January 27, 2021

Cemetery Birdwatchers In previous decades, people historically visited cemeteries to see examples of fine sculpture, horticulture, and the graves of local worthies. These days, instead of picnic blankets, they might carry binoculars, searching for the rare birds that settle in cemeteries and call them home. But avian enthusiasts can’t just show up to a cemetery—there are rules in place to avoid ruffling any feathers.  READ MORE → GASTRO OBSCURA Crunchy Rice Art What do Star Wars, The Last Airbender, and Super Mario have in common? According to one baker, they all belong on tahdig. That’s the philosophy of Varta, a Chicago-based baker and blogger who has transformed her Instagram account from introducing Persian cuisine into a documentation of just how innovative and artistic tahdig—a traditional Iranian dish made of slightly burnt rice—can be. READ MORE → KAYCEE, WYOMING Hole-in-the Wall Hideout One of the most famous hideouts of outlaws such as Butch Cassidy’s Wild Bunch, the Logan brothers, and Jesse James was a remote spot in Johnson County Wyoming called the Hole-in-the-Wall. Even today this is a remote, secluded, and hard to reach spot, but it’s not difficult to see why outlaws chose this spot. With sweeping 360 views, this pass was well situated to spot approaching lawmen and the narrowness of the approach made it easy to defend. READ MORE → FROM THE ARCHIVES Protecting Rural France’s Sights and Sounds Recently, France’s courts passed a law protecting the sensory heritage of rural France. For the first time, the sounds and smells will explicitly be protected under the law, and recognized as an integral element of a place. Recognizing this sensory heritage legally warns people who arrive in a rural village—to visit or stay—that they need to respect the way of life there and tolerate every crowing rooster and early morning church bell. READ MORE → AGRA, INDIA John Hessing's Tomb John Hessing was a traveler turned army officer who served the Scindia Marathas in Agra at the turn of the 19th-century. He was eventually in charge of defending Agra Fort and during a battle with the British in 1803, he was killed. Just as the original Taj Mahal was built as a symbol of love by emperor Shah Jahan for his wife, this monument was commissioned by Hessing’s widow, Ann, in his memory. READ MORE → BEND, OREGON Bend Blockbuster Video In 2004, Blockbuster Video had over 9,000 locations across the United States. But now, there’s just one left in the entire world. The Bend store, owned by Ken Tisher since 1990, has no plans to close its doors anytime soon. It remains a well-used and beloved part of the community. READ MORE → BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Cemetery Dieweg This cemetery was constructed after a cholera epidemic ravaged Belgium in 1866. As the population grew and other cemeteries closed, Dieweg became overcrowded and the cemetery was abandoned in 1958, eventually falling into decay. Its maintenance was then limited to the pathways, which left the upkeep of the graves to the families. Ever since, nature has reclaimed many of the tombs, as they are covered in ivy and weeds. This creates a unique atmosphere and makes the cemetery one of the more unusual places in Brussels. READ MORE → SPONSORED BY NISSAN The Road to Ice Castles A deep blanket of snow often covers New England in the winter. But there’s adventure to be found in the frozen landscape, with its steep mountains and frozen ponds—and not just for skiers and snowboarders. This route blazes a unique path through Massachusetts and New Hampshire that is filled with bright colors, bold flavors, and the legacies of pioneering thinkers. READ MORE →