Art of the Hawaiian lei for Lei Day

by Jamie Rhein on

Brenda’s post about May Day celebrations around the world explains a bit about the significance of the different colors of leis and why today is Lei Day in Hawaii. She’s in the midst of enjoying the celebrations. One major event is a contest where the best lei makers create wonderous flower garlands.

This video shows leis being made and close up shots of the result. These are not the typical leis you find at the Honolulu airport to put around someone’s neck as a gesture of welcome. As lovely as those are, these leis are works of art. Along with lei-making shots are vintage photographs of other Lei Days. The song “Pua ‘A’ala” is a fitting touch.

May Day: Festivities around the world

by Brenda Yun on

May 1 is May day, and here in Hawaii it’s called Lei Day. Most of the islands’ schools are off today, and surfers will likely be in the water (as the first legitimate south swell of the summer season is here). You will find me and most of the Oahu’s daytime party goers celebrating Lei Day in Kapiolani Park, on the eastern end of Waikiki. There, between 9-5, will be a lei making contest, good old fashioned hula and musical performances, as well as plenty of food and locally made gifts.

Lei Day is all about giving and receiving aloha — and wearing leis that are one of eight colors, each representing one of Hawaii’s eight major islands. At Barack Obama’s (and my) alma mater, Punahou School, there is a grand Holoku pageant that features a royal court and lots of Hawaiian music and Polynesian dancing.

In other parts of the world, May Day means something rather different:

  • In England and other parts of Europe, a Queen of the May is crowned, and there is dancing around a maypole to celebrate the first day of summer.
  • My students tell me that only in Zurich (but not in other cities in Switzerland), there right-wing groups riot in the streets.
  • In other countries such as Greece and Australia, today is International Workers’ Day, kind of like the U.S.’s Labor Day (in early September)
  • Finally, in (post-)Communist countries like China and Russia, there are formal parades in the streets to celebrate the people’s earnest work.

However you celebrate today, I hope you receive a little “aloha.” Welcome to summer!

Warhol comes to Cleveland

by Tom Johansmeyer on

So, you know Andy Warhol is in Paris right now. Of course, even the best travel deals can still leave Europe’s cultural capital out of reach. Fortunately, you now have a backup plan: Cleveland.

The Cleaveland Institute of Art will be hosting a series of prints created by Warhol from 1974 to 1986 (from the Cochran Collection). Uncle Sam, Superman and Mickey Mouse will be in attendance – a rare opportunity that any pop art fanatic is sure to enjoy. The collection will be in town from June 5 to August 16. This is the first time the Cochran Collection can be seen in Ohio.

Reinberg Galleries director Bruce Checefsky say, “Andy Warhol is the perfect summer exhibition for University Circle because the show is filled with American popular culture.” He continues, “From soup can to Superman, supermarket to stardom, we revel in Warhol’s demystifying beauty.”

Exclusive photos of the new Yankee Stadium

by Annie Scott on

This Wednesday, I was fortunate enough to receive a private tour of the new Yankee Stadium which opened up April 16th. For your perusal, I took about 5 million photos. Here is a small percentage of them — and this is the only place you’ll find them.

Tommy Bahama Rum has a whole bar set up near Gate Six of the new Yankee Stadium (shown), which is the gate right at the subway station, where you can meet up with your friends before the game — or during, till the 7th inning of course. The cocktails are delicious. Tommy Bahama Rum, which was just released in 2007 and is gaining momentum, is made by Sidney Frank — the same folks who brought you Grey Goose and Jagermeister. They have “White Sand” (clear) and “Golden Sun” (amber-colored) versions so far, and a spiced rum is in the works. Do I recommend it? Oh yes I do.

I spoke briefly with Terry Pillow, the CEO of Tommy Bahama. “We were contacted with the opportunity by Yankee Stadium, who said that they wished to have a martini bar, and they were aware that we run bars and restaurants around the country. When the Yankees call, whether you’re interested or not, you definitely take the call,” he said. “It wasn’t a very difficult decision.” Is he a Yankees fan? You won’t hear that from us — his wife supports the Red Sox!

If you want a tour of the new Yankee Stadium, Zales will be running them starting May 4th. The tours of the new Yankee Stadium will be $20 a pop ($15 children and seniors) and they include the New York Yankees Museum, Monument Park and the dugout in about 45 minutes to an hour. Now take a layman’s virtual tour through our exclusive photos!
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Eight Great Food Markets from Around the World

by Kraig Becker on

One of my favorite aspects of travel is visiting unique markets in foreign countries. These sometimes charming, sometimes chaotic, always fascinating and entertaining places offer up slices of local culture, unusual foods, and a variety of other goods, both common and unidentifiable.

It is in that spirit that BootsnAll gives us a list of eight of the world’s best food markets, offering up great places to shop for fresh food in all corners of the globe. Each of the markets on the list exhibit local influence and style, while providing a shopping experience that is sure to leave an impression on visitors long after they’ve gone home.

For instance, the list starts with Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, a market that has been open for more than 100 years, and specializes in fresh fish and giant crab legs. There are more than 200 merchants in Pike Place, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade cheeses. The market is even the site of the original Starbucks.

For a completely different experience, head to the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne, Australia. The article notes that Queen Victoria is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere, offering up plenty of fresh food items, but also electronics, antiques and more. And during the summer months, the night market comes alive with a party atmosphere, with visitors from all walks of life strolling the market late into the evening.

Checkout the other six markets on the list as well, and if you’re traveling to any of these cities in the near future, be sure to drop by one of these markets and explore it for yourself. It is likely to be one of the most unique travel experiences of your life.