Semana Santa, or Holy Week, as I recently explained to my American students, is celebrated in Andalusia through religious processions (called pasos) that wind their way day and night through the streets of cities and towns. As with so many Spanish traditions, such as bullfighting, it’s almost impossible to convey an accurate picture of Semana Santa celebrations to anyone who has never attended one. They must be experienced rather than understood at an intellectual level.

Just about anyone who went to college in the United States after about 1990 has heard of Ramen noodles. Some Americans pronounce this word as “Ray-man” noodles.

Most travellers don’t need much of an excuse to visit Ireland, but those who do could possibly use Celtic history and the Irish culture, tracing the family tree, the fine crystal, the rolling green countryside, horseracing, Gaelic football, Irish pubs or folk dancing, literature, art or music.

Foodie Finds: Best Place to Eat in Saugatuck, Michigan

I live in the Triana neighborhood of Seville. Triana, legendary (and some would say, mythological) home of bullfighters and gypsies. There's a certain romance here, I like to think, that you won't find in other districts. It's a nice neighborhood, made even nicer by the fact that we now have (yet) another virgin.