December 2, 2011
Friday Fun Facts: Holiday Beast
Happy Friday! Every Friday, we will present you with a trivia question in our newest blog feature, Friday Fun Facts. To answer the question, post a comment below.
Friday Fun Fact: Holiday Beast
On the 5th of December in the Alpine/Germanic countries of Europe, people dress up in frightening costumes of this holiday beast and tear through the streets warning bad children that St. Nicholas will not reward them with presents. What is the name of this mythical monster? Read more »
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November 29, 2011
Shogatsu: Japanese New Year
For many of us, New Year’s Eve conjures up images of fireworks, late-night celebrations, champagne flutes and glittering confetti. Across the pond in Tokyo, the Japanese celebrate the new year in a much different way. New Years has been called the most important Japanese holiday of all, and festivities are always over the top on this night. Here are three things that will make New Year’s Eve in Japan one to remember. Read more »
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November 18, 2011
‘Tis the Season in Holland
Bundle up, folks! Grab your coats, hats and scarves because it’s wintertime in Holland. Grab some chocolademelk (Dutch hot chocolate) and warm poffertjes and enjoy these postcard perfect photos of winter in Holland. ‘Tis the season! How will you be celebrating the holidays this year? Read more »
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November 16, 2011
Glühwein: A Holiday Favorite
It’s that time of year in Portland. The temperatures are dropping, leaves are falling and the first glimmer of holiday lights are shining throughout Downtown Portland. Even though we haven’t hit Thanksgiving yet, there is no reason why you can’t bring the holiday cheer into your home early. In Europe, Christmas markets are in full swing as people begin Christmas shopping and enjoying delicious warm treats like steaming, stuffed baked potatoes, warm apricot Krapfens (doughnuts), and the star of the show, Glühwein. Read more »
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May 27, 2011
Photo Diary: Memorials
Memorial Day is a time to remember fallen heroes who defended their country — a tradition that is not unique to the United States. In Amsterdam, residents gather to remember those lost in World War II on May 4 for Dodenherdenking. Read more »
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December 23, 2010
Photo Diary: Christmas
Inspired by Christmas, we chose photos of each city decorated for the holiday. What are your seasonal decorating traditions? Read more »
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October 29, 2010
Photo Diary: Happy Halloween!
The ghouls are out for another year of spooks, frights and sugar rushes. How do Portland, Amsterdam and Tokyo decorate for Halloween?
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July 2, 2010
Photo Friday: Fireworks
No national holiday is complete without some festive fireworks, so for today’s post, we’re honoring Independence Day with a glimpse to the glowing skies in Portland, Tokyo and Amsterdam. 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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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 »