Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage lies the Tolai Tubuan Ceremony, an ancient ritual that echoes the spiritual essence of the Tolai people of East New Britain. This ceremonial tradition, enveloped in mystique and symbolism, offers a captivating glimpse into the spiritual, social, and cultural fabric of this remarkable society….
In the late 1800s, the expansion of the railroad network across the American West brought about an unprecedented era of change and growth in New Mexico. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) in the 1880s heralded a new chapter in the state’s history, leaving an indelible mark on its landscapes,…
In the annals of ancient history, few military leaders stand as tall as Hannibal Barca, a Carthaginian general renowned for his unparalleled strategic brilliance and audacious military campaigns during the Second Punic War. Born in 247 BC into a prominent Carthaginian military family, Hannibal was destined for greatness from an early age. His father, Hamilcar…
Paris. The mere mention of the name conjures up images of romantic strolls along the Seine, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and a city that seems to glow with a special radiance. This luminous quality has earned Paris the moniker “City of Light”. But why is it called so? To unravel this mystery, we…
Gabon is a nation in sub-Saharan Africa, but is very often forgotten as it’s dwarfed by the bigger nations around it, like Cameroon, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Namibia. Well, not anymore! Gabon’s story is one of a delicate balance between economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. As the country…
In the annals of history, few figures stand out as boldly and enigmatically as Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland. Grace, or Gráinne Mhaol as she is known in Irish, was a formidable and captivating historical figure, renowned for her audacious exploits on the high seas, her indomitable spirit, and her relentless pursuit of…
The legend of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, has been a part of North American folklore for centuries. Many claim to have seen this elusive creature, describing it as a large, hairy, ape-like being that roams the wilderness. If he really did exist out there, it would be an incredible find. There are few unexplored…
The first recorded European contact with the Hawaiian Islands took place in 1778 when Captain James Cook, a British explorer and navigator, arrived in what is now known as Waimea Bay on the island of Kauai. Cook’s arrival marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian history, as it would ultimately lead to the islands’ interaction…
It was May 10, 1869, when the last spike—a golden one, no less—was struck down into place at Promontory Point, Utah to mark the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Big-time railroad baron Leland Stanford himself nailed the spike into place, solidifying the impressive feat that had been completed over the few years before it by…
Francis Drake completed the world’s second-ever circumnavigation in 1580 after an arduous three-year journey around the globe. For his troubles, he was promptly knighted by Queen Elizabeth after the achievement. He was just the second explorer ever to lead a full world tour by sea, after Ferdinand Magellan—and the first Englishman to do it. So,…
When you think of Miami, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the beautiful beaches, the vibrant nightlife, or the colorful art deco architecture of South Beach. While these are certainly iconic aspects of the Magic City, Miami has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In this in-depth exploration, we’ll uncover 10 things…
Everybody knows the basics about the expedition of Lewis and Clark, right? In May of 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from Camp Wood in Illinois along with more than three dozen Army officers and soldiers. Their group, which was known as the Corps of Discovery Expedition, was meant to traverse up the Missouri…
The world knows Captain James Cook as the British 18th century sailor who made major inroads for that empire across the South Pacific Ocean. Among other things, he interacted quite a bit with the native peoples of Hawaii—and was infamously killed by them after one meeting went sour. Elsewhere in the Pacific, he made three…
California is the Golden State with the golden reputation. The west coast destination offers something for everybody, from scenic outdoor adventures up and down the massive state to famous haunts in iconic cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. From the Golden Gate Bridge and Lombard Street up north to the bright lights of Hollywood…