Winter 2021
PORTO Wine, Beaches and Festivals A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COWBOY Branding in Utah BUDAPEST A Tale of Two Cities HAVANA A City of Diverse Architecture THE SECRET VALLEY Discovering Peru’s Jewel
DESIGN DESTINATIONS Winter 2021
DESIGN DESTINATIONS MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF & FOUNDER FRANZ E BUCHHALTER MANAGING EDITOR CYNTHIA P. HOWLAND
CONTACT US: BUCHHALTER INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC. 9121 SW 140TH STREET MIAMI, FL 33176 305 254 2128 INFO@BUCHHALTERIG.COM
COVER BILL SCOTT
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WHAT’S INSIDE 6
PORTO Wine, Beaches and Festivals
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COWBOY Branding in Utah
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BUDAPEST A Tale of Two Cities
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HAVANA A City of Diverse Architecture
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SACRED VALLEY Discovering Peru’s Jewel
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TO BE A HINCHA The Passion for the Sport
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Al PACINO An American Legend
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DESIGN DESTINATIONS WINTER 2021
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & FOUNDER We end 2020 with hope and anticipation. This year has proven to be challenging one for everyone and, especially for the travel industry. Many of our colleagues have lost their jobs, some have closed their business, and others are barely surviving. We faced one of the most challenging years of our lives and Covid-19, an extraordinary election year, natural disasters, social unrest all have collectively made 2020 a year that will go down in history as one of the most challenging years of our lifetimes. Hope and optimism are two strong words and sentiments that play an essential part in today’s world - we must treasure them and apply them to our everyday lives. We thank all of the contributors who shared their stories and images with us, making our lives a little brighter. We thank you all for your support and for following us in our virtual travels, and we anticipate getting back to travel once again, because after all, it is our passion. I also want to thank all the healthcare providers for your commitment to your profession, especially to my lovely daughter Maya Isabella, RN. She is today serving the community in New York since April of this year. Until our next issue …” Continue dreaming and plan to see the World!”
Franz E Buchhalter Editor-in-Chief & Founder
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CONTRIBUTORS Malorie Mackey
is an actress, host, and writer living in Los Angeles, CA. Malorie's first published book entitled "My Playboy Story: Hopping from Richmond to Hollywood" was published in 2017. Since then, Malorie's short story "What Love Has Taught Me" has been published in the anthology "Choices," and she has been writing and blogging about travel and adventure in hopes of publishing her next book about travel soon. You can find Malorie’s travel content on dozens of digital media platforms. She believes that everyone should enjoy a little adventure in their lives. Check out www.maloriesadventures.com for more.
Bill Scott
is an international travel photographer based in Salt Lake City, USA who has visited over 100 countries. Whether it is a top tourist destination like the Maldives or somewhere off the beaten track such as Burundi, he finds there is always something fascinating to photograph. By building trust and a relationship with people Bill is able to put his subjects at ease and capture them in their normal routines and daily life. Although he often enjoys directing a subject to create an image, he says the real magic happens when a great story, beautiful light, and the opportunity to work like a fly on the wall all come together. You can see more of Bill’s work on Instagram @billscottphoto.
Limor Decter is a travel writer, travel advisor, and concierge at Ovations Travel Group in New York City. Her love for travel, exploration and connecting with people in her journeys and as a former high school English teacher led her to a combined career; as a travel writer and as a travel consultant. Limor has written travel articles for Forbes, USA Today, Virtuoso Travel magazine, Travel Market Report, and Luxury Travel Advisor magazine. She is passionate about providing insights and feedback to her clients She has garnered more than 150,000 reviews in her Trip advisor account. Limor currently lives on Long Island with her husband and three children. "I have not traveled everywhere, but it is on my list." Follow her journeys on Instagram @Limorbitz
Alicia C. Diez
is a Cuban-born, US-based travel enthusiast. She is passionate about travel for its potential to establish connections with people and places around the world; to educate people of the value of other cultures and history; for witnessing the marvels created centuries and millennia past; and of sampling cuisines from around the world. An advocate for being a traveler, not a tourist matters a great deal to her. Although with more than 30 years of client itinerary planning to exciting and exotic lands, traveling and capturing moments with her constant travel companion, her camera, were part of her DNA long before. She plans to continue traveling and capturing those moments, sharing those images, and promoting destinations and the wonderful experiences provided by special places to stay and the people bringing those places to life. @_aliciatravels
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PORTO
Wine, Beaches and Festivals
Photos: Porto Conventions & Visitors Bureau
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A COWBOY Branding in Utah
Photos by Bill Scott
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HUIPIL Women have worn the Huipil in Mexico and Central America long before the Spanish arrival. Originally made out of cotton and simple in design, the Spanish arrival influenced the Huipil, adding embroidery, silk, and lace. Some Huipils, especially in the Tehuantepec region, showed Asian influence due to the exchange between Spain and the Philippines and Mexico.
A THOUSAND YEAR TRADITION By Francisco Ruano and ceremonial huipils is the level of decoration. The ceremonial Huipil is more elaborate in its embroidery and is reserved for weddings, burials, high-ranking women, and is used to dress Catholic saints' statues during pagan ceremonies. The National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico features what is known as the oldest Huipil—known as "La Maliche" as it is believed to have been worn by Hernán Cortés'’ interpreter. The theory comes from the Lienzo de Tlaxcala - a painted cotton sheet of the political structure of the Central Mexican kingdom of Tlaxcala.
The Huipil is a simple garment or blouse traditionally handwoven on a loom and commonly worn by Mayan women. The Huipil has additional significance for the Mayan women of Guatemala, as the woven designs and predominant colors identify their community. The Huipil is a loose-fitting tunic-like garment made from two or three rectangular pieces of fabric assembled. Women learn the tradition of weaving the huipils from their mothers who have learned the craft from their mothers, and the practice is handed down from generation to generation. There are two types of Huipils: the everyday Huipil and the ceremonial Huipil which is reserved for special occasions. The distinction between the everyday
The Mayan indigenous women in Guatemala pair their Huipil with a traditional long fabric skirt or 'corte". The Huipil also depicts the level of hierarchy within the indigenous groups. Hupils using silk and lace are usually known as a more sophisticated society. This is more prominent in Coban, a region in the Guatemalan's highlands. 32
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Photo: Scotty Graham
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BUDAPEST
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
By MALORIE MACKEY
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BUDAPEST
A TALE OF TWO CITIES
By MALORIE MACKEY Did you know that Budapest (as we know it) is only 147 years old? Believe it or not, the Hungarian capital that we know and love was formed by a merger in 1873 between three separate cities: Buda, Pest, and Obuda. For all purposes, however, we are going to focus on both Buda and Pest, the heart of the city and the reason we now call the capital of Hungary Budapest. Before their merge in 1873, Buda and Pest sat on opposite sides of the Danube River. And despite being the same city now, both sections offer unique traits that tell the story of their separate pasts. These twin cities sitting across the river are, in a way, the very ideal example of Yin and Yang. They are two vastly different places despite being the same city, yet they work so harmoniously together as one location. Buda sits up high on rolling hills, overlooking the bustling site of Pest. Buda features a Castle District, the grand Hapsburg Palace, and a gorgeous Citadel nestled within its scenery. This elite section has an air of wealth and class. Despite being a melting pot of tourists and people of all backgrounds, Buda is relatively calm and clear. It’s the strangely serene side of a bustling city, looming high over all that is happening in Pest. Pest, on the other hand, sits on rather flat land. Yet Pest is where all the action is. Tourists and locals buzz around throughout the day on Pest’s flat land visiting cafes, restaurants, markets, bars, and coffee shops. It is the pure
definition of a traditional city, and it’s a hip place to be. Buda is the perfect location to find peace and stroll the rolling hills to set up a picnic with friends. Pest is the perfect place to shop, socialize, and run amuck. At night, Buda closes its doors and windows, and this whole side of the city more-or-less calls it a day. Pest, on the other hand, turns on its lights and starts a hopping scene. If you’re a fan of the opera, you’ll find the Opera House in Pest. There is a wide variety of nightlife from bars to restaurants to clubs. All you have to do is take a walk out of your hotel into the streets of Pest. The “two cities” truly do exist as Yin and Yang, and they both add to the allure of Budapest. When you visit, it is as if you’re getting two trips out of one destination. Though most recommend staying in Pest and visiting Buda, perhaps try staying a few days in each location to experience both sides of this enormous city in a different way. Today, the Budapest that we know and love is a traveler’s city. It’s enormous in size and offers experiences for anything your heart desires: history, music, art, and entertainment. Budapest has it all. Budapest is one of the largest cities in the EU, and now you know just how much of a melting pot it really is. Now that you know the true history, you will be unable to ignore the strong, distinct differences between Buda and Pest. The next time you set foot in Budapest, you will be able to appreciate it for its tale of two cities.
Photos: Budapest Tourist Information www.budapestinfo.com
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TO BE A HINCHA
The Passion for a Sport
By Franz Buchhalter
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TO BE A HINCHA
The Passion for a Sport
By Franz Buchhalter On one of my trips to Buenos Aires, I was invited by two good friends to join them to see their favorite soccer teams play. They call it "el Classico" - the classic between two long-life rivals, River Plate and Boca Juniors. Both teams are on top of the list and have battled for years for the national championship. I was excited, as I had never seen a soccer match in Buenos Aires, and to see these two teams made it even more exciting.
know so well, some not so nice and others of a sarcastic tone. At one point, they started singing “feliz cumpleaĂąos" (Happy Birthday), and my innocent self questioned whose birthday it was, and my friend replied - "It's been more than ten years since Boca Junior won the championship!" I then realized that they were mocking the Boca fans. Soccer is one of the greatest passions for Argentinians, along with making "Asado" or barbecuing and loving tango. But being fans or hichas is more than just being a fan; it is a passion beyond comprehension for those not born in Argentina. Every Sunday, the country is paralyzed during the soccer matches played in all the country's stadiums. If you are not at the stadium, you are watching a game on the television. Those who are not watching are playing in local fields. And after the game, everyone gathers around the asador to witness the master chef grill la tira de asado or the bife de chorizo or chinchulines (skirt steak, NY strip cut, or chitterlings).
My friends picked me up and we drove to the River Plate Stadium, known to fans as the Monumental. Before entering the stadium, my friends flipped a coin - I ventured to ask why, and the answer was unexpected. They tossed the coin to see in which section of the stadium we would sit. I ventured again to ask why. To my surprise, once we got in, the stadium was divided into two sections, one side occupied by Boca Junior fans and the other by River Plate fans, and the divider was fenced with wire and security personnel and sometimes by police officers. It looked serious. My friends told me that this is to avoid confrontations between the fans and that many years ago, the losing team blocked the exit gates of the winning team section creating a sad outcome, and sadly more than 100 fans were killed.
Many years later, I visited Argentina, this time with my family. One day we went out for lunch, and my 12-year-old son - at the time, a fan of the River team was proudly wearing the team's shirt. We went to a restaurant to enjoy lunch and the waiter, an older gentleman, made the most outrageous comment. He looked at me and said, "I can't believe that you let your son walk around with such a dirty shirt!" My son inspected his shirt and replied, "No, sir, it is not dirty; it is clean," and the waiter said, "It is a River Plate shirt, right? Then it is naturally dirty!" We later learned that Boca Junior had lost against none other than the River Plate team the championship the night before.
One of my two friends was a fan of the opposing team, and every time his team made a fair play, he bit his lips and hid his excitement to avoid letting people know that he was a fan of the rival team - a traitor!. The fans of the River Plate team, the section where we were seated, were more colorful and exciting than the actual game. Entire families shared their enthusiasm for the game, from the grandmother to the grandchildren, and everyone in between was chanting songs that they all seemed to
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HAVANA
A CITY OF DIVERSE ARCHITECTURE By Alicia Diez
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HAVANA
A City of Diverse Architecture
Text & Photos by ALICIA C. DIEZ There are so many different architectural styles in Havana, made possible by its long history and its period of almost suspended animation of the past 60 years.
mansions for Cuban industrialists, new luxury homes and apartment buildings for the broad middle class, and hotels for international visitors. It is during this period that architectural styles are more discernible and easily identified by their names of Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Mid-Century.
The Spaniards founded the city in 1515 and, in its infancy, it was a trading post for the Spaniards returning from the New World with their galleons laden with the holy grail of gold and silver. Havana's importance was evident – the French monarchy fought for it and so the British monarchy. When the Spanish crown regained the city in the latter part of the 1700's, fortifications and fortresses, as well as churches, were built. Beautiful testaments of these remain as Castillo de la Fuerza, El Morro, and the Havana Cathedral, to name a few.
Evidence of some of the early 1900's style can be seen by visiting The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Theater, formerly known in preRevolution times as Centro Gallego and Centro Asturiano. Art-Nouveau can be found along on Calle Cardenas, with Art Deco samples in the Bacardí and the Solimar Buildings, with midCentury modern found in many expanded parts of Havana of the 1950s. Even the cemetery, Cementerio Colón, is a work of art.
After Spanish rule ended in the latter part of the 1900s, an avalanche of architectural styles from France, Belgium, Austria, and Spain flourished, followed by local architectural talent from the mid40's to 1959. At one point, Havana became known as the Paris of the Caribbean, with impressive
If architecture is your fascination, arrange for an architect as your guide, and your passion will be rewarded – guaranteed they will show you a Havana that the average tourist will never see.
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THE SACRED VALLEY
Discovering Peru’s Jewel
By Limor Decter The Inca Gods bestowed the Sacred Valley with astounding natural beauty. This lush green valley, located in the Andes, is a highlight of any Peru itinerary. The Sacred Valley is a 70-mile region running from Cusco's colonial city of Machu Picchu, making it a perfect base for the pilgrimage to the ancient citadel.
The constellations' importance and value were the keys in the developments of this sacred place as it highlights how important the sky was to the Inca's and the cosmology's religious significance. You can find ceremonial temples, palaces, and a fortress in this valley in this little nook hidden deep in the beautiful landscapes. Tradition and culture remain essential for those living here, so you won't find it difficult to immerse yourself in the history and the beautiful landscapes of this area.
The Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley, served as an important historical site for the Inca Empire. The Urubamba River cuts thru the valley, creating a stunning landscape composed of numerous rivers flowing down gullies and ravines, snow-capped peaks, flowering meadows, blue lakes, and ancient agricultural terraces.
The Sacred Valley is also known as the "birthplace of the rainbow." It is the site for many critical archeological monuments, including the ancient Ollantaytambo fortress and the Pisac market ruins. The Moray salt mines are another fascinating site to visit. The Incas built these salt mines in the 1400s by creating an intricate system of channels and ponds that were left to dry over a few days. A thick layer of salt remains as the water evaporates, and the hundreds of salt beds are still intact from the ancient civilization.
Many indigenous communities and villages dot the fertile agricultural land. The Incas revered the Sacred Valley for its unique geographical and climatic qualities, including the variety of microclimates allowing an abundance of plants and crops such as maize, potatoes, avocados, vegetables, and fruit trees to flourish. It was a prime region for maize production, and the valley also allowed access to tropical areas for coca leaf and chili peppers for trade and import in Cusco. Many locals still speak Quechua in the valley, and it is easy to glimpse into their life and culture by visiting their markets. Llamas and Alpacas roam freely in the valley.
Sacred Valley's most impressive feature is, by far, the looming citadel of Machu Picchu located in the foothills of the valley. Machu Picchu, built in the 15th century, is considered one of the world's most significant archeological sites; Perched on two sugarloaf mountains with jaw-dropping views of the valley below. The American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered the ancient fortress in 1911 and was amazed by the 200 stone structures depicting ancient Inca life, culture, and rituals. The panoramic views of Machu Picchu are breathtaking and a feast for the eyes with their fifty shades of green. The spectacular beauty of the Sacred Valley makes this a truly unforgettable destination.
The Incas built the valley representing the constellations. The sky and the religious significance of the cosmology were critical to the Incas. Many of the ceremonial temples, palaces, and even a fortress in this valley aligned with astronomy. Tradition and culture remain essential for those living here, so you won't find it difficult to immerse yourself in this area's beautiful landscapes.
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Photo: @Eduardo Flores - unsplash
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Photo: @Pedro Lass - unsplash
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Photo: @Carson - unsplash
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Photo: @Ben Ostrower - unsplash
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Photo: @Jessica Knowlden - unsplash
ALICIA’S CORNER By Alicia C. Diez
RECYCLING AND SUSTAINABILITY BRINGING IT TO TRAVEL The year 2020 gave us all a lot more time to reflect on the traveling we have done, dream of our future travel plans, and contemplate the impact travel has on so many aspects of life. We realized the impact of travel in our lives when the world stopped traveling for the majority of 2020. What was the one surprising bright light to this quiet time? Nature rebounded: from dolphins and fish returning to many cities' waters after a long absence, to cleaner air in many notoriously traffic-congested and polluted cities. We all began to think about the environment and the impact, negatively and positively, we all have. Because of COVID-19, we also produced more plastic waste, which would not have a positive impact on the world. Many new initiatives could cause us to become overwhelmed and just confused, ultimately resulting in inactivity. But there is one elementary shift possible to make and give us one more reason to get excited about traveling. Buy new luggage! There are a few companies which are manufacturing their luggage from recycling plastic bottles! You can contribute to the recycling movement while planning your next adventure.
Another option to take part in supporting companies concerned in being carbon-neutral and in companies involved in reducing plastic bottles - buy shoes! That's right! Some manufacturers are carbon neutral while producing running shoes and very stylishly comfy shoes, which are perfect for walking the streets of beautiful cities and along a country lane. Simultaneously, some use recycled materials such as plastic water bottles for their threads, and others that strive for carbon neutrality and plastic water bottles. While on the topic of shopping and travel, another contribution to recycling and sustainability can be added to the facet of looking fashionable while exploring the world: sunglasses. Yes, sunglasses made from recycled plastic and highly sustainable bamboo! These and other companies with the same focus also contribute to communities or to foundations further the positive strives to improve the world. We can all do our small part, which makes an impact and keeps our world a little better.
PARAVEL LUGGAGE
Paravel Paravel is a sustainable travel brand dedicated to exploring the world while minimizing our impact on it. Shop for eco-friendly luggage, bags, and organizers.
www.tourparavel.com
THESE COMPANIES SUPPORT OUR PLANET BY USING RECYCLED MATERIALS IN THEIR PRODUCTS Allbirds: the world's most comfortable shoes and flats, made with natural materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber.
www.allbirds.com
Scraps Eyewear: With each pair of Scraps Eyewear you buy, Scraps makes a contribution to Ocean Conservation. The battle to keep our planet clean is ongoing, and they are ready to step into the ring!
www.scrapseyewear.com
Rothys: Everyday ballet flats and pointed toe flats - the "go to" shoe that delivers style and comfort. Hand-made from recycled materials.
www.rothys.com
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ALPACINO
Al Pacino was born in 1940 is an American actor and filmmaker. His career spans more than five decades earning him several awards and nominations for his performance in acclaimed films and theater. Pacino's debut came at 29 with a minor role in Me, Natalie (1969). His part of a heroin addict in the 1971 film -The Panic in Needle Park got him the recognition that eventually got him one of his most memorable roles in Francis Ford Coppola's trilogy The Godfather (1972). He received his first Oscar nomination for his role of Michael Corleone, a role that he reprised in the sequels The Godfather Part II (1974) and The Godfather Part III (1990). During his career, he received additional Best Actor Oscar nominations for his roles in Serpico (1973), Dog Day Afternoon (1975) and, And Justice for All (1979), and in 1992 Pacino received his first Oscar for playing a blind military veteran in the film Scent of a Woman. He has received Best Supporting Oscar nominations for The Godfather, Dick Tracy (1990), Glengarry Glen Ross (1992), and The Irishman (2019). He has also had an extensive career on stage. He is a two-time Tony Award winner, in 1969 and 1977, for his performances in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie? and The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel.
Pacino made his filmmaking debut with Looking for Richard (1996), directing and starring in this documentary about Richard III; Pacino had played the lead role on stage in 1977. He has also acted as Shylock in a 2004 feature film adaptation and 2010 stage production of The Merchant of Venice. Pacino directed and starred in Chinese Coffee (2000), Wilde Salomé (2011), and Salomé (2013). Since 1994, he has been the joint president of the Actors Studio.
On television, Pacino has acted in several productions for HBO, including Angels in America (2003) and the Jack Kevorkian biopic You Don't Know Jack (2010), winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie for each. Pacino currently stars in the Amazon Video web television series Hunters (2020– present).
Photo by Stories on Unsplash
Photo by Stories on Unsplash
THANK YOU Photo by Stories on Unsplash Image created by Kevin Kobsic. Submitted for United Nations Global Call
HAPPY 2021!
MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND, NORMALITY
Photo by Stories on Unsplash
Design Destinations Magazine is a quarterly publication produced by Buchhalter International Group For previous issues please visit our website www.buchhalterinternationalgroup.com