While vegans and non-vegans alike can sample ethnic cuisines with greater frequency in their own backyard these days, enjoying diverse cultural activities are another great source of inspiration for trip preparation!
I would like to share some interesting ways that I prepare for a vacation in another land. Immersing myself in the culture of my destination country totally puts my mindset in a “ready” mode for the upcoming travel experience!
Preparation step#1: Foreign Films – My local Museum Of Fine Arts, as well as the local universities and theaters offer a vast array of foreign films each season of the year. As I glance their online schedules, it is commonplace to find films from virtually anywhere in the world! Prior to my Egypt trip, I even encountered a planetarium show at the Museum of Science which displayed ancient Egyptian skies and the telling of time and seasons. Currently, the IMAX theater at the museum is showing a 3D film from Australia. The camera whisks you away throughout the vast landscape of the country to view the scenery and the region’s wildlife. What a fantastic way to experience the region! My holidays in Iceland, Mexico, and Japan were preceded by foreign films at these various local venues. Check the online film schedule for your local museum or indie theater. The Boston Museum of Science IMAX and planetarium schedule can be found at www.mos.org/exhibits_shows/imax and www.mos.org/exhibit_shows/planetarium. Kendall Square Cinema in Cambridge, MA can give you a good sense of the variety of foreign films offered by looking at its schedule at www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Boston/Boston_Frameset.htm. Finally your local Museum of Fine Arts may showcase foreign films, as the one in Boston does. Its website can be found at www.mfa.org/programs/film.
Preparation step#2: International Dance Performances – Local community theaters, churches, and concert halls often offer dance performances by international dance groups or local dance troupes which showcase dances from many global destinations. One local organization in my state continuously offers international dance performances at various museums and arenas. Bollywood, Tibetan, and Turkish dance performances are just some of the variety of dance performances which I have attended locally. In addition, the local newspaper is filled with dance classes and dance nights for a wide range of ethnic dances. Some that come to mind are Scottish, Irish, and Greek line dances. Everyone can take the lessons and participate afterward in the dances. It is a fun way to learn about other cultures!
Preparation step#3: International Concerts – Local universities, community centers, theaters, and concert arenas frequently host music performances by international singers and groups. In my state, the renowned Berklee School Of Music hosts many international concerts. I have seen singers from Peru, India, and South Africa, just to name a few.
We are also fortunate enough to have a local organization called “World Music” which brings popular singers, musicians, and dancers to the local area as part of their global concert tours. Many of these bands perform using traditional instruments from their lands or sing in native tongue. Quite a few of them engage the audience with upbeat music which leaves us dancing in the aisles! The World Music website may be found at www.worldmusic.org.
Preparation step#4: International Art Exhibits – Finally, I like to prepare for an upcoming vacation by examining my destination country’s artwork, past and present. The local art museums typically showcase art, sculpture, paintings, and drawings from all over the world. For example, I wandered through the art museum’s hall of hieroglyphic tablets prior to my trip to Egypt. My downtown even has a main street which is filled with intriguing art galleries showcasing art pieces from all over Europe and Asia. It is a perfect summertime activity to stroll down this art district street to check the international art exhibits.
I know that I always feel well-prepared, psyched and excited for an upcoming trip after experiencing as much of its culture as possible, in the venues of my own local city!
Please take advantage of your local art galleries, museums, and music performances that are showcasing international culture. You too will feel well-informed for your upcoming journeys and enjoying yourself in the process!