I was noticing the most beautiful body art on some photos of people from Around the World. India, Morocco, Africa, Thailand. It goes on and on. Body art has major cultural implications around the world that hold meaning, tradition and honor. However, say the words “body art” here in the USA and there seems to [...]]]>

I was noticing the most beautiful body art on some photos of people from Around the World. India, Morocco, Africa, Thailand. It goes on and on. Body art has major cultural implications around the world that hold meaning, tradition and honor. However, say the words “body art” here in the USA and there seems to be a negative connotation. Images of idle teenagers, rockers and left-wing-ish sects of people come to mind.

What do you think about this? Tell us!

Although I haven’t been to Thailand….yet….I was quite surprised to read the following cultural tidbit below:

“In Thailand, don’t put food in your mouth with a fork.

Instead, when eating a dish with cooked rice, use your fork only to push food onto your spoon. A few exceptions: Some northern and northeastern Thai dishes are typically eaten [...]]]>

Although I haven’t been to Thailand….yet….I was quite surprised to read the following cultural tidbit below:

“In Thailand, don’t put food in your mouth with a fork.

Instead, when eating a dish with cooked rice, use your fork only to push food onto your spoon. A few exceptions: Some northern and northeastern Thai dishes are typically eaten with the hands — you’ll know you’ve encountered such a dish if the rice used is glutinous or “sticky.” Also, stand-alone items that are not part of a rice-based meal may be eaten with a fork. But, says Leela Punyaratabandhu, a food writer who blogs at SheSimmers.com, the worst thing to do at a traditional, rice-based meal would be to use chopsticks. “That is awkward and inconvenient at best and tacky at worst,” she says.”

Ok. I would so be considered tacky in Thailand if I had not read this. Hope it helps someone else out there.

For the entire article visit here http://travelkit.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/18/10552477-15-international-food-etiquette-rules-that-might-surprise-you?lite#.T4xX0X6CUoA.

Here at the Around the World Games we are constantly thinking or planning some kind of journey to bring back all the cultural tidbits and beautiful photography that opens people up to the global world.

Today we want to know from you, our fans and readers, what places around the world do you think about running [...]]]>

Here at the Around the World Games we are constantly thinking or planning some kind of journey to bring back all the cultural tidbits and beautiful photography that opens people up to the global world.

Today we want to know from you, our fans and readers, what places around the world do you think about running away to? We all do it – so c’mon and tell us!

I was reading cnngo.com while I was having my morning coffee and came across an interesting article called, “World’s 10 rudest countries for travelers.”

I usually hate stereotyping based on other people’s travel experiences (cause we all have run into some nut cases on the travel circuit who visit the airport, a hotel and cafe and decide [...]]]>

I was reading cnngo.com while I was having my morning coffee and came across an interesting article called, “World’s 10 rudest countries for travelers.”

I usually hate stereotyping based on other people’s travel experiences (cause we all have run into some nut cases on the travel circuit who visit the airport, a hotel and cafe and decide the whole country is lame). But anyway, what I do like about the article is they source one of the main reasons for rude behavior from a host country is :

Language barriers and cultural differences are the main causes

Aha. And there it is. We cannot escape the fact that cross-cultural awareness and knowledge is necessary to live well in the global world today. Without it, we just have rude people. Yuck.

For those of you that are dying to know the results of the poll see below. Otherwise, read this article – it’s gooooooood!

Here are the 10 rudest countries on Skyscanner’s list:

1. France
2. Russia
3. United Kingdom
4. Germany
5. Others
6. China
7. United States
8. Spain
9. Italy
10. Poland

The first time you stand on foreign soil is by far one of my most treasured experiences as a human. There is no other feeling like it. It opens you up, lifts you high, makes you expand to places you never thought possible. Ok, Ok not all places do this, but you get my drift.

The [...]]]>

The first time you stand on foreign soil is by far one of my most treasured experiences as a human. There is no other feeling like it. It opens you up, lifts you high, makes you expand to places you never thought possible. Ok, Ok not all places do this, but you get my drift.

The photo above takes me back to the first time I set foot in Bodrum – a beach community near Istanbul Turkey. Sublime!

Finally, this fallen city is getting back on its feet again. Once considered the Paris of the Orient, Beirut Lebanon is still an enchanting, historical destination with so much to unearth. My father was born here and though we travel to the Middle East as a family still, I have not stepped foot in this [...]]]>

Finally, this fallen city is getting back on its feet again. Once considered the Paris of the Orient, Beirut Lebanon is still an enchanting, historical destination with so much to unearth. My father was born here and though we travel to the Middle East as a family still, I have not stepped foot in this paradise. I need to fix that. Pronto.

Has anyone been to Lebanon? Inspire me.

Discovering Istanbul

Barnes and Noble is currently in the process of expanding their educational game section for children! Over 400 stores have been selected to expand their children’s section to include educational games and flashcards.

Around the World was chosen to take place in this amazing launch. Yes! Now you can visit your local Barnes and [...]]]>  

Barnes and Noble is currently in the process of expanding their educational game section for children! Over 400 stores have been selected to expand their children’s section to include educational games and flashcards.

Around the World was chosen to take place in this amazing launch. Yes! Now you can visit your local Barnes and Noble store and ask for Around the World – the Ultimate Global boardgame. Whether you’re brushing up on your skills for the beginning of school or looking for that special gift for the holidays Around the World is the perfect choice!

Come out and support us! Visit barnesandnoble.com or your local store.

Ever wonder what the true meaning is behind a prayer flag? Well, I’ve got your answer.

“Prayer flags are not just pretty pieces of colored cloth with funny writing on them. The ancient Buddhist prayers, mantras and powerful symbols displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind [...]]]>

Prayer Flags

Ever wonder what the true meaning is behind a prayer flag? Well, I’ve got your answer.

“Prayer flags are not just pretty pieces of colored cloth with funny writing on them. The ancient Buddhist prayers, mantras and powerful symbols displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. All beings that are touched by the wind are uplifted and a little happier. The silent prayers are blessings spoken on the breath of nature. Just as a drop of water can permeate the ocean, prayers dissolved in the wind extend to fill all of space”. www.prayerflags.com

Sounds complicated but the truth is this cultural tradition is all about giving love and peace. Hailed from Tibet, prayer flags are a symbol of universal peace and global harmony.

Around the World begs the question – how do we teach and pass on this cultural practice to our children?  We think one way is to teach children the gift of GIVING. Check out the World Bank cards in the Around the World boardgame, www.aroundtheworldgames.com, and your children will begin to learn that in order to get ahead in the game (ahem, world!)  you’ve got to give.