By birth year I am technically a millennial, but sometimes I feel a little more Generation X. Perhaps it’s the stigma that millennials love technology, which I do –I’d cry if my laptop crashed before I remembered to back it up (and not to the cloud because ‘nobody understands the cloud’)- but that doesn’t mean I love all advancements of technology, and sometimes want to be stubborn toward them. 

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!  
 

Decay is a huge part of her life. It isn’t something we often talk about, but Fiona Long has been exploring decay from an art perspective for years and finds there is still so much more to know. You would not think a nice English girl would be so enamored with something like decay, but Fiona isn’t your typical English girl.

Whether you’re on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook, these days, travel quotes are ever present. Found on social media, they urge the end of complacency and the rise of carpe diem. Adventures and journeys, whether personal or actual, are growing in popularity. In a world where materialism still reigns supreme, thankfully, more and more people are choosing experiences over purchases and realizing that comfort zones are meant to be broadened. 

Chances are you will meet royalty on a visit to Holland this spring or summer, albeit in the form of classic blue-and-white Delftware. Last month the Gemeentemuseum in the Hague announced it had acquired two rare Defltware figurines. The Dutch figurine flower holders represent King William III and his wife and cousin, Queen Mary. 

The flower holders, which measure 42.5 cm in height, were separated for 40 years while in the hands of separate private collections. With the landmark acquisition, the Gemeentemuseum guarantees preservation of Holland’s royal heritage.

Cooked, then pureed black beans seeped with onion and garlic then thickened with a handful of manioc flour are the main ingredients giving tutu de feijão its trademark consistency and rich, brownish hue. Growing up, the dish was a favorite of Paula DaSilva, a native of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, whose parents came to the United States when she was seven. DaSilva remembers her mother would add roasted pork, vegetables, and fried egg to the top of the mounded, creamy beans.

This month we travel to Patagonia through the lens of photographer Sebastián Giannone. While Sebastián travels with a DSLR camera, every photo appearing in this month’s feature was shot with his cell phone! Technology has come a long way, but you still have to get out there. This is a truth that Sebastián embodies as he travels around Patagonia creating a vast array of images to share. It is my pleasure this month to present to you the travels and words of Sebastián Giannone!

Everything you need to know about the changing of the guard in London while studying abroad. 

Over the years my mom has acquired a few nicknames from my dad, brother, and I. Sue Gopher; Pokey; the maid – and she’s always taken it in good stride. In fact, she came up with Sue Gopher herself, though she doesn’t remember why. It’s not like she likes gophers or being one. There are some mysteries in life we’ll never solve.

But there are others are you learn to uncover, specifically from your mother. In honor of mother’s day, I’ve chosen to remember what my mom has taught me on vacation – add yours in the comments!