December 07, 2022

Filipino Desserts

December 07, 2022/ Stefanie Velichkin

If there’s anything Filipinos love more than food, it’s dessert. Truthfully, there are so many Filipino desserts I could have chosen for this list, but these are the ones I ate most growing up. Like the rest of Filipino cuisine, it’s been influenced by Spanish and American culture but the common ingredients you’ll find in Filipino desserts are rice and coconut milk. These dishes are eaten after a meal and also as a snack. In my opinion, you can never have too much dessert.

1. Turon (too-ron): Turon is jackfruit and banana (or plantain) that’s wrapped in spring roll wrapper, deep fried, and then topped with syrup. I’ve always loved the way my mom did it: dipped in white sugar and cinnamon. It’s kind of like a banana spring roll! Funny story: we once went camping and my mom mixed up the salt and the sugar. She had no idea until I tried it and saw my face! She’s never made that mistake again.

turon, deep fried banana — photo: kyoko uchida.

2. Biko (bee-ko): Biko is a sweet and sticky rice cake. It’s made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar. The top layer is a caramel glaze that can be garnished with coconut curds. There’s nothing like coming to the smell of biko being made. I remember many times coming home from school and my mom immediately thrusting a spoon in my hand to keep stirring the caramel while she ran off for an errand. It’s no fun being stuck as a stirrer, but once you taste biko, it’s worth it.

3. Puto (poo-toe): Puto’s another rice-based dessert. Instead of glutinous rice, it’s made with rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and then steamed. The results are soft and airy little rice cakes. They’re served with cheese and can be made with different flavours such as ube (purple yam) or pandan (screwpine, a tropical plant).

4. Leche Flan (lech-eh): is a small caramel custard dessert made with egg yolks, evaporated or condensed milk, and sugar. It is not the same as creme caramel, which tastes lighter and uses cream. This dessert is truly the definition of decadence. Panlasang Pinoy has a great recipe here.

5. Halo halo (ha-loh ha-loh): Tagalog for mix-mix, halo-halo is layers of shaved iced, condensed milk, syrup and various toppings like red beans, sago, jelly, coconut flakes, fruit, ice cream. As a result, you get lots of soft and crunchy textures. Think of it like a Filipino parfait. It is a refreshing treat in the summertime. With halo-halo, the possibilities are endless.

Like I said, there are many other desserts I didn’t list here that should be mentioned: cassava cake, taho, polvoron, and bibingka. Vendors all over the Philippines sell these desserts for dirt cheap but if you’re not traveling anytime soon, find them at your local Filipino restaurant. Undoubtedly, any Filipino gathering will have them, used as fuel food between karaoke songs and line dancing. So sharpen your sweet tooth and get eating!

Stefanie Velichkin is a young actor and writer from Ottawa, ON. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Theatre program and a student of Algonquin College’s Professional Writing program. Her interests include true crime, cats, and drinking bubble tea.

December 06, 2022

Ghana and Why You Should Visit

December 06, 2022/ Alyssa Grenier

Travelling can encourage learning. Travelling can encourage knowledge of other different cultures. So, where do you start looking when planning a trip, and where will you offer a rich experience? In Africa, there are thousands of unique cultures and traditions. So, if you're thinking of finally visiting Africa and are at a loss as to where to go, and you want a unique experience , visit Ghana.

A man is holding the Ghanaian flag in a city.

Ghana Is located on the West coast of Africa, and between Ivory Coast and Togo. The country is filled with amazing food, culture and locations that would entertain any tourist. So, if you're looking for a distinctive unique trip to the continent of Africa, you'll find it in Ghana.

In Ghana, there are more than 100 ethnic groups, so it's understandable why there is a wide range of dishes popular in Ghana. Ghana is known for their soups and stews. Ghanaian cuisine uses sauces and spices mixed with corn, beans, cassava, plantains, and millet. Some of their most famous dishes are Waakye and Red-red.

Waakye is a dish that cooks rice, beans and Waakye together and is usually a breakfast meal. It is ordinarily paired with some sides of fried plantain or spaghetti and avocado.

**Fried Banana Slices on a Black Plate**

A red-red meal is a traditional Ghanaian dish that uses minimal spices because it relies on the flavours of the ingredients used. When cooked, they boil cowpea beans to a broth served with palm oil and fried plantains. Since no meat is used, it's perfect for any vegetarian visiting Ghana.

Moreover, over 30 million people are living in Ghana, and, as mentioned before, hundreds of different ethnics groups and tribes. Some of the largest ethnic groups are Akan and Moshi-Dagban. The Akan, however, are the largest and one of the few peoples in West Africa where ancestors are traced from the maternal line. They are known as crafters now and in history for their wealth and luxury.

Overall, family in Ghana is precious. In Ghana, family is prioritized over everything, so social standing and individual achievements . The Ghana people value identity, loyalty and responsibility when thinking about their family.

Moreover, their society is hierarchical. Individuals have more prestige and wisdom as they grow older, so elders are more respected and listened to in Ghana.

Ghanaians are very polite and take hospitality to heart. They believe in being a gracious host to any they invite into their homes. Of course, the level of politeness and hospitality depends on how well a person knows the other. But genealogy for friends celebrates and shows their appreciation and affection with physical touch and food.

Ghanaian overall are known to be welcoming and joyful. For holidays like New Years , cities became an entire party for the people.

The views and locations of Ghana are incredible. There are only two seasons, the wet and dry session, that travellers need to be aware of when they visit.

Ghana is a country of discovery, with lovely food and wonderful people. Ghana will encourage you to learn more about yourself while visiting a new area.

Alyssa’s a college student who wants to travel but is broke, so she'll do some research to live vicariously through others on the internet. She reads to feel emotions when she has free time and then eats ice cream to process her sorrow, even though she is lactose intolerant.

December 01, 2022

Learning to Laugh at Myself—A Lesson from Mexico

December 01, 2022/ Stacey Lance

The wonky cake is revealed with a cry of, “Nailed It!”

The main host bursts into laughter and exclaims, “It looks like Jesus on the cross!”

I clap my hand over my mouth to avoid spitting out my diet Coke. I look over at my boyfriend who is laughing—both at the comment from the television host and at my reaction.

We are watching Nailed It! Mexico—a baking show where amateur bakers compete against one another for the hopes of winning 200,000 pesos (about $10,000 CAD).

“Did he really just say that?” I ask. “Isn’t Mexico a heavily Catholic country? And he said that on television? What the heck?”

My boyfriend grew up in Puebla, Mexico and moved to the U.S. as a teenager. As I would soon discover, to him, this type of humour was nothing new.

“Mexicans don’t take themselves too seriously,” he told me after he stopped laughing. “They poke fun at each other all the time; you just learn to develop a thick skin.”

Now, don’t get me wrong—I understand that in this context, we are watching a baking competition, and the judges have to make comments to help the contestants improve.

But often times, they didn’t just give constructive criticism; they made fun of them blatantly. According to my boyfriend, this is all in good fun, and not done in a malicious way.

As someone who is used to the G-rated competition shows from Canada and America where they are afraid to be too harsh for fear of offending someone, watching Nailed It! Mexico was a completely new experience.

Now, don’t get me wrong—we have Gordon Ramsay and Simon Cowell and others who aren’t afraid to be harsh. But this struck me as different. Maybe because it wasn’t just criticism but more of a mocking humour.

I have to say, though, after a few episodes, it did start to feel normal, and yes—funny.

And there is something to be said for the contestants because they always take it well. They laugh right along with the judges when their creations are teased.

I’ve never seen someone cry or get upset or take it to heart. Perhaps it’s the style of show because it’s meant to be fun, silly, and outrageous. After all, you don’t ask an amateur home baker to make a three-tiered cake and expect it to turn out well!

And while people’s feelings should certainly be taken into account and comments that go too far and equate to bullying are not okay, I feel that the Nailed It! Mexico show strikes a good balance.

I appreciate the brazen nature of the Mexican hosts and also the good-natured attitudes of the contestants. It’s kind of like, “Hey, you have to be able to laugh at yourself, right?”

I tend to take myself too seriously, and I absolutely hate making mistakes. This Mexican show is a great call to bring me down to earth. I get to see people trying their best, not living up to the expectations they hope for, and being okay with it at the end of the day.

My boyfriend told me this kind of humour is common not just in tv, but in regular life. Having the ability to poke fun at one another and take it in a good spirit is an important aspect of Mexican culture.

They are a people that enjoys life, vibrancy, and laughter. And they don’t get offended easily. Nailed It! Mexico was a great example of that for me. And the next time one of my own cakes turns out burnt on the bottom, I will try to laugh instead of cry.

Stacey is a writer who loves learning about cultures, religions, and languages. Even though she has only visited two countries, there are many she would love to explore: Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Ireland are among her top choices. In her free time, Stacey can be found watching old TV shows, practicing languages on Duolingo, and seeking out English bulldogs to pet in the park.

December 01, 2022

Fashion senses around the world

December 01, 2022/ Angelika (Celia) Legaza

Did you ever feel like living abroad? Yes? Well, you’ll most likely have to think about one thing in particular before choosing your country. Let me introduce to you, the fashion sense.

Not what you had expected, hum? This doesn’t surprise me. Even more if you come from a western country. Indeed, in the “modern countries” we tend to see all kind of styles, and even if judging people are everywhere, we have the chance to be free to wear mostly whatever we want. However, if you plan to go to a more traditional country, you may have to be more careful about how you choose to dress. Unfortunately, respect will not always be the only reason. You will have to do it for your safety as well.

Many countries are way more traditionalist than the U.S. or Canada who have no problem going to the groceries store in pyjamas. On the contrary, in countries with more traditional or religious cultures, people are not used to seeing women wearing revealing clothes which can even be illegal.

Some Muslim countries, for example, made mandatory for women to wear the hijab. Even if you are in a country like Morocco, where women are free to keep their hair visible, it would be disrespectful to not wear a scarf in religious places, just like how people would take their hat off when entering in a church.

Similarly, in India, many corners of the country are still far from the modern culture and people still wear traditional attires. Indeed, cities like New Delhi or Goa that are very touristic are more aware of the western fashion style and even Indian youngsters are now far from the traditional dressing style, but if you plan to visit some villages, make sure to dress accordingly to avoid both offending villagers and attracting unwanted attention.

On a side note, there is something I noticed that bothered me. In many countries I lived in there was a lot of hypocrisy.

Western countries tend to claim they are modern and love to pretend that freedom is one of their main characteristics. Unfortunately, even in France, Spain, Italy, or Canada, I encountered many judgemental looks because I was wearing high knee boots. Yes, yes, you read that right. I also saw many girls being insulted because they were wearing either shorts or a hijab.

To sum up, no matter if girls are completely covered, or dressed in revealing clothes, they are judged, or even prevented from entering in some public places. Is it really freedom these countries are defending? Or hypocrisy? I guess that is the question you will have to build your opinion on during your travels.

Angelika, a Frenchie with limited patience and very low social energy. She very often hates people who are loved by everyone and complain approximately 100 percent of the time. She generally talks way too much when she stresses and always promises herself that she would never do that again, before, of course, doing it again.

November 30, 2022

8 Unique Aspects of Japan You Likely Didn’t Know About

November 30, 2022/ Graham Curry

Being different results in being mocked or insulted. What people fail to realize is being different is just another way of saying you’re unique. Coming up are eight things the Japanese culture has done for several years, and most people would raise a few questions, myself included.

To start off, praying at shrines for the different religions all around Japan is fairly common knowledge, and if you didn’t know that, now you do. What you likely don’t know is that clapping is a part of praying at shrines.

When someone approaches a shrine, they follow a set order of actions before they begin to even pray. First, you bow, offer some small change, bow again twice this time, ring the bell to announce your presence to the gods, then clap twice all before praying. It’s such a roundabout way to pray, but it definitely has reasons for why this would all happen.

I would say to take off your shoes as you enjoy the rest of this blog, but if this is being read by someone of Japanese background, I apologize. In Japanese culture, it is impolite to walk inside a house with shoes on. Rather, they have specially designed slippers called Uwabaki for people at the entrance of buildings.

I Hope you don’t mind being with others in baths when you go to the public bathhouses in Japan. It is not unusual for multiple people to be in the same bath. Of course, men and women are separated, but it still results in you and strangers or maybe even your neighbour bathing with you in one of these bathhouses. Some of these baths are natural hot springs, resulting in therapeutic qualities known as Onsen baths.

Do you enjoy manga, a type of comic, and video games? If you visit Japan, you’ll feel right at home. Many Japanese people are very attached to manga and video games to the point you can’t avoid seeing them anywhere. Many manga stores exist, and you will likely find around ten people just flipping through the stories there. Nintendo and Sega being in Japan, it’s no wonder why many people are video game fanboys either.

Here's to hoping you don’t leave anything up to chance, otherwise you might have been arrested in Japan. Gambling is illegal in Japan and has actually resulted in a few lawsuits on companies from other parts of the world that allow the game to be played in Japan. This has caused companies to completely rework systems to disable gambling mechanics. But like anything illegal, people will still try to do it as abandoned shrines become game houses for betting on horse racing.

Whenever you go to eat at a Japanese restaurant, you might want to know this part. You’ll want to leave your chopsticks on the side. When people leave offerings for their deceased, it is natural that they leave a food bowl with chopsticks on top pointing out. Doing this in a restaurant may seem a little weird and some might find it offensive if you do it multiple times.

If you hate working, don’t plan to stay in Japan for long. It’s very normal for people to work 60-hour weeks. They would pack early in the morning to catch trains and would not return home until 10 pm. It becomes slightly worse when people are lead to karōshi – death by overworking.

Here’s hoping that you’ve learnt something about Japanese culture and if you plan to visit Japan now, I hope you’ll remember some of these things I have taught you.

Graham Curry - is a writer who’s aspiring to becoming a graphic novelist. Graham will prioritize writing about Japanese topics on the blog as he has plenty of knowledge of Japanese media and culture. In his spare time, Graham plays video games as a way to inspire his stories that he writes. These are not fan-fictions but completely different stories aimed in a similar universe.

November 30, 2022

So No Beef?

November 30, 2022/ Anusha Nimalaranjan

INDIAN MAN WITH COWS FROM THE ECONOMIC.COM

Fun fact about Indian culture: most Indians don’t eat beef. Why?

Here’s a quick rundown.

Since more than 80% of India’s population consists of Hindus, most of India’s traditions are centered around Hindu beliefs.

In Hinduism, the cow is portrayed alongside several gods and goddesses, so slaughtering a cow and eating their meat is seen as being disrespectful towards the gods who prance around with their cow friends. It’s kind of the equivalent to eating a dog when you know your friend has a golden retriever. Awkward, right?

depiction of lord krishna with his cows from iskconeducationalservices.org

For example, Lord Krishna, who in Indian mythology grew up as a cow herder, is most often depicted with a bunch of cows around him (sometimes, if you search for long enough, you’ll find pictures of him playing the flute while they dance around). In South India, lots of people address Lord Krishna as ‘Gopala’ or ‘Govinda’ which translates to ‘friend and protector of the cows.” When he’s so heavily associated with the animal, it’s only fair they’re respected just as much as he is.

(They’re cute, after all.)

With their close relationship to the gods, cows are considered auspicious and are known to be bringers of blessings and happiness to those who honour them.

Many cows are dressed in garlands and marigold flowers, with bright stone necklaces and embroidered blankets; similar to the way the statues of Hindu gods and goddesses are dressed when they are being honoured and prayed to. On special occasions, cows are smeared with colourful face and body paint to make them look all dolled up and pretty.

In many parts of India, the cow holds so much religious significance that slaying one is seen as a sin and is punishable by law. To some, killing a cow is seen as the equivalent of killing a family member!

But that’s not the only reason cows are so heavily regarded in Indian culture—it’s also because Indians find the cow to be the most resourceful animal on Earth. They provide milk, butter, cheese, manure, fuel, leather, and many other things.

Since cows have all these great uses, Indians consider them to be gifts from the Gods and often hail them as a depiction of Mother Earth— a creature who provides nourishment to all.

Eating Mother Earth is probably not the best idea.

So, what’s the short answer when it comes to why Indians don’t eat beef?

COWS ROAMING THE STREETS IN INDIA FROM THEHINDU.COM

It’s simple: Indians love cows.

Cows are allowed to wander wherever they want, and some places in rural India even have “retirement homes” for lonely and aging cows.

That’s why when you’re in India (especially the south) you’ll more often see cows roaming the streets than you do birds or squirrels.

But don’t be scared if you see one dressed in human clothes while wearing face paint—he’s just escaping his birthday party.

Anusha Nimalaranjan is a second-year wannabe writer at Algonquin College. She is inept at small talk and is a side character in her dog’s life. Her talents include doing the bare minimum, putting too much salt in her food, and staying up at 3AM being haunted by her past life as a fanfiction author.

November 17, 2022

The Importance of Family in Mexico

November 17, 2022/ Stacey Lance

One example of this value in action is in the small number of long-term care homes in Mexico.

Unlike in Canada, aging parents are not sent to live in old age homes as soon as daily life becomes more difficult; rather, their family steps in to help take care of them.

When a parent is struggling to manage at home, the first step is often to hire home help. This allows the aging parent to remain in their own home and keep as much independence as possible, while also benefiting from extra assistance in daily living.

Once this solution is no longer viable (i.e., the parent requires more help than what can be provided), they typically move in with a family member, usually one of their children.

This may seem like a big responsibility—and it is. But family is just that important.

An elderly person sits in a wheelchar in a stark hallway

The downfalls of long-term care homes were highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many were found to be short-staffed, leaving residents on their own much of the time, with only their television for company.

By contrast, elderly parents in Mexico are surrounded by their kids, grandkids, and other relatives. They can live in a comfortable home, rather than a strange place.

They get to be part of everyday life, do what they can to help in small ways, and feel like they haven’t been forgotten.

In Mexico, parents take care of their kids and one day, the kids take care of them. I think Canadians would do well to learn from their example.

In Mexico, it’s common to see children following their mothers around large farmer’s markets, helping to carry heavy bags full of fruits and vegetables without complaint.

Meanwhile in Canada, it seems asking kids to do anything comes with, “Not now, Mom, I’m busy!” Or “Right after this round!” while they punch at their PlayStation controllers, eyes fixed on bright screens.

In Mexico, a parent doesn’t ask their children for help with a soft, sweet tone and a promise of a reward; it’s simply expected that the children will contribute when needed.

This is because family is one of the primary values in Mexican culture and the importance of the family is instilled in children from a young age.

As children grow into teenagers and, one day, parents themselves, this way of life continues. Regardless of age, responsibility to one’s family remains paramount.

The good news is that Mexican people tend to have larger families, and often the burden can be shared amongst several children.

For example, one child may allow the parent to live with them for several months.

When a break is needed, the next child is there to take up the slack. This allows it to be a team-effort and not one person’s sole duty.

This may be hard to imagine, as this solution is so rarely utilized here. Most people work full-time and have kids of their own.

The thought of taking care of an elderly parent on top of that can seem impossible.

But it’s not that Mexican people have fewer responsibilities—the difference is, they make their family a priority.

An elderly man lifts a smiling baby into the air

Stacey loves learning about cultures, religions, and languages. There are many countries she would love to explore, including Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Ireland. In her free time, she can be found watching old TV shows and seeking English bulldogs to pet in the park.

November 15, 2022

The Prime Wine Tours Around the World

November 15, 2022/ Alyssa Grenier

While travelling, it is easy to be overwhelmed by choice, for when the world is before you, where do you go first? However, it helps to have goals when you plan your travels—even before you start thinking about the budget. So here are the five most enjoyable locations if one of your goals is to visit the most memorable winery when wandering.

South Africa's Cape Winelands

This is an image of Cape Town , South Africa. This Picture was taken by Taryn Elliott.

This area is the ideal climate for the grape vines, with breathtaking mountain ranges. In this region, there are more than 300 wineries, and they are within a 60 minute drive from one another. However, the oldest one is Lanzerac, for it was founded in 1692, shortly after the Dutch colonized Cape Town. Lanzerac has beautiful views of the Stellenbosch valley, a spa, and a place to spend the night. Even so, they advertise wine because it attracts tourists. Wine advisors direct the wine tasting and are tailor-made for the group visiting the estate.

Hahndorf Hill, Australia

This image was taken in South Australia and had some hills and a mountain range in the background. Jay Wennington took this Picture.

This winery is in The Adelaide Hills, known for growing and making unique wines, like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Adelaide Hills is located in South Australia and is a large area with a dry climate. The Hahndorf Hill winery is in a village of German influence, Hahndorf, and it's apparent from the soil that the hill used to be a mine. Moreover, the minerals in the ground wine aid with Australia's version of wine offered. Some examples of the unique wine available are Grüner Veltliner, Blaufränkisch and Zweigelt. Overall, this winery offers a secluded experience and is only a couple minutes' drive from the main street at Hahndorf.

El Grifo,Canary Islands Spain

This image was taken in the Canary Islands and depicted alcoves and volcanos in the background. Marie Bastin took this picture.

When you think of a winery, do you think of a volcano? Not many do, but at El Grifo, that is the reality. The grapes thrive in the enriched volcanic soil and dry climate. The benefit of volcanic soil is that a light layer of ash and soil can produce extremely fertile grapes.

The Canary Islands are on the coast of Spain in the Atlantic Ocean on the South- West of Spain and the West of Morocco, Africa.

El Grifo has been producing wine for over 244 years. The winery produces over 500,000 wine bottles from harvest yearly. When tourists visit, they are met with fields of grapes surrounded by black soil and walls made of lava stones. The standard tour costs 20 euros, so a guide gives a 60 minute tour. However, there is a cheaper option where an audio recording guides you, costing only 7 euros.

Sula Vineyards India

This image shows a lake and the Greenery around the lake.Mitesh took this picture in Nashik, India.

In 1996, the Sula Vineyards was founded.It was created by Rajeev Samant who became interested in wine after his stay in California. His interest peaked when he studied in The United States of America and worked at a winery. Later he was interested in the fertile land of Nashik, which was known for growing grapes, and the rest is history.

In Nashik, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season, the wet season is often overcast, and the dry season is humid and hot.

The wine tasting and tour are a private experience for you and your loved one. The winery is connected to hotels where one can overlook the vineyard and the lake beyond; moreover, they also have options to dine in the sunset for a quiet night.

One of these locations should have an atmosphere that could fit your travel needs and entice your need for adventure. Whether you are interested in the views, histories or wines, every last one of these locations invites you on a little soul search—time to get away from everyday life and look at what the earth has to offer you.

November 14, 2022

Cebu, Philippines: The Place to be This Winter

November 14, 2022/ Stefanie Velichkin

Now that the pandemic is over and things are going back to normal, you might be booking a well-deserved vacation. If you’re not sure where to go yet, read on to learn why the Philippines should be your next stop. Who doesn’t want to be surrounded by palm trees and coconuts?

1. Sirao Flower Garden

Do you love flowers? Then you’ll definitely have to stop by this botanical garden in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City. It’s also named Little Amsterdam because of the windmills and all the flowers. There are giant statutes and structures for people to sit and stand on. It is the perfect spot for taking pictures! Entrance fee is cheap (about $2 CAD) and there are food stalls run by locals nearby to reward yourself from all the selfie-taking.

one of the many gardens in sirao garden. credit: stefanie velichkin

2. Temple of Leah

Built in 2012 by Teodorico Soriano Adarna for his wife Leah Adarna, this is the perfect spot for romantics. The water fountains and nude statues will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Grecian temple. It features a museum, an art gallery, and a library. The most impressive art piece is a nine-foot brass statue of Leah. Like the Sirao Flower garden, it requires a small entrance fee. It’s not a big place, so you’ll be able to squeeze it into a busy day.

one of the statues at temple of leah. credit: rj trazona, unsplash.

3. Bantayan Island

For the island lovers, you’ll have to stop here. Bantayan Island offers many activities such as swimming, cliff-diving, island hopping, and kayaking. The island supplies the fish for the city, and even Manila and Mindanao. The best time to go would be during the dry season, from February to mid-May. There are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in. It’s less crowded than Boracay Island, another popular vacation spot in the Philippines.

palm trees at bantayan island. credit: Stefanie Velichkin

4. Oslob Whale Sharks

Located in the Oslob municipality, this spot became popular when fishermen would feed the sharks and tourists would gather to watch. People can go snorkeling and diving with the sharks, or just watch from a boat. They are harmless and while you can get pretty close, you can’t touch them; they’re still wild animals, after all. It’s a pretty cool experience, especially if you can manage to get a picture or video with them. It’s not everyday you can swim with sharks!

a single whale shark. credit: olga ga, unsplash.

5. Simala Church

If you didn’t know already, Filipinos are very religious; most of them are devout Catholics. Even if you’re not religious, the Simala Parish Church in Sibonga is worth a visit. It looks and feels like a castle. While there’s no entrance fee, visitors must adhere to a dress code. That means no sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts. It is a very spiritual place and visitors must be careful not to disturb fellow patrons.

a view of the church. credit: Stefanie velichkin

In addition to all these beautiful places, everything in the Philippines is cheap: food, hotels, and souvenirs. English is one of the official languages so as long as you stay in the city, you’ll be able to converse with most of the locals without knowing any Tagalog. So what are you waiting for, book that ticket already!

November 11, 2022

Why Indian Brides Stun in Red

November 11, 2022/ Anusha Nimalaranjan

Have you ever seen an Indian woman wearing a bright red gown on her wedding day and wondered why? Spoiler alert: it’s not only for fashion purposes!

Like western cultures where a white dress is considered traditional, a red wedding gown holds a large amount of symbolism in Indian-Hindu culture. They are often considered to be an important factor in the union of two people and the staple of Indian marriages.

Red has always been an auspicious colour in India. It’s seen often in Hindu deity celebrations and was the colour adorned by Indian monks back in the third millennium B.C.E. Indian brides adopted this colour into their wedding ceremonies in the early 16th century, the “Mughal Era,” out of respect for such traditions. It’s been the norm ever since.

But those aren’t the only reasons brides choose to wear red on their big day.

One of the most common and well-known connotations behind the red dress is that of good luck. In India, red symbolizes prosperity, new beginnings, and passion. In this case, a bride wearing red on her wedding day is supposed to bring fortune and love to the new beginning of married life between her and her hubby.

The colour red is also known for representing the Hindu goddess Durga, who is hailed as a depiction of feminine power. In Indian and Hindu folklore, Durga brings peace and harmony to the world after slaying a powerful beast named Mahishasura. By wearing red, an Indian bride is paying homage to this legend and is believed to be channeling Durga’s energy- a way of bringing peace and stability to the couple’s relationship.

A much lesser-known reason behind the dashing red bridal gown is Hinduism’s ties to astrology. In India, astrology is extremely prevalent and is closely connected to the Hindu religion. More often than not, Indians and Hindus will consult astrologers before making big life decisions- including marriage!

In the case of astrological readings, the planet Mars, also known as the Red Planet, is the planet that rules over marriage. Mars is said to bring happiness and understanding to the union and is a sign of strong bonds. An Indian bride adorning a gown the colour of said planet is a symbol of believing in astrology’s ability to strengthen her marriage.

Despite the difference in symbolism between the red Indian dress and the traditional western white dress, there is one thing they have in common. They’re only for the bride to wear!

DEPICTION OF TRADITIONAL INDIAN WEDDING FROM MANHATTANBRIDE.COM

Because Indian culture calls for women to leave their house to live with the groom and his family, a bride’s sacrifice for the marriage is seen as being far larger. It’s only fair she be the one getting the most attention by wearing a dazzling red dress.

Of course, it’s not necessarily mandatory for the guests to wear anything other than red. If a guest chooses, they can also stun in red during the ceremony from their seat in the gallery.

That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll leave without getting slapped by a newlywed, feisty Indian woman.

Happy wife, happy life, right?

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November 10, 2022

Or How to Manage A Multicultural Wedding

November 10, 2022/ Angelika (Celia) Legaza

A wedding… such a beautiful event, isn’t it? Unfortunately, when you come from two completely different cultures, be prepared to face a lot of problems, but not because of your partner. Generally, the main question is: “how do we do it? Do we do it your way, mine, a mix of both or find a unique new one?”

Let me give you an example. in my case, my fiancé and I had two options: the Indian way, with around 1000 guests, a 10kg saree and a Hindu ceremony; or the French one, with the famous white dress and the restricted number of guests because of budget (officially).

However, we didn’t want either of them. Everything in a relationship should have a balance, otherwise, one of the partners ends up having regrets and disappointments. So our ideal way out was to choose the best of both sides and have a unique mix of traditions for our wedding.

The problem is, many families have a lot of hopes connected to seeing their kids getting married in a certain kind of way. Which means they often tend to make not-so-subtle comments about any choice the groom and bride make that doesn’t go in their way. This leads to loads of arguments and what was supposed to be a beautiful occasion turns sour for many people.

My advice would be to use the beauty of your multiculturalism. Create your own style of wedding. Either by mixing both of your cultures or using none of them. Make it entirely yours. Let’s be crazy, get married twice!

You will have to decide which traditions to follow, which place you want to celebrate it in, which outfits you’ll prefer to wear…

The questions are endless, and the fear of hurting your relatives or the ones of your partner will never leave. Just remember you can never satisfy everyone, and you shouldn’t try to, either.

Your wedding is your day. Only you and your partner should be satisfied.

Your wedding should represent the same balance you and your partner will strive work on to keep all along your life. Neither of you should forget your roots, but neither of you should feel ashamed to embrace traditions that are not yours either! If you’ve always loved henna and want to get it for your wedding, who cares if it is not from your own traditions?

It is impossible to be perfect for others, so make sure you are perfect for yourself.

Being judged is something we all face. Everyday. If there is one day you should try to not care, it should be the day of your wedding.

November 09, 2022

The Video Games of Japan You Never Knew About

November 09, 2022/ Graham Curry

Have you ever walked past the video game shelf in a store, only to see a sequel to a game you’ve never heard about? Well, that isn’t uncommon because Japanese game companies will not always release games to other parts of the world. Sometimes it’s due to translation issues or maybe those of us not from Japan would not understand the context. One thing for certain though is many of these games are likely to never be brought to us, so allow me to show you some of these games.

If you asked about Nintendo, a lot of people would know the company you’re talking about. If you go deeper and ask what their favorite game is, you’ll hear common responses of Super Mario Bros., Legend of Zelda, and various games in the Kirby series. You’ll also hear some talk about Earthbound, and you might wonder about it.

Earthbound, or ’Mother’ from Japan, is a game series that has very few games in its line up and only recently had two games released here in the west. The core aspect of the game is your typical Role-Playing Game (RPG) where you take control of a character and go through their story. What made it unique was the lack of fantasy and the increase of realistic elements like using a baseball bat or frying pan. Mother 3 is one of the most desired games by fans of the series but has never been officially released. Instead, fans have created fan translations of the game that are not owned by the company. It really shows people will do anything for Mother.

Manga is like a comic from Japan, and with it comes amazing stories about different characters. Stories like One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Death Note, and many more. Now what if they were combined into one single game?

Jump Ultimate Stars is a 2D fighting game that combines over 40 different manga from all across Japan. This game combines various manga panels from their stories to create backgrounds for the players to fight on. It was a great experience for players as it allowed anyone to play as their favorite character like Batman or Superman. This game has quite the competitive scene for tournaments to be in place much like the Super Smash Bros. series that is released worldwide. With that covered, let’s JUMP to the next game.

Fire Emblem: The binding Blade cover art

So, how many animated sword fighters are existing in the world? We keep making more and more of them, and for what reason? New games from the Fire Emblem series? Half of those games never even made it out of Japan. Games like Mystery of the Emblem and The Binding Blade have a presence in the American region, yet the games were never brought over. As a fun fact, the Fire Emblem series has the most characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a game like Jump Ultimate Stars that combines several game series into a fighting game, even more than Mario characters who have had a larger series released in America.

The idea of the game is you are given the role of tactician from a trusted friend and asked to lead your troops in a strategic turn-based battle. Over time, your units will grow and it’s up to you to decide how they grow as characters and units. The more you care for your units, the better they will perform and the strategies they will allow you to use. These games always have a place in my heart, with a burning mark to my heart.

Many other games and series are also locked to Japan, but these are some of the ones a lot of people heard about. The reason why they are locked is honestly a good question, but it mostly comes down to money or translation issues. It’s a real shame when a good game is held back from the world to see.

October 19, 2022

Five Filipino Dishes You Need to Try

October 19, 2022/ Stefanie Velichkin

Sushi, ramen, and pho are just some of the Asian dishes you’ve probably tried –what about Filipino food? Their cuisine is seriously underrated. It’s been influenced by many cultures, but most notably China, Spain, and the US. The Filipino palate is sweet, savoury, and sour. The main proteins you’ll find are fish, chicken, and pork. For those who are curious about the cuisine, here are five dishes that are an absolute must-try! Let’s dive in!

1. Chicken/Pork Adobo

Chicken adobo is the national dish of the Philippines. Each region will have its own version of the dish but essentially, the meat is simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves. It’s an incredibly easy dish to make and a huge staple at get-togethers. It is always served with rice. I would suggest chicken adobo for anyone who’s trying Filipino food for the first time.

2. Pork Sinigang

Sinigang (sin-ah-gung) for Filipinos is what chicken noodle soup is for Canadians –comfort food. The name of the dish comes from the Tagalog word “sigang” which means “to stew.” It is a sour pork soup but other proteins can be used such as fish or beef ribs. What makes it sour is the unripe tamarind (pods of fruit grown from trees) but others may choose a different souring agent like mango or pineapple. It also features vegetables like bok choy, egg plant, okra, and long beans. Like chicken adobo, there are many variations. It’s perfect for a rainy day or when you have a cold.

3. Lechon

You’ll find lechon at big Filipino celebrations like weddings or Christmas. It’s stuffed with tamarind, onions, garlic, and then slowly roasted over a fire. The end result is a super crispy skin. Almost the entire pig gets eaten!

4. Pancit

These are Filipino noodles. Chinese immigrants introduced Filipinos to noodles during the 16th century. Pancit noodles are stir fried with soy sauce and vegetables like green beans, carrots, snow peas and cabbage. There are different types of pancit but the two main ones are Pancit Bihon, which is rice stick noodles and then pancit canton, which is egg noodles. They also have meat (pork chop, chicken breast). They can be garnished with green onions, sliced boiled eggs, or peanuts. It is also served with calamansi, a Filipino lime. It can be made vegetarian by leaving out the meat or subbing in tofu.

5. Lumpia

Who doesn’t love spring rolls? As an appetizer, lumpia (loomp-ee-ya) is always a huge hit. Meat -usually pork- and veggies get wrapped in a rice wrapper and then deep fried. The only problem with lumpia is that they’re super addictive. You can never have just one.

…And those are the top five Filipino dishes you have to try. What are you waiting for? Find your local Filipino restaurant or Filipino friend and get eating! Just to be sure to bring your stretchiest pants.

Photo: Lechon (middle), lumpia (bottom right) and pancit bihon (bottom left).

October 19, 2022

Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life

October 19, 2022/ Stacey Lance

A woman dressed as La calavera catrina on day of the dead

For most, a holiday with “dead” in the title would seem morbid. In reality, it’s just the opposite.

Dia de Muertos is a lively and warm celebration of the life of a loved one who has passed away. It’s a day to honour their memory and invite them back home.

One way Dia de Muertos is celebrated is by setting up an ofrenda. The word ofrenda translates to “offering.”

It’s a homemade altar set up in one’s home as a way to pay respects to the dead and invite their soul to come back and visit.

A photo of the deceased is placed on it as well as food and drink they enjoyed while they were alive.

Mexicans believe that the departed souls come back and consume the food to give them strength on their journeys.

a popular offering is pan de muerto or “bread of the dead”

Losing a loved one is the hardest thing we will experience in this life. As time passes and the shock and grief subside, it can be hard to figure out how to move forward.

We want to incorporate the love we still have for them into our lives without allowing the thought of their passing to take up our every moment. Just because they’re gone from the earth doesn’t mean they no longer matter to us.

That’s why the Mexican celebration of Dia de Muertos or “Day of the Dead” has always fascinated me.

For those who have never heard of it, or perhaps aren’t quite sure what it is, Dia de Muertos is a holiday celebrated in Mexico on November 1st and 2nd every year.

No, it isn’t the same as Halloween, despite falling at a similar time on the calendar. It isn’t a day for collecting candy or jumping out at your friends with scary masks on.

Rather, it’s a special time to honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed away. In Mexican culture, death is not seen as scary and unnatural, as it often is in the west. It’s seen as an inevitable reality to be accepted as going hand-in-hand with life.

Another important part of Dia de Muertos is getting together with family to clean and decorate the tombstones of loved ones.

Setting out Flor de Muerto or “flower of the dead” is important as well. These are Mexican marigolds that have a strong scent and bright orange colour, which is thought to help guide the spirits back home.

Perhaps one reason Dia de Muertos is misaligned with Halloween is that many people paint their faces to look like calaveras (skulls).

This isn’t an attempt to scare anyone, as it would be in Canada on October 31st. Instead, it’s to poke fun at mortality and is a recognition that we will all end up that way in the end.

Dia de Muertos is the one time of year where friends and family who have passed on can come back and visit their earthly relatives. It’s a time to remember, celebrate, and honour their lives.

It’s a beautiful celebration and one we can learn many lessons from. Namely—don’t forget those that mattered to you, even once they are no longer with you in the physical form.

You can still laugh, share memories, and connect with others who knew them as a way to keep their memory and spirit alive.

October 18, 2022

Welsh Myths: The Secret Ingredient for Tourists.

October 18, 2022/ Alyssa Grenier

This images shows a man and a woman sitting on a hay bale watching a performance. This picture was taken by Clem Onojeghuo.

Knowledge is an incentive. We humans can be easily tempted when metaphorical honey is offered. In Wales, they have beautiful fields and wonderful hiking paths, for some, that is the most tasteful honey in Wales. But what about stories?

Storytelling is rich in Welsh history, and their stories and myths are widely known. Knowing those stories when going to festivals or plays would only brighten the experience for a tourist. Learning the myths and adventures of the places you visit can boost your travel experience. Culture and countries that embrace their tales encourage more tourism, which offers more exposure to both.

One of the most popular welsh Arthurian legends is Sir Gawayne and the Green Knight, which is in the form of a poem. It’s a poem that details a courageous honourable knight that a beautiful married woman tempts into a romance. Gawayne is reactive of King Arthur, and in welsh legends, he is thought to be inspired by the Celtic Solar deity.

Conversely , in Wales, there are many festivals and one festival that combines music, storytelling, and history is the Hay festival. The Hay festival is a literary spring festival with many speakers, it encourages creatives and community. Festivals are great for both locals and tourists. Knowing the territory's myths can feel like you're being let into an inside joke that everyone around you knows. If someone is interested in history, European history, in particular, it can be intimidating, so starting on one territory would be less all-encompassing. But not everyone is interested in history; using that history to make or understand a story is handy. Using historical events to promote tourism is terrific, but it's not appealing to everyone. So, looking to past myths can compensate for the lack of interest in history. Knowing the history and myths of countries when attending a festival will only serve to help you.

Myths are influenced by history and the imagination of storytellers, so the stories in Wales are delicious. There is a convenient book that transcribed many legends from Wales, written in the 11th century, called Mabinogion. The book put to paper 11 oral tales widely known in Wales. The book includes 11 stories, some of romance and others of Arthurian legend, written by anonymous authors. Since the tales were changed from oral to written, there are many strategies to engage the audience, like strong narration and repetition. These legends are a piece of history while also being a piece of entertainment. The Mabinogian is highly influential in the Literary history of Wales and its myths.

Myths can enrich one's traveling experience, but they could also inspire young writers to create and interpret new stories.In regard to the Hay festivals; the goal is to entertain and inspire storytellers of all ages while also being a fun week for the family. The Hay festival is in Hay-on-Wye, and its purpose is to be an 11 day function for the creative.Whether you’re a comedian or a poet you’ll find events for you.

This image show the famous Conwy Castle located in Wales. This picture was taken by Lisa Fotios.

Other inspiration can come from being in new and rich locations. For example, when visiting, tourists can see all different types of abandoned castles and envision the castles of Arthurian legends. Or tourists can look upon the fields and caverns and think of TWM SIÔN CATI, the Welsh Robin Hood, and all his exploits in the medieval ages.

One could explore Wales, look for the caves in Wales and feel as though they are in a magical story themselves. Standing where legends were told can be powerful for a person's mind and creative experience.

The past myths can and will influence us to say great things, explore wondrous places and discover ourselves.Visiting festivals encouraging knowledge of the country in all its many adventures is the best idea for a life-changing experiences.

October 14, 2022

Navaratri- The Celebration of Hinduism’s Coolest Female

October 14, 2022/ Anusha Nimalaranjan

navaratri festival in india, by hubpages.com

Folklores, parties, basking in feminism. With the wrap-up of September and the entry of October, you may notice many Hindus missing class and going off to party all dressed up in formal clothes. That’s because Navaratri is underway.

It’s a celebration honoring one of the main goddesses in Hinduism- the goddess of power, motherhood and war- Durga. The festivities last a complete nine days and nine nights, where families get together to dance, pray, sing, and of course, eat!

But what is Navaratri really celebrating?

DEPICTION OF Lord brahma bestowing immortality on mahishasura, from herzindagi.com

The story goes like this- a long time ago, an almighty God, Lord Brahma, decided to give his loyal subject Mahishasura a gift for his years of devotion. It was the gift of immortality. Of course, with every gift a God gives, there must be some kind of catch- and Lord Brahma’s was a single exception to Mahishasura’s immortality. The only way for Mahishasura to die would be at the hands of a woman.

Well, back in the day, all men were sexist, so Mahishasura decided he could kick his feet up and enjoy his immortality to the fullest, because, well, what woman would be able to beat him?

So off he went with his other, kind of evil, friends, attacking people for fun and wreaking havoc. All was fine and dandy until the days went on, and Mahishasura became stronger and stronger, basking in his immortality and doing evil. The lower Gods all tried to fight and tame him to no avail. He was too powerful.

Depiction of Durga from thegoddessgarden.com

Eventually, Lord Brahma who gave him the gift, decided something had to be done. Him and the other two almighty Hindu Gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, came together to create a powerful goddess who would be tasked with destroying Mahishasura.

That goddess was Durga.

She had eight arms, and each held a weapon given to her by the three Lords. Her means of transportation was riding on the back of her sidekick- a giant, wide-toothed tiger. Pretty cool, huh?

Durga and her tiger headed into battle with Mahishasura, who assumed the appearance of an enormous buffalo (strange, but he was immortal, so, why not?).

Depiction of durga’s battle against mahishasura, by artist kevin sidharta

The battle was intense. With her armament and tiger, Durga fought against Mahishasura’s rage and power, and the battle lasted a whole nine days and nine nights. On the last day, Durga’s powerful spear managed to behead the evil buffalo Mahishasura. He was defeated for good.

Navaratri is a celebration of Durga’s victory- a tale that demonstrates the triumph of good against evil. It is also seen as a celebration of women- celebrating their strength and wisdom as a way of honouring them.

Just like Durga’s battle against Mahishasura, Navaratri lasts for over a week. Durga worshipers get together to dance and sing in her name, staying up to sunrise and enjoying many kinds of traditional foods. Some Hindus will also fast during the nine days, only drinking milk and water until after midnight.

In India, Navaratri is serious business. It’s held as one of the most important and large festivals of the year. If you decide to visit India during Navaratri, be ready to see lots of colours and hear lots of incomprehensible screaming.

All in all, I think it’s safe to say that Durga is one of the coolest goddesses in Hindu folklore. Nine days and nights may seem like a lot, but hey, she deserves it. What would we be doing if that buffalo Mahishasura was still roaming around the streets? Probably dying.

So, thanks Durga. Happy Navratri!

Anusha Nimalaranjan is a second-year wannabe writer at Algonquin College. She is inept at small talk and is a side character in her dog’s life. Her talents include doing the bare minimum, putting too much hot sauce in her food, and staying up at 3AM being haunted by her past life as a fanfiction author.

October 13, 2022

Two countries, two cultures, one heart

October 13, 2022/ Angelika (Celia) Legaza

You know how you can feel dumb half of the time when you travel to a foreign country because half of the things don’t make sense? Well, that is pretty much going to be a common feeling if you end up in a multicultural couple.

Don’t get me wrong, I personally adore being on this journey, and it has countless positive sides… but it means facing a lot of unexpected complications too.

Cultures definitely have a huge impact on our education and how we end up seeing the world. For example, someone from India and someone from France has very different opinions about how family works, and technically, there is no problem with this.

Except on the day these two people decide to create a family together.

While French parents expect their kids to leave the house once they are independent, Indian parents are used to having their son stay home forever with his wife. The entire country is organized in a way where retired parents would struggle if they did not prepare themselves to live without the financial support of their son, while the French wife could feel suffocated if they decided to live with his parents.

In my opinion, this is when the open-mindedness of people enters into action. No matter where we come from, we do not always agree with our country’s traditions, and if we do, we can be open to different opinions.

Being from two different countries can mean having different cuisines, different religions, and different visions about what is right and what is not… Moreover, as I mentioned family earlier, family can be a big problem because parents do not always accept the fact their child married a foreigner. This can lead to quarrels, painful conversations, and sometimes, unfortunately, to break ties with relatives.

But it can mean beautiful discoveries too. Being in a multicultural relationship can help you to grow. It makes you see the world in a way you may never have thought about. It can lead you to live in a country you would have never considered; a country that turns into your home.

As someone who found love on the other side of the planet, I can tell you I could not be more grateful. This relationship enabled me to open my mind and become a better person. It gave me opportunities I would have never thought about before. And most of all, it forced me to get out of my comfort zone. It proved to me I could be so much more than I thought.

So yes, you will have to learn and teach a new way to cook. You will have to handle a family that might not accept you immediately. You will have to accept that your vision of life is not the only one. But if this person is your soulmate, no matter what differences of opinions you have, you will both work it out beautifully.

(But good luck when you will have to decide how to organize your wedding.)

October 12, 2022

How Different are Japanese Gods Compared to Other Gods?

October 12, 2022/ Graham Curry

Every country has their own religions and beliefs that they follow. Some people follow completely devoted while others could care less if they existed or not. Japan is no different with having their own set of gods their people follow and worship. The real question is if they are truly different from other mythologies or just a rip-off of other gods.

Izanami on the left and Izanagi on the right

The first two Japanese gods to have existed were known as Izanagi and Izanami. These two could be seen as counterparts to Adam and Eve or Zeus and Hera as being creators of the human race.

While giving birth to the god of fire called Kagutsuchi, Izanami was burnt to death. Stricken with grief, Izanagi went to the land of the dead in hopes of bringing her back. However, by the time he had found her, she had changed into a rotting and decaying corpse. Terrorfied, Izanagi fled in fear and sealed off the entrance to the land of the dead. She had become the goddess of the dead and took 1,000 lives each day in rage. In response to this, Izanagi created 1,500 lives each day. This gives an explanation to life and death for Japanese culture. Unlike other gods that created life, they are one of the few couples that end apart and angry at each other.

Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu are the god of the moon and goddess of the sun. They are husband and wife, but also siblings. Tsukuyomi is a proud yet very violent deity. The god of food, Uki Mochi, had declared a feast and while Amaterasu was invited, she could not attend. She had sent Tsukuyomi in her stead. When he arrived, he was horrified with how Uki Mochi had prepared the food, pulling it out of her mouth. He was so horrified by their actions that he killed the her on the spot. When Amaterasu heard of his deed, she labeled her husband as evil and unworthy to return to the heaven. This leads to Tsukuyomi forever chasing Amaterasu across the night sky, yet never reaching her.

Hou Yi, the god of the sun, and Chang’e, the goddess of the moon, of China have a very different story. Chang’e’s story goes along the lines of her stealing the elixir of immortality from her husband. There are many reasons why, whether to protect it from a thief or out of her own greed. Either way, after drinking it, she ascends to the moon and becomes the moon goddess. Her husband, Hou Yi, was deemed the sun god due to his great feat as an archer; he shot down nine of the ten suns to save humanity. Even after she stole the elixir, he still loved her.

Susanoo defeating the eight headed dragon.

Susanno, the third child born from Izanagi and brother to Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi, is the god of seas and storms. He was too wild of a god to remain orderly in heaven, and thus became a heroic figure instead. Before leaving, he waved goodbye to his sister whom he normally quarreled with. This led to a contest that Amaterasu won and had enraged Susanoo into a rampage, destroying her fields and throwing the corpse of a horse at her room, killing her handmaiden. She fled in grief, taking the sun with her and placing the world in darkness. His first act after being banished was aiding an elderly couple in slaying an eight headed dragon that was eating their daughters. The dragon yielded a sword, and he gifted it to his sister in hopes to make amends. Once done, he became the guardian of Yomi, the land of the dead.

Norse god Njord is nothing like the deeds of Susanoo, likely due to him being the god of wind and water rather than storms. He’s seen as a much calmer god, and it remains a mystery to who gave birth to him. He’s known for one thing especially, surviving Ragnarök, the end and rebirth of the world.

The great thing about gods and mythologies is each country can have their own, and their own reasons to believe them. Even if they are the same type of gods, that doesn’t mean they are the exact same in any full way.

September 25, 2022

Introduction

September 25, 2022/ Angelika (Celia) Legaza

Bored and broke with a desire to travel the world? So are we! Not everyone has the chance to leave their home country—that’s why we’re here to show the food, culture, and stories from around the globe. If you're feeling weird, come here to discover how unexpected different cultures can be. Whether in the past or present, cultures around the world continue to surprise and enlighten us.

World Cultures