Tag: Culture
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The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of those places you’ll almost inevitably walk past in Rome—whether you plan to or not. Built between 1723 and 1726, the grand staircase connects Piazza di Spagna (named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican) with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. There are 135 steps in total,…
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Trevi Fountain Rome
The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks—a Baroque showpiece completed in 1762, built at the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct. Once a truly beautiful spot with architectural finesse, it’s now surrounded by people selling you the dreamy postcard version of Rome. In reality, the area is buckling under its own popularity.…
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Una Notte Al Colosseo
I’ve officially started my vacation—and I’m back in one of my favorite cities: Rome. My first evening combined two things the city does best: food and history. Classic Roman dishes for dinner, followed by a night tour of the Colosseum. The Notte al Colosseo event runs during the summer months and was such a highlight.…
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4th of July
This Fourth of July, I found myself not at a backyard barbecue or watching fireworks like in past years, but at a Mexican restaurant—enjoying one of the best tuna ceviches I’ve ever had, alongside tacos, quesadillas, and queso fundido. We sat outside, taking in the mild summer evening (a rarity in New York). It might…
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Flu zone
Caught the flu and am feeling like this tangled mess of cones and caution tape—just add tissues, tea, and ice (depending on which fever chills are in charge—hot or cold, it changes by the hour). Everything’s foggy, sweaty, and my energy levels are near zero. But true to the American work ethic, I’m still trying…
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Smile
Every time I walk past this glowing grin on the High Line, it makes me think about the universal language of facial expressions—and how a smile can cross cultures and communicate without needing translation. As you know, I’m fascinated by cultural similarities and differences. A smile feels universal—something simple that can have a real effect,…
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Prometheus at Rockefeller Center
Especially on a spring afternoon like this Friday, it’s easy to miss the golden statue in front of the Rockefeller building. Packed with people, the plaza sometimes hides the sculpture of Prometheus. He’s been here since 1934, part of the original vision for Rockefeller Center as a place where commerce, art, and public life could…
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Stonewall
I stopped by Stonewall National Monument on Sunday and also visited the Inn and the visitor center. Despite it being a Sunday afternoon, the bar was full—loud, cheerful, very much alive. The walls inside are covered in photos, tags, and signs tracing the 1969 uprising and everything that followed. Next door, the Stonewall National Monument…
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Cobá
Deep in the Yucatán jungle, the ruins of Cobá offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. Once a major trade hub with 50,000 inhabitants at its peak, Cobá’s vast network of sacbeob (white stone roads) connected it to distant cities. Unlike the polished ruins of Tulum, Cobá still feels wild—roots creeping…
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Josephine in Tulum
I needed a break—a little holiday somewhere warm, vibrant, and far removed from the relentless pace of New York. Tulum, with its white sandy beaches, lush jungle, and laid-back atmosphere, turned out to be exactly that. The shift was immediate as soon as I landed. The air was thick with humidity and warmth, the kind…
Josephine in New York City 