Anyone who thinks winter is dull hasn’t visited the Ueno Toshogu Winter Peony Festival in Tokyo, Japan. While other parts of the world brace for snow and freezing temperatures, this Japanese winter festival celebrates nature with bright, blooming flowers. Large peonies in vivid hues like pink, red, and white offer a refreshing glimpse of spring. […]
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One of the wonderful things about learning another language—like German—is that it opens the door to a new culture full of diverse ideas, people, and perspectives. Actress Vicky Krieps embodies this ideal. Fluent in several languages, she has not limited her film performances to just one. This month, dive deeper into the world of Vicky
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Across Japan, there are only twelve original castles left. In the charming city of Himeji is Himeji Castle, Japan’s most famous and best-preserved castle. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is remarkable to experience–whether from inside, climbing to the top, or from outside, marveling at its architecture. In addition to this must-see fortress, Himeji offers a
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Nearly a decade ago, my husband and I became interested in the Japanese comedy show Documental. The premise is simple: comedians are locked in a room and forbidden from laughing. Their goal is to eliminate each other by making their opponents laugh. Nothing is off-limits, and frankly, it is remarkable that some of it made
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Few things are as instantly recognizable as sumo wrestling, with its powerful athletes and minimal attire. After nearly a decade of watching sumo on television, I finally experienced a Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. For those new to the sport or those looking to attend their first tournament, this guide covers how to get
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If there’s one place that every traveler wants to visit in Germany, it’s Neuschwanstein Castle. This fairytale-like castle has captivated people worldwide—including Disney, which used it as inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle. Neuschwanstein and nearby Hohenschwangau Castle make for an ideal day trip from Munich. Nestled in the picturesque Bavarian countryside, these iconic castles are must-see
Whether you watch English-language or German-language films, veteran actor Jürgen Prochnow likely looks familiar. He’s portrayed a dictator in 1997’s Air Force One, the bad guy in 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II, and a duke in 1984’s Dune. Prochnow is also an accomplished and respected actor in his home country, having starred in important and
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Beer is an integral part of Bavarian culture. From historic monastery breweries to modern craft beer makers, Bavaria offers unforgettable beer-tasting experiences for travelers. Its world-renowned beer festivals, like Oktoberfest, draw millions of visitors each year. For those looking to delve even deeper, the best brewery tours in Bavaria provide an insider’s look at the
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Each year, the Philadelphia Flower Show offers a glimpse of spring. Usually, it comes with a hint of bitterness, as snow or ice often threatens. But the 196th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show 2025 opened under pleasantly mild temperatures, blue skies, and sunshine—what a joy! For 2025, the Flower Show is looking ahead with the theme
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Whether you’re visiting Bavaria for Oktoberfest, exploring Neuschwanstein Castle, or enjoying Munich and small Alpine towns, get ready to reach for your wallet. Southern Germany is the most expensive region in the country, with Munich as its priciest city. Over the years, I’ve learned smart ways to save money in Bavaria without sacrificing the experience.
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If this month’s featured German actor looks familiar, you may not be mistaken. When hipster art-house director Wes Anderson made The Grand Budapest Hotel, it made sense for him to cast European actors in a very European-flavored film. Among them was Florian Lukas, who portrayed Pinky, one of the prisoners befriended by Monsieur Gustave (played
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The German actor August Diehl may already be recognizable from his roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds or alongside Angelina Jolie in Salt or Allied. However, this Berlin-born actor has an accomplished career German-language films. Enhance your German language skills with this month’s film recommendations featuring the versatile and talented August Diehl!
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