Carolina Avendano
Carolina is a Canada-based writer and journalist who enjoys learning and sharing information about how to lead a meaningful life. She is passionate about traditional culture, handmade crafts, the connection between humans and nature, and human rights.
Nature’s Mystery: The Egg-Laying Cliff on Gandang Mountain in China
Can cliffs lay eggs? That is what the cliff at the base of Mount Gandang in China's Guizhou province seems to have done for centuries. This egg-laying cliff produces smooth orbs similar to bird eggs;...
Decorated Easter Eggs – A Tradition of Artistry and Spirit
Colorful, artistic and sometimes sweet, decorated Easter eggs are almost a worldwide tradition. These charming gems make their appearance at the beginning of each spring, not only marking a time of rebirth in nature, but...
The Joy of Knitting – And Why It’s Time to Learn a Craft
Michèle Bowland learned to knit under the patient guidance of her nana Maureen. As a six-year-old, petting yarn, choosing colors and creating wearables with her grandma was her favorite way to pass time while her...
Tibetans in Exile – Raising Voices for a Distant Homeland
CALGARY, Alberta — Tenzin Tsepel's dearest dream is to see the Potala Palace with her own eyes. She enjoys watching YouTube videos of tourists visiting the massive fortress in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital. She grew up...
The Charm of Persian Rugs – And Why You Might Want One
Farhad Dargahi learned to repair Persian rugs when he was 20. As a young Iranian man and aspiring biologist, mastering the trade was just a means to pay his way through university. Instead, the craft...
The Power of Optimism – The Key to Longevity and Health
Life is hard, and staying positive is even harder. There are those who, despite sporting the scars of a rough life, find something to look forward to every day. Less resilient souls might be prone...
Arepas – A Simple and Tasty Colombian Delight for All Palates
Growing up in Colombia, arepas were a staple in my family's diet. Versatile and easy to make, these tasty corn patties were an accompaniment to any meal of the day, or sometimes even a meal...
Food Allergies – Why We Get Them, and How to Alleviate Them Naturally
Food allergies are an increasingly common dietary fret that can make dining out a risky affair. They occur when our immune system perceives generally-harmless substances as a threat, and produces antibodies to defend against them. ...
Understanding the Chinese Calendar in 2024 and Welcoming the Year of the Dragon
In 2024, the Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 10. Millions of people will bid farewell to the yin water rabbit year and welcome the year of the yang wood dragon. Out of all the...
Radiating Light Through the Darkness – 6 Steps to Becoming a Beacon of Hope and Inspiration
The world we live in is a chaotic place. With a torrent of bad news and lurking crises saturating the Internet, it is easy to feel both hopeless and helpless. The ever-increasing use of technology...
Sesame – A Little Seed With a Lot to Offer (Recipes)
Despite its exotic origins, sesame is a seed that is hardly foreign to anyone. Used far and wide in baking, entrees, dips and desserts, sesame’s versatility has earned it a place in numerous cuisines around...
The Traditional Tea Ceremony, and Enjoying Its Essence at Home
First discovered in China, tea was spiritually embraced in Japan for its beauty and simplicity, and the tea ceremony became an enduring element of Asian culture – present in everything from protocols at imperial courts...