If there's one thing I know well, it's the deliciousness of dumplings. Thanks to my husband's love for them, I have tasted them everywhere we go. I've even become a dumpling aficionado, like him. Thinking of eating dumplings is a joy, making them is lovely, but actually eating them is divine. 

ALAS! Tavola is closed.

Sometimes the unexpected brings the greatest joy. One of the best meals I had in St. John's, Newfoundland this summer was at Tavola. It was at a meal hosted by Destination St. John's (thank you!), and since I hadn't done any restaurant research before coming to Newfoundland, I didn't know what to expect. But as with all the meals we ate in St. John's, I was delighted and surprised by the excellent food, warm interior, and great conversation.

With the soccer world cup and the next Summer Olympics, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil has been getting a lot of press. Whether you’re a fan of Neymar, Havianas or speak a bit of Portuguese – Rio has much to offer. A short overnight flight from the east coast of the United States, Rio de Janeiro offers visitors sightseeing, culture, cuisine, scenic views, and endless vistas. From the top of Corcovado to the bottom of the highly populated favelas, Rio is filled with life.

A Note from ChristaD, Education and the Rainforest Editor:  

This post was written by Kailini C., a high school student from the Gunston School in Maryland.  Kailani is a participant in the 2015 Amazon Workshops Student Field Reporter Project which enlisted the help of several students to share their 2015 Amazon experiences with us. Over the coming months, the Education and the Rainforest posts will feature Kailani's words, photos, and reflections – giving you a student's perspective on travel to the Amazon and its educational impact!  

Happy Holidays! Wandering Educators has a special gift for you. This month’s Artist of the Month is the Amazing Newfoundland Sculptor Jim Maunder. His work is absolutely thought-provoking and will make you want to know more about this artist.

A Jubilee is a joyful time for Catholics, a special year for forgiveness, universal pardon, and remission of sins. The Jubilee is personally marked by physical passage through one of 7 Holy Doors in the world. It is a time of pilgrimage, for to pass through the Holy Door is to go through a rite of passage. The door is open to all persons of good will.

On the northeast shores of Lamèque Island, New Brunswick, lies a folk art treasure. Sainte-Cècile Church, also known as the Candy Church, was built in the early 1900s.

Roasted turkey. Sausage speckled stuffing. Cranberry sauce. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Buttery dinner rolls. Pumpkin pie. Oh, and I forgot the green bean casserole. Unlike other holidays, the food expectations at Thanksgiving read out like a familiar grocery list. A traditional American Thanksgiving meal doesn’t tend to have many surprises—maybe there’s a little orange zest in the cranberry relish, or an extra swig of heavy cream in the mashed potatoes.

Some of the most recognizable abbeys and cathedrals in the UK are visited often, but taking some time to visit other abbeys and cathedrals provides you with a chance to see a variety of less crowded places. During my time in London, I saw three abbeys and two cathedrals. Why should you make time to explore abbeys and cathedrals? You have the opportunity to enjoy history and see it come to life. You won’t want to pass up the chance to experience a unique part of the United Kingdom!

As autumn turns to winter in Scotland -- a transition which certainly happens during November -- days become shorter, temperatures fall, it may begin to snow, and that snow, already in place or oncoming, may begin to stay around longer. There are changes in the quality of light as the sun hangs low in the sky, and at night stars shine brightly.