The 69th Cannes Film Festival: A Fine Vintage!
(Video of the Cannes Film Festival opening clip shown before every film) Dear Friends, Sure, there was the tasteless “rape” joke directed at Woody Allen, Julia Roberts ascending the Red Carpet barefoot, and the boos that greeted Sean Penn’s Last Face… But beyond a few incidents like this, the Cannes Film Festival took place with … Continue reading
Anti-Corruption (反腐 or “fan fu”) in China
Dear Friends, Academic Travel Abroad has a long history in China. We have run educational travel programs there since 1980. CET Academic Programs, our study abroad division, has served American students on immersive language and cultural programs in China since 1982. We have witnessed the trial of the Gang of Four and the suicide of … Continue reading
A Rich Meeting Ground: RD Gras in Prague
Dear Friends, Our company vision is a lofty concept: to enhance global understanding through travel and education. Once a year, I see the manifestation of all that we do and aspire to do become tangible. We call it “RD Gras,” a playful term coined by none other than one of our RDs (Resident Directors) years … Continue reading
The Riviera and the 7th Art: Cannes at its Best!
Dear Friends, Last time I was there, I ate lunch at a café table next to Michael Douglas and a beautiful model. I watched a very young and shy Isabelle Adjani being interviewed in the lobby of the Carlton Hotel. I gaped at a rather large Shelley Winters, a faded beauty who still radiated charm, … Continue reading
“You don’t go to Cuba for the food.”
Dear Friends, No one can deny that one of the many pleasures of traveling usually includes the local cuisine. Whether savoring a rich foie gras on a toast point in France, a saffron-tinted paella in Spain, a creamy carbonara in Italy, a fragrant cilantro-laced larb in Laos, the crispy lacquered skin of a Peking duck … Continue reading
In Search of the Perfect Laab in Laos
Dear Friends, Laab (also written ‘larb’) is a dish originating in Laos that has become a staple of menus across Thailand. Its name means “luck” and this dish is a frequent star at the table during festivals and special occasions. It also makes the perfect gift for guests, conveying your good wishes along with some … Continue reading