Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Wander.

Dining Through Time
Roman air always seems so very full. Not just from the breeze rising from the hot ground, but full of history and stories that whisper about your ankles as you cross the cobbles. A gelato, while we wait, won’t hurt? Surely? We tell ourselves, our eyes widening, as we look over the rainbow of options available. We sit on a wall, older than our imaginations, swinging our dusty feet over the swarms of tourists below.
By Nina Mataz9 years ago in Wander
Lotus
The “Lotus” by Michael Allison incorporates old thrown away bicycle frames to create a uniquely designed lotus flower shaped bike rack. The bottom of the bike rack is green representing the base and root of the flower while the upper half is pink and obviously represents the pink petals of the plant. Using pink and green causes sculpture to stand out even more because they are complementary colors, which the eye is more naturally drawn towards. The work points upward from the ground and outward towards the city which forces the eyes to look forward but then take a step back and reflect upon where the roots are grounded. This could be a metaphor for Nashville’s deep-rooted past and ever-growing future, while the colors symbolize how different the past and future are in this ever-changing city.
By So Bored9 years ago in Wander
Bliss
I'm living in Abbotsford, British Columbia with my older brother in a cheap rent, two bedroom apartment in a bit of a problematic neighbourhood. It's probably the one thing that makes me feel grateful that up till this point, I've lived a pretty sheltered life.
By Rana Ali9 years ago in Wander
5 Reasons Why Travel Matters
As an outdoors and travel blogger I’ve been to some incredible places and done some amazing things, but one thing I’ve learned is that the benefits I get from traveling aren’t just confined to exotic locations and five-star luxury hotels.
By Shell Robshaw-Bryan9 years ago in Wander
Travel Safe: How to Dress in Iran
After spending ten months traveling around the world, I must say that Iran was one of my favorite countries to travel. It is a lovely country with rich, cultured background and extremely friendly people. I will strongly encourage anyone to visit this wonderful place in the world. However, many are concerned about the safety, especially for solo female travelers. I have visited Iran twice, once on my own and the second time I brought my friends. We were absolutely safe on our trips and many other travelers were too. Here is some advice on what to wear in this Islamic country.
By Yat Yu9 years ago in Wander
To Yorkshire with Love
Yorkshire offers a variety of attractions to the pedestrian historian. The county's lineage is full of Vikings and Romans, Normans and Tudors. Whatever era strikes your fancy there is something for everyone. I, myself, am a literature nerd and knew that no excursion to the North would be complete without visiting the Brontë Parsonage.
By Gina Mallonee9 years ago in Wander
Quest of the Phoenix 2017 (7)
Today I had what was only like an hour’s journey to Casa Grande where I would be switching hotels because…I dunno, just to see a bit more of Arizona, mainly the area south of Metro Phoenix. Thus I slept in, not rising until 6:45. Once again I got a nice breakfast courtesy of the motel and re-planned my routes; I was also pleased to discover that my clothes had dried properly overnight. Taking the first load of stuff out to my car, I found the housekeepers, a middle-aged Hindu couple, sitting on the hallway floor waiting for me to leave (due to the short drive today, I had pushed my departure time close to the 11 AM limit). I told them that I had to go back inside one more time, did so, and then gave them the go-ahead before returning my keycard and heading out.
By Nathan Sturm9 years ago in Wander
Hungry for Okinawa
Hungry for Okinawa Okinawa, Japan, a Sub-Tropical island in the East China Sea. It is 17 miles wide at its widest point and 2 miles at its narrowest, 68 miles from tip to tip. This beautiful island boasts amazing beaches, staggering cliffs, a diverse history. Not to mention it has some of the kindest people I have ever met and known. In 1998, after Boot camp, Infantry School and MOS school, I opted to be stationed overseas and although I thought it would be a challenge, it turns out a lot of servicemen and women don't like to go overseas so I was quickly approved to go to Japan. For me, it was a requirement of my enlistment. Why would I want to stay in the US when I could travel for free? During my first year at Camp Hansen on Okinawa I was offered an incentive to stay for another year, which I accepted because I was going to extend anyway!
By Jim Smith9 years ago in Wander
Have You Ever Had Your Fortune Told on Your Travels?. Top Story - August 2017.
The queue was long and disorderly which made me more anxious. The monk on the other side of the counter, dressed in his traditional orange robe, was solemnly taking the thin, pink pieces of paper given to him by the over-excited audience, carefully opening them, ratcheting up the suspense, then whisper something to his assistant who would translate it into English to the bearer of the message who would either beam with delight, look confused, or just staggered…
By best_of _Tara9 years ago in Wander
Day at Old Sturbridge Village
I have not been to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA since I was six or seven, which is going on 15 or 16 years ago. Today, it was open for free as part of the state’s “Free Fridays” program, so my mom and I went there to meet Ruth, an old friend of her’s. The drive from Gloucester was about an hour and 40 minutes.
By Rachel Lesch9 years ago in Wander
Mystery Spot
Just outside Santa Cruz, California amongst the massive redwoods there is a little known place called The Mystery Spot. The place sets itself apart from time, urbanization, and gravity. Yes, gravity. A short hike up the mountain side sits a small cabin that defies one of the greatest forces in the universe. How is that possible? It is a Mystery.
By Trycia Lino9 years ago in Wander
Urban Renewal
In every city lies another city. That's where you'll find the ghosts. Well, not real ghosts. More like forgotten identities.
By Rick Haney9 years ago in Wander