Published in 1949, Nineteen Eighty-Four remains eerily relevant, offering a sharp critique of authoritarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of truth. It is especially poignant in the age of Trump and Putin! The novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party in Oceania, a superstate led by the ever-watchful Big Brother. Despite outward conformity,...
A Confederacy of Dunces was written by aspiring writer John Kennedy Toole and published posthumously in 1980. It won the Pulitzer Prize the next year. Set in 1960s New Orleans, A Confederacy of Dunces follows the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a bombastic, lazy, and self-proclaimed intellectual who rants against modern society while mooching off...
The South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu) is world-renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and fjords to glaciers, turquoise lakes and coastal wildlife. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, road trippers and adventure seekers. Queenstown is a must see, with bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving and skiing. Milford Sound and Fiordland should...
Often underrated, Canberra is a modern, well-planned city filled with national treasures, natural beauty, vibrant food culture and a laid-back feel. As the capital of Australia, it’s home to the country’s most important institutions – yet it’s also packed with gardens, lakes, art and wildlife. Parliament House is a key attraction, take a free guided...
The popularity of Buddhism in the West has grown steadily over the last century, especially since the mid-20th Century, due to its spiritual depth, focus on mindfulness and compatibility with modern secular values. Western interest in Buddhist meditation practices, especially Vipassana and Zen, skyrocketed in the 1960s and 1970s and again in the 2000s. Secularised...
The popularity of meditation and yoga has surged globally over the past few decades, driven by growing awareness of mental health, stress management and holistic wellness. As anxiety, depression, and burnout rise – especially in fast-paced, urban societies – people are increasingly turning to non-pharmaceutical coping strategies. Studies have shown that meditation can reduce stress,...
French cuisine is world-famous because of its rich history, deep cultural significance, technical mastery and global influence. French cuisine has evolved over centuries, dating back to the Middle Ages. Over time, it absorbed and refined culinary techniques and ingredients from neighbouring regions, royalty, monasteries, and later, international trade. The 17th–19th Centuries saw the rise of...
A Michelin Star is one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary world, awarded by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that demonstrate excellence in cuisine. The Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants by the Michelin Guide, which began as a travel guide published by the Michelin tire company in France in 1900. The guide...
The 2025 Met Gala, held on May 5, 2025, took place at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and marked the opening of the Costume Institute’s exhibition titled “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, which explores the history and cultural significance of Black dandyism from the 18th Century to today. The theme celebrated Black men’s sartorial traditions...
Fast fashion represents a business model that produces trendy, inexpensive clothing at rapid speed to meet consumer demand. It’s driven by quick design cycles, low production costs, and rapid turnover of styles in stores. While it makes fashion more accessible, it raises serious concerns about sustainability, ethics and environmental impact. A rapid production cycle defines...