and inalienable right. It is an integral part of our national security."

"Security" is a word deeply etched into the Israeli psyche. The country has lived for 30 years as an armed camp, always on guard against PLO raids and terrorist bombings.

Whenever such incidents occur, the response is quick: even greater retaliation.

In Jerusalem I met with David Eppel, an English-language broadcaster for the Voice of Israel. "We must continue to build this country. Israel is our lawful home, our des-tiny. We have the determination, and an immense pool of talent, to see it through." His cosmopolitan friends a city plan-ner, a psychology professor, an author gathered for coffee and conversation at David's modern apartment on Jerusalem's Leib Yaffe Road.

Amia Lieblich's book, Tin Soldiers on Jerusalem Beach, studies the debilitating effects almost constant war has had on life in the Jewish state, a nation still surrounded by enemies. As she and her husband kindly drove me to my hotel in Arab Jerusalem afterward, some of that national apprehension surfaced in the writer herself.

"We don't often come over to this part of town," she said. "Especially at night."

I DROVE OUT of the Old City in the dark of morning and arrived a few hours later at the nearly finished Israeli frontier post, whence a shuttle bus bounced me through no-man's-land to the Egyptian ter-minal. As a result of the Egyptian-Israeli treaty, it was possible for the first time since 1948 to travel overland from Jerusalem to Cairo. An Egyptian customs man opened my bags on a card table set up in the sand. I took a battered taxi into nearby El Arish, to a sleepy bank that took 45 minutes to convert dollars into Egyptian pounds, Then 1 hired a Mercedes for the

200-mile run across the northern Sinai des-ert, the Suez Canal, and the Nile Delta. By sundown Cairo was mine.

Despite official government optimism, I found many in Cairo worried that President Sadat's bold diplomatic gestures might fail.

The city was noticeably tense as Israel officially opened its new embassy on Mohi el-Din Abu el-Ez Street in Cairo's Dukki quarter. Black-uniformed Egyptian troops guarded the chancery and nearby intersections as the Star of David flew for the first time in an Arab capital. Across town, police with fixed bayonets were posted every ten feet around the American Embassy. Others were posted at the TV station and the larger hotels. Protests were scattered, mostly peaceful. None disturbed the cadence of the city.

Welcoming ever larger delegations of tourists and businessmen from Europe and the U.S., Cairo was busier than ever-and more crowded. Despite a building boom, many Egyptians migrating from the countryside, perhaps 10,000 a month, still find housing only by squatting among tombs at the City of the Dead, the huge old cemetery on the southeast side of the capital.

Even with the new elevated highway and wider bridge across the Nile, half-hour traffic standstills are common. Commuters arrive at Ramses Station riding even the roofs of trains, then cram buses until axles break.

Cairo smog, a corrosive blend of diesel fumes and hot dust from surrounding des-erts, rivals tear gas.

Despite the rampant blessings of prog-ress, Cairo can still charm. In the medieval Khan el-Khalili bazaar near Cairo's thousand-year-old Al-Azhar University, I sought out Ahmad Saadullah's sidewalk café. I found that 30 piasters (45 cents) still brings hot tea, a tall water pipe primed with tobacco and glowing charcoal, and the latest gossip. The turbaned gentleman on the carpeted bench opposite was unusually talk-ative; we dispensed with weather and the high cost of living and got right to politics:

"Of course I am behind President Sadat, but he is taking a great risk. The Israelis have not fully responded. If Sadat fails, no other Arab leader will dare try for peace again for a generation."

Across town at the weekly Akhbar El-Yom newspaper, one of the largest and most widely read in the Middle East, chief editor Abdel-Hamid Abdel-Ghani drove home that same point.

"What worries me most is that President Sadat's agreement with Israel has isolated Egypt from our brother nations," he told me. "When Saudi Arabia broke with us, it was a heavy loss. The Saudis are our close neighbors. Now they have canceled pledges for hundreds of millions in development aid to Egypt. Some 200,000 Egyptians-teach-ers, doctors, engineers live and work in the kingdom.

"And Saudi Arabia, guardian of the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, remains for Muslim Egypt a spiritual homeland."

This magazine was published before my mom was born, and yet the sentiments have basically unchanged. An interesting look at the past, and more proof this didn’t start October 7th. (But imagine my followers already knew that)

[cosmosbeelover]

The History of Korean Male Soloists from the 20th Century: Episode 2/?

The second episode of 'The History of Korean Male Soloists from the 20th Century' focuses on notable Korean artists who gained recognition in the early 20th century, a time marked by Japanese occupation.

The documentation surrounding these artists is often inconsistent, primarily because their activities took place nearly a century ago, prior to the Korean War, which resulted in the loss or inaccessibility of historical records.

Lee Eun Sang (이은상; 李殷相)

Lee Eun-sang was initially referenced in Part 3 of 'The History of Korean Male Groups' for his contribution as a lyricist for the "Boat Song," which was performed by the Yonhui College Choir and composed by Hyun Je-myeong (현제명; 玄濟明). He also penned the lyrics for "Watermill" and "Jeolumbari," both of which were composed by Hyun Je-myeong as well.

Lee Eun Sang (이은상), born on October 22, 1903, and passing on September 18, 1982, hailed from Jeonju but spent much of his life in Masan, Gyeongnam. He was the second son of Lee Seung-gyu (이승규) and adopted several pen names, with Nosan (노산;鷺山) being the most prominent, alongside Namcheon (남천; 南川), Gangsan Yuin (강산유인; 江山遊人), and Duwooseong (두우성;斗牛星).

As a distinguished South Korean sijo poet, historian, and honorary doctor of literature, Lee Eun Sang produced significant works including the 'Nosan Sahwa Collection,' 'Nosan Sijo Collection,' 'Nosan Poetry Collection,' 'I Want to Go,' 'Night at Seongbulsa Temple,' and 'Climbing the Old Hill.' His contributions to the arts were recognized with several accolades, including the Arts Academy Merit Award, the 5/16 National Award, and honours from the Arts and Culture Division.

Life and Activities

He completed his secondary education at Masan Changshin School (昌信學校), an institution established by his father in 1918, and pursued studies in the liberal arts at Yonhui College (연세대학교; 延世大學校), although he is believed to have left the college in 1923. Between 1925 and 1927, he attended Waseda University (와세다 대학; 早稲田大学) in Japan, where he audited courses in the Department of History.

In 1931, Lee Eun Sang began his academic career as a professor at Ewha Womans College (이화여자대학교; 梨花女子大學校). He later took on leadership roles, including the presidency of Honam Shinmun in 1945, and continued to teach at various institutions such as Cheonggu University, Seoul National University (서울대학교), and Yeungnam University (영남대학교; 嶺南大學校) after 1950. Additionally, he held presidencies in several cultural organizations, including the Korean National Culture Association and the Korean Sijo Writers Association, as well as the Korean Mountaineering Club (한국산악회), which was founded in 1945.

Prior to Korea's liberation, he was an active participant in the National Literature Faction and was arrested during the Joseon Language Society Incident (조선어학회 사건; 朝鮮語學會事件), which involved the Japanese authorities detaining members of the Korean Language Society in 1942. His literary contributions began in the early days of the Joseon Literary World (조선문단) magazine, and despite being imprisoned at Hongwon Police Station and Hamheung Prison, he was released the following year. In 1945, he faced detention at Gwangyang Police Station under a preliminary arrest warrant for thought crimes but was freed following Korea's liberation.

Following his liberation, he produced a substantial body of work across journalism, academia, and historical writing. His explorations of the country resulted in numerous travelogues, and he gained recognition as a researcher of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (이순신; 李舜臣). In 1954, he was elected to the National Academy of Arts and subsequently became the president of the Chungmugong Admiral Yi Sun-sin Memorial Association in 1959. His leadership extended to the National Culture Association and the Ahn Jung-geun (안중근) Admiration Association in 1965, where he dedicated efforts to honour significant national figures. Notably, he contributed to the founding declaration of the Democratic Republican Party in 1963.

He earned both his master's and doctoral degrees in Korean language and literature from Kyunghee University (경희대학교; 慶熙大學校) in 1970, followed by an honorary doctorate in literature from Yonsei University in 1974. That same year, he assumed the role of chairman of the National Council for Total Security and became the lifetime chairman of the Sijo Writers Association. His accolades included being named a lifetime member of the National Academy of Arts in 1978 and serving on the National Advisory Committee on Government Administration in 1981. His contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards, including the National Academy of Arts' Merit Award and the May 16 National Award.

His literary legacy includes popular sijos such as “Gagopa” (가고파), “The Night of Seongbulsa Temple” (성불사의 밤), and “Going Up the Old Hill” (옛동산에 올라), alongside significant publications like “Nosan Sahwajip” (노산사화집), “Nosan Sijojip” (노산시조집), and “Yi Chungmu-gong Chronicles” (이충무공 일대기). Throughout his life, he was committed to the dual pursuits of sijo poetry and fostering national consciousness. In 1982, he was appointed as an advisory member of the State Affairs Advisory Council (Another link about this Council), but he passed away later that year, leaving behind a rich tapestry of cultural contributions.

He additionally composed the lyrics for the commemorative song dedicated to Mr. Kim Gu (김구) and President Park Chung-hee (박정희).

His Work

In 1921, the poem "Blood Tide" was published in the fourth issue of "Ahseong" (아성) under the pseudonym Du Woo-seong (두우성), marking the beginning of his literary career. However, it was not until the establishment of "Chosun Literature" in 1924 that he fully engaged in literary activities. Throughout this magazine, he contributed numerous critiques, essays, and poems, although he largely overlooked traditional national studies and sijo, favouring Western free verse instead. During this period, he produced approximately thirty free verse poems, in stark contrast to just one sijo.

His critical writings from this era include notable titles such as “A Study of Poet Whitman,” “Tennyson’s Four Poems,” and “Lectures on the History of British Poetry,” with significant contributions appearing in "Chosun Literature" and "Dong-A Ilbo." These works reflect the literary landscape of the time and his engagement with Western literary traditions. However, by the latter half of 1926, as discussions surrounding the revival of sijo gained momentum, there was a noticeable shift towards traditional literature and national studies.

Lee Eun Sang (이은상)– Nosanmunseon (노산문선)

Between 1929 and 1930, he published several poems that incorporated folk song rhythms, including “Sae Taryeong” (New Song), “Maehwadong” (Selling Flowers), and “Joseon’s Flower” (Flower of Joseon). In addition to his poetry, he also contributed to the field of criticism with works such as “A Brief Study of Cheongsang Folk Songs” and “The Life and Art of Hwang Jini.” This period marked a significant evolution in his literary focus, as he began to embrace traditional forms alongside his earlier Western influences.

The poet's sijo reflects a deep intertwining of admiration for his homeland, its natural landscapes, traditional Eastern sentiments, and the Buddhist notion of impermanence. His profound affection for his country and its people manifests with an intensity akin to religious fervour. The simplicity and authenticity of his language resonate with a broad audience, contributing significantly to the resurgence of the sijo form.

Initially, he regarded sijo as inferior to literature, only embracing it as a legitimate literary form following discussions surrounding its value. Despite this initial scepticism, he engaged in writing both free verse and sijo for a period, ultimately establishing himself as a prominent sijo poet by the late 1930s. His journey into this genre marked a significant evolution in his literary identity.

In addition to composing sijo, he also translated Tang poetry into this format, thereby enriching the genre and expanding its theoretical framework. His contributions not only enhanced the sijo tradition but also demonstrated the versatility and depth of this poetic form, bridging cultural and literary boundaries.

Lee Eun Sang (이은상) – Nosan Sijo Collection (노산시조집)

In his essays featured in the Dong-A Ilbo, including “The Problem of Sijo” (April 30–May 4, 1927), “A Brief Discussion of Sijo” (April 18–25, 1928), and “The Problem of Sijo Creation” (March 30–April 9, 1932), the author sought to clarify the standard structure of sijo through pitch rather than syllable count. His inaugural personal collection, “Nosan Sijo Collection,” released in 1932, embodies themes of nostalgia, appreciation, transience, and reverence for nature.

Notable pieces such as "Thinking of Hometown," "I Want to Go," and "Night at Seongbulsa Temple" have gained popularity as songs, reflecting the simple and melodious qualities of sijo. Following liberation, his focus shifted towards social themes, emphasizing national pride, the anguish of division, aspirations for reunification, and honouring patriots. This thematic evolution culminated in the 1958 collection, ‘Nosan Sijo Anjip’, particularly in works like 'The Meaning of the Blue Sky' (1970) and his final compilation, ‘Giwon’.

His approach to sijo included an attempt to simplify the form by experimenting with the two-chapter sijo (兩章時調), although later in his career, he tended to increase syllable counts. As a historian and essayist, he utilized his extensive historical knowledge to produce numerous travelogues and biographies aimed at fostering patriotism. Post-liberation, he prioritized social contributions over literary pursuits, leaving behind a substantial body of work, including poetry collections like ‘Nosanmunseon’ and ‘Nosansimunseon’, the essay collection ‘Musang’, and over 100 books, including his biographies such as ‘Journal of Tamna Traveling Hal’.

Awards and Remembrance

Lee Eun Sang's funeral took place as a public event, culminating in his interment at the national cemetery. A commemorative monument, known as 'Gagopa Songbi' (가고파 송비), was established in Masan to honour his ancestors. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1990.

[beardedmrbean]

When it comes to leaving students with crushing debt they can’t repay, America’s richest colleges and universities are often the worst perpetrators. 

Under a new congressional bill, those institutions could face millions in fines if they don’t start giving students a better deal.

The idea – known as “risk sharing” – is one of a slew of far-reaching provisions included in a massive overhaul of the higher education system that was proposed by House Republicans earlier this month. The College Cost Reduction Act, introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House education committee, is the GOP’s suggested template for finally reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, a sweeping 1960s-era federal law that governs colleges. 

The law is supposed to be reauthorized every five years. But the last time it was renewed was in 2008. It has been in place through temporary extensions ever since. In the interim, the country’s runaway student loan debt problem has reached crisis levels as the average price of college tuition climbed to new heights. 

Many ideas in the 224-page GOP bill have already prompted blowback from Democrats and higher education advocates. Republicans, for instance, want to slash the amount of money that students can borrow for college. Under the bill, they wouldn’t be able to take out more than $50,000 in total for undergraduate programs or $100,000 for graduate programs. 

That cap would be a huge change. It also could limit students without grant money to pursuing their studies at a limited number of schools.

Some of the GOP’s ideas about how to fix the federal student loan system would crush many American families, according to Sameer Gadkaree, president of the Institute for College Access & Success. 

“This could mean that some borrowers would stay in debt for the rest of their lives,” Gadkaree said in a statement responding to other proposed changes in the bill that would alter income-driven repayment plans.

The Republican proposal is a big bill with lots of ideas – some radical and others that almost everyone agrees on. Because the legislation is so massive, it’s nearly impossible it would move very far in this Congress, which has experienced historic levels of gridlock. 

Yet bipartisan sentiment is growing on Capitol Hill to make higher education more affordable – President Joe Biden has made that argument a central component of his attempts at broad student loan relief. Even in their attacks on those efforts, Republicans have leaned on bipartisan criticism of the rising cost of college in America. 

“We want there to be quality assurance in the education that students are seeking,” Foxx said in an interview with USA TODAY. “Too much of the focus of the colleges and universities has been on milking the students and parents.” 

A House aide not authorized to speak publicly about the legislation told USA TODAY that Democrats vehemently oppose it. Republicans did not consult them when crafting it, the aide said, as they would do with more bipartisan legislation. 

Karen McCarthy, the vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, said colleges are still parsing through the bill. She said her group is waiting to hear feedback from more schools. 

“We’re always on the lookout for unintended consequences,” she said. “With any bill of this size, we always have things that we like and areas of concern.”

Which colleges would see the biggest fines? 

One radical change proposed in the bill would effectively make colleges, not student loan borrowers, financially responsible for unpaid loans. 

According to a summary of the bill, schools would essentially be on the hook for paying their graduates’ loans back if those students didn’t end up earning as much money as the college predicted. 

An analysis of the bill from The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, a conservative think tank, estimates that private schools would face hundreds of millions of dollars in fines for leaving students saddled with debt. The University of Southern California, for example, would risk a roughly $170 million annual penalty. The school did not respond on the record to a request for comment on the proposed fine. Neither did the University of Phoenix, which also would face tens of millions in penalties.

Preston Cooper, a higher education researcher at FREOPP, said the biggest losers under the law would be elite nonprofit schools. 

“These places are very heavily reliant on the student loan program,” he said. “The end goal of this is not necessarily to reward or punish different institutions but to change the incentives.”

Democrats oppose idea as higher ed lobby raises concerns over bill

So far, the idea of forcing colleges to pay the government back for unpaid federal student loans doesn’t have bipartisan support. Behind closed doors, Democrats are worried the provision would end up hurting community colleges and minority-serving institutions, the House aide said. 

Big players in the higher education lobby have problems with the proposal, too. The American Council on Education hasn't taken an official stance on the bill or any component of it. But Emmanual Guillory, the group’s senior director of government relations, said he shares Democrats' concerns that the risk-sharing provision could hurt colleges that enroll more students from marginalized communities.

Colleges shouldn't be financially penalized for pay gaps in the job market, Guillory said, or for labor challenges in other industries.

"Everyone is not starting from the same starting point," he said. "We can understand the logic, but it just doesn't work that way."

[xtruss]

Homemade Gooey Marshmallow S’more with Chocolate and Cookie! S’mores went by Many Names in their 100-Year History—From “Somemores” to “Yummies” to “Toasted Marshmallow Delights." For most of that time, their inventor was unknown. Photograph By Brent Hofacker, Alamy Stock Photo

Who Invented S’mores? Don’t Believe The Myths—This Is The Real History

Lots of People Get Credit for Inventing the Gooey Campfire Treat. But a Woman Named Cookie—Yes, Cookie—Made It into a Culinary All-Star. This is her Story.

— By Dustin Renwick | April 2, 2025

Dorothy Christian Moore knew the rules when she climbed in the dark to the ship’s bridge. “This is strictly forbidden,” she wrote as she crossed the Atlantic Ocean, “and I hadn’t been there two minutes before someone seized me roughly from behind.” She explained to the officer her pursuit of the sunrise, and together they watched the blue horizon split into silver, then blaze to gold—like so many campfires that would define her years in the United States.

She arrived the next morning at the invitation of the Girl Scouts to spend the summer of 1923 sharing her skills. Her stint as a volunteer in an officer’s hospital kitchen during World War I, feeding 150 men a day, had earned her the affectionate nickname “Cookie.” After the war, she continued in public service as a leader in Girl Guides, the first sister organization to Boy Scouts, both created in England.

The overseas appointment proved to be momentous.

Cookie specialized in bringing young women outdoors to learn something of themselves and the natural world. By 1925, she’d published a recipe for a camping dessert, and Girl Scouts across the country reported their experiences with “Somemore,” a sweet sandwich made of graham crackers and half a chocolate bar melted by not one but two toasted marshmallows.

Girl Scouts toasted marshmallows in 1925 at Cedar Hill near Boston, Massachusetts. Some parents might have frowned. “Americans were obsessed with digestion,” explains Helen Veit, associate professor of history at Michigan State University. “People thought children needed extra-digestible food. S’mores wouldn’t have seemed like an obvious children’s food the way they might today.” Photograph Provided By The Girl Scout Museum At Cedar Hill

A century later, the flavor combo has become a favorite well beyond the woods. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., the national organization, has even released several commercial versions, with the latest official Girl Scout S’mores boxed cookies retiring in 2025.

But Cookie’s extraordinary story vanished, along with the truth about her role in creating a treat that now seems both ubiquitous and everlasting.

Campfire Fairy Tales

Myths can move faster than a woodpile in winter, and the internet has amplified an incorrect and incomplete history of s’mores.

According to the most widespread origin story, the three packable, snackable ingredients were first joined as “Some More” in a 1927 book called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The chapter about hiking meals only includes one person: Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind in the Willows. His characters, Rat and Mole, are quoted in a discussion of what’s stuffed into a wicker picnic basket: “coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchrollscresssandwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater.”

More recently, the recipe in Tramping and Trailing was credited to Loretta Scott Crew. She’s as imaginary as Rat and Mole. “We could not find any mention of her,” says Shannon Browning-Mullis, historian for Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Other relevant archives contain a total of zero references to this alleged troop leader. A 2012 blog post points to a full-blown fakery, and Wikipedia contributors deleted Crew’s page more than a decade ago.

Yet Crew’s name is still cited today, which speaks to a collective yearning for a creator. How could such a celebrated aspect of American childhoods really have no inventor, no genius to applaud? Fiction filled the void.

Left: To pass the proficiency test and earn this Pioneer merit badge from the 1920s, Girl Scouts needed to demonstrate skills that included interpreting the directions of the wind, marking a trail, and cooking outdoor meals. Photograph Provided By The Girl Scout of The USA Collection & Archives Right: “Food here is a revelation. The more I eat of it the more I wonder whatever the Americans must think of English food—or rather English cooking,” Cookie Moore wrote in one of her letters, later published together in 1924 as the book Hail, Girl Scouts! Photograph Provided By The Girl Scout Museum At Cedar Hill

Meanwhile, Dorothy Christian “Cookie” Moore, a blue-eyed Brit with an astonishingly appropriate nickname, is real. A panoramic review of historical records—from 1920s newspapers to candy trade magazines to summer camp reports, personal letters, and photographs—reveals a portrait of an intrepid woman who loved nothing so much as cooking a meal outside with people who were awakening to the wonders of the forests, rivers, and mountains.

Guide on a Mission

When Cookie sailed into New York harbor in May 1923, she didn’t go far. Hours of immigration lines reminded the 34-year-old “of those interminable ‘margarine and cheese’ queues of the worst war years,” she later told her mother. She even helped translate in French and German for the official interpreter to keep the lines moving. Soon, she was heading north of the city to her assignment at Camp Andree Clark, in the sylvan Hudson River valley.

Cookie had cultivated her proficiency in camping when she served as captain of a Girl Guide troop in Bexhill-on-Sea, on the southern coast of England, where she lived with her widowed mother and devised her ideology around encouraging independence.

“Does the average camp give much scope for initiative and resourcefulness?” Cookie asked in a letter home. “Do the children learn to use their hands and muscles constructively? And above all does the method develop Leadership and a sense of responsibility? These are the questions the Powers that be are asking themselves. They realise the enormous possibilities of applied Scouting and, hence—my raison d’etre.”

Cookie Moore arrived at a critical moment for the Girl Scouts, when the organization was one of several competing for political support, financial resources, and the loyalties of girls in the United States. In the early 1920s, active membership in Girl Scouts held a distant second place to Camp Fire Girls, who boasted close connections to the fabulously popular Boy Scouts, with a half million boys.

Lots of People Get Credit For Inventing The Gooey Campfire Treat. But A Woman Named Cookie—Yes, Cookie—Made It Into A Culinary All-Star.

Outdoorsy organizations flourished due to major social changes. Families were moving away from fields and farms and into villages, towns, and cities. The 1920 Census determined that the country was more urban than rural for the first time ever—and children increasingly spent their days indoors at schools rather than working in the fresh air. This shift alarmed some parents and social reformers, says Pamela Riney-Kehrberg, distinguished professor of history at Iowa State University. “There’s this real fear that children are going to be damaged physically, emotionally, mentally, by not having contact with the natural world,” she says. “Scouts allowed children to explore many different activities: sports, hiking, nature, cooking. Opportunity after opportunity.” And unlike school, kids were allowed to choose how they learned about the world.

Scouting boomed for boys, with camping as a centerpiece, but the two girls’ organizations interpreted female abilities quite differently. True to the name, Camp Fire Girls did camp, but the program overall emphasized household roles. One proponent encouraged a fun time with: “Find poetry in washing dishes.” In contrast, Girl Scouts offered a more expansive view of thrills girls might chase, even as they abided by societal expectations for learning household duties.

As Cookie settled in at Camp Andree, the divergent philosophies of the two groups were on display in their monthly magazines where both organizations promoted photography contests. Everygirl published a partial page of general guidance by the national executive of the Camp Fire Girls, a businessman. The American Girl published a two-page spread of technical tricks, critiques of photos, and guidance on how to craft a visual story, all written by Jessie Tarbox Beals, one of the first female photojournalists. A camera “is an instrument of great power and influence if understood and used correctly,” she told her young readers, and even a cheap model, she said, could provide a path to a full-blown career for any Girl Scout.

In 1925, Girl Scout Leaders attended training sessions at Innisfree at Camp Andrée Clark, New York. Pioneering photojournalist Jessie Tarbox Beals was on site to photograph them. Photograph Provided By The Girl Scout of The USA Collection & Archives

Similarly, the Girl Scouts were interested in Cookie as an expert in her field. She had often taken her Bexhill troop on two-week excursions with minimal equipment. “When we move away, you would think the fairies had been there—everything is that right.” American youth camps in 1923 were not compatible with such meager infrastructure. They were staged in advance of kids arriving and constructed for “mass camping,” with 100 or more kids concentrated in the main eating and sleeping areas.

“We are using Camp Andree Clark as an ‘out-of-door laboratory’ to try out experiments in camping,” wrote the Girl Scouts national director to other leaders that spring. The grounds were scattered into separate units designed for individual patrols of eight Girl Scouts and two leaders, and Cookie Moore pushed that uncommon model even further.

Off to Innisfree

Trails connected units at Andree with names such as Fairy Ring and Hillside. After some days of learning directions, Cookie trekked to the top of the hill, far beyond Trail’s End, to a newly built cabin that still smelled of fresh logs and mortar. Gray birches stood as the only neighbors around a structure situated at the edge of the wider forest. A cold spring gurgled with fresh water on the other side of the nearby apple orchard. She named the spot “Innisfree,” after a famous poem by William Butler Yeats. “If you’d emptied your pockets and cudgelled your brains for years,” Cookie wrote, “you couldn’t have evolved a more perfect Troop Headquarters than Innisfree.”

This was the beginning of the “pioneer unit,” the first in any Girl Scouts camp. Innisfree served as the daily hub for embarking on rambles to spot hawk and heron nests, distinguish an ash from an aspen, and nourish a profound appreciation for the landscape. Cookie also taught her patrols the technical skills they needed to earn a Pioneer merit badge.

Left: “I wish to encourage Girl Scouts in an art that may someday be their profession,” wrote Jessie Tarbox Beals, one of the first female photojournalists. She made this photo of campers setting up a campsite at Innisfree in 1925. Photograph Provided By The Girl Scout of The USA Collection & Archives Right: Cookie Moore favored simple fare for campfire cooking, with dishes that could be easily prepared on a stick over a fire, like kabobs and s'mores. Photograph By Glasshouse Images, Alamy Stock Photo

The girls dug latrines and pitched their own tents. They made maps and blazed trails. They axed saplings to build camp furniture and played games that honed their observational skills. They worked together as a team to solve problems. “They had three hours’ good snore after lunch,” Cookie noted, “so that they might see something of the wonder and beauty of the short summer nights.”

She noticed and disliked the many pans and utensils her scouts carried on overnight hikes. So her campfire cooking lessons focused on one-pot meals, like Irish stew, and dishes that required only a pocketknife and a good stick from the surroundings.

Girls roasted cheese cubes wrapped in bacon—“Angels on Horseback” in Cookie’s imaginative parlance—and skewered kabobs of beef, bacon, and onion. “They should be the most delicious fare imaginable,” Cookie instructed, seasoned with woodsmoke to a soundtrack of crickets.

Cookie Moore enthusiastically accepted a request to return for another summer in 1924. She brought her gentle criticism of American parenting with her. “You think so much for your children and tell them what to do until there is nothing left for them to think out for themselves,” she told a U.S. newspaper reporter that year. “Primitive camping develops their resourcefulness.”

She believed in the instincts of girls—their desire for independence and their innate love of adventures. She also allowed them to fail, with support, because “nobody ever learned efficiency by watching an efficient person.”

Her faith also carried into teaching Girl Scouts leaders. Wealthy and middle-class women competently advised girls on merit badges for Child Nurse or Canner, but traditional lives in households of the era had not prepared most women to nurture girls working toward badges such as Star Gazer, Athlete, or Pioneer. And a lack of troop leaders was the most significant existential threat to the organization’s continued growth. One leader who spent time with Cookie later recalled that training sessions were the “spontaneous blossom” of the Girl Scouts movement because so many women found themselves gaining confidence alongside their girls.

Cookie’s guidance for leaders in primitive camping, applied scouting, and outdoor cooking came to be known as “Innisfree Weeks,” and that’s where a legendary dessert was soon born.

Birth of the 'Somemore'

Girl Scouts executives continued to formalize and expand a schedule of training events. Wisconsin hosted the National Camp-Field-Education Conference for midwestern leaders in late September 1924, and Pennsylvania hosted the version for eastern leaders in early October. Cookie brought her usual mirth and cheer to both gatherings, and a handful of newspaper reports indicate that she shared something unusual.

The local director for Girl Scouts in Buffalo, New York, relayed to her troops her experience at the eastern conference assembling kabobs and “a new dessert called ‘Somemore’ ” at the end of a camp-wide game of tracking and observation. An assistant local director from Rochester, New York, played on the opposing team, a group that trained directly with Cookie. A few weeks later, the Rochester newspaper published a now-familiar recipe under the heading “Yummie Dessert.”

And after leaders from Kalamazoo, Michigan, had returned from the midwestern conference, the local newspaper reported that kabobs “and ‘summore’ have been introduced on the Scout menu and have already become famous.”

Well, not quite.

Her own writings on the subject are silent, but wherever Cookie went, somemores followed. Then, in the cover story for the May 1925 issue of The Girl Scout Leader magazine—mailed free to all captains, commissioners, and local directors—Cookie published a weekend hike plan with one-pot meals and an easy dessert that required no extra kitchen utensils:

“Somemore”

16 Graham Crackers

4 Hershey Bars

16 Marshmallows

Toast the marshmallows until they are pale brown and “gooey.” Then make a sandwich of the two crackers and half a chocolate bar and put the marshmallow in between. Good!

Marshmallow toasting preferences ranged wildly from the original 1925 instructions of “Pale Brown and Gooey.” Other Points on the Spectrum from Raw to Charcoal: Just Right, Light Brown, Nice Brown, Mellow Brown, and “The More Burned It Gets The Better We Like It.” Photograph By Julia Gartland

Perhaps Cookie took inspiration from Mallomars or MoonPies, both invented in the 1910s. They used the same ingredients as a somemore, but the outer layer of chocolate devolved into a melting mess near flames. Cookie had noticed that Americans craved candy, but she could not have predicted her triumph. A troop leader in Virginia who attended a training course deemed them “most tempting.” Graham cracker crumbs tumbled into the grass at a troop leader training in Illinois, where they smushed melted chocolate with crispy marshmallows and exclaimed, “O, Girl, what joy!”

Girl Scouts in western New York wrote about somemores many times during the 1925 summer camps. A rainy night in late July left the girls in Buffalo, New York, sitting on ponchos watching their friends struggle to light a pile of damp wood. “Then it blazed up beautifully,” they wrote, “and we sang and talked and laughed and toasted ‘Some-mores.’” In a review that echoes across generations, they declared the dessert “food for the gods.”

It became the breakout year for somemores, and by the end of 1925, Girl Scouts in at least 22 states—coast to coast, and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf—had assembled the trio of ingredients around campfires, office stoves, and electric toasters using everything from wood sticks to steel knitting needles.

From the earliest mentions, Girl Scouts established ownership of their novelty and referred to it as the “Girl Scout dessert” or “a Scout specialty.” Troops also tested other names: “samoas” (now a different Girl Scout cookie), “yummies,” and “toasted marshmallow delights.” As part of a national marketing campaign, a marshmallow manufacturer released a recipe booklet in 1925 that included a “Marshmallow Graham Cracker Sandwich,” a tag as unwieldy as it was literal.

“Somemore” worked because it described the food and the feeling. “Every time you eat one, you always go back for more,” concluded the scribe for Troop 7 in her report to the Birmingham, Alabama, newspaper. Cookie once wrote that she admired Americans for their ability to “scrap, at a moment’s notice, lately cherished schemes, in favour of new ones which seem better.” The girls proved her right.

In late 1925, a Minnesota troop called the dessert s’mores—if not the first, definitely one of the earliest examples of the modern apostrophe (and long before internet claims of the word’s creation in a 1938 guidebook written by a man). A century on, s’mores have become a milestone of American childhood and the embodiment of camping.

Cookie’s Cookie

“Already this ‘Innisfree’ idea is spreading about the country,” reported the Girl Scouts national director of the camp department in 1925, and she acknowledged that more American girls were “learning how to be real campers, not merely the ‘summer resort’ kind who do not know how to fend for themselves outdoors.”

Cookie Moore’s hometown newspaper in Bexhill, England, published a letter from her rejoicing that the 1925 camping season had broken records. “So you see, guiding or scouting, it’s all the same the world over. The most use and the best fun of all the strange things we spend our lives attempting to do.”

She continued to teach at camps in Boston and then Chicago, where in 1927, as Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts was published, a newspaper reported that, “The name of Christian Moore is a household word for Girl Scouts everywhere.” The national headquarters estimated that 50,000 girls would participate in pioneer camping that year.

Together with other efforts to develop a generation of leaders, such as including training courses at colleges, Cookie’s work had changed the Girl Scouts’ trajectory of growth. S’mores were a bonus, a sugary tactic in her much broader strategy of inspiring joy out under the open skies.

And yet her story is a study of legacies and what little we control of how the world remembers us.

She headed back to England in December 1928 to rejoin her Girl Guides. Camp Fire Girls tried to rebrand her signature dessert as “heavenly crisps,” yet in 1934, even their official manual conceded a final parenthetical: “(also known as s’mores).” By that point, Girl Scouts counted 350,000 active members, nearly double their former rival.

Left: Riffs on the original s'mores recipe have evolved over the years with some swapping in fruit slices, peanut butter, or even shortbread. But Cookie's classic combo remains the favorite. Photograph By Peter Frank Edwards, Redux Right: Since their debut in 1925, the gooey campfire treats have become such a summertime tradition that they have their own holiday: National S'mores Day, which falls on August 10. Photograph By Big Cheese Photo, Alamy Stock Photo

Unsurprisingly, Cookie opened her own cooking school in 1936. Decades later, she would have read about the 50th anniversary of Girl Scouts, when the organization merged its campfire goody with its even longer history of selling cookies. New in 1962: Some-Mores, a vanilla wafer and marshmallow covered with chocolate.

But no mention of the woman who popularized them. The truth behind the treat had vanished like one of Cookie’s overnight campsites.

Perhaps this anonymity was intentional. Her book of letters was published in 1924 without her name credited. Hail, Girl Scouts! only listed “a Girl Guide” on the cover, and her views on service reflected a similar mindset. “No one is indispensable,” she wrote in 1927. “This should be the motto of every Girl Scout Leader. Once she has realized this, she begins automatically to train others to take her place.”

Cookie Moore lived the rest of her life in Bexhill’s seaside tranquility and never had children. She eventually moved to a retirement home. She meandered into the gardens there, a few months short of her 96th birthday, and died suddenly—in the wilds, as always.

Considering her American escapades of the early 1920s, Cookie once wrote, “I’d give a good deal to be allowed to return and see this wonderful country, say in a hundred years’ time.” If she were to visit this weekend, she wouldn’t recognize much. Innisfree’s log cabin has tumbled. The stone chimney remains as a beacon of the memories, but the old trails have overgrown.

Yet any bewilderment from the current state of the world would fade when Cookie settled onto a blanket among a circle of uniformed girls as a turquoise twilight dusted the horizon and, at her feet, the glow of campfire coals on the confection she helped us learn to love.

[cheapvietnamtours]

Travel to Lac Thuy and enjoy memorable experiences

Vietnam budget travel - Hoa Binh, the gateway to the Northwest, 80-140 km from Hanoi, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and indigenous culture. This land not only has famous landscapes but also preserves unique cultural values that attract tourists to explore…

In 2025, a new and attractive destination has appeared on the tourist map of young people who love to explore - Lac Thuy, a land possessing pristine natural landscapes combined with ancient and sacred spiritual destinations.

Located in the Southeast of Hoa Binh province, just over 80 km from the center of Hanoi, Lac Thuy not only has poetic natural scenery but is also a place where unique cultural and religious values converge. This land is a harmonious combination of Buddhism and Mother Goddess worship - two spiritual cultural streams that have a profound influence on the spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

The most prominent place here is the scenic complex of Tien Pagoda - Mau Dam Da, which is associated with the legends and sacred stories of Trinh Temple, Mau Au Co Temple, Tien Pagoda… Local people tell each other that if you make a pilgrimage here with sincerity, praying for wealth, fortune or love, all will be answered. This is also the reason why every early spring, tens of thousands of visitors from all over the country come to Tien Pagoda to pray for luck, peace and success in the new year.

Not only having spiritual value, the Tien Pagoda complex also owns more than 20 caves along Tung Xe and Huong Tich mountains with natural stalactites of various shapes, creating a mysterious and magical space. Ong Hoang Bay Cave, Co Chin Cave, Suoi Vang Suoi Bac Cave, Cau Be Cave, Ong Hoang Muoi Cave, Cung Tien Cave… are all destinations not to be missed, giving visitors the opportunity to admire the masterpieces bestowed by nature.

For those who love adventure and exploration, Lac Thuy is also an ideal destination with mountain climbing routes, steep stairs along the cliffs to reach mysterious caves. Coming here, visitors not only have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the majestic natural space but also have time to calm down, contemplate spiritual values and find peace of mind.

The journey to explore Lac Thuy will not be complete if visitors do not try to experience the unique cultural features of the Muong people - an ethnic group with a long-standing culture in Hoa Binh. The bustling bamboo dances, folk games such as stilt walking, swinging, throwing cones… are not only entertainment activities but also an opportunity for each person to understand and appreciate the traditional cultural identity of the nation.

Coming to Lac Thuy, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy famous specialties such as Muong pork, buffalo meat with lom leaves, hill chicken, Hoa Binh wine… The rustic but rich flavors will leave an unforgettable impression, making each trip more memorable than ever.

The special highlight of Lac Thuy in 2025 is the Huong Binh cable car - the first cable car line in Hoa Binh, connecting two scenic areas of Chua Tien - Dam Da (Hoa Binh) and Chua Huong (Hanoi).

This cable car route not only shortens travel time but also opens up an exciting experience: In just over 10 minutes, visitors can cross the white clouds, admire the green valleys and majestic mountain peaks. Without spending hours walking in the forest or climbing mountains, visitors can still easily set foot on sacred lands, fully enjoying the beauty of the Northwest nature from a completely new perspective.

The Huong Binh cable car route not only helps connect two large spiritual tourism complexes but also opens up a complete journey - from the wild, peaceful beauty of Lac Thuy to the magnificence of the Huong Pagoda complex, known as one of the most beautiful Buddhist landscapes in Vietnam.

With its wild natural beauty, the harmonious combination of spiritual culture and folk beliefs, along with the appearance of a modern cable car, Lac Thuy is the perfect choice that you are looking for and longing to conquer. Try to set foot in Lac Thuy once, try to experience the feeling of flying in the sky on the first cable car line of Hoa Binh, to fully feel the peaceful, majestic beauty and pure spirit that this land brings.

Source: https://cheapvietnamtour.com/blog/lac-thuy-new-tourist-destination-in-hoa-binh.php

[vietnamadvisor]

Thi Nai Lagoon - Majestic natural gateway of Binh Dinh

Vietnam Impressive Travel - Thi Nai lagoon is located in Quy Nhon city, Tuy Phuoc district and Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh province. It has an area of over 5000 hectares and is considered the largest saltwater lagoon in Binh Dinh province.

This place is 16km long - home to a diverse flora and fauna system. You can freely explore the mangrove forest with hundreds of species of shrimp, crab, fish, marine life… Thi Nai Lagoon is considered a masterpiece of natural beauty. People come to Thi Nai Lagoon not only to explore a diverse nature but also to learn about the beauty of the history and people of Binh Dinh.

How to get to Thi Nai lagoon From Quy Nhon city, you go along National Highway 19 about 5km to reach Phuoc Thuan commune, Tuy Phuoc district. From here, go a few more kilometers until you pass the gate of Tan Thuan cultural village to reach the fishing village on the bank of Thi Nai lagoon. Because Thi Nai bridge has just been built and put into operation, the way here is very convenient.

Attractive things to do at Thi Nai Lagoon Explore the landscape of Thi Nai Lagoon No matter what time of year you come here, you will always see a picturesque natural landscape. In the early morning, the lagoon has a magical scene because of the sunlight reflecting on the lake surface. In the afternoon, the purple-red sunset reflects on the water, making this place look like a strangely magical fairyland.

Don’t forget to explore Con Chim Ecological Area located next to the lagoon. This place is considered the green lung of Quy Nhon town, with an area of up to 1000 hectares and is home to hundreds of strange bird species.

Visit Thay Boi tower Going to the west bank of Thi Nai Lagoon is Thay Boi (Fortune teller) tower. This sacred place is associated with an ancient legend of the local people. They told each other about a fortune teller who came here to build a tower and practice his profession. He was so good at fortune telling that people had to line up their boats to wait to have their fortune told.

After his death, the tower was also destroyed in a storm and flood. Later, people built a small temple to worship the water god and remember the good teacher.

Take a photo at Thi Nai Bridge Thi Nai Bridge is located across the lagoon. This bridge is known as the longest sea-crossing bridge in Vietnam. The bridge is over 2,400m long and has 54 connecting spans. This is an important trade route between Quy Nhon and Phuong Mai peninsula. Standing on Thi Nai Bridge, you will be able to admire the vast waves and the entire beautiful landscape of the lagoon.

Thi Nai Bridge is also a beautiful photo shoot location in Quy Nhon for couples to make their wedding album. Don't forget to check-in a few photos to commemorate here!

Tourist attractions near Thi Nai Lagoon Phuong Mai sand hill Near Thi Nai Lagoon, there is an equally famous place for you to visit, which is Phuong Mai sand hill . The sand hill is about 100m high. Therefore, when you climb to the top, you can admire the beautiful panoramic view of Phuong Mai peninsula from above. Not only is it a familiar check-in location for many young people, Phuong Mai sand hill also has an equally interesting sand sliding activity!

Explore Phuong Mai peninsula Phuong Mai Peninsula (also known as Nhon Hoi Economic Zone) is a hot tourist destination in Quy Nhon. The peninsula is over 1,300 hectares wide and not only has a diverse ecosystem but also famous beaches such as Nhon Hai Beach, Nhon Ly Beach, Cat Tien Beach… You can freely experience swimming, eco-tourism, resorts… here.

Hon Seo island Hon Seo is a pristine island on Phuong Mai peninsula. Hon Seo is only over 1km wide but extremely beautiful because of nature and no human intervention. Coming to Hon Seo to explore the diverse coral system, stroll on the rocky cliffs, catch sea urchins or camp overnight is wonderful.

What to eat in Thi Nai? Thi Nai Lagoon, Quy Nhon is famous for its seafood and delicious dishes made from fish and snails that are taken from the lagoon. Some delicious dishes you can try are: jellyfish salad with shrimp paste, jellyfish broth, steamed clams, sea urchins, shrimp noodle soup, steamed mackerel, mackerel soup… Every dish is fresh and delicious and prepared according to the very unique recipe of Binh Dinh people.

However, there are not many restaurants around Thi Nai Lagoon. If you want to enjoy delicious seafood, go to the restaurants near Nhon Ly area!

Some restaurants for you to enjoy seafood:

Huong Duong Quan: main road in Eo Gio Ky Co area, Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon

Moc Vien restaurant: Ly Luong village, Nhon Ly commune, Quy Nhon

Hoang Thao restaurant: Eo Gio, Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon

Source: https://impressivevietnamtravel.com/blog/visit-beautiful-thi-nai-lagoon-in-binh-dinh.html

[tripncare]

The Land of Smiles: Must-Visit Destinations in Thailand

Thailand, often called “The Land of Smiles,” is a country that effortlessly combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant modernity. With its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, and myriad attractions, Thailand is a dream destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're drawn to the pristine beaches of the south, the lush jungles of the north, or the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand offers an experience like no other.

Bangkok: The Vibrant Heart of Thailand

As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. A dynamic metropolis, it seamlessly blends traditional culture with contemporary living.

Temples and Landmarks

Bangkok is home to some of the country’s most iconic temples. The Grand Palace, a symbol of Thai royalty, dazzles with its intricate architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha. Nearby, Wat Pho houses the magnificent Reclining Buddha and is a hub for traditional Thai massage. For a scenic temple experience, visit Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), which is especially stunning during sunset.

Shopping and Nightlife

Bangkok offers endless shopping opportunities, from the high-end malls of Siam Paragon and CentralWorld to the bustling street markets of Chatuchak Weekend Market. At night, the city comes alive with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and vibrant street food scenes in areas like Khao San Road and Sukhumvit.

Chiang Mai: A Cultural and Spiritual Haven

Nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a stark contrast to Bangkok’s bustling pace. Known for its ancient temples, serene atmosphere, and thriving arts scene, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a deeper connection with Thai culture.

Temples and Heritage

Chiang Mai boasts over 300 temples, each with its unique charm. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is one of the most significant temples in Thailand. Its golden stupa and panoramic views are unforgettable. The Old City area is dotted with historic temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Adventure and Nature

For the adventurous, Chiang Mai offers activities like trekking through lush forests, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and exploring hill tribe villages. The Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, is perfect for nature lovers.

Phuket: The Pearl of the Andaman

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts. It’s a hub for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Beaches and Water Activities

From the lively Patong Beach to the tranquil shores of Nai Harn, Phuket offers a beach for every traveler. Activities like snorkeling, diving, and jet-skiing are widely available. The nearby Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands are world-renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Phuket’s nightlife is legendary. Bangla Road in Patong transforms into a lively party street after dark, filled with bars, clubs, and street performers. For a more cultural experience, the Phuket FantaSea show offers a spectacular blend of Thai traditions and modern entertainment.

Krabi: Nature’s Masterpiece

Krabi is a haven for those seeking dramatic landscapes and serene beaches. Its unique limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden caves make it a photographer’s paradise.

Ao Nang and Railay Beach

Ao Nang serves as the main hub, offering a range of accommodations and access to nearby attractions. Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a slice of paradise known for its rock climbing and breathtaking views.

Island-Hopping Adventures

Krabi is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. The famous Four Islands Tour takes you to pristine spots like Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, and Chicken Island.

Pattaya: More Than Just Nightlife

Pattaya, often associated with its vibrant nightlife, has much more to offer for families and travelers.

Cultural Experiences

The Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden structure intricately carved with religious and philosophical motifs, is a must-see. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden showcases stunning landscapes and cultural shows.

Adventure and Fun

For adventure seekers, Pattaya offers water sports, zip-lining, and go-karting. Families can enjoy attractions like the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark and Pattaya Dolphin World.

Ayutthaya: A Glimpse into Thailand’s Glorious Past

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of Siam. It’s a treasure trove of ancient temples and ruins, reflecting the grandeur of its past.

Historic Sites

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is home to iconic sites like Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, known for its striking Khmer-style architecture. Exploring the ruins by bicycle is a popular way to soak in the history.

Pai: A Tranquil Retreat in Northern Thailand

For those seeking peace and natural beauty, Pai is a hidden gem. This small town is surrounded by lush valleys, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Natural Wonders

Pai Canyon offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, while the Pai Hot Springs are perfect for a relaxing soak. The Land Split, a natural geological phenomenon, is an interesting stop with a unique backstory.

Cultural Charm

Pai’s walking street comes alive in the evenings with local crafts, street food, and live music. The Yunnan Cultural Village offers insights into the lives of Chinese communities in the region.

Koh Samui: An Island Paradise

Koh Samui combines luxury with natural beauty. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, upscale resorts, and wellness retreats, it’s an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Beaches and Waterfalls

Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular beaches, offering water sports and vibrant nightlife. For a quieter experience, head to Maenam or Bophut. The island’s waterfalls, like Na Muang and Hin Lad, are also worth exploring.

Cultural Attractions

The Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem are iconic landmarks that offer a glimpse into the island’s spiritual side.

Conclusion: Thailand Awaits Your Exploration

Thailand’s diverse attractions make it a destination for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of Chiang Mai, the urban energy of Bangkok, or the serene beaches of Krabi, the Land of Smiles promises unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and embark on a journey that blends culture, nature, and adventure in one incredible destination.

[nature-voyage]

Nature Meets History: Unearthing Sri Lanka’s Ancient Sites in Harmony with Wildlife

Sri Lanka, often called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a land where history and nature coexist in perfect harmony. From ancient ruins nestled in lush jungles to sacred sites surrounded by thriving wildlife, the island offers an unparalleled blend of cultural and natural wonders. With Nature Voyage, embark on a journey that combines the thrill of Sri Lanka Adventure Holidays with the intrigue of exploring ancient sites intertwined with the wild.

Sri Lanka’s ancient sites are more than fragments of a glorious past—they are living testaments to the associated relationship between human civilization and nature. Many of these historic locations were built in harmony with their surroundings, creating ecosystems that continue to thrive today.

Here are some top ancient sites to explore in Sri Lanka’s wild heart

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Rising majestically from the jungle, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. The climb to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding forests, home to macaques, monitor lizards, and vibrant birdlife.

Anuradhapura Sacred City One of the oldest endlessly inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura is surrounded by sprawling gardens and reservoirs that attract migratory birds and local wildlife. The sacred Bodhi Tree and ancient stupas add a spiritual touch to the natural beauty.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved ruins are set against a backdrop of serene landscapes. The nearby Minneriya National Park offers the chance to witness the spectacular elephant gatherings, blending history with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Perched on a hill, this series of ancient caves features stunning Buddhist murals and statues. The area is rich with flora and fauna, with langurs often seen playing among the trees.

Ritigala Monastery Hidden deep within a forest reserve, Ritigala is an ancient monastery shrouded in mystery. The lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

With Nature Voyage, your adventure seamlessly blends exploration, education, and luxury. Their tailored itineraries for Sri Lanka Adventure Holidays ensure you experience the best of the island’s ancient heritage while immersing yourself in its natural beauty.

Expert Guides: Learn fascinating stories about ancient sites and their connection to local ecosystems.

Custom Adventures: From wildlife safaris to guided historical tours, every journey is designed to suit your interests.

Eco-Friendly Practices: Nature Voyage emphasizes sustainability, ensuring minimal impact on these cherished sites and their surroundings.

 Sri Lanka’s ancient sites are more than just relics of the past—they are vibrant connections where history and nature come alive. With Nature Voyage, you can uncover these treasures while immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the island. Whether you’re trekking through dense jungles, climbing iconic rock fortresses, or marveling at ancient ruins, this journey promises an unforgettable blend of culture and adventure.

[haridwartourtrip]

Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Places in Haridwar

Haridwar, a city steeped in spirituality and tradition, is one of the most revered destinations in India. Nestled on the banks of the holy Ganges River, Haridwar offers a perfect blend of religious significance and natural beauty. If you're planning a trip to this sacred city, here are the top 10 must-visit Haridwar tourist places that should be on your itinerary.

1. Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri is the most famous ghat in Haridwar, attracting thousands of pilgrims every day. This sacred spot is where devotees gather to take a holy dip in the Ganges, believing it will wash away their sins. The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is a mesmerizing spectacle that should not be missed.

2. Chandi Devi Temple

Perched on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, the Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most important Haridwar tourist places. This ancient temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi, offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. You can either trek up to the temple or take a cable car ride for a scenic journey.

3. Mansa Devi Temple

Another significant religious site in Haridwar is the Mansa Devi Temple, located atop the Bilwa Parvat. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees. The temple is accessible via a ropeway or a steep climb, and it provides a panoramic view of Haridwar.

4. Maya Devi Temple

The Maya Devi Temple is one of the three Siddh Peethas in Haridwar, making it a crucial pilgrimage site. Dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, this temple holds great religious significance and is one of the oldest in the city. A visit to this temple is a must for anyone exploring Haridwar tourist places.

5. Sapt Rishi Ashram

Sapt Rishi Ashram is a tranquil spot where seven great sages, or rishis, are said to have meditated. Located at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, this serene ashram is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and spiritual rejuvenation.

6. Bharat Mata Mandir

The Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. Unlike other temples in Haridwar, this one does not honor any specific deity but instead celebrates the nation. The temple has eight floors, each depicting different aspects of Indian culture, history, and spirituality.

7. Patanjali Yogpeeth

Founded by the renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Patanjali Yogpeeth is one of the largest yoga institutes in the world. It is a major attraction among Haridwar tourist places, especially for those interested in yoga and Ayurveda. The institute also offers a range of Ayurvedic treatments and therapies.

8. Daksha Mahadev Temple

Located in Kankhal, a small town near Haridwar, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is closely associated with the mythology of Sati and is one of the most important Haridwar tourist places for Shiva devotees.

9. Rajaji National Park

For nature lovers, Rajaji National Park offers a refreshing escape from the spiritual aura of Haridwar. Spread over 820 square kilometers, this national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. A jeep safari through the park is a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts.

10. Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar

Birdwatchers will find Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar a paradise. Located at the Bhimgoda Barrage, this bird sanctuary is home to several migratory birds, especially during the winter months. It's one of the lesser-known Haridwar tourist places, making it a peaceful spot for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Haridwar is a city that offers a spiritual retreat, cultural richness, and natural beauty all in one. These top 10 Haridwar tourist places are a testament to the city’s diverse attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment or a peaceful escape, Haridwar has something for everyone.

For an unforgettable journey through these sacred and scenic spots, consider booking your trip with haridwartourtrip. They offer curated experiences that will help you explore the best of Haridwar with ease and comfort.

[johnstevenmullaly]

Different Ski Disciplines to Consider

According to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), more than 60.4 million American skiers visited ski resorts during the 2023/2024 season. The data marks a slight decrease from the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 winter seasons, the two biggest ski seasons in American history. Skiing is a popular outdoor activity in several regions of the United States, from the Pacific Southwest to the Northeast. Individuals interested in participating in skiing for the first time should know that there are several different skiing styles to choose from.

American skiers have excelled internationally, trailing only Austria and Switzerland at the Winter Olympics with 47 medals, including 17 gold medals. As one of the oldest recorded athletic activities, the first instruments used to ski stem from Northern China more than 8,000 years before the Common Era. Research suggests humans were using skis during the most recent Ice Age. Alpine skiing, or downhill skiing, is a much more modern concept, originating in the Norwegian army during the 18th Century. The following centuries saw an expansion of skiing styles for various purposes, including athletic competition and recreation.

Alpine skiing remains the most popular discipline. Most facilities and trails at ski resorts and mountains cater to the needs of alpine skiers and snowboarders. Individuals participate in alpine skiing by riding a chairlift to the top of a run and skiing to the bottom of the mountain. Gaining momentum while traveling downhill gives skiers a rush of adrenaline while also providing considerable cardiovascular exercise. The highest summit for alpine skiing in the US is at Silverton Mountain in Colorado, at 13,487 feet.

Individuals can also participate in backcountry skiing, which some view as the opposite of alpine skiing. Backcountry skiing generally occurs in remote regions beyond the boundaries marked by mainstream resorts and mountains. Backcountry skiers do not ski down well-maintained trails and may need to engage in hiking and snowshoeing at times.

Next, backcountry skiing differs from cross-country skiing, though the two disciplines share similarities. The major difference is that cross-country skiers seek out large stretches of clear, flat terrain. Cross-country skiing is more about traveling long distances, while backcountry skiers push their physical limits by switching between downhill, cross-country, and uphill skiing.

Uphill skiing, also called skinning and alpine touring, is a physically challenging activity that involves climbing steep hills using various equipment. In addition to skis and poles, individuals wear special boots and use hiking gear. Uphill skiers usually switch out their gear at the top of a mountain for their alpine skiing equipment and ski to the bottom of the run they just climbed for convenience.

Additional styles of skiing to consider include telemark skiing and ski mountaineering. Telemark skiing is about style and technique. Individuals assume a specific crouched position while skiing, which requires skiers to implement different skills, especially while turning. Ski mountaineering, meanwhile, is comparable to backcountry skiing and alpine touring. The difference is that ski mountaineers often integrate skiing with hiking and camping and may spend several days skiing in the wilderness.

[goddessgardener]

An Eastern Europe Blooming Journey

by Cynthia Brian

“Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” Ellis Peters

My legs feel like jelly and my back is breaking. And the pain is not from gardening. It is from walking an average of ten miles per day on cobblestone streets, up steep hills, down into the woods of national parks, and climbing medieval stairs to fortresses and castles throughout my springtime journey to the former Eastern Bloc countries of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, as well as Croatia and Serbia. Besides learning more about the history, culture, customs, people, and food, I was on a quest to identify the botanical specimens that we have in common.

The original weather reports indicated mild temperatures, but a cold front suddenly appeared broadcasting freezing winds, rain, snowfall, and overcast grey days. Locals blamed the meteorologic conditions on climate change and global warming. Yet Mother Nature earnestly wanted to birth spring in a magical awakening from its winter slumber. The rich soil of these European countries provides a foundation for a variety of plants and trees, many of which are familiar to Californians.

Each country has a special association with a specific flower. During the Ottoman conquest, tulips were brought to these countries and tulips were blooming profusely in every land. Hungary claims the tulip as its national flower.

Home to diverse wildflowers, including the Pasque flower, a harbinger of spring, Croatia calls the Dalmatian iris its own. The bright orange crown imperial flower was a specimen unknown to me.

The national symbol of Serbia is the plum tree, which was in full bloom throughout the country. Their national drink, Šljivovica, is made from plums.

In Romania a wild climbing rose called Rosa Canina is utilized for both health and drinking and the purple Carpathian crocus is the first sign of spring.

Bulgaria is the world’s leading producer of rose oil used in perfumes and cosmetic products. The roses were not yet in bloom, but the bushes were filled with buds. I was compelled to purchase rose oil which is supposedly excellent for skin revitalization.

The Czech Republic is home to a variety of spring- blooming flowers including crocus, tulips, and roses, and is known for its spectacular display of cherry blossom trees which create a stunning pink canopy over the cities and countryside.

Blooming tulip magnolia trees were in glorious abundance, adding beauty to the already spectacular architecture.

Bright yellow forsythia, called golden bells, was flowering throughout the region, along roads, in parks, and in forests. Forsythia is stoloniferous, which means when a branch meets the soil it takes root to start another bush.

Part of the Brassicaceae mustard and cabbage family, rapeseed/canola farms were ubiquitous as a prosperous and financially lucrative crop. The rapeseed oil is used for diesel fuel and other industrial processes and the edible variety produces canola oil. Many people have allergies to the flowers and don’t welcome the blanket of yellow blooms.

Living walls of exotic plants, many of which we use as houseplants, were featured in several hotels and restaurants in Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Apple, pear, and plum trees were in full blush throughout my sojourn, perfuming the chilly air.

I was surprised to see “lawns” consisting of dandelions, which were very attractive with their edible greens.

Pansies in a variety of colors and patterns dotted the landscapes. Another specimen for which I was unfamiliar was the butter yellow puff balls of the Kerria Japanese rose in Croatia.

Also unknown to me and quite intriguing was the Lunaria, called annual Honesty, dotting the hillsides in the Djerdap National Park in Serbia.

The Czech Republic enjoyed the most dramatic displays of horticultural bliss. The parks and squares were filled with blossoming European crabapples, tulip magnolias, and colorful tulips, as well as curated window boxes of colorful hyacinths, primroses, forget-me-nots, and other flowering bulbs.

My spring sojourn through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic has been a time of great beauty, wonder, and education. From delicate wildflowers to bold and bright flowering trees, these countries offered a stunning array of blooms, despite the wintery weather.

It is with appreciation that I return to my gorgeous garden in full bloom albeit overgrown with weeds. May is a busy time in the garden, but with a little effort, we can keep our plants healthy and thriving. Follow these tips for gardening chores, and you'll be well on your way to a beautiful landscape. With all the garden work ahead of me, I anticipate jelly legs and an aching back!

Spring is a perpetual astonishment and worth the pain.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener May Gardening Guide

As the temperatures rise, our plants need more care and attention, so let's get to work.

ü  WATER early in the morning as the weather warms to prevent evaporation.

ü  WEED constantly before weeds take over the garden. Remove the entire root system of weeds before sowing the seeds you want to grow.

ü  PLANT warm-season vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, and whatever edibles your family enjoys eating.

ü  FERTILIZE your actively growing plants with a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can damage your plants, so don't be tempted to add more than recommended.

ü  IMPROVE the biodiversity of your soil ecosystem through mulching and composting. Spring and fall are the ideal times to increase organic matter and humus content. Adding compost to your garden reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and allows the soil to hold water well which means less watering.

ü  PICK up the last of the spent camellia blossoms from your garden to protect your plant for next season.

ü  SWEEP debris from driveways, walkways, steps, and porches to freshen up for spring.

ü  BRIGHTEN your curb appeal or plant window boxes with colorful annuals and perennials including petunias, zinnias, cleome, salvia, dahlias, snapdragons, primrose, bulbs, impatiens, and bachelor buttons.

ü  PREVENT pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and other common garden pests. You can use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep them under control.

ü  EMPTY standing water from pots, tires, neglected ponds, pools, or any place where mosquito larvae will breed. With all the rain we’ve had this year, mosquitoes could spread the West Nile virus and other diseases.

ü  CLEAR debris from your home and garden perimeter. Dried limbs, leaves, and weeds need to be removed. Fire season is upon us.

Digging Deep with Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1705/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Spring-sojourn.html

Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, No Barnyard Bullies, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available now at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com For more information contact:

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Share StarStyle® Empowerment

[bethestaryouareradio]

Spring Sojourn: a Garden Journey through Eastern Europe

by Cynthia Brian  “Every spring is the only spring, a perpetual astonishment.” Ellis Peters

My legs feel like jelly and my back is breaking. And the pain is not from gardening. It is from walking an average of ten miles per day on cobblestone streets, up steep hills, down into the woods of national parks, and climbing medieval stairs to fortresses and castles throughout my springtime journey to the former Eastern Bloc countries of Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, as well as Croatia and Serbia. Besides learning more about the history, culture, customs, people, and food, I was on a quest to identify the botanical specimens that we have in common.

The original weather reports indicated mild temperatures, but a cold front suddenly appeared broadcasting freezing winds, rain, snowfall, and overcast grey days. Locals blamed the meteorologic conditions on climate change and global warming. Yet Mother Nature earnestly wanted to birth spring in a magical awakening from its winter slumber. The rich soil of these European countries provides a foundation for a variety of plants and trees, many of which are familiar to Californians.

Each country has a special association with a specific flower. During the Ottoman conquest, tulips were brought to these countries and tulips were blooming profusely in every land. Hungary claims the tulip as its national flower.

Home to diverse wildflowers, including the Pasque flower, a harbinger of spring, Croatia calls the Dalmatian iris its own. The bright orange crown imperial flower was a specimen unknown to me.

The national symbol of Serbia is the plum tree, which was in full bloom throughout the country. Their national drink, Šljivovica, is made from plums.

In Romania a wild climbing rose called Rosa Canina is utilized for both health and drinking and the purple Carpathian crocus is the first sign of spring.

Bulgaria is the world’s leading producer of rose oil used in perfumes and cosmetic products. The roses were not yet in bloom, but the bushes were filled with buds. I was compelled to purchase rose oil which is supposedly excellent for skin revitalization.

The Czech Republic is home to a variety of spring- blooming flowers including crocus, tulips, and roses, and is known for its spectacular display of cherry blossom trees which create a stunning pink canopy over the cities and countryside.

Blooming tulip magnolia trees were in glorious abundance, adding beauty to the already spectacular architecture.

Bright yellow forsythia, called golden bells, was flowering throughout the region, along roads, in parks, and in forests. Forsythia is stoloniferous, which means when a branch meets the soil it takes root to start another bush.

Part of the Brassicaceae mustard and cabbage family, rapeseed/canola farms were ubiquitous as a prosperous and financially lucrative crop. The rapeseed oil is used for diesel fuel and other industrial processes and the edible variety produces canola oil. Many people have allergies to the flowers and don’t welcome the blanket of yellow blooms.

Living walls of exotic plants, many of which we use as houseplants, were featured in several hotels and restaurants in Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Apple, pear, and plum trees were in full blush throughout my sojourn, perfuming the chilly air.

I was surprised to see “lawns” consisting of dandelions, which were very attractive with their edible greens.

Pansies in a variety of colors and patterns dotted the landscapes. Another specimen for which I was unfamiliar was the butter yellow puff balls of the Kerria Japanese rose in Croatia.

Also unknown to me and quite intriguing was the Lunaria, called annual Honesty, dotting the hillsides in the Djerdap National Park in Serbia.

The Czech Republic enjoyed the most dramatic displays of horticultural bliss. The parks and squares were filled with blossoming European crabapples, tulip magnolias, and colorful tulips, as well as curated window boxes of colorful hyacinths, primroses, forget-me-nots, and other flowering bulbs.

My spring sojourn through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic has been a time of great beauty, wonder, and education. From delicate wildflowers to bold and bright flowering trees, these countries offered a stunning array of blooms, despite the wintery weather.

It is with appreciation that I return to my gorgeous garden in full bloom albeit overgrown with weeds. May is a busy time in the garden, but with a little effort, we can keep our plants healthy and thriving. Follow these tips for gardening chores, and you'll be well on your way to a beautiful landscape. With all the garden work ahead of me, I anticipate jelly legs and an aching back!

Spring is a perpetual astonishment and worth the pain.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener May Gardening Guide

As the temperatures rise, our plants need more care and attention, so let's get to work.

ü  WATER early in the morning as the weather warms to prevent evaporation.

ü  WEED constantly before weeds take over the garden. Remove the entire root system of weeds before sowing the seeds you want to grow.

ü  PLANT warm-season vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, zucchini, and whatever edibles your family enjoys eating.

ü  FERTILIZE your actively growing plants with a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions carefully. Over-fertilizing can damage your plants, so don't be tempted to add more than recommended.

ü  IMPROVE the biodiversity of your soil ecosystem through mulching and composting. Spring and fall are the ideal times to increase organic matter and humus content. Adding compost to your garden reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and allows the soil to hold water well which means less watering.

ü  PICK up the last of the spent camellia blossoms from your garden to protect your plant for next season.

ü  SWEEP debris from driveways, walkways, steps, and porches to freshen up for spring.

ü  BRIGHTEN your curb appeal or plant window boxes with colorful annuals and perennials including petunias, zinnias, cleome, salvia, dahlias, snapdragons, primrose, bulbs, impatiens, and bachelor buttons.

ü  PREVENT pests. Keep an eye out for aphids, whiteflies, and other common garden pests. You can use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to keep them under control.

ü  EMPTY standing water from pots, tires, neglected ponds, pools, or any place where mosquito larvae will breed. With all the rain we’ve had this year, mosquitoes could spread the West Nile virus and other diseases.

ü  CLEAR debris from your home and garden perimeter. Dried limbs, leaves, and weeds need to be removed. Fire season is upon us.

Digging Deep with Goddess Gardener, Cynthia Brian https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1705/Digging-Deep-with-Goddess-Gardener-Cynthia-Brian-Spring-sojourn.html

Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. Her newest children’s picture book, No Barnyard Bullies, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available now at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com For more information contact:

https://www.CynthiaBrian.com

Share StarStyle® Empowerment

[tripncare]

The Land of Smiles: Must-Visit Destinations in Thailand

Thailand, often called “The Land of Smiles,” is a country that effortlessly combines breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant modernity. With its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, and myriad attractions, Thailand is a dream destination for all types of travelers. Whether you're drawn to the pristine beaches of the south, the lush jungles of the north, or the bustling streets of Bangkok, Thailand offers an experience like no other.

Bangkok: The Vibrant Heart of Thailand

As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. A dynamic metropolis, it seamlessly blends traditional culture with contemporary living.

Temples and Landmarks

Bangkok is home to some of the country’s most iconic temples. The Grand Palace, a symbol of Thai royalty, dazzles with its intricate architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha. Nearby, Wat Pho houses the magnificent Reclining Buddha and is a hub for traditional Thai massage. For a scenic temple experience, visit Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), which is especially stunning during sunset.

Shopping and Nightlife

Bangkok offers endless shopping opportunities, from the high-end malls of Siam Paragon and CentralWorld to the bustling street markets of Chatuchak Weekend Market. At night, the city comes alive with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and vibrant street food scenes in areas like Khao San Road and Sukhumvit.

Chiang Mai: A Cultural and Spiritual Haven

Nestled in the mountainous region of northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a stark contrast to Bangkok’s bustling pace. Known for its ancient temples, serene atmosphere, and thriving arts scene, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a deeper connection with Thai culture.

Temples and Heritage

Chiang Mai boasts over 300 temples, each with its unique charm. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, perched on a hill overlooking the city, is one of the most significant temples in Thailand. Its golden stupa and panoramic views are unforgettable. The Old City area is dotted with historic temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.

Adventure and Nature

For the adventurous, Chiang Mai offers activities like trekking through lush forests, visiting elephant sanctuaries, and exploring hill tribe villages. The Doi Inthanon National Park, home to Thailand’s highest peak, is perfect for nature lovers.

Phuket: The Pearl of the Andaman

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and luxury resorts. It’s a hub for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Beaches and Water Activities

From the lively Patong Beach to the tranquil shores of Nai Harn, Phuket offers a beach for every traveler. Activities like snorkeling, diving, and jet-skiing are widely available. The nearby Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands are world-renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Phuket’s nightlife is legendary. Bangla Road in Patong transforms into a lively party street after dark, filled with bars, clubs, and street performers. For a more cultural experience, the Phuket FantaSea show offers a spectacular blend of Thai traditions and modern entertainment.

Krabi: Nature’s Masterpiece

Krabi is a haven for those seeking dramatic landscapes and serene beaches. Its unique limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden caves make it a photographer’s paradise.

Ao Nang and Railay Beach

Ao Nang serves as the main hub, offering a range of accommodations and access to nearby attractions. Railay Beach, accessible only by boat, is a slice of paradise known for its rock climbing and breathtaking views.

Island-Hopping Adventures

Krabi is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most beautiful islands, including Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. The famous Four Islands Tour takes you to pristine spots like Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, and Chicken Island.

Pattaya: More Than Just Nightlife

Pattaya, often associated with its vibrant nightlife, has much more to offer for families and travelers.

Cultural Experiences

The Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden structure intricately carved with religious and philosophical motifs, is a must-see. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden showcases stunning landscapes and cultural shows.

Adventure and Fun

For adventure seekers, Pattaya offers water sports, zip-lining, and go-karting. Families can enjoy attractions like the Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark and Pattaya Dolphin World.

Ayutthaya: A Glimpse into Thailand’s Glorious Past

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of Siam. It’s a treasure trove of ancient temples and ruins, reflecting the grandeur of its past.

Historic Sites

The Ayutthaya Historical Park is home to iconic sites like Wat Mahathat, famous for the Buddha head entwined in tree roots, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, known for its striking Khmer-style architecture. Exploring the ruins by bicycle is a popular way to soak in the history.

Pai: A Tranquil Retreat in Northern Thailand

For those seeking peace and natural beauty, Pai is a hidden gem. This small town is surrounded by lush valleys, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Natural Wonders

Pai Canyon offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, while the Pai Hot Springs are perfect for a relaxing soak. The Land Split, a natural geological phenomenon, is an interesting stop with a unique backstory.

Cultural Charm

Pai’s walking street comes alive in the evenings with local crafts, street food, and live music. The Yunnan Cultural Village offers insights into the lives of Chinese communities in the region.

Koh Samui: An Island Paradise

Koh Samui combines luxury with natural beauty. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, upscale resorts, and wellness retreats, it’s an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Beaches and Waterfalls

Chaweng and Lamai are the most popular beaches, offering water sports and vibrant nightlife. For a quieter experience, head to Maenam or Bophut. The island’s waterfalls, like Na Muang and Hin Lad, are also worth exploring.

Cultural Attractions

The Big Buddha Temple and Wat Plai Laem are iconic landmarks that offer a glimpse into the island’s spiritual side.

Conclusion: Thailand Awaits Your Exploration

Thailand’s diverse attractions make it a destination for every traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of Chiang Mai, the urban energy of Bangkok, or the serene beaches of Krabi, the Land of Smiles promises unforgettable experiences. Pack your bags and embark on a journey that blends culture, nature, and adventure in one incredible destination.

[photosamateurs]

92 - Austin Mini Ritz - Simon Cox par Andrew C. Noble