Málaga: Timeless Charm Beneath the Andalusian Sun

Shereen Shabnam One year for summer, I escaped with my family to our home in Spain and during a road trip, rediscovered the allure of Málaga, a city where Moorish fortresses crown golden hills and Picasso’s legacy hums through sunlit galleries. Whether you are drawn to centuries of history or the slow rhythm of Mediterranean life, Málaga feels like a place designed to be savored. At the heart of the old town, the Alcazaba de Málaga stands as a testament to the city’s Moorish past. Built in the 9th century and expanded in the 11th, this formidable hilltop citadel offers sweeping views … Continue reading Málaga: Timeless Charm Beneath the Andalusian Sun

Chongqing: China’s Mountain Metropolis Rising Above the Clouds

Shereen Shabnam Rising from the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a city like no other. It is a sprawling, vertiginous metropolis where tradition and modernity coexist in a constant dance. Known as China’s “Mountain City,” Chongqing captivates visitors with its dramatic skyline, mist-shrouded hills, and an energy that pulses through every neon-lit street and teahouse-lined alley. For centuries, Chongqing has been a gateway to the country’s vast western hinterlands, but in recent years, it has emerged as one of China’s most exciting urban destinations. Towering skyscrapers and ambitious infrastructure projects share space with centuries-old temples and … Continue reading Chongqing: China’s Mountain Metropolis Rising Above the Clouds

Fresh, Thoughtful, and Pescatarian-Approved: Dining at Garum

Eric Dury As someone who leans pescatarian, I’m used to scanning menus for the lone fish dish or a few veggie sides. But Garum completely redefines what it means to dine out without relying on meat and does it with serious style. From the moment you sit down, it’s obvious the team here cares deeply about sourcing. Nearly everything comes directly from the owner’s farm, which translates into dishes bursting with freshness and clean, vibrant flavors. One of the highlights for me was the Watermelon Feta Salad, a gorgeous plate of sous-vide marinated watermelon, creamy Greek feta, and raspberry caviar. … Continue reading Fresh, Thoughtful, and Pescatarian-Approved: Dining at Garum

A Night of Enchantment and Elegance in Sofia

Sofia’s Most Exquisite Evening with Haute Couture and Music as Fashion Transcends Borders By Shereen Shabnam There are evenings that linger in your memory long after the last spotlight dims and the Royale Fashion Show at Palms Royale Sofia was exactly that kind of night. As I arrived at the Grand Hotel Millennium, the air was charged with anticipation. The entrance itself set the mood: marble floors gleaming under crystal chandeliers, a welcome befitting an event where beauty and culture would be celebrated in their most refined forms. Our gracious hosts, Milo Borissov and Rossi McKee, welcomed guests with the … Continue reading A Night of Enchantment and Elegance in Sofia