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Notes on books and travel.

13 Instagrammers That Showcase the Food, Fashion, Fun, and Culture of Nigeria
13 Instagrammers That Showcase the Food, Fashion, Fun, and Culture of Nigeria
The energy of Nigeria is infectious and undeniable. It's a long way to travel IRL, but you can take a virtual trip to its street markets, fashion shows, and book clubs in Lagos and beyond via these stunning photos.
Dark Hedges, Flash Fiction, Victorian Slang, Bookshop Love & More: Endnotes 20 November
Dark Hedges, Flash Fiction, Victorian Slang, Bookshop Love & More: Endnotes 20 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got a touching graphic novel, Peruvian soul food, classic cocktails, Irish libraries, posh locations from 'The Crown,' and more.
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
Visit 1899 NYC for an Unusual & Tender Immigrant Story in 'The Golem and the Jinni'
This weekend, escape to turn-of-the-century New York and meet two unlikely new friends: a Jewish golem from Poland and an Arab jin from Egypt. Their history divides them; their adventures will bring them together.
Nigerian Suya Inspired by the Memoir 'Looking for Transwonderland'
Nigerian Suya Inspired by the Memoir 'Looking for Transwonderland'
Fact: Meat-on-a-stick is always the best meat. In Nigeria, skewered meat is called suya. Seasoned with garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and peanuts, it's street food you can make at home.
Two Lyrical and Moving Poems From Nigerian Poets That Will Change Your Outlook
Two Lyrical and Moving Poems From Nigerian Poets That Will Change Your Outlook
Poetry can cut to the heart of an issue like no other art form. It's both personal and universal, a way to shine a light on issues and how we relate to each other. Here are two works from Nigerian poets that we love.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 19 — Nigeria: Jollof Rice, Nigerian Pidgin, and So Much Hustle
SSoP Podcast Ep. 19 — Nigeria: Jollof Rice, Nigerian Pidgin, and So Much Hustle
Nigeria embodies contrasts: colorful tribal culture and the tragedy of slavery, stunning natural beauty and the megacity of Lagos, Christianity and Islam, sweet puff puffs and habanero peppers. One constant: hustle.
Australian Library, Street Cats, Literary Translators & More: Endnotes 13 November
Australian Library, Street Cats, Literary Translators & More: Endnotes 13 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Rebecca filming spots, the Staunch Book Prize, surprising travel facts, the art of noticing, romance novels panel, and more.
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
Walk the Cobbled Streets and Possibly Haunted Hallways of Brussels in 'Villette'
This is a challenging and odd Victorian novel by Charlotte Brontë. But if you invest in it a bit, it will pay you back in spades with atmosphere, vivid descriptions of Brussels, and an ending you'll never forget.
Persian Jeweled Rice Inspired by the Memoir 'Searching for Hassan'
Persian Jeweled Rice Inspired by the Memoir 'Searching for Hassan'
This traditional rice dish is a feast for the eyes, glistening with spice-infused butter and gem-colored fruits. It's a celebration of hope and life and family, a delicious way to bring a taste of Persia to your table.
The Beautiful Words and Rebellious Spirit of Iranian Poet Forugh Farrokhzad
The Beautiful Words and Rebellious Spirit of Iranian Poet Forugh Farrokhzad
Burning with an intelligence and a rebelliousness that couldn't be contained, Iranian poet Forugh Farrokhzad poured her passion into words that have inspired readers for decades. Fierce, feminist, and gone too soon.
11 Instagrammers That Showcase the Natural Beauty, Architecture, and Culture of Iran
11 Instagrammers That Showcase the Natural Beauty, Architecture, and Culture of Iran
These Instagrammers are busting up stereotypes the rest of the world might have about Iran. City spires, colorful deserts, vibrant food, and striking fashion, these Instagram accounts showcase everyday life in Iran.
Banff Springs Hotel, Bookshop Cats, Galápagos Library & More: Endnotes 06 November
Banff Springs Hotel, Bookshop Cats, Galápagos Library & More: Endnotes 06 November
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Persian soup, the romance of regional airport diners, colorful Mexico and Estonia, the secret world of diary hunters, and more.
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
Tokyo is a Sinister Setting for the Twisty Thriller 'The Devotion of Suspect X'
This can't-put-it-down book is an exhilarating cat-and-mouse game. We know who did it! Now we're watching the culprit try to outplay the intelligent detectives who are on his tail. Deliciously, painfully suspenseful.
Persian Kabob Koobideh Inspired by the Novel 'Darius the Great is Not Okay'
Persian Kabob Koobideh Inspired by the Novel 'Darius the Great is Not Okay'
We can all agree that meat on a stick surpasses every other kind of meat. This recipe for Persian kabobs is easy to make and will transport you into the world of Darius, a teenager who's yet to recognize his greatness.
5 Great Books Set in Afghanistan That Deepened Our Understanding
5 Great Books Set in Afghanistan That Deepened Our Understanding
Afghanistan is most likely not at the top of your travel list, but it's a fascinating country that deserves our attention and empathy. Dive into its rich history, stunningly beautiful terrain, and warrior heart.
SSoP Podcast Ep. 18 — Iran: Revolution, Poetry, Storytelling, and Spices
SSoP Podcast Ep. 18 — Iran: Revolution, Poetry, Storytelling, and Spices
Iran, formerly known as Persia, has a turbulent history and a fascinating present. In this episode, we get curious about the culture (food! poetry! storytelling!) and explore the impact of the 1979 Revolution.
Day of the Dead, Literary Destinations, Budapest Inspiration & More: Endnotes 30 October
Day of the Dead, Literary Destinations, Budapest Inspiration & More: Endnotes 30 October
Every Friday, we share our favorite book- and travel-related links. This week, we've got Jane Austen-related news, a new online comic set in Beirut, a dramatic cliffside hotel in Colombia, Halloween links, and more.
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
Take the Train to Transylvania to Re-Enact the Romance and Drama of 'Dracula'
This weekend, indulge in all things Dracula. Read the novel! Listen to the audio dramatization! Put on the play! Along the way, you'll armchair travel to Romania, Hungary, Whitby, London, and more with a fanged friend.
Pumpkin-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Inspired by the Novel 'Small Spaces'
Pumpkin-Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Inspired by the Novel 'Small Spaces'
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a rite of passage at Halloween time, and this recipe elevates the seasonal standard to something truly spectacular. The perfect crunchy go-along to this delightfully creepy horror novel.
TripFiction Recommends Books Set in Vienna, Bangkok, Jaipur, Berlin, Florence & More
TripFiction Recommends Books Set in Vienna, Bangkok, Jaipur, Berlin, Florence & More
Tina Hartas founded TripFiction because she knows, as we do, that reading books set in far-flung locales is a lovely way to armchair travel and prep for real-world adventure. Here are her top picks for great books.
6 Short Story Collections That Are Appropriately Eerie for Halloween
6 Short Story Collections That Are Appropriately Eerie for Halloween
These brilliant short story collections are brimming with delightfully eerie tales of ghosts, goblins, demons, witches, vampires, and the other dark things that come to visit us in the nightmare deep of the night.
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