This morning I was doing my routine shuffle through the day’s top news in travel and world affairs (my two fav topics) and stumbled upon an interesting article on GOOD magazine’s website.

Apparently Evo Morales,  Bolivia’s first head of state wants to give nature some of  the same rights humans share. The article states: “The new law, part of a restructuring of Bolivia’s legal system, has its roots in indigenous Andean beliefs. It makes humans equal to all other living things and establishes 11 new rights for nature, including the right to life, the right to pure water and clean air, and the right to not have cellular structure genetically modified. The law also refers to Pachamama, an Andean deity, as ‘the source of life [...] in permanent balance, harmony and communication with the cosmos.’ “

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Initially, the renaissance was sparked by a drastic change in European society due to heightened political unrest. Normal social order was challenged, coaxing artists to create unconventional works, which were reflective of the instability of that time.

As artists from around the world began to flock to Paris to be a part of the movement, a healthy balance of friendship and competition flourished. This new society of innovators began to mold the perfect environment for a thriving art scene, as they focused on creating modern, avant-garde pieces. People of all races were accepted into the artist community, which opened the door for people like African-American Henry O. Tanner and Japanese migrant Tsuguharu Fujita. These artists, along with other migrant and French artists, contributed greatly to the movement, participating in the transformation of every known genre of artistic expression, while creating new ones through a mix of cultural-specific techniques.

In honor of these pioneers, and the pioneers of Philly’s thriving art scene, the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts will host a “Gallery Night” on April 15, 2011 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. welcoming visitors to peruse Philly’s finest exhibits, free of charge. Light fare will be provided by the galleries and special exhibits will be on display. For more information on the Gallery Night please visit: http://pifa.org/gallerynight

To learn more about PIFA events you can:

Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/PIFAPhilly
“Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/PIFA.Philly

** Stay tuned as Memoirs of a Travel and Food Addict explores the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts <http://pifa.org/> through May 1, with PIFA’s support.

One of the most memorable aspects of my trip to Guatemala was volunteering at a center for malnourished children. I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect of the experience, with cliche visions of  babies with swollen bellies and bony faces lurking in my head, but it was here that I learned about the spirit of giving back.

When I arrived at the God’s Child Project center for malnourished children, I was shocked to encounter a beautiful, well-kept building located in a run-down town on the outskirts of Antigua. After being introduced to Andrea, the volunteer coordinator, me,  my husband, and several other volunteers were asked to put on scrubs and a mask and to sanitize our hands before heading up to assist with the babies. Our job would be to interact (hold, cuddle, play) with the babies and toddlers, change diapers and help with feedings if needed.

None of the children staying at the center were orphans; most were there because their mothers were unaware of how to properly feed and care for them. In most cases, the mothers were unable to breast feed, and so resorted to giving their babies sugary drinks, or whatever they could afford to buy.

There have been few moments in my life when I have felt my heart sink to a place in my stomach so much that it ached. When I laid eyes on the listless babies lying in their cribs and the small children forcing smiles and soft giggles in the play room, I could have not been more grateful that my travels had brought me to this special place.

I played with most of the children, but connected with a particular little boy named Alberto. His wide, almond eyes and soft smile still resonate in my thoughts several times a day. I spent two hours talking to him and holding his fragile little body as we swayed back-and-forth in a wooden rocking chair. He would giggle uncontrollably when I tickled his tiny feet.

When my time with Alberto was up, I could not stop thinking about the experience. During many of my journeys afar, I’ve come across crucial moments that have forced, or helped me look at life introspectively. I made the decision to volunteer with the hope that I would change the life of someone in need in a very small way. It turned out that just the opposite happened.

The tiny, precious baby I spent a morning with changed my life profoundly — he helped me understand the true meaning of giving back. I learned that when we reach out to help another human being it creates a rippling force– we may not know where it begins or where it might end–but it bonds our spirits and fills us with joy.  And in a way, we begin to crave that feeling of wholeness– that feeling of pure happiness we all search for. The funny thing is that we almost always have an opportunity to feel this way–we just need to be willing to let it in and give it  back when the world calls for it.

*For more information on volunteering, please visit the God’s Child Project website

The family would no longer need to worry about parasites (from the dirt floors), potential respiratory disease from burning wood inside, or having their hut collapse from a landslide (though very unlikely, the new home could be destroyed also if the natural disaster was powerful enough).

As our team of six began to lay the foundation of the new house, the four children peeked, wide-eyed, from the opening of their dilapidated hut. Seeing their enthusiasm helped us to stay focused and to push on in the midst of  brutal heat, dusty conditions and physical strain from heavy lifting.

Here is a photo of Silvia, the youngest of the four children, who later put on a crisp white dress after she was able to finally bathe (water is only accessible during the hours of 4-6 p.m. each day)–her smile was infectious!

*For more information on volunteering, please visit the God’s Child Project website

Yesterday I had the privilege of doing what most art-loving New Yorkers dream of: I visited an artist in her SoHo studio and walked among brilliant pieces of raw, unfinished canvas.

Upon entering the beautiful white-walled room, I could instantly feel the presence of inspiration and passion. They sung out through paint-splattered buckets and worn paintbrushes–exuding themselves confidently through the artwork’s electric colors and moving contours frozen in time.

After being introduced to Corno and chatting with her for a while, it was evident that her dedication to the living element of art,  and to conveying the edgy sensuality of the subjects in her paintings, are what separates her, from other artists, as a creative genius.

Canadian-born,  Corno  became one of Canada’s most well-respected artists, during the late 1980′s, after being featured in the Quebec Pavilion at Expo 86 in Vancouver. Corno later moved to New York City, participating in many group shows, which eventually gave her the exposure needed to attract the massive following she has today. Corno’s works are now represented, worldwide, by the Opera Gallery in NYC, and she is currently the gallery’s best-selling artist.

There is something nostalgic about ambling among the crowds of a street fair. The buttery smell of exploding kernels, intertwined with the sweets scents of pink cotton candy and chocolate crepes conjure memories of strolling at our parent’s side, from booth to booth, clutching the string of that red balloon we begged a half-hour to attain. At the street fair, the world was ours; all the rules and restrictions we had to follow at home became yesterday’s notions while we walked those golden paths.

The sun always seemed to make an appearance at the fair, and so did all the neighbors. It was a time when grown-ups found time to gossip over that fried Oreo they had been eyeing (Who else was going to finish little Jimmy’s snack?), and we kids ran around like banshees, so excited to see our school friends out on the town. Such a rare occurrence was the street fair, that when we got word that it was coming to our community, schedules were cleared and allowances were saved.

So today, after getting word of an upcoming street fair, I will block off Saturday, April 30, 2011 on my Blackberry planner and attempt to remember how to deduct that paper currency (who uses cash these days?) from my bank account. The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts will be hosting a Parisian-inspired street fair, and since I am in love with all things French, I will be attending–red balloon and chocolate crepe in-hand. Featuring French street vendors and performers, a grass park with a children’s area, musical entertainment all day long, and a giant Ferris wheel, this grand fair will be held on the Avenue of the Arts in the heart of Philadelphia. The event will culminate with a whimsical performance 100 feet in the air by La Compagnie Transe Express. For more information about the street fair please visit: http://pifa.org/streetfair
To learn more about PIFA events you can:

Follow us at http://www.twitter.com/PIFAPhilly
“Like” us at http://www.facebook.com/PIFA.Philly

** Stay tuned as Memoirs of a Travel and Food Addict explores the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts <http://pifa.org/> through May 1, with PIFA’s support.

I pressed on to the next flight, wiping the sweat from my face so I could clearly read the distance marker that read: 913 — 359 steps were left to climb before reaching the peak. I wondered how over a thousand feet of narrow, winding staircase had been carved into the cliff when I could barely ascend without clenching the metal railing.

Continue reading on The Expeditioner…

I recently learned of a new magazine called Trunk. The first issue is loaded with ethereal photographs–truly some of the best images I have laid eyes on. It’s no wonder the new glossy is off to a good start–the founder David Cicconi, used to be Travel + Lesisure’s photography director, so he’s done this kind of thing once or twice before.

Here is a glimpse of the imagery (it’s of the Namibian desert–a place I yearn to visit); hoping the publication delivers just as it did this time around with each new issue.

“Life on Mars”

http://www.trunkmag.com/photography-award/

Experienced this glorious sight a few days before my departure from Phinda Game Reserve in South Africa. The photo is stunning, but observing the living image through the naked eye was simply spectacular.