Category

Culture Xplorers Blog

Apr 08
2

When Life Hands You Lemons…

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

cx_blog_scarves_annie_laszlo

 

We love all the meaningful ways our travelers find to make a positive difference in this world. Annie Laszlo is a shining example of this generosity of spirit. Since joining the CX traveler community four years ago, she’s gone from a welcome addition to a bedrock member, contributing her unbridled enthusiasm and heartfelt generosity in equal measure. We’re always grateful for Annie’s participation in our projects, in particular when she lent us a big helping hand in the creation of our 2013 recipe calendar,  So we were of course very excited when Annie signed up to join us on our 10th Anniversary trip to Oaxaca, Mexico this past March.

Read More

Apr 08
2

Glimpses of Guatemala

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

guatemala_blog_photo

Guatemala 2013

Notes and photos from CX Traveler Lois Brassart

Time slows down to encourage savoring the delights of Guatemala
Arrived as strangers left as friends

You would never know Guatemala is the second most improvised country in the Western Hemisphere. Certainly there are signs of poverty, however the generosity of spirit and welcoming smiles overcome the initial heartache

Read More

Feb 12
2

Daily Bread

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

Dailiy Bread

MEMORIES OF HEARTH BAKED BREAD WITH LUCIANO THE BAKER (VALDIGEM, PORTUGAL)
– By Lee Stubis, CX Traveler

“The aroma of baking bread greeted us as our Culture Xplorers group entered the small room where Luciano was already busy pulling paddles of golden, round loaves of bread from the large wood-burning stove into baskets. Once all these hand-crafted loaves were in baskets, Luciano would deliver them to restaurants in the Douro Valley region of Portugal.

Read More

Jan 22
1

Cuba: Fresh Impressions, A Decade On

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

“In the the last 16 years, what do you think has been the moment of greatest change for Cuba?” I asked Jesús, our seasoned, straight-shooting Cuban guide. “Now” was his instant response.

I felt it too. From a revitalized Havana Vieja to the mushrooming number of creative paladares (small, private home-based restaurants) signs of convulsive change were everywhere, more so than at any other time since my first visit to the island in 1996.

Read More

Nov 19
3

Around The Table…

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

Recipe Calendar 2013

It’s striking how inspiring ideas are often sparked while gathered around the table with good friends, great food, and plenty of wine — of course recalling any of these afterwards is another challenge!

Fortunately, the idea one of our Xplorers had for compiling recipes from a favorite B&B in Porto was remembered. The magical meals shared along our journey blossomed into this “Recipe Calendar”, highlighting a bit of the richness and cultural diversity of this fascinating sliver of the Iberian Peninsula.

Read More

Nov 03
2

Lugo, Our First Art Scholarship Fund

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

Meet Lugo, the first recipient of the Culture Xplorers Foundation Art Scholarship fund.

While in Peru this past April, I visited a small school outside of Lima, it was situated atop some rocky and dusty land not far from the ocean. The school was lacking, there were bathrooms but no water, and a number of improvements that were needed, but I did notice the art murals….where did they come from?

Read More

Oct 03
2
Kids in Peru Cucuya

Latino Communities Join Hands

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

Kids in Peru Cucuya

The Culture Xplorers (CX) Foundation would like to acknowledge Estilo Latin Dance Studio in Philadelphia, PA for their generous contribution to the Cucuya School, a small school located in a very poor area in the rocky hills outside of Lima, Peru.

CX Foundation trip leader Daniel Salazar has been involved with this school for years and helps on many levels, including funding for lunch programs, garden boxes and highly valued creative programs for the children. When CX Foundation director Sherry Berger and Daniel met in Spring 2012, they joined forces. Sherry’s personal involvement as manager of Estilo Latin Dance Studio led to the connection of the two Latino communities.

Read More

Sep 15
2

Cultural Exchange Through the Arts

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

The CX Foundation supports the arts and cultures of other countries through several projects including our latest partnership with the (no name) Art Group in “The Art Of Giving”

The Art Of Giving Kansas City Flyer

The Art Of Giving
Kansas City | Oaxaca, Mexico

GREAT ART, GREAT WINE, GREAT CAUSE!

Inspiration: The Love of Place. Regardless of culture we all draw inspiration from the places that surround us, and carry those places with us throughout our lives. The Art Of Giving features artwork and wine labels designed by artists from Kansas City and Oaxaca, Mexico centered on this theme. Proceeds benefit young Latino artists in Kansas City and Oaxaca, Mexico.

CXF wine

Friday, December 7, 2012
6-9 pm
Artist Reception

Mattie Rhodes Art Gallery
915 W 17th St., Kansas City, MO 64108
(Exhibition runs through Jan 2013)

 

Jowler Creek Winery

Special thanks to Jowler Creek Winery for providing our discounted wine and custom labels!

 


Jul 23
2

CX Inspire: Landmark Journeys. Life-changing Impact.

By | Culture Xplorers Blog | No Comments

With making a positive impact through travel at the heart our philosophy, what better way to celebrate our 10th anniversary than with the first of a new series of philanthropic journeys. For our inaugural CX Inspire journey we’ll return to Oaxaca to endow a young artist scholarship in close collaboration with one of Oaxaca’s most influential artists. Amongst this trip’s exceptional highlights are:

  • Floating farms — visit small scale organic farmers in UNESCO designated Xochimilco
  • Architour Insider — meet architects who foster community through visionary design
  • Art of Giving — inaugurate a cross cultural art exhibit in Oaxaca
  • House Party — celebrate at the home of a local artist with special musical guests
  • Artisan Aromas — taste expertly paired mescals & chef-inspired small plates
  • Holy Mole — market-to-table culinary workshopp
  • Master Class — visit with renowned painter & philanthropist Francisco Toledo
  • Enduring Legacy — help us endow a young artist scholarship in Oaxaca
Jim Kane will lead this landmark journey celebrating 10 years of Culture Xplorers. Space is limited to 10 travelers. To request a detailed itinerary and reserve your spot please click here.