21 Oct “be here—“, a guest poem

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[caption id="attachment_2148" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Photo by Bethany Rogers[/caption] Bethany Rogers is a Michigan native who enjoys coffee, traveling, running, the moon, wine and puns. Here, swoon at her poetry with me: be here -- "Let's get outta here," adventure cries, her scattered little soul dancing at the thought of new cities, new sights, new soil, keeping time with the waltz of her feet -- feet which have long since resigned to the familiar fatigue which exists only to one who chooses to recognize the similarities between 'lost' and 'found,' rather than the differences. "But remember that time...

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07 Jul Falling in Love with The Fear

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[caption id="attachment_2242" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Get out there; conquer your fears; step out of that comfort zone![/caption] As exhilarating as traveling is, even well experienced travelers know that it can be frightening sometimes. Yes, you may know where you are going and you may have everything planned out down to the last detail—yet there is still so much unknown, even if you have traveled to your destination before. What to pack, am I forgetting something, how much money do I need, will I have travel difficulties, will something bad happen—there could be a lot to worry about if you choose to. If you’ll be gone for a while there is always the question and worry about relationships and friendships falling through or missing your family or feeling homesick—the list may go on and on, again, if you let it. When you get on that plane, so many feelings will most likely be rumbling in your brain and heart. Excitement, anticipation, fear, anxiety, ahhhhh! Here is my biggest piece of advice regarding those feelings: FEEL them. Let them be and let them happen and be in that moment. Those moments are growing moments—when you know you are scared and you know you feel a little worried, but you feel it and grow and BE in that moment. Instead of pushing those “negative” feelings aside, indulge in them—they are happening for a reason. You may even find that you fall in love with that fear; you...

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02 Jul Ditch the “hostel”-ity: Pros and cons of hostels

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[caption id="attachment_2236" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hostel living.[/caption] Alright, so let’s address this topic once and for all: Hostels are not sketchy. No, they are not like the movie Hostel. No, they do not all have bed bugs. No, they’re not all sex, drugs, rock and roll. Yes, there are plenty of safe hostels. Yes, hostels are a great way to meet new people. Yes, they are very cheap and you should take advantage of them! Hostel Pros: Hostels can be very cheap! Ranging from $12 to $40 a night, hostels are a great way to travel if you are trying to save money. Sure, you won’t be living in the lap of luxury but you probably won’t be spending much time at the actual hostel anyway. Hostels are an awesome way to meet people! Generally, the average hostel goer is 18-26 years old. So, if you fall in that category as well, you will most likely be meeting many people your own age, from all over the world! Some hostels are considered “youth hostels”—these generally have lower rates and age restrictions (another safety bonus, if that is what you’re worried about). Often times, hostels will have a “community room”—a space with all the plugs to charge your phone and other electronics. This makes it even easier to meet people and maybe even make some plans! Of course, use your own judgment and common sense when interacting with strangers. Breakfast, shower, lockers, oh my! Some hostels include...

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16 Jun Famous Landmarks that almost didn’t survive WWII

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 When discussing World War II and its lasting impact on international populations and politics the focus is, rightly, on the human cost of the conflict. Six years of war claimed the lives of over 72,000,000 soldiers and civilians worldwide, and some regions have never regained the prosperity they enjoyed before the battles. Every aspect of society was altered by the massive conflict, which saw the birth America as a superpower, the fall of several empires, the rise of the Soviet Union, and the introduction of some of the most destructive weapons the world has ever seen. During the chaotic war years when the preservation of human life took precedence over all else, innumerable works of art and architecture fell victim to the astounding destruction. Mystery continues to surround the fate of some treasures, including Portrait of a Young Man by Raphael, and the infamous lost Amber Room of the Czars. Though teams of historians and experts have devoted years to finding stolen works, repairing damaged décor, and protecting sites against future damage, it is an imperfect science. As ISIS’ recent destruction of irreplaceable historic sites across Iraq and Syria has taught us, sometimes the survival of iconic buildings and structures is left entirely to the whim of occupying forces. Though it may be easy to despair for the art and history of the Mideast during the current conflicts, it is important to remember that less than 100 years ago the treasures of...

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09 Jun Festivals Abroad: Summer 2015

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  Although summer hasn’t technically begun (June 21 can’t come soon enough!), the season of music festivals is already well underway! Each year, the number of music festivals worldwide continues to grow, and while being abroad certainly adds a few hurdles to seeing your favorite artists on the circuit this summer, you’d be surprised at just how many international festivals there are that feature major headliners! Of course, we’re always ones to promote local bands, scenes, and cultures, but even locals get excited at the prospects of major international music artists playing their country. So, whether you’re looking to vibe out to electronic music, head bang through a few rock sets, or lightly sway side-to-side with your arms crossed while your favorite indie band strums along (kidding, kidding, not all indie fans are like this!), you’ll definitely find something to suit your tastes abroad this summer. You might even see your favorites along the way! Take a look at an abridged (seriously, there are hundreds) selection below, for just a taste of what you’ll find abroad. Greenfield Festival When: June 11-13, 2015 Where: Interlaken, Switzerland Headliners/notable acts: Slipknot, Motörhead, In Flames, Lamb of God, Gaslight Anthem Isle of Wight Festival When: June 11-14, 2015 Where: Isle of Wight, UK Headliners/notable acts: Blur, Fleetwood Mac, The Black Keys, The Prodigy, Pharrell Williams Orange Warsaw Festival When: June 12-14, 2015 Where: Warsaw, Poland Headliners/notable acts: Muse, The Chemical Brothers, Incubus, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Bastille Secret Solstice When: June 19-21, 2015 Where: Reykjavík, Iceland Headliners/notable acts: Wu-Tang Clan, The Wailers, FKA...

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22 May Hit or Miss: North American songs that failed to chart in the US, and their successes abroad

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With the advent of the Internet and streaming services such as YouTube and Spotify, music has become more readily accessible, in terms of both delivery platform and price. In turn, this has allowed for greater exposure for musical groups, both foreign and domestic, as users share music with each other effortlessly after a few simple clicks. Streaming services have had such a major impact on popular music that Billboard Magazine, which produces internationally recognized record charts each week, tweaked its algorithms to include on-demand streaming of individual songs to calculate its charts. Before the addition of streaming music plays, Billboard’s charts, along with most other international record charts, were constructed according to record sales (physical, and later digital). Radio was the most ubiquitous form of advertising and marketing musical groups, and the lack of open, easy, and inexpensive communication across the world created musical markets that were distinct from one another: what you heard in London would differ from what you heard in Berlin (and further still, it could differ between East and West Berlin). Of course, there were still international sensations (see the British Invasion), but on the whole, becoming a global hit was a more difficult achievement; artists were more likely to have regional success, simply by proximity. North-American artists would be more likely to sell well in North America, but there’s no guarantee for success in, say, the European markets. But what about artists that had little-to-no success within their...

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04 May Carry On Essentials – Don’t Get Carried Away!

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We've all witnessed it: The gate agent calls Group 2. The young man (or woman) corrals their duffle bag and slings the strap diagonally across their body as the straps hold on for dear life - and subsequently make that squeaking noise that no one is able to find a solution for. Here comes the backpack - slung over the other shoulder. They're single-strappin' it like the first day of school in 1995. They don't stop there as they bend down, trying to grab their computer briefcase, as the aforementioned duffle and backpack slide from their shoulders - only to start the process over again.   We get it - you don't want the airline to lose your luggage; nor do you want to wait for you belongings at baggage claim. But remember, these are carry-ons! And regulations are pretty much the same on all airlines: one small roller bag (see airlines' specifications), one small duffle or backpack and one hand-held item (as in a small purse or table). Here's a tip to ensure that you don't lose your luggage and have room for your backpack in the overheads (best if it's a direct flight): Bring your one roller carry-on to the gate. Have the agent "gate check" your bag. They will offer to check it for free and bring it below to the luggage hold. The bag will be waiting for you upon arrival at either the gate (smaller vessels) or baggage claim...

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29 Apr Manage Your Manners

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During the 5 years I lived in Japan I committed my fair share of cultural faux pas. Dressing incorrectly, saying the wrong thing, exposing my misunderstanding of basic social rules… I unwittingly checked all of these missteps off my list. However none were more memorable, or more embarrassing, than those rules I broke at the dinner table. (Never stick your chopsticks point down in your rice. Trust me on this.) Table manners are a sign of civility and good character everywhere in the world. Unfortunately, “good” and “bad” etiquette is subjective dependent on culture, which can lead to unintentionally rude behavior. There are a few tried and true rules that transcend location (chew with your mouth closed, wash your hands, don’t throw things) but the rest are tricky. We’ve compiled five of the harder ones below. Read on to become a politer you! Italy – No cappuccino after 12pm Cappuccino is a morning drink. Indeed, for many Italians it can function as their entire breakfast. Therefore, anyone ordering it after noon is instantly identifiable as a tourist. Older Italians will admonish you for ruining your appetite and upsetting your tummy. Stay on the safe side and order espresso instead. Britain – Hold your fork in your left hand For most of mainland Europe, and particularly Britain, the approved way to hold your fork and knife is in the “Continental Style.” (Does that mean Americans use the “Colonial Style?” Need to look into this…) To be correctly...

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28 Jan Play With Your Food

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Do you like to get creative with your food, or harbor a secret passion for a good food fight? If you answered "yes" to any of those queries, or if you have just started flinging food about at the very suggestion, then you’ll love these quirky, messy, no-holds-barred food festivals from around the world.   Ivrea Carnival and Orange Battle, Italy, February/March Prepare for a pummeling at this three-day food fight, held in the small northern Italian city of Ivrea in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday. Around 400 tons worth of over ripe oranges are brought in from southern Italy for the epic battle, which re-enacts a Middle Ages rebellion against the Holy Roman Emperor known as Barbarossa (Red Beard). Thousands of people in medieval costumes gather in teams, with the king’s guards pelting foot soldiers and other carriage teams from their horse-drawn carts.   Copper’s Hill Cheese Rolling and Wake, UK, May Yes it could just be the cheesiest festival in the world. Held atop steep Cooper’s Hill in the village of Brockworth near Gloucester, the event involves rolling an eight pound cheese wheel down the hill and racing down after it at death-defying speeds. The official event was cancelled in 2010 due to concerns around crowds and safety, but was quickly resurrected in an unofficial form. Last year, organizers replaced the Double Gloucester cheese wheel with a lightweight foam version, and a Colorado Springs estate agent and a Japanese contestant each won one...

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17 Jun Get Your Soccer On!

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Top 7 Scottish Football Clubs   Who are you rooting for during the World Cup? Considering football is the largest sport in the world, it’s no surprise that Scotland has some top-notch premier teams. Although they may not be appearing in the World Cup, if you’re headed over to Scotland, be sure to catch a match featuring one of Panrimo’s favorite teams below! [caption id="attachment_834" align="aligncenter" width="241"] Castles and Harps and Boats, oh my![/caption] Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org 7.) Hibernian   Based in Leith in the north of Edinburgh, Hibernian is one of two football clubs in Edinburgh (the other being Heart of Midlothian FC) and the rivalry between the two is one of the oldest in football history. Although they lost last year in the Scottish Cup finals, the Hibs are looking to claim that accolade this year.   6.) Dundee United   [caption id="attachment_835" align="aligncenter" width="349"] The Lannisters would approve.[/caption] Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org Featuring some bright garb for Scottish teams, Dundee United, locally known as “the Terrors,” have had success both in and outside Scotland. The Terrors reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1984 and UEFA Cup final in 1987, though lost on both occasions. However, it’s interesting to note that the Terrors hold a 100% win record in the four matches they’ve played against Barcelona FC, one of the most popular teams in the world.   5.) Ross County   Ross County originally began playing in the Third Division in Scotland, but quickly rose through the ranks to finally arrive in the Premier League,...

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