Bookshelf - Ivana De Domenico

Famous Literary Locations Around the World

May 20, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

If you happen to be both an avid reader and a globetrotter, why not plan your next vacation around one of these famous literary locations? Think how incredible it would be to walk in the footsteps of your favorite author- to sit where they sat brainstorming their next masterpiece and wander the same streets they tread upon in years past. When all that stands between you and one of these locales associated with a famous author is a plane ticket, you do not want to miss out on what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a visit. Instead of going to the same old place your family vacations every year or shoveling thousands of dollars into a luxury resort vacation, consider planning your next vacation around one of these famous literary locations.

Prague, Czech Republic:

If you’re willing to make a trip all the way out to the Czech Republic, you’ll find yourself in the birthplace and final resting place of novelist and short story writer Franz Kafka, one of the most prominent literary figures of the 20th century. Spots you’ll want to hit include the author’s childhood home (although the house was rebuilt, the original front door was preserved), the Old-New Synagogue where he attended services, the home where he spent his adult years at 16 Dlouha, a monument to Kafka in the city square, The Kafka Museum, and Kafka’s grave at New Jewish Cemetery.

Bath, England

In addition to being a charming English city teeming with history from its 18th century Georgian architecture to its ancient Roman baths, the city of Bath is a mecca for Jane Austen fans. While in this city, take time to indulge in everything quintessentially British: Stop for afternoon tea and a famous “Sally Lunn Bun” at Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, and afterwards browse through some of the acclaimed independent bookshops in the city, such as Mr. B’s Emporium of Reading Delights and Topping & Company. Oh, and then celebrate the Great English novelist, Jane Austen, behind such famous works as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility by touring the Jane Austen Centre, a museum dedicated to Bath’s most famous resident.

Yasnaya Polyana, Russia

Leo Tolstoy, author of Anna Karenina and War and Peace is regarded as “one of the greatest authors of all time.” With a visit to Yasnaya Polyana, the author’s birthplace and residence throughout his life, you can tour the writer’s home where he penned his most famous works and visit his grave nearby.

Dublin, Ireland

In between pints of Guinness, take some time to explore some of the iconic literary landmarks in this beautiful city. Visit the Trinity Library where you can view the Book of Kells, believed to be written in 800 AD. Also, if you’re a fan of Oscar Wilde, you can visit the author’s childhood home. Dublin was the home to Irish author James Joyce as well, and you can learn more about his life by visiting the James Joyce Centre and taking a tour through the city of locations that served as inspiration for his works.

Oxford, England

In addition to being home to one of the largest bookstores in the world, Blackwell’s, and the world’s premium institution of higher education, Oxford was the stomping ground of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The two author friends, who dubbed themselves “The Inklings,” would meet at the Eagle and Child Pub to discuss their literary endeavors.

Paris, France:

Paris is a dream romantic and cultural getaway as it is, and bibliophiles will delight in its literary offerings. First and foremost, Paris played host to “The lost generation” of writers including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and T.S. Eliot, American expatriates who wrote some of their most famous works there. You can also tour the nooks and crannies of the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore.

Edinburgh, Scotland:

A trip to Edinburgh for any Harry Potter fan would not be complete without a visit to The Elephant House, the cafe where J.K. Rowling started writing the Harry Potter books as a struggling, down-on-her-luck writer living on welfare. Who knows? You when you take a seat with your cup of tea, you may be sitting in the very spot J.K. Rowling once was.

Hartford, Connecticut:

Most of these locations are in Europe, so if you live in America, you won’t have to travel as far for this one. Make a trip out to Hartford to visit the Mark Twain House and Museum, a National Historic Landmark and the victorian home where Mark Twain lived and wrote from 1874-1891. While you’re there, you won’t be at a shortage of things to do; Hartford is a bustling city, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and beaches nearby in places like Greenwich and Mystic.

Stratford-Upon-Avon, England:

Another English city (you could plan a literary tour through England!), Stratford-Upon-Avon is believed to be the birthplace of the one-and-only, enigmatic William Shakespeare. You can visit the 16th-century restored Tutor home where Shakespeare is believed to have been born and learn more about the author’s life, as well as the childhood cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. Stratford-Upon-Avon is also home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, a theatre troupe that performs Shakespeare’s plays throughout the year at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Amherst, Massachusetts:

If you’re a fan of Emily Dickinson, be sure to pay a visit to the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, where you can visit two historic homes associated with the reclusive poet. The Homestead was Dickinson’s birthplace and home, while the Evergreens located next door was the home of her brother Austin, his wife Susan, and their three children.

Main Street America: America’s Most Charming Main Streets

May 4, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

Sixty years ago, just about every town in America, small and large, had a distinctive Main Street characterized by department stores, Mom and Pop shops, movie theaters, soda fountains, and general stores like Five and Dimes. The Main Street of today may look a little different than that of years past, and even though towns across America have seen a decline in business overall due to the rise of shopping malls, which then gave way to online shopping, Main streets, for the time being, are here to stay.

According to Harrisonburg, Virginia resident Eddie Bumbaugh, “During the decades of the 1970s to 1990s, the downtown district underwent significant deterioration, vacancies, and economic challenges, as was the case with many communities around the country.” There has been a concerted effort, over the last decade, however, to restore deteriorating Main Streets to their former glory. As shopping malls shut their doors, becoming massive concrete ghost towns, we are seeing a return to traditional values with a resurgence in Main Streets across the nation.

Here are just a few of the most charming Main Streets in America, compiled from Travel & Leisure, Fodor’s Travel, and the Great American Main Street Awards. This summer, if you’re looking for something to do, why not drive to your nearest Main Street, or one of the ones on this list if you’re up for a road trip, and take a leisurely stroll down the idyllic streets lined with boutique shops and family-owned restaurants? You could easily spend a whole day in one of these towns if you slow down and take the time to savor their distinctive charm.

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Much of Ann Arbor’s downtown activity is due to its being a college town, with long-term residents sharing the streets with University of Michigan students who make up more than a third of the population. Being a college town serves Ann Arbor well, as its breweries, art galleries, and retail shops never lack for business.

2. Saratoga Springs, New York

In stark contrast to the clogged, overcrowded streets of New York City, closed in by towering skyscrapers, Saratoga Springs offers a welcoming retreat for New Yorkers. Its main thoroughfare, Broadway Avenue, is the quintessential image of a Main Street, lined with small businesses, flowerbeds, benches, and trees strung with twinkling lights.

3. York, Pennsylvania

You may be surprised to find a small town in central, PA on a list of the greatest Main Streets in America, but York has come a long way in its efforts to revitalize its downtown since its last department store closed in 1978 and the town fell into neglect. Now, York hosts a monthly First Friday where stores and restaurants stay open late, with special events and discounts, to attract visitors. Nearly all of the late Victorian and Classical Revival style historic buildings have been restored.

4. Galena, Illinois

Chicago may be the star attraction in Illinois, but just three hours outside the metropolis, Galena provides a welcoming return to the Main Streets of years past. The downtown businesses are housed in brick mid-19th century storefronts and include antique shops, restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and even an old-fashioned ice cream parlour with more than 40 flavors to choose from. A trolley departing from Main Street and taking riders out to local wineries completes this charming small town.

5. Dahlonega, Georgia

Dahlonega is one of the Great American Main Street Awards three 2016 winners. Located just 65 miles north of Atlanta, this town’s Main Street won for its walkable downtown, gourmet restaurants, unique shops, and one-of-a-kind Southern hospitality. Although the town has a population of just 6,000, more than a million people visit Dahlonega each year.

6 Books to Read if you Have a Serious Case of Wanderlust

May 3, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

The word “wanderlust” has been tossed around a lot lately in travel lore and the word itself, without even knowing what it means, evokes a sense of travel, the way it musically rolls off the tongue. The dictionary definition of wanderlust is, “a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.” Do you have the wanderlust bug?

If you happen to be both an avid traveler and a bookworm, like myself, then consider picking one of these books up for your next read. Summer is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy a day on the beach than with a good book? Even if you’re only at your local beach this summer and not some exotic locale, with one of these books in your beach bag, you’ll feel as though you’ve been around the world.

1. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

If the best thing about travel, for you, is the diversity of food and cultures around the world, then this is the book for you. Author Elizabeth Gilbert recounts her travels as a young woman through Italy, India, and Indonesia, in search of her true self. Despite the outward appearance of a successful life, Gilbert realized that in order to understand her place in the world, she first had to experience it beyond her sheltered corner of the universe. Let this book take you on a journey and maybe you will learn something about yourself as well.

2. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

Can happiness be found? Or must we create our own happiness? It’s a question that has haunted mankind from inception. The grumpy and misanthropic author sets out on a journey from America to Iceland to India in the pursuit of happiness and an attempt to answer those questions for himself. With a sarcastic sense of humor, Weiner provides some interesting food for thought.

3. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Feeling a little lost? Like you just want to break away from everything that’s tying you down and start anew? Then you’ll be able to relate to author Cheryl Strayed as she narrates her experience, at the age of 22, of losing her mother, and her crumbling marriage as a result. Four years later, feeling that she had nothing left to lose, Strayed set off on a journey of strength and healing as she impulsively hiked over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail on her own.

4. Paris in Love: a Memoir by Eloisa James

What if you could just quit your day job and take off to wherever you wanted to go in the world, no strings attached? For most, this lifestyle is only a fantasy, but for author Eloisa James, it was reality. The author tells of her year in Paris, when she took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor and sold her home in America to live in the beautiful city of love.

5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The only work of fiction on the list, this classic novel tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who yearns to travel the world in search of treasure. What he finds, instead of material riches, is something far greater: the importance of following our hearts and our dreams to arrive at a deeper understanding of life.

6. The Lost Girls by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner

If, again, you’re feeling a little lost like you’re just going through the motions of your life, it may be time to put it all behind you and explore everything you’ve been missing in the world. If you can’t do that, then you can start by picking up this book. The three authors and friends tell how they quit their high-pressure media jobs in New York City to backpack through four continents of the world.

U.S. Natural Wonders That Will Transport You to Another Planet

March 28, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

I have been fortunate enough to visit many gorgeous and fascinating places around the world. I was raised in Italy, now live in the United States in Utah, and have had the opportunity to visit destinations such as England, Russia, Spain, and Kenya. I’ve climbed mountains, swam in various lakes and seas, and trekked through ancient cobblestone streets. I’ve tried a variety of different cuisines and conversed with people of other nationalities in their native tongues. I hope I have the opportunity to keep on traveling for as long as I can, but I’ve probably already seen more parts of the world than most people do in a lifetime.

Anyway, I’m getting a little carried away. The point of this post is not to brag about my extensive travel experience, but rather to highlight some natural wonders in the United States that will make you feel as though you’ve not just left the country, but set foot on another planet. I hope that everyone gets the chance to travel internationally and experience new cultures, but experiencing someplace truly spectacular may be simpler than you think. Don’t lose sight of the beauty of America in your thirst to explore new places- if you’ve got a car and some time on your hands, get out there and experience these natural wonders for yourself.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

Lucky for me, this beautiful national park is practically in my backyard! Well okay, not really- it’s about a four hour drive, but in the grand scheme of things that’s not so bad. It’s an easy day trip. If you want to feel small and awestruck, all you need do is take a walk through what blogger Hal Amen describes as “a vast eroded amphitheater, populated with hoodoos. The hoodoos, crimson-colored outcroppings of rock, really need to be seen in person. Words just don’t do them justice!

Bryce Canyon

The Wave, Arizona

Take one step into the aptly-named “Wave” located in Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness near the Utah-Arizona border, and you’ll feel as though you’ve been sucked into a surrealist painting or landed on the surface of Mars. You’ll want to make sure you have steady feet and are not easily nauseous, because this rippling red sandstone formation is enough to send anyone for a spin! Trust me though, any disorientation you may feel is totally worth it for the amazing views you’ll be rewarded with- the contrast of clear blue sky against fiery red rock is beyond compare.

The Wave

Northern Lights, Alaska

The Northern lights look like something out of a fantasy world, and you don’t even have to leave the country to see them! Sure, Alaska is a bit of a hike by car, but it’s worth the miles to see this otherworldly site at least once in your lifetime. This rippling explosion of color across the sky should be on everyone’s bucket list. For optimal light-viewing conditions, travel to Fairbanks or Anchorage between September and April- wouldn’t want your trip to be a waste!

The Northern Lights

Niagara Falls, New York

Okay, so technically Niagara falls is in the United States and Canada, and if you take a trip up to Buffalo to see them, there’s no reason you shouldn’t cross the border to take them in from the Canadian side as well as long as you have a passport. These majestic falls deserve to be viewed from every angle.

Niagara Falls

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

A lot of people probably have a picture in their head of what a cave is, from film and television, without ever having been in one. Physically entering a cave, walking through its damp, cavernous spaces is quite a different experience than merely viewing one from afar. With its stalagmites and stalactites jutting up from the ground and ceiling, you’ll definitely feel as if you’ve entered another world entirely.

Mammoth Cave

I’m just skimming the surface here as far as beautiful natural wonders in the United States go. There are so many others (the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, the Rocky Mountains, etc.) that I left off the list, but I guarantee that if you just get out there and explore, you’ll find that you don’t have to travel very far to witness the beauty of America.

Tips to Avoid Overpacking

February 21, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

As a woman who travels a lot, I’ve had to learn how to cut back on what I bring. With airlines such as United Airlines getting stricter about their carry-on regulations and airports in general enforcing tighter security, it is especially important that you know how to avoid overpacking. There are certain essentials for any trip that you’ll want to make sure you include, but if you follow these tips, I think you’ll find that there are many items you can afford to leave behind.

If you’re traveling on a plane you should, of course, be aware of the carry-on limitations, such as the maximum dimensions for carry-on bags (9”x 14”x 22”), prohibited items, and the liquids rule established by the TSA. Nevertheless, whether you’re escaping for a week-long getaway to an exotic destination or just an overnight trip, there are some general guidelines you can follow for a smarter, less-stress packing experience. Why lug a giant suitcase around and practically throw your back out hoisting it into your trunk or onto the baggage check conveyor belt when you end up using only half of what you brought? Follow these simple tips and you’ll be an expert packer in no time!

Tip 1: Plan your outfits ahead of time for every day of your vacation and pack one extra. Instead of aimlessly throwing shirts and pants into your suitcase, actually put pieces together and pack one extra outfit just in case of an emergency (spills, rips, etc.). Certain pieces of clothing, such as jeans, can be worn more than once. You will save yourself a lot of space and also a lot of anxiety over whether or not you’ve remembered everything if you plan ahead.

Tip 2: Make a list. Again, to save yourself from unnecessary stress, make a checklist of everything you absolutely need for your trip. If you’re unsure about something, then you probably don’t need it, but if it helps, you can divide your list into sections- definitely and maybe, for instance- and cross off items as you go.

Tip 3: Check the weather before you go. There’s no sense in taking up extra space and weight in your suitcase with heavy, bulky clothing if it’s going to be 80 degrees and sunny wherever you’re going. There’s a glorious invention called the internet that allows you to check the day-to-day weather predictions several months into the future.

Tip 4: Use organizers. Organizers are your travel buddy when it comes to efficient packing- this is what they were made for! Use a separate pouch for your toiletries, makeup, and jewelry to save space and keep your things organized.

Tip 5: Give yourself plenty of time. Trust me, you do NOT want to make the mistake of scrambling to pack your bags an hour before you have to leave to catch your flight. That just creates unnecessary stress! Have your bag completely packed (zipped and ready to go) at least the night before you leave so you won’t impulsively toss in excessive items in your haste to leave on time.

Stress Sells: Travel Companies Tapping Into The Psyche of the Stressed Out Traveler

January 25, 2017 by Ivana De Domenico

Here’s an interesting idea: openly acknowledging, even advertising, the downsides of traveling to sell the experience to Americans eager for an escape. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? According to an article from The New York Times, many traveling companies are embracing the idea of self-mockery as a marketing tactic to get more people to travel. Getting through a stressful journey makes the destination all the more rewarding, or at least that’s what some travel companies are claiming.

In the past, hotel ads have emphasized the luxurious nature of traveling, while glossing over its tendency to be stressful and irritating as well. But some companies are testing out a new approach. A recent ad for Westin Hotels & Resorts reads, “Take back what seat 34E took from you.” Other ads from the hotel chain reference how traveling can disrupt one’s sleep schedule and diet. Westin is going where few travel companies have dared to go before, openly acknowledging what a hassle it can be to get away for some r&r.

Other companies are following suit. For instance, HomeAway reinstated a campaign it began last year featuring travelers experiencing awkward or unpleasant situations while on vacation as a strategy to compete with rival Airbnb. Hilton Hotels & Resorts coined the catchphrase, “Stop clicking around” to showcase the frustrating experience of searching for the best hotel deal online.

Even airlines are picking up on this trend of embracing flaws. There is not a lot these companies can do to make flying seem more glamorous, expect for promoting business/first class, so instead airlines like American Airlines and JetBlue are encouraging passengers to make light of the uncomfortable, often stressful, experience of air travel. American Airlines, for example, is advising travelers how to be the “world’s greatest flyers,” with tips like brining noise-cancelling earphones to drown out the wails of crying babies.

According to The New York Times, “Although it might seem counterintuitive, acknowledging negativity can make a brand seem more credible.”

Top Winter Towns to Visit This Season

December 20, 2016 by Ivana De Domenico

As the polar vortex is rapidly approaching, you can bet that snow is coming along the way. Winter time is a beautiful time to take a walk in the crisp, quiet air or even enjoy the views through the window, cozied up by a fireplace. Bundle up your coats, because these are the most beautiful winter towns in the U.S. to add to your winter travel list.

Stowe, Vermont

There’s no better place to relax and play in the frigid dead of winter than in Stowe. Known as one of the top towns in the New England area for winter fun, Stowe offers a variety of options such as multiple ski slopes, dog sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating. If you’re looking to take in the dazzling views of winter through the glass, there are a variety of indoor options available as well, such as resorts & spas, indoor rock climbing, shopping, and cabin rentals. This is your ultimate destination for making the most of your winter.

Stowe, VT

Breckenridge, Colorado

Breckenridge offers over 300 inches of snow each year, hence known as the best town for hitting the slopes. However, this town is known as one of the top tourist towns in the state. The town is known for its mining history and artistic winter sculptures. It is also very well loved for its luxury hotels and spas, dining, and outdoor fun. Breckenridge offers the real experience of a winter wonderland.

Breckenridge, CO

Bend, Oregon

There is no better place to get your winter hiking experience in than Bend, OR. The town gets less than 30 inches of snow, but the slopes are made ready for your ultimate ski/snowboarding experience. After hitting the slopes, climb down to mainland to enjoy dry fun of dining, shopping, and relaxation through Oregon’s nature. Don’t forget your snow boots, because you’ll want to experience the fascinating trails that the State has to offer. If you’re a fan of fresh, cool winter air, then this is the place for you.

Bend, OR

Ketchum, Idaho

Ketchum is known for having the world’s largest snow making machine, and olympic ice skating practices. They’re also known for their extravagant holiday season where you’ll want to spend your whole day outside (don’t forget about the amazing Fireworks show). If you’re looking to get your adrenaline rushing, Ketchum offers Heli-skiing and is a must try for those with skiing skills. Don’t forget to check out the town’s most famous, family-owned restaurant, Vintage.

Ketchum, ID

Ogunquit, Maine

For the most significant winter wonderland experience, Ogunquit is a great experience. Known as a tourist town during the summer months, experiencing the ocean in the dead of winter is a beautiful sight. With the lower winter prices, you can support the local arts and unique shopping experiences of the town’s winter season. The local holiday festivities will allow you to relax through the hustle and bustle of the winter season, while experiencing the local holiday cheer.

Marginal Way Beach in Ogunquit, ME

10 Best Dishes From Around the World

November 9, 2016 by Ivana De Domenico

Who doesn’t love to travel? I was born in Italy, currently reside in the United States (Utah), and have visited England, China, Spain, Kenya, and Russia in my travels- to name a few. As an avid globetrotter, I aspire to be more than just a tourist. For me, a vacation isn’t complete without fully immersing myself in the culture. This means trying the national food specialities of whatever country I’m visiting, no matter how bizarre they may appear. You never know if you’ll like something unless you actually try it. In fact, some of my favorite foods were discovered through my travels.

If you’re visiting a foreign country for the first time, the food options can be a little overwhelming. The locals will all have their own opinions on their country’s best food, and it would definitely serve you well to ask around and try different things based on their recommendations, but here are my picks of 10 of the best dishes from 10 countries around the world to get you started:

Kenya: ugali Ugali is a type of porridge typically consisting of cornmeal. It’s cooked in boiling water or milk to give it a dough-like consistency. Although it sounds simple, ugali is a very versatile dish and is extremely popular in Southern Africa and the Great Lakes region. It can be rolled into a ball and used as a scoop for meat and vegetable stews.
ugali and cabbage
Russia: borscht Borscht is a type of beet soup, made with some type of meat stock and other vegetables as well such as cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. If you don’t like beets, then you may want to skip this one, but personally, it’s one of my favorites. The soup has a slightly sour flavor and is usually served cold with a dollop of sour cream on top.
England: yorkshire pudding You may have heard that what Brits call “pudding” is not the same dessert that Americans associate with pudding. In the UK, the word “pudding” typically denotes a dessert course but can be used to describe a sweet or savory dish. Yorkshire pudding is not a pudding at all in the American sense of the word; it’s a staple dish in England (part of the traditional British Sunday roast), made from a batter of eggs, flour, milk or water. It’s usually flavored with meat drippings, herbs, and seasonings, and served with beef and gravy.
Spain: paella Paella, while popularized and available in most places, is a Spanish speciality. It’s a rice dish made with different kinds of meat, usually seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, crab, or lobster) or sausage, and vegetables. It’s typically seasoned with saffron and garlic, and its name comes from the pan it’s traditionally cooked in.
paella
Italy: pizza Okay, okay, pizza may sound like a cop-out when there are so many delectable food options in Italy, but trust me on this: Italian pizza is not the same as other pizza. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, and Italian pizza uses only the freshest ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. If you’re feeling more adventurous, though, try tortellini en brodo, the ultimate Northern Italian comfort food. Instead of the traditional cream sauce, the tortellini are served in a homemade chicken broth.
Canada: poutine If you thought french fries couldn’t get any better, think again. In this Canadian take on french fries, the fries are smothered in gravy and topped with cheese curds.
Australia: pie floater What is a pie floater, you ask? It’s not actually a floating pie, but an Australian-style meat pie served in a bowl of pea soup. If you’re not feeling adventurous enough to try kangaroo meat, this savory dish should hit the spot.
pie floater
Scotland: haggis Haggis sounds disgusting but many people find it to be quite delicious. It’s a savory pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs minced with onion, oatmeal, spices and salt. If you’re not a very adventurous eater, I could understand wanting to pass on this one, but haggis is the national dish of Scotland, so check it out if you want the true Scottish experience.
China and Hong Kong: dim sum Because Asian food is so readily available in the United States, you may have tried dim sum before. Order it in Hong Kong or China, however, for an authentic experience. Dim sum are small bite-sized portions of food (like dumplings or steamed barbeque pork buns) traditionally served with tea.
Germany: spaetzle Germany is known for its diverse array of food options, so you really can’t go wrong with a nice bratwurst or schnitzel, but If I could only recommend one thing, be sure to try the spaetzle. Spaetzle are traditional German egg noodles typically served as a side dish to a meat course, but they’re good enough to stand alone as well.

Travel Medicine 101

October 25, 2016 by Ivana De Domenico

With the holidays fast-approaching, many people will be hitting the road or sky to be with family and friends. While traveling is meant to be a fun adventure (who doesn’t get excited about seeing new places and having some time to kick back?) there are some things you should know before you go in regards to what to bring.

Packing can be stressful enough making sure you’re bringing everything you need for the trip. Toothbrush? Check. Deodorant? Check. Enough outfits and are they weather appropriate? Check. You get the idea. It is especially important to make sure you’re covered with all of the medicines and first aid pieces you’ll need for a safe and enjoyable vacation. Packing these essentials with the whole family in mind takes it to another level.

To simplify the process and make it as painless as possible (after all, you want to have fun!) I’ve compiled a list of dos and don’ts for keeping both yourself and your family safe while on vacation.

Dos:

Do make a list of all the medicines (prescriptions, supplements, vitamins, etc.) everyone in your family will need and check it off as you pack these items. First make a list of the essentials. A basic travel first aid kit should include all of your and your family’s prescription medications, hydrocortisone cream for bug bites and rashes, Tylenol or Advil as a pain and fever reducer, band aids, a copy of a recent EKG if you or anyone in your family has heart problems, antihistamines for allergic reactions, alcohol wipes, small scissors, tweezers, and adhesive tape.

Do consider where you are traveling and who you’re traveling with. There are other things to consider if you are traveling abroad, extreme traveling (camping/hiking), traveling with seniors, and especially if you are traveling with children. For instance, you may want to bring antibiotics for bacterial infections if you’re traveling abroad, as well as emergency contraceptives. Children and seniors often require extra care, so make sure they are equipped with everything they’ll need to stay healthy, such as antibiotic cream for seniors and cold medicine and a digital thermometer for children, in case they run a fever. If you’re going to be out in the wilderness, make sure you have iodine tablets to purify your water in case of an emergency situation and dramamine to keep you from getting sick due to rough terrain or extreme sports like whitewater rafting.

Do check your family’s vaccinations, especially if traveling abroad. In some countries, diseases like Typhoid Fever and Polio are more prevalent.

Do make sure you have travel insurance. Evaluate the best plan for your family at insuremytrip.com. This is especially important if you are traveling to a foreign country and/or traveling with children, as you would not want your children to receive suboptimal healthcare at a hospital overseas.

Do rent from a reputable company if you plan on renting a car. Go with an internationally-known company and bring your own car seats for your children.

Do kid-proof your hotel room for your children. Hotel rooms can have many safety hazards that you have already child-proofed at home, such as looped window cords, choking hazards, electrical outlets and appliances, and heavy furniture that could topple.

Do have an emergency medical plan before you travel anywhere. Make sure you have your doctor’s number back home in case you need to get in touch with them. You should also check out iamat.org, an organization connecting travelers with experienced, English-speaking doctors in over 90 countries.

Don’ts:

Don’t let your kids go shoeless. Wear slippers or socks in hotel rooms and, it may go without saying, but be sure to wear shoes outdoors. Parasitic infections are common in some countries, and in general, kids are more likely to put their hands and feet in their mouths, so bring along some hand sanitizer or hand wipes!

Don’t drink water that is not potable. Use boiled or bottled water for everything if the water is not safe for drinking.

Don’t let your children pet wild animals. They could carry rabies or other infections. Get medical attention right away if anyone is bitten!

…And lastly, don’t worry and don’t forget to have fun! With these simple precautions in mind, you and your family are sure to have an exciting vacation and make some priceless memories!

Conducting Biological Research with New Organisms

August 18, 2016 by Ivana De Domenico

There’s a great read by Quantam Magazine about the future of biological research as it pertains to using new model organisms.

Written by Emily Singer, “Biologists Search for New Model Organisms,” walks us through the interesting history of how scientists first began to use certain organisms and how many are improving upon the existing models.

The article begins in the 1900s with Columbia University zoologist Thomas Hunt Morgan who worked in the Marine Biological Laboratory, which offered an abundance of research opportunities. Morgan studied recovery in loner crabs, cell division in ocean urchins, embryonic advancement in frogs, and sex determination in aphids. With each experiment, moving from creature to creature, he introduced a new insight that would become fundamental to biology.

Over the years, Morgan got to be a standout and one of the most adored researchers of the twentieth century. But in the decades since his work, so much has evolved. Yet so much of the research today is still focused on a small gathering of animal varieties — natural product flies, the roundworm C. elegans, zebrafish, mice and a couple others.

Writes Singer, who spoke with numerous leaders in the field:

These animals are easy to grow in the lab, and researchers have developed an arsenal of tools for analyzing and modifying their genomes. The animals have had an enormous impact on our understanding of both basic biology and disease, earning scientists dozens of Nobel Prizes.

But some scientists argue that biology needs a taste of Morgan’s pre-fly days, when scientists studied a panoply of organisms. They argue that by focusing on roughly seven animals out of the estimated 9 million species on Earth, we are missing a huge chunk of interesting biology. “We are due for a renaissance,” said Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, a biologist at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri. “We have narrowed our focus to a handful of organisms that statistically are highly unlikely to encompass the gamut of biological activity on the planet.”

From there, Singer goes on to reveal a dazzling assessment of the state of biological research today and the need for forward-thinking approaches. It’s truly a great read. Check it out here.

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