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Travel

When horses were banned in Venice in the 14th century, gondolas took over. They’ve been a Venice trademark ever since.

Seeing Venice Via Gondola

Used mainly by tourists, the gondolas carry a history of craftsmanship that is as interesting as the city itself

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Ramadan—A Moveable Fast

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream by Hunter S. Thompson is considered by many to be the quintessential drug-induced book of the 1970s.

Great Road Trips in American Literature

From Twain to Kerouac to Bryson, writers have found inspiration in hitting the road and traveling the United States

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Reno, Nevada

An ideal (and scenic) location to raise a family

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Ormond By The Sea, Florida

Sleepy beach town filled with exotic wild life

Dover, Ohio

Dover, Ohio

Dover was and still is a quiet pond in a seething ocean

Meteor Crater in Arizona is 4,000 feet wide and almost 600 feet deep.

The Ten Most Spectacular Geologic Sites

Smithsonian picks the top natural wonders in the continental United States

Chopsticks were developed about 5,000 years ago in China.

The History of Chopsticks

Ancient philosopher Confucius’ disdain for a common utensil may have helped cement the chopsticks’ role as China’s preferred food-conveyance implements.

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Hunger for Freedom: Food in the Life of Nelson Mandela

A “gastro-political biography” traces what the Nobel Laureate ate throughout his life

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Shreveport, Louisiana

Opening day at the farmer’s market

The turquoise water and mangrove islands seen from the dock sold the author on her Sugarloaf Key home.

Sugarloaf Key, Florida: Keeping Good Company

Observing ibises and kayaking among sharks, author Barbara Ehrenreich savors life “up the Keys”

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Miami, Florida

A love affair

Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough travels to Nairobi, Kenya to understand the research programs and opportunities at the Mpala Research Centre.

Day 1: Seeing Kenya from the Sky

Despite many travel delays, Smithsonian Secretary Clough arrives in Kenya ready to study the African wildlife at the Mpala Ranch

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New Plymouth, New Zealand

Five minutes from the sea

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