January 24, 2012
Photo of the Week: Setsubun Bean Festival
The Japanese don’t traditionally celebrate the Lunar New Year like many other Asian nations. Instead, the Setsubun Festival, or Bean Throwing Festival, falls in sync with the New Year celebrations across the world. Read more »
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June 14, 2011
Dance Across Oceans
Whether you like to tango, swing dance, salsa, waltz or just let loose freestyle on the dance floor, there is a little something for everyone both in Portland and across the pond. Several dance festivals, performances and groups are hitting the stage this year, and should make it to your calendar. If you’re in the mood to be amazed, inspired, or even shake a tail feather yourself, check out what 2011 has in store for you. Read more »
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April 13, 2011
Photo Diary: Food Festivals
Celebrating food is a daily tradition in Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo, but throughout the year, each city pays special tribute to culinary genius during themed festivals. In Portland, a compilation of Oregon’s best chefs and restaurants gather on the Tom McCall Waterfront to boast their latest creations at the Bite of Oregon. The Dutch are famous for their cheese, and when paired with artisan bread at the Kunsthal Kookt, visitors are bound to leave with full stomachs and smiling faces. While the people of Tokyo take great pride in their own cuisine, they appreciate other cultures’ as well. During the Thai Festival, vendors present their best Thai dishes, including the spicy papaya salad pictured below.
Photo credits: Som Tom Spicy Papaya Salad, Ken Funakoshi; Pork sliders, Jocelyn McAuley; Cheese stall, kattebelletje
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July 28, 2010
Photo Diary: Outdoor Concerts
Few things say “summer” more than live outdoor music, and Amsterdam, Portland and Tokyo do not disappoint in this entertainment department. Here are a few clips from some the destinations’ more famous summer festivals: Fuji Rock Festival, MusicFestNW, and concerts at Vondelpark. Read more »
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April 1, 2010
Go Orange for Queens Day
April 30th marks Holland’s beloved holiday Koninginnedag or Queens Day, celebrating the Queen’s birthday. The tradition began on August 31, 1885 with Queen Wilhemina, but it was the current queen, Queen Beatrix’s mother, Queen Juliana who declared the national holiday to be celebrated on her birthday, April 30. Read more »
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February 25, 2010
Cherry Blossom Viewing Hot Spots
Spring has made its appearance uncharacteristically early this year, but Japan has welcomed the blooming cherry blossoms with open arms. The annual cherry blossom festivals typically kick off in mid- to late-March and continue through the end of April (check for this year’s anticipated schedules here), and if you’re looking for the best places to “ooh” and “aah” over the cherry blossoms trees, here are a few hot spots: Read more »
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December 2, 2009
Celebrating the Holidays in Tokyo and Amsterdam
The holiday season is a time to share with family, friends and community with an abundance of food and celebratory traditions. If you’re traveling to Amsterdam or Tokyo this holiday season, act like a local and join in on the festivities. Read more »