The Blog

Yup, this is still happening. Really. Can you believe it? You need a haircut, a vacation, maybe even a drink. I think we can all agree that it's 5 o'clock somewhere when you're in quarantine. Time is funny: crawling slower than molasses and racing forward at warp speed all at the same time. We're finding new ways to celebrate our favorite spring holidays and birthdays from miles and continents apart. Who knew that a bunch of little squares singing to you on a screen would feel like all you ever wanted? We're making the best out of the worst and getting better at it all the time. And it's in those little moments that we're reminded that life is still sweet. 1. Dress to Impress   All dressed up and no place to go? Apparently, that’s just a matter of opinion. Taking out the trash might be the only thing on our social calendars these days but some Australians with a flare for fashion have challenged each other to dress for the occasion. We’re talking formal gowns, unicorn onesies, superhero costumes, inflatable T-Rex suits, and even the occasional swimsuit..    Watch here: Funny or Die: Australians Are Dressing Up To Take Out The Trash, Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This 2. Going the Distance So, there’s bored and then there’s running a full marathon in your backyard bored. As a way to celebrate his 32nd birthday (and yes, the term “celebrate,” is being used pretty loosely here), James Campbell spent five hours running 26.2 miles back and forth in his garden and even live streamed the whole thing on Twitter. In addition to getting super sweaty, the stunt raised over $22,000 for Britain’s National Health Service. Read more here: CBS: British man runs marathon in backyard garden, raises $22K for COVID-19 relief 3. Animal Kingdom   It’s not quite Planet of the Apes level yet but there is a substantial animal takeover going down. With the majority of the world under lockdown, some pretty bold members of the animal kingdom are reclaiming their turf. Mountain goats are strutting their stuff through the empty streets of Llandudno, Wales; flocks of ducks are congregating along major avenues in Adana, Turkey; and herds of cattle are catching some rays on the beaches of Poriccio, Corsica.     Watch here: CN Traveller: The animals Taking over cities while the world is in lockdown   4. Meet and (not) Greet As more time passes without seeing another human being IRL (no, your plants don’t count), it’s fair to say some of those people skills might be getting a bit rusty. One friendly toddler is setting a solid example of how not to let a little social distancing affect your social skills. Instead, Ralph greets imaginary passersby each day on his morning walk. Definitely cuter when you’re three Read more here:  Story Pick: 3-YO Says ‘Hi’ & ‘Good Morning’ To Imaginary People During Quarantine 5. Club Quarantine @emilytorchia It was a good time ##ButterGlossPop ##gamingszn ##selfquarantine ##coronavirus ##MoodBoost ##21 ♬ original sound - emilytorchia Moms will do almost anything to make their kids happy and these days that includes playing a bartender at a fake nightclub in the garage. When it became clear no one was going to be hitting the town any time soon, a mother in New Jersey decided to open the rather exclusive “Club Quarantine" to celebrate her son’s 21st birthday complete with a bouncer and free shots all around. They grow up so fast! Read more here:  TIME: Mom Turns Their Garage Into a Swinging Hotspot 'Club Quarantine' to Celebrate Son's 21st Birthday EXPLORE

Rio de Janeiro is a lush paradise in the southeast of Brazil; plentiful in mountains, beaches, and festivities (though not without political connotations). With music alive in the streets and nature hugging every corner of concrete, the city has a certain magic about it. You could easily embrace the Carioca lifestyle for eternity. But when time is of the essence, get the most out of your trip with this shortlist of top experiences to guide you through “The Marvelous City.”     1. Grab a Caipirinha along the Mureta da Urca A walk along the muereta, or small wall, offers impeccable views of the Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf summit in the distance. Locals flock to Bar Urca, situated in this prime location to take in a dramatic sunset while quenching their thirst with a delicious Caipirinha (the national cocktail made of lime, sugar, and cachaça).   2. Reach New Heights on Corcovado Mountain  With tram rides, bus tours, and your own two feet there’s plenty of ways to get to the pinnacle of this “top" pick--though if you’re able, a hike through the Tijuca Forest National Park is a peaceful albeit challenging route to reach the 100 foot Christ the Redeemer Statue. The massive soapstone art deco Jesus is an almost surreal sight to behold as is the endless view of Rio down below.       3. Catch a Wave and some Rays  Not surprisingly, Rio is famed for its stretches of sandy beaches including household names like Copacabana and Ipanema as well as the slightly less lyrical Leblon. Most beaches are in close proximity to tile-laden promenades and high class restaurants and shops.       4. Take it One Step at a Time in Santa Teresa The artist village of Santa Teresa not only throws the best blocos (street parties) during Carnaval season but isn’t bad on the eyes either. Escadaria Selarón is just one photo-worthy example. A gift to Brazil from Chilean artist, Jorge Selarón, the 215 stairs of the world famous Escadaria Selarón is a labor of love and features thousands of scavenged tiles from over 60 countries across the globe.     5. Get your Antioxidants at Takaka Sucos Despite its unassuming diner-like appearance, Takaka notably serves up the best açaí in town. Less syrupy sweet than most açaí abroad and topped with mounds of self-serve granola and tapioca, you’ll be surprised how much of this refreshing treat you can put away in a sitting.     6. Flamengo Park at your Leisure One’s trash is truly another’s treasure at this landfill-project-turned-popular-park. Stretching 1.2 square KM, Flamengo Park, or, officially, Parque Brigadeiro Eduardo Gomes, is the innovation of famed Brazilian landscaper Burle Marx and features 300 species of trees, not to mention recreation areas, museum, and monuments.    7. Go Green at the Botanic Gardens  The aptly named Jardim Botânico district is home to the Jardim Botânico or Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Nearly 150 species of birds and over 6.500 species of plants can be found within the square mile of the gardens which also includes a museum, research center, art collection, and cultural centers as well as a darling little cafe. Meander through Amazon jungle greenery, cacti, bonsais, and even some plants of the carnivorous variety! And don’t miss the splendid Avenue of Royal Palms lined with 134 specimens, all descendants of a single palm tree once known as the Palma Mater.     8. Sample some Samba If you’re lucky enough to be in Rio during Carnaval, the week-long celebration that begins the Friday before Ash Wednesday (but in reality lasts months!)  you’ll want to grab tickets to the Sambadrone Parades that take place in the Marquês de Sapucai Sambadrome. Here, the top schools in the nation compete; showing off their music and dance skills, spectacular costumes, elaborate floats, and oftentimes biting political commentary. If big crowds aren’t your thing, the parades are just as fun to watch on TV at a local bar.      9. Gain Perspective atop the Sugarloaf Named for its likeness to refined sugar before the introduction of today’s sugar cube, this peak offers amazing panoramic views of the city, Guanabara Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Just take a glass-walled cable car from Praia Vermelha to the Sugarloaf Mountain, stopping at the tourist center atop Morro da Urca along the way.      10. Hit the Town in Botafogo Once led by Lapa, the quirky neighborhood of Botafogo is now where it’s at for nightlife in Rio. Here you’ll find samba circles, outdoor cafes, pubs, wine bars, dance clubs, karaoke, and even what was voted the best craft brewery in Rio: Hocus Pocus. EXPLORE  

The bacalhau (dried and salted cod) and pastéis de nata (Portuguese egg tarts) are enough to satisfy your appetite when visiting Portugal’s capital city. But if you’re looking for something thirst-quenching; Lisbon’s libations are both varied and mouth watering.       From the heights of the 11th century hilltop São Jorge Castle, along the vintage trolley railways, down to the Cais das Colunas pillars that once welcomed ships into this port city, there is no shortage of exciting locations to explore and delightful drinks to taste once you’re there.     Here’s a refresher on some liquid refreshments you should be sure not to miss during your visit.     1. Galão   Coffee comes in all shapes and sizes in Lisbon from the long, dark abatanado to the refreshing, café pingado. Lisbon’s favorite way to start the day is with a glass of galão. Light brown and hot, this breakfast accompaniment is made from a shot of espresso and served in a tall glass filled ¾ of the way with milk. Pastelarias (pastry shops) and snack bars nestled throughout the labyrinth-like streets of the Alfama district, the cobbled streets of Barrio Alto, or in the bustling downtown area of Baixa provide a delightful backdrop for the most important drink of the day.     If your sweet tooth calls, pastéis de nata do pair quite nicely with galão. Just ask any local. The most famed of these custard treats can be found at Pastéis de Belém, the world famous monastery-turned-bakery that’s been selling its ancient natas recipe since 1837.      Looking to lower your lactose? A bica, or shot of black espresso, is a midday pick-me-up best sipped on the terrace of the famed, and ever popular, art-deco café, A Brasileira. Conveniently located between the Elevador de Santa Justa and the bank of Tagus river, you can drain your joe then board the lift to get an aerial view of the city. Then saunter down to relax along the water overlooking the Golden Gate-style Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.           2. Fresh Orange Juice    What’s better than a cup of galão to wake you up in the AM? A cup of galão in one hand and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the other. Sumo de laranja is served at room temperature and preppy pulpy; prepared behind café counters overflowing with mountains of vivid and freshly-picked fruit. The popularity and prized sweetness of oranges in Portugal dates back to the 17th century. Back in the day, most oranges across Europe were rather bitter but sweet orange trees from India and China were imported to Portugal. Soon in high demand, oranges were sold at staggering prices and often only accessible to society’s upper crust.     Now ubiquitous throughout Portugal and Lisbon alike, finding a decently priced OJ is no problem. Fábrica Lisboa along Rua da Madalena is worth a visit for your dose of Vitamin C in addition to a great photo op. The caf é's interior is embellished with tons of vintage collectibles. Or try Sama Sama, a health-conscious creperie where the smoothies and pressed juice just scream "fresh." Here, the menu simply refers to orange juice as “The Portuguese.   3. Port     Drinking port wine in the beverage’s very own birthplace is a must! Enjoyed as a digestif after dinner, and usually with dessert, port wine is a sweet red wine, fortified with a grape brandy, not dissimilar from Italy’s grappa. Port is aged in barrels or bottles anywhere from two to 50 years, changing its color, complexity, and flavor. You can join the ranks of port experts, or come close to it, with a visit to the Port Wine Institute’s Solar do Vinho do Porto.     A fancy sort of place, patrons have access to the best selection of over 150 different ports. The menu is thick and instructive, offering lots of educational details on what you’re sipping. Servers are there to share their vast knowledge as well. You’ll be surprised at port’s approachability and range, dispelling its sometimes stuffy image.     Feel like taking a post-port stroll? Located just 5 minutes south, the Carmo Convent is a gothic church, roofless and in ruins following the infamous earthquake of 1755. Today, it is home to tours and a small archeological museum by day and amazing performances by night.      4. Ginjinha     Good things come in small packages. And A Ginjinha is no exception! A Ginjinha is a teeny, tiny open front bar near Rossio plaza selling equally petite shot glasses of its namesake Portuguese liqueur: Ginjinha (or Ginja for simplicity). The drink is made with alcohol infused with sour cherries, or ginjas. If you so choose, you’ll find one sitting at the bottom of your glass priced at less than two Euro. Ginjinha is strong and tart and was first commercialized at this historic location in 1840. “Saude” to that!      5. Vinho Verde     As the name might imply to those with a knowledge of Portuguese, this is known as a green wine but not because of its color (which is actually white or even golden). The wine itself is very young or “green" meaning its alvarinho grapes are picked, processed into vinho verde, and then consumed all within a year’s time! No again for this fizzy and refreshing delight. While no trick to track down, pairing vinho verde with the perfect experience is key. The family-owned fado restaurant, A Baiuca, provides an evening of good wine, hearty meals, and moving serenades.     Fado music originated in Lisbon and truly comes from deep within the soul; expressing what is known as saudade--a profound nostalgia and sense of loss and yearning. There isn’t a dry eye in the house at this intimate gem as amateur fado singers, many of whom double as cooks in the kitchen, step up to the mic and fill the night with song.    EXPLORE

It’s been weeks, maybe years since you started your new WFH lifestyle. Well, more like work from home, eat from home, yoga from home, procrastinate from home. You get it. Or you’re out there on the front lines being the kind of hero that we are all so grateful for right now. In any case, someone answers your check-in text with the phrase “strange times" at least once a day and we’re all looking for something refreshing to brighten up this new normal. Here’s yet another reminder that life is still sweet!   1. A Round of Applause   Whether you’re the kind of person who claps when the plane lands or not (hey, no judgement here) cities across the globe are synchronizing like 80s aerobics to show their gratitude for healthcare workers each and every night with a round of applause.    Watch here: CNN: See people around the world cheer for health care workers 2. Repurposing with Purpose Maybe you’re a diehard baseball fan clued into every home-dunk-touchdown or maybe you don’t know what all the fuss is about but Major League Baseball is doing some stuff we can all root for these days. Instead of letting uniforms collect dust while the season is cancelled, MLB will be donating jerseys to be made into protective masks for healthcare workers in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. And who doesn’t like a flattering pinstripe? Read more here: NY Post: MLB jerseys to be made into masks for medical workers fighting coronavirus 3. Works of Art   They say boredom breeds creativity so let’s just say we’re reaching da Vinci levels right about now. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California is encouraging people to put that pent-up artistic energy to good use by challenging art lovers everywhere to recreate famous paintings using only household items. You know, it’s funny how a few rolls of toilet paper and some oranges suddenly look unmistakably like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night" or a carved potato seamlessly transforms into “The Scream" by Edvard Munch. And all it took was just a few weeks of total home isolation!     Watch here: Today: People nail challenge to re-create famous paintings   Looking for a little more inspiration? Indonesian-based artist and friend-of-JSC, Kelly Garrett Rathbone is keeping busy during quaran-times with her own re-imagining of classic paintings. Check it out.                    4. An Open Book As if things weren’t stressful enough, many parents are now home with the kids 24/7; playing the part of chef, activities instructor, and even teacher. Mary Poppins, where are you? The New York Public Library might be the next best thing. To help preserve our sanity, NYPL is now offering free online student support including things like one-on-one remote tutoring and lots of online videos and things to do. Read more here: NYPL Connect: Introducing Free Online Tutoring for Students, Digital Research Books, and More 5. It's Lit Could there be anything more spectacular than the Eiffel Tower in Paris? Larger than life than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer? More mind blowing than Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza? Let us shed a little light on it. Landmarks from around the world have illuminated the night with messages of encouragement for the public and appreciation for health workers. Displays range from the pulsing red light atop New York City’s Empire State Building to symbolize the heartbeat of the nation to massive projections of “#hope” and “stay home" atop the snowy peak of Switzerland’s Matterhorn. Read more here: People: Famous Landmarks Around the World Are Lighting Up with Messages of Hope and Thanks Amid Coronavirus   EXPLORE

When it comes to celebrating Easter in Italy, there’s no such thing as “too much.” The island of Sicily, sitting right off the tip of the boot, is no exception. Here, Settimana Santa, or Holy Week, traditions go back centuries and take months of planning, coordination, and rehearsal for the big event each year.      Perhaps one of the most beautiful and ancient festivities can be found in Enna, the so-called navel of Sicily. Cries of “Buona Pasqua" (Happy Easter) echo through the streets like rounds of song the whole week through and it feels like every one of its 27,000 residents is involved in some way. Visitors flock from around the world for this most extravagant of displays and it’s truly worth the trip.        A week of elaborate ceremonies commences on Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), lasting each day from dawn to dusk. Scheduled proceedings include a live reenactment of Jesus’s arrival in Jerusalem, various parades between the 16 churches in town, decorating altars, foot washing rites, and, of course, music. The jam-packed itinerary is organized and carried out by Enna’s collection of confraternities or brotherhoods. These are no small clubs either with membership reaching over 2,500.    The real apex of Holy Week hits on Good Friday and it is a sight to behold. With thousands of incappucciati, or hooded members of the confraternities, flooding the streets of Enna the day is solemn, profound, and even a little creepy!      The ornate Duomo di Enna serves as a centerpiece of the day; the beginning and endpoint of the famed processione.      Enna’s streets are lined with eager onlookers who arrive to claim their seats well before things get underway. If you get there early enough, you might have time to grab a hearty arancini (fried risotto ball) from one of the many hole-in-the-wall cafés.     Or toast the day with an Aperol Spritz--the rich orange-colored cocktail topped with a signature Sicilian blood orange.  While the scene is packed, the crowd remains relatively silent as the mournful melody of the band resounds and the brothers begin their miles-long procession. In pointed hoods and colorful robes representing their different affiliations, the brothers sway under the weight of the massive statues of Addolorata (Holy Mary) and the Misteri (Passion of Christ) that they carry through the historic squares. Somehow, it feels both like a party and a funeral with excitement and sorrow simultaneously filling the air.       Day fades to night and the procession continues by torchlight. Lit torches suddenly line the streets and appear clutched in the hands of the marching participants. Ghostly and enchanting, the statues seem to float above their devoted handlers, gradually making their way back to the Duomo. As the mounted torches flicker and wane, the city empties as quickly as it filled up. But there’s no reason to clear out just yet. Not without a meal. Enna is also home to its fair share of delicious dining experiences boasting long legacies. There’s a theme here. Ristorante Centrale is located in the heart of the city and has been since the early 1900’s. This modest venue is the go-to for homemade dishes and long standing local culinary traditions. And what says “Buona Pasqua" better than a full plate of pasta? EXPLORE

By this point, it’s likely you’ve baked enough bread to seriously consider a career change. You’ve named all of your plants, joined more Zoom game nights than you can count, and have suddenly become a power user on Tik Tok. You’re missing friends and family and even that misty memory of wearing real pants. But we’re alone (and potentially losing our minds) together. As the weeks go on, we continue to unite over the small things that remind us that life is still sweet!    1. Smells Sweet   Remember when Beanie Babies were the hot ticket? Cabbage Patch Kids? Tickle Me Elmo? Well, if you haven’t noticed, these days it’s masks, gloves, and a little accessory called hand sanitizer. Infinitely less cuddly but all too important for our safety. French luxury goods conglomerate, LVMH, is known for producing perfume (remember when we cared about smelling good? Good! Neither do we...) but now they’re switching gears and pumping out massive quantities of that liquid gold. Hand sanitizer made at the Dior, Givenchy, and Guerlain factories will be distributed to French health agencies, free of charge.    Read more here: Vice: Louis Vuitton Conglomerate Is Now Making Hand Sanitizer in Its Perfume Factories 2. Furry Friends By the time you finish Netflix (we imagine that was about a week ago) you might be wondering how best to pass the time and find fulfillment in the world. Cut to: dogs. Or cats or guinea pigs. Whatever your pre-furr-ed pet, shelters and adoption agencies are in need of foster homes for their animals before they shut down shop. And it’s not such a bad gig. Welcoming a furry friend into your home during quarantine provides us humans with much-needed comfort and companionship, not to mention love. Win-win! Read more here: Today: Why fostering a shelter animal during the coronavirus pandemic is a win-win 3. Creative Dance Sweating it out after a hard day of work or school or just dealing with public transit was a ritual for many of us. Doing old Tae Bo DVDs in your living room just doesn’t quite cut it somehow. But a little creativity, a megaphone, and some Rihanna at full blast helped a community in Utah organize a neighborhood-wide cardio dance class.    Watch here: Now This: Utah Community Organizes Social Distancing Zumba Class 4. Global Support Italy needs a little love right now (don’t we all...), and Cuba stepped. It. Up. Despite the risks and mortal danger and the whole being on a plane for 12 hours part, 150 Cuban doctors trekked to the region of Lombardy in Northern Italy to support medical teams there. And if that wasn’t enough, Cuban healthcare providers have been making rounds in Nicaragua, Venezuela, Jamaica, and Suriname, too. Read more here: MPN News: Images of Cuban Doctors Helping Italy Go Viral, Burst Media Narrative 5. Love is Always in the Air Yes, it’s love in the time of Coronavirus. Reilly Jennings and Amanda Wheeler heard the news that the NYC marriage bureau would be shutting down until further notice and had to act fast to tie the knot. The couple opted for an extremely intimate and...inventive ceremony. Just two lovebirds, a city sidewalk, and a minister hanging out of a 4th story window. The stuff of modern fairytales! Watch here: ABC: Social Distance Wedding Ceremony in New York City Despite Coronavirus EXPLORE