Global Cultures

The Help Haiti Blog Challenge: Gratitude Donations

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. I received an email today from American Express, announcing its effort to help Haiti through the Amex Membership Rewards program. Members can donate points to various causes that are supporting the rescue and relief efforts. You can read more about the program here … [...]

January 17, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

From The Afghan Women’s Writing Project: I Am For Sale, Who Will Buy Me?

Did you know that up to 80 percent of all Afghan marriages are forced on the women, according to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission? *** The true story below was originally posted on January 3, 2010 by The Afghan Women’s Writing Project. Based on our commitment to raise global awareness about critical issues – [...]

January 4, 2010 CONTINUE READING →

How To Choose Your Own Adventure

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. Last week, I posted a poll to find out about the last thing you did that was truly adventurous. Yes, I am an adventure addict, so talking about it makes me want to climb a big fat mountain. But there was a reason for [...]

December 19, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Those Very Italian Traditions: Guest Post by Laura’s Dad

Laura’s note: I’m so excited to share a guest post from my Dad (Ron) on TJCC. His first blog debut was a stellar book review on Laura Reviews. He’s a writer too, working on a few books as we speak. In the TJCC spirit of culture and stories, I asked him to share some anecdotes [...]

December 5, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Back To School: Spending Thanksgiving With The Children of Machu Picchu

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. For the past three years, I’ve spent the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday abroad. I didn’t necessarily planned it that way, but life brings you to different places at different times. Two years ago, I was in London. Last year, I visited Patagonia when I was [...]

November 27, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Lessons in Spirituality and Why I Hugged a Tree Yesterday

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. I grew up in a very Catholic household. Before my super cool mom married my equally remarkable dad, she was a nun. I won’t elaborate – that should explain most of it. While I wasn’t always the perfect Catholic child (laughs welcome), I continue [...]

November 25, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

A Tico Life For Me

Post written by Christa Avampato. You can follow Christa on Twitter and read more on her blog. The first time I learned Spanish, it was to satisfy a school requirement in 7th grade. The second time I learned Spanish it was for love – my first boyfriend in college was a Venezuelan and I wanted [...]

November 23, 2009 CONTINUE READING →

Live From Machu Picchu: Chatting With Locals, Coca Tea and Hugs

Post written by Laura Cococcia. You can follow Laura on Twitter. Here I am, sitting in the library of my fab eco-retreat, writing from Machu Picchu. It took a full 24 hours to get here, without delays. I knew this going in. But I thought I’d provide a quick snapshot of the actual trek – [...]

November 22, 2009 CONTINUE READING →