Ten years ago this month, London experienced an attack similar to 9/11 in the United States. Until I studied abroad in London, I had not heard of the attacks. Studying abroad helped me not only learn more about London’s history, but becoming a global citizen. Since returning to the United States, I have paid more attention to world events and the effects they can have across multiple countries. Taking the time to learn about events, such as the attacks, can help give you a better understanding of the people and the culture.

Everyone in the whole world knows by now that I am in love with Turkey. Whilst I was there, my schedule was too hectic to meet a new friend, Lisa Morrow, who lives and teaches in Istanbul. My loss – and next time! Isn’t it crazy, how life goes like that?

I think I’ve always been a traveler. From a fascination with accents of Camp America counselors at sleep away camp and being taken in by the ‘countries’ at Epcot at a young age, I was always interested in the world outside of my home country’s borders. As a high school social studies teacher, I often brought photos of adventures abroad into my classroom to enhance lessons and interest students. Tokens from travels, stories from the road and interactions with locals were often weaved into the curriculum to help bring textbook titles to life and add in the magic of a journey. 

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!  
 

Do you like modern still life paintings?  Do you just love good art?  Either way, we have a real treat for you this month. Judy Prisoc is such an artist who lives and works in Gig Harbor, Washington.  

Her food paintings will make you absolutely hungry for more.  Her still life work is positioned so the focus of her work is clear, leaving you no doubt as to what inspires her for each particular painting. She has a beautiful, painterly way with oils which will leave you starved for more.

My grandfather was a history professor and Benjamin Franklin scholar. We grew up playing fun games with him - like giving him a random date and he'd tell us something cool that happened on that date, or he'd drop interesting tidbits about historical people, and we'd try to guess who they were - he built a love of history in us that has enriched our lives. Friends of mine recently penned a new book that I know he'd have loved: Philadelphia Liberty Trail: Trace the Path of America's Heritage.

The white walls of Puerto Vallarta’s La Leche restaurant stand as a contrast to the vibrant-colored buildings all around it. Black swirls crawl up each side appearing both whimsical and orderly, signaling to visitors they’re in for something surprising at this eatery tucked away from the Mexican city’s main center.

Music speaks in many ways: melody, tone, timbre resonance, rhythm, instrumentation, and word -- but what if you do not understand the words being sung? Dan Storper noticed that people were responding to, and asking about, the music from Latin America and other parts of the world which he played to enhance the atmosphere in his clothing and handcraft stores.

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston will be cloaked in magnificent opulence when the exhibition “Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collection” opens on Sunday, June 14. 
More than 100 artifacts and paintings from such artistic icons as Titian, Caravaggio, Correggio, Rubens, Tintoretto, Velazquez, and others will be displayed in all their glory at the MFAH through September 13.