Day of the Dead exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art

Native Americans are eager to preserve their culture at this annual pow-wow in Chicago

If you have never been to a pow-wow, you’re missing out on a vibrant event where family and tradition reign supreme. I enjoyed covering this annual pow-wow in Chicago and put together a video to give you a sneak peek of it.

Spotlight on Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a mix of old and new; east and west and moves at a pace that makes New York seem slow in comparison. For an in-depth look at Hong Kong CNN has put together an interesting multi-media package called Hong Kong: Between Two Worlds.

This video of Hong Kong is actually on fast-forward but i swear it is not too far off from how quickly this cty actually moves.

DuSable Museum of African American History

This museum has a little bit of everything and on a recent visit, I enjoyed the art collection in the basement and the holiday crafts fair. Check out the DuSable Museum of African American History’s site to plan your own day at the museum

Make the most of your trip and check out Washington park which Daley is coveting for an olympic stadium and ride past Obama’s house and see his mini army of security personnel.

Obama’s house in Hyde Park.

Puerto Vallarta on the brain

After visiting some far-flung places like Hong Kong and Santiago, Chile, I’ve realized it’s time to explore my own global neighborhood and head to Mexico. I’m not into the over-the-top touristy destinations so I quickly ruled out Cancun. A Mexican friend recommended Puerto Vallarta for convenience (it’s still a major tourist destination) and the possibility of exploring some nearby places that reflect authentic Mexican culture. Every time I stand shivering on an El platform or look at my never ending to do list, I just count down the days until take off. This article lays out the basics for a trip to Puerto Vallarta:
From eco-adventures to bullfights, Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta offers more than a tan

Can’t swing a trip to Arizona? Here’s a little refuge in Chicago

Whenever, I need a little break from winter I head to the Lincoln Park Conservatory, here is my post about it from Not For Tourists:

Business/Location: Lincoln Park Conservatory Address: 2391 N Stockton Dr City: Chicago State: IL Zip Code: 60614 Phone: 312-742-7736 Website:
Posted by: Josannah Birman Photo: Josannah Birman		Chicagoans weary of the bitter cold that makes ears crunchy and noses red should stop by the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The wet air kisses dry skin as eyes accustomed to the greys of winter readjust to absorb the bright spectrum of greens. The Conservatory, completed in 1895, is home to everything from lobster claws to Swiss cheese and we’re only talking about plants. Don’t miss the oldest palm tree on site which was grown from seeds collected on an expedition to Brazil in 1926. According to Conservatory legend, another palm outgrew the space and broke through the glass ceiling. Sauntering through this domed glass structure can boost your random horticulture knowledge. Who knew that vanilla beans are the fruit of an orchid or that Indian business people make deals under Banyan trees. There is little risk of running into a picture-crazed wedding party on a weekday but free tours only run on the weekends. You decide.

Lose the winter blues and head to Arizona

I spent four hours yesterday downtown in the freezing cold reporting for a story on Christmas shopping. This arctic experience sparked the epiphany that comes every year in one way or another and makes me want to escape to somewhere warmer. Last year, I went to Arizona around this time and it was fantastic. I spent a few days at a resort in Phoenix and was able to check out the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation headquarters at Taliesin West in Scottsdale. Then I drove up north to see the red rock formations in Sedona.

Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert retreat.

The red rock formations are other-worldly and the city’s low-light ordinance lets the stars reign supreme.

Can Obama improve the image of Americans abroad?

Obama’s victory could prove beneficial to travelers who aren’t always welcomed with open arms in other countries. Anyone who has spent time abroad has probably experienced some form of anti-American sentiment and I’ve definitely had my fair share.

In Greece a guy felt inclined to innumerate every mistake our government has made over the past couple hundred years. In Mendoza, Argentina, I walked quickly past a rally filled with twenty-somethings ranting about Bush in Spanish. Most people I have encountered were quick to separate Americans from the government, but that wasn’t always the case. In Valparaiso, Chile if someone says you are not a typical American, take it as a compliment because many locals and international students say Americans brag, complain and just generally act like jerks. Unfortunately, I had to agree with them because many of the Americans I met there had pretty bad manners.

While Obama’s win probably can’t help those bratty Americans in Chile, the cosmopolitan president-elect has already gained support across the globe. This article in the New York Times gives an international perspective of the election and finds that many people around the world see Obama as a means for more international unity. Also check out this blog on National Geographic about an expat who said he has already felt more international love since the election. So maybe the next time you set foot on foreign soil, you won’t be tempted to say you’re from oh so neutral Canada.

Not your typical day at the park

Visiting a friend in steamy Guayaquil, Ecuador was my initiation to South America and a trip I’ll never forget. I hung out with a wonderfully kind Ecuadorian family, drank avocado smoothies and climbed a steep cobblestone path to browse  little shops. Strolling through the Parque de las Iguanas was the most unique aspect of the trip.  Iguanas were swarming everywhere, some basked in the sun while others darted for food. I kept my distance, but some people weren’t afraid to get up close and personal with these slithery lizards.

Got Sushi?

Whether you’re new to Chicago or just new to sushi, check out my guide to the city’s raw fish scene:

Josannah’s Raw Fish Round Up