Russia is another society I am intimidated by—its wars, its strength, its vastness, its vodka. As I do in Germany, I expect its street art and graffiti to be fierce, aggressive, bold. As in Germany, I find some of what…
I see Germany as strong and fearless; it has that strong economy, those fast highways, that World War II history, a reputation for orderliness. I am not surprised to see a monstrously large statue of Germany’s first chancellor, Otto von…
Some political interests are universal as demonstrated by “Legalise Cannabis” messages viewed in a number of areas in Italy on a trip there in 1989. —Lori Tripoli
I do not speak Spanish and do not really know the message of the brightly colored graffiti I see on a wall while speeding through Isla Mujeres, Mexico on a golf cart. While I ponder the artwork, I gain a…
As much as I enjoy some visually gratifying graffiti in urban areas, seeing it in the Galapagos islands is a little jarring. I understand there’s tension here that tourists do not necessarily see—pressure to fish, to provide jobs, to keep…
I’ll confess to having a stack of Parisian histories (and a number on my Kindle as well) that have been leafed through but not exactly read. I mean to, I want to, I just haven’t. I am not sure where…
Why I just love the Talbott Hotel in Chicago: It mixes business and romance successfully. There are old-fashioned telephones in the lobby and in the corridors. There are doorbells in the room. Double sinks in the bathroom are always appreciated.…
Yes, the Art Institute is fantastic, wiggling my toes in the sand on the shore of Lake Michigan is delightful, that architecture boat tour is enlightening, but what I really like about Chicago is the street art. —Lori Tripoli