If you’re still wondering why it’s so important to learn about other people and places, think about this: Wouldn’t it be a bit annoying if someone from Europe or wherever described the US as one big country. As if we’re all the same? Because the way I see it, a person [...]]]>

Traveling Around

If you’re still wondering why it’s so important to learn about other people and places, think about this: Wouldn’t it be a bit annoying if someone from Europe or wherever described the US as one big country. As if we’re all the same? Because the way I see it, a person from Texas may as well be on a different planet as someone from Manhatten or a Californian and an Iowan.

This is just to demonstrate that it’s important to delve a little deeper into the world and know that THE MIDDLE EAST or ASIA are rather huge places with hundreds of different people, languages and religions. Too bad our current media outlets can’t catch up with this notion.

At least you have us. Smile. 

The holiday season is already here and for most of us that means scurrying around and buying our little ones gifts. Take note, anytime we have the opportunity to give to a child, there is also an opportunity to teach. This year,  opt for something that is a gift that [...]]]>

Around the World boardgame

The holiday season is already here and for most of us that means scurrying around and buying our little ones gifts. Take note, anytime we have the opportunity to give to a child, there is also an opportunity to teach. This year,  opt for something that is a gift that keeps on giving…our award-wining board game can be played throughout the year and takes your kids on a trip of a lifetime. See for yourself. www.aroundtheworldgames.com.

Can you name the top three currencies used in the world today? The dollar, euro and the yen. Money is as complicated and as simple as you make it. If we [...]]]>  Worldwide money may be on the horizon as a way of simplifying the planet’s 190 currencies — the Esperanto of money.

Can you name the top three currencies used in the world today? The dollar, euro and the yen. Money is as complicated and as simple as you make it. If we teach kids about money and its relation to the world at a young age, the more power to them. Do me a favor and ask your family the question posed here and see if they come up with the world’s top currency – because the dollar, the euro and the yen aren’t going anywhere soon.

Happy Halloween from Around the World!

If you have any interesting costumes, please send a picture for a free Around the World boardgame!!!

Have a Spooky day!

www.aroundtheworldgames.com

In Korea, the harvest festival is called Chusok.  Families take this time to thank their ancestors [...]]]> This was such a popular post last time around that I thought I’d share again. Here are a few fun and interesting (I think) customs that people from across the globe do for the Autumn season.

In Korea, the harvest festival is called Chusok.  Families take this time to thank their ancestors for the fruits of their labor. Native Americans say the moon shines the brightest during this time of the year. Thus, they call the month of September the Harvest Moon.  In Canada, the Harvest Moon is celebrated on the second Monday in October.  It is the Canadian Thanksgiving Day. 

In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th  Thursday of November. Families get together for a big feast  with turkey and grandma’s apple pie.  But in the Far East, Thanksgiving comes a bit earlier.  In China and Vietnam, the family feast includes mooncakes and round fruits — symbols of togetherness.  

In Israel, the harvest festival is called Succoth.  The celebration lasts for seven days. Jewish families build outdoor booths during the Succoth celebration.

 In India, the harvest celebration is called Pongal or the Rice Harvest Festival. Families take this time to thank all those who have contributed to a successful harvest — including the gods, the sun and the cattle.

In Ghana and Nigeria, the harvest festival is also named after a food. It is the Yam Festival. The celebration starts in the beginning of August  at the end of the rainy season.  

In the United States, the Kwanzaa celebration is based on African harvest traditions. Kwanzaa means first fruits in Swahili.  The celebration starts on December 26 and lasts for 7 days.

While the harvest is celebrated differently  in different parts of the world, there are many common themes.  The spirit of thanksgiving, the love of family, the value of hard work and the appreciation of the land and celestial powers  are found in all cultures. (www.familycuture.com)

Some favorites include drinking coconut milk from [...]]]> The Dominican Republic has still not left my mind yet…it’s not Africa (and for the followers out there we all know I have a thing for Africa), but it has its own treasures. I hope you can pick up the vibe from the photos posted.

Some favorites include drinking coconut milk from a local woman carrying a small grocery store of fruits on her head. Seriously, I have seen this over and over, but I still can’t seem to think I could handle it.

A friendship bloomed from a local man named Jean-Claude. Jean is from Haiti, lives in the DR and fabulously converses in a Spanish-French mix. I understood him, oh, half the time. Maybe. Jean-Claude is a person that taught me the “real” DR.

Lastly, there is the realistic side of the Dominican depicting children begging for money and learning how to be independent merchants in their own right.

Around the World is really ramping up to bring you tons more photo galleries to continue our “Learning Through the Lens” program. We are hoping to connect with a few schools and set-up our ”Learning Through the Lens” programs. Students can share their cultural experiences through their photos and post to our blog!

Stay tuned!

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Now you can purchase your copy of Around the World at Barnes and Noble!

With the support of our growing customer base we have pushed through the mainstream toys and games – think GI Joe, Bratz and Candy Land. Finally, our kids can really learn about what’s out there and what they [...]]]>

Now you can purchase your copy of Around the World at Barnes and Noble!

With the support of our growing customer base we have pushed through the mainstream toys and games – think GI Joe, Bratz and Candy Land. Finally, our kids can really learn about what’s out there and what they will soon be facing more and more of in the world. Around the World makes learning about people, places, languages, customs and cultures fun, exotic and relevant.

What more can you ask for these days?

Check us out here at Barnes and Noble and spread the word.

http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Toys-games/Around-the-World-The-Ultimate-Global-Board-Game/e/94922788139/?itm=1