Florida Culture for the Week of August 7, 2016 by Josh Garrick

A Bar Mitzvah is an integral component and rite of passage for any young Jewish boy - or preferably man. It is the culmination of months - some may argue years - of preparation and a day that most young men will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives. A Bar mitzvah in Israel undeniably provides a young man with the catalyst to form an unbreakable bond with his Jewish heritage while simultaneously making unforgettable memories with his family.

Whether you’re trading homes for a joint sabbatical (genius!), or pursuing a house swap for your travels, there are many things you can do to put your mind at ease – and welcome your guests into your home as if it was theirs. There are also some things you can do to make their experience even better – and maybe your home swap will be an annual event, if you love it at their home!

Florida Culture, Dining, and ‘Open Housing’ for the Week of July 31, 2016 by Josh Garrick

MThere are many reasons to visit Stratford - the legendary theatre (of course!), the incredible culinary scene, the arts, the beautiful setting, and the kind and interesting people who live there.

For whatever reasons you're visiting Stratford, there's ONE thing you need to do first. We did, and it informed and influenced our entire visit.

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country situated in the center of what was known as the Fertile Crescent. Its land cradled some of the earliest human civilizations. Its human history dates back further than almost any other region on the planet.

In Asia, grocery stores are hard to find and always overpriced. For this reason, locals rarely frequent them and instead run to open air markets. 

Open air markets are vibrant, fabulous places full of aromatic food, colorful clothing, fruits and vegetables, and anything else you can think of. The goods are cheap, and these markets can be found in every city across Thailand. 

Norfolk, Connecticut, population 1600, is not a town that tends to blow its own horn. In fact, many who live in this unspoiled hamlet in the Litchfield Hills rather like having their hometown's New England charm and beautiful surroundings to themselves.