【推荐1】On your next trip, whether it be close to home or beyond, encourage family members to be aware of their senses. Here are five ways to deepen the day's experience and expand awareness.

1. What do you smell?

Campfires, freshly cut grass, a pine forest and sweet-smelling rose gardens all offer an opportunity to smell something special. Talk with the kids about which smells make them want to stick around and which they are eager to pass by. Do certain smells call up a memory from a previous experience? Notice how different members of your family respond.

2. What do you hear?

While out and about, encourage the kids to close their eyes and tune in. Is that the whistle of a train in the distance? Do you hear a horse clip-clopping down the trail or the crying of an ow(猫头鹰)? Listen to the traffic noise in the city, waves crashing on a rocky shoreline or an unfamiliar bird singing in the trees.

3. How does it feel?

Particularly in these changing times, leaving the comfort of home can stimulate a range of emotions extending from excitement and expectation to anxiety and uncertainty.

How might your crew react to the dampness of a coastal town or the dry air of the Sonoran Desert? Who feels tired? Or hungry? Or even homesick? Talk about it.

4. May I touch?

From petting zoos and tide pools to horse farms and turtle shelters, travel has historically offered families the opportunity to reach for the unexpected. Today, many of those rules have changed. Before you head out, discuss your safety rules. COVID concerns aside, colorful coral and certain green, leafy plants might look interesting, but close contact isn't advised.

5. Can I taste it?

While we've been staying home, many families have used the time to encourage kids to expand their food range. It's a good time to talk about the origins of different ingredients and why many are unique to specific regions of the world. Seek out the websites of cities, countries or resorts you might like to visit. Many are offering directions that will enable you to explore the food and drink of destinations around the world. From curry to barbecue sauce, there is a story to accompany every flavor you'll sample.

【推荐2】Less Well-known, but Equally Fascinating National Parks in the US

Alcatraz Island (San Francisco, California)

Alcatraz Island, also known as “The Rock” (only 0.029 square miles) in the middle of San Francisco Bay, is the home of the oldest operating lighthouse on the west coast and the infamous federal prison. Visit the legendary island that once served as the San Francisco armoury (军工厂). “The Rock” will give visitors a glimpse of what life was like for prisoners and guards. Advance purchase is required because of the limited number of visitors allowed on the Island each day.

Cape Cod National Seashore (Wellfleet, Massachusetts)

Cape Cod National Seashore is a protected area of shoreline, natural habitats, and historically significant structures. It consists of 68 square miles of beaches, ponds, marshes, and woodlands extending for 40 miles. With its historic lighthouses, this park is a great place to swim in the Atlantic, explore nature trails and learn about the nation’s sailing past and present.

Biscayne National Park (Miami, Florida)

The park provides access for visitors to encounter and explore the scenery, wildlife, history and other amazing resources. This park covers 270 square miles, and 95% of it is underwater. Divers and snorkelers hit the ocean to explore shipwrecks and a bright coral reef, home to reef lobsters.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument (Florissant, Colorado)

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado, lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. This mountain valley protects 9 square miles of petrified (石化) redwoods and fossils of ancient insects and plants, which were preserved 35 million years ago when erupting volcanoes covered the valley in ash. Apart from a variety of outdoor activities, it offers visitors opportunities for hands-on experience to learn about fossils and science in the exhibit area.

【推荐3】In March 2020, when I stood alone in the middle of the main road to the Lake District, it felt like the end of the world. As a local farmer, I’ve grown used to the heavy traffic. But suddenly, everything changed. The lockdown brought quietness to the area, and I did feel a sense of relief to be done with the noise for a while.

Just off the main road is Matterdale, where I live with my family. We own a farm and our work focuses on tending farm animals. Like many who live in tourist attractions, we have been annoyed by some visitors. My farming would have been significantly easier without people parking in gateways, walking through the fields of lambs with loose dogs scaring them, or abandoning their tents along the river.

Despite my complaints, however, I would never reject visitors’ presence. I do understand their need for rest after months of urban life. In fact, I think I need them too. Of course, communities like ours rely on the income that tourism creates. But to me, there is something more personal. I once took my kids to the lake. Near the shore, we saw boys and girls playing together. A young dad was holding his kid’s hand as she tiptoed through the shallows. An elderly couple were sitting in the shade, admiring the view. I found myself content knowing that I was sharing this landscape with others.

As lockdown restrictions have relaxed and visitors started to come back, I wonder how we can coexist happily. For those who are reading this, I hope that my words can encourage you to respect the communities you visit, and understand the responsibilities that come with visiting those places. Our love can coexist, even if it sometimes makes life a little crowded.

【推荐3】Auckland, New Zealand, Jan 29

A Chinese New Year gala, co-organized by the China Cultural Centre and the Huaxing Arts Troupe, was unveiled by Maori Haka. Contemporary dances, cross-talk, Peking opera, Qipao display and violin solo have featured the event, which won thundering applause from local audiences. “Tonight brings back familiar memories from my hometown,” said Sun, a Chinese born in Hubei.

Jersey, Britain, Jan 22

A traditional Chinese dragon dance was performed through St Helier street, which announced the start of Chinese New Year celebration. The event will last from Jan 22 to Feb 5, including tai chi performances, Chinese cuisine stalls and a photo exhibition. The local post office also issued a special stamp, featuring a rabbit holding a cabbage, illustrated by Chinese artist Wang Huming.

Paris, France, Jan 16

After a three-year interval due to the COVID-19, people gathered again to celebrate Chinese New Year. The French capital’s Chinatown has organized a series of celebrations that last from Jan 16 through Saturday including exhibitions of hanfu, music concerts and shows with Franco-Chinese comedians. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, was present for a parade which attracted over 20, 000 people.

Suva, Republic of Fiji, Feb 5

A Lantern Festival gala was hosted in the Republic of Fiji on Feb 5, joined by about 300 government officials and representatives from Fiji’s Chinese communities. President Maivalili Katonivere, along with first lady, attended the event and gave a speech, in which he said the Lantern Festival is important as the lanterns play a vital role in lighting the path ahead, signifying hope and good fortune.