I was just 19 years old when I first arrived in Berlin from the UK with high expectations and lots of hopes. However, my initial impressions were underwhelming; despite witnessing impressive buildings and interesting exhibitions, the city failed to capture my imagination. This changed, however, when I took a four-hour walking tour on my second day. Suddenly, the streets came alive with stories, fascinating anecdotes, and intricate histories. I found myself falling in love with this complex city, and by the end of the tour, I was sure of two things: I wanted to live in Berlin and I wanted to be a tour guide!

During these quiet, still days of hunkering down at home versus traveling, fumbling through my pantry is like taking an adventure through the past. Whether it’s the flaky sea salt from Western Island, mini bottles of Marie Sharp’s Belizean hot sauce, or glass-jarred bottles of tangy Dijon mustard from France, I remember where I’ve been and the places that changed me, all through my senses.

The “Great African War” was a difficult chapter for the Congo-Kinshasa. For two decades, the now Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was torn apart by endless political and military conflicts. The conflicts not only provoked a spiral of violence in the country and obstructed political and economic development but also greatly contributed to the destruction of society and the collapse of the Congolese state. Traveler Abongi Gael Bokongo shares how the civil war sparked his interest in travel.

Wine fans know the drill: you stroll to the counter at a beverage shop or winery, eager to explore the tasting menu. Your host pours a finger or two of something golden or rosy into your glass, allowing you to swish, slosh, and swirl your way through a palette of flavors before deciding to kick it back or make use of a spittoon. However, with social distancing measures in place, wine tastings have moved online, creating a unique experience for oenophiles everywhere.