Through unique experiences in the U.S. and around the world, Tiny World Tours brings people together You step through.
(15)
and around the world, Tiny World Tours brings people together in meaningful ways to help shrink our planet. We open doors to an inside track of special people, places, opportunities and transformative ideas. On every trip you’ll meet fascinating people such as architects, artists, archeologists, astronomers, balladeers, Bedouins, beer makers, Buddhists, cheesemakers, chefs like Steve Couch, exper
imental postmodern choreographers like Deborah Hay, curators, elephant mahouts, fashion designers, filmmakers like Richard Linklater, folk artists, foragers, furniture makers, game designers, geographers-at-large like Eames Demetrios, holographers, librarians, linguists, mariachis, mayors, monks, musicians, naturalists, neurosurgeons, novelists, opera director/polymaths like Doug Fitch, restauranteurs, scientists, shaman, Sherpas, storytellers, ship captains, teachers, textile makers, thespians, Tibetan Lamas, truck decorators, urban planners, zine publishers and more…
Ciao, Amici! Help me plan my five days in Roma! I start today with MAXXI, and am seeking input on lesser known art spots, architecture, gardens, neighborhoods and experiences…what great shows are on? What are your favorite places to see local and global art? Flea markets and food markets? Also seeking vintage postcards, fountain pens, and stationary stores… thanks in advance ! Tiny World Tours
Head north with Tiny World Tours this fall! Join us off-the-beaten-track to explore the cultures of Northern Japan—the ancient Joman civilization, the indigenous Ainu peoples, and lively contemporary art and design destinations...and time in nature immersed in autumn foliage. Take a look at the Joman experiences we’ll enjoy together… and check out the website for more info! https://www.tinyworldtours.com/upcoming/2024/2024-northern-japan-arts-and-culture-tour
This fall, Tiny World Tours will be exploring Northern Japan, focusing on the unique cultural aspects of this region. We will devote part of the itinerary to a multi-faceted introduction to the indigenous Ainu peoples. Through nature experiences and demonstrations with Ainu guides, a tour of the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, traditional Ainu cuisine, we'll learn together about this important part of Japanese history. We'll stay at the KAI Poroto hotel, with architecture and interiors inspired by Ainu designs. Let us know what questions you have in the comments below! https://www.tinyworldtours.com/upcoming/2024/2024-northern-japan-arts-and-culture-tour
Last month I attended EXPO CHICAGO specifically to attend the rich program of dialogues and conversations--So glad that those rich conversations are archived and available for re-play... take a look! I learned a lot from these... Directors Summit programs about Paving Common Ground organized by Jill Snyder; Collector Anita Blanchard; a conversation about the legacy of Scott Burton; photographer ; and Prospect New Orleans curators and Miranda Lash ... as well as the great booths at the fair and wonderful shows at museums including Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The The Art Institute of Chicago and many galleries there.... a great weekend!
Ashley Duchossois Joyce (Collector), Dr. David Walega (Collector), Deb Kerr (President & CEO, Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art), Rudy Aronoff (Vice President Chicago Office, Heritage Auctions). Moderated by Annalise Flynn (Independent Curator). Introduced by Juan Alonso (Chief Banki...
Having a fantastic visit to Chicago during EXPO CHICAGO--especially the Directors Summit dialogues, artist and collector discussions, and an inspiring keynote presentation about the Obama Presidential Library South Side and its museum. The fair has many wonderful booths, and then so many great museums! Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago Chicago Cultural Center The Arts Club of Chicago Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, and more! Here are a few snapshots!
On April 8, 2024, a lively group of art and nature enthusiasts will gather at the edge of the Texas Hill Country for a rare convergence of the sun and the moon with contemporary art, modern architecture, nature walks, science talks, music and dancing, and tasty local cuisine. Tiny World Tours is curating a day-long, multi-disciplinary celebration of the total solar eclipse at The Plant at Kyle utilizing the dramatic spaces within around the innovative, iconic 1989 building designed by acclaimed San Antonio-based architects Lake|Flato, as well the varied areas of the grounds.
One month until the Path of Totality passes through The Plant at Kyle, and Tiny World Tours is planning a Total Solar Eclipse Celebration at The Plant at Kyle--Art, Nature and Cosmic Convergence... Part of the excitement will be the unveiling of a new Kcymaerxthaere monument designed to amplify and celebrate this eclipse. Join us for a day-long multi-disciplinary event just outside Austin featuring art, science, performances, dancing and delicious local food. Book now-tickets still available at tinyworldtours.com/upcoming See you there!
How will you celebrate the April 8 Total Solar Eclipse?? Join other art and nature enthusiasts at the edge of the Texas Hill Country at The Plant at Kyle for a day-long multidisciplinary experience you will remember forever! The Eclipse is the centerpiece, but we'll also enjoy nature walks science talks, dancers, drummers, local cuisine, puppets, participatory activities, a native blessing, a chautaqua tent, and the unveiling of a site-specific Kcymaerxthaere sculpture by Eames Demetrios--all focused on the convergence of the sun and moon! Space is limited; discounts on tickets until Jan 31; visit website to secure your space!
https://www.tinyworldtours.com/upcoming/2024/total-solar-eclipse-at-the-plant
Cai Guo-Qiang, a renowned contemporary artist with whom Dana has worked, recently launched Japan's first daytime fireworks along the Iwaki coastline in Fukushima. The artwork titled "When the Sky Blooms with Sakura" paid tribute to those who lost their lives in tragedies. Witness this mesmerizing spectacle and check out the accompanying YouTube video.
(image courtesy Saint Laurent and Cai Studio)
On our upcoming tour to Japan, we will be exploring the mesmerizing world of teamLab Planets. teamLab Planets is an immersive and interactive exhibit created by the Japanese art collective teamLab. The exhibit features a variety of digital installations that explore the intersection of art and technology, allowing visitors to interact with the installations and create their own unique experiences. The exhibit has been featured in various locations around the world.
On our trip to Bhutan this coming spring we will be hiking to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery - a truly unique and spiritual experience (about 5 hours round trip). The steep climb is worth it for the breathtaking views and the opportunity to meditate in the sacred spaces. A must-see for any Bhutan adventure!
On our recent Mexico trip, we visited San Miguel, a city known for its baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene and cultural festivals.
Kyoto is one of the oldest cities in Japan, and one of the most culturally rich. Home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, this ancient city showcases the heart and soul of traditional Japan. We will be visiting Kyoto on our Japan Walking Tour - April 2 to April 9th.
Hanami (花見, "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers of the cherry blossom (桜, sakura). In modern-day Japan, Hanami mostly consists of having an outdoor party beneath the sakura during daytime or at night.
We will be enjoying Hanami on our trip to Japan this coming April!
Chapulines (grasshoppers) are a traditional Mexican delicacy (and sustainable source of protein) that originated in the 16th century. They have a very mild flavor. Some people describe it as a light shrimp and smoky taste. They are often paired with a sauce or other flavoring. Their size makes them a perfect snack or garnish.
Enjoying the lovely mountains of Sierra Gorda, in Interior Mexico!
So exited for our newest tour tomorrow! We will be exploring the culture and history of Idlewild, Michigan. For more information you can look back at some of our posts or go onto our website, tinyworldtours.com. You can also get tickets or check out other tours on our website. Hope to see you there!
One of the greatest features of our upcoming tour, of Idlewild, MI, is the delicious and healthy lunch that will be designed by one of our collaborators . This lunch's ingredients and catering will be from local black-owned businesses and farms; such as Fawn's Den Catering, South East Market, Groundswell, and Agape Organic Farms. For more information of the tour or to get tickets please check out the Tiny World Tours website.
During our upcoming tour we will be partnering with , or Rev. Robert Jones, an esteemed blues musician and storyteller. He focuses on black voices and how they add to the story of American History or create a new story altogether. It is a joy to collaborate with him on this tour and we are so excited! ⠀
Please visit our TWT website for more info!
This 1938 photo is of the Idlewild Club House. The Idlewild, Michigan resort was created in 1912 as a result of widespread domestic segregation policies. Hailed as a utopian "Black Eden" it especially appealed to working upper and middle class African American families from cities across the midwest. Check the account profile for our TWT website link and read all about our 25 June day tour to Idlewild! ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
(photo credit: Robert Abbott Sengstacke, Getty Images)
On June 25 Tiny World Tours, in collaboration with and , will be offering an engaging introductory event focused on the town of Idlewild, Michigan. Idlewild was created as a safe haven and resort for black families during the segregation of the 1900s. Though Idlewild is small today there is so much history in it, which we will be exploring! ⠀
⠀
Photo: Carlean Gill (right) and other dancers in a boat on Crooked Lake (the Idlewild Lake) (credit goes to the private collection of Carlean Gill)
We are excited to announce our next tour! Join us for the inaugural “Live in America” Festival in Bentonville, Arkansas (a project of Austin’s Fusebox Festival) that takes place under the auspices of the Crystal Bridges Museum of America Art! ⠀
⠀
We’ll enjoy curated culinary, art & cultural experiences, and opportunities to tour the museum, meet artists, curators. festival producers, and other arts supporters like yourselves.
Experience with ! ⠀
⠀
We are still selling tickets for our Saturday 25 June daytrip experience to Idlewild, Michigan! Indulge in the history of Idlewild, take in its natural beauty, enjoy a locally sourced lunch, and great guest speakers! ⠀
⠀
Learn more and get your tickets on our website.
Although it is most well known for it' reputation as a "Black Eden" the Idlewild Resort was first conceived by white business people who saw an opportunity. In 1912, four white couples, two from Chicago and two from Michigan, formed the Idlewild Resort Company, and advertised it in black newspapers. It worked, and African Americans from across the country started buying property, most notably W. E. B. Du Bois, founder of the NAACP.
⠀
Image Credit: Lake County Historical Society
![The Chautauqua [she-TAW-kwa] movement was an education, social, and reform movement during the late 19th century and ear...](https://img4.travelagents10.com/593/951/1777733425939516.jpg)
The Chautauqua [she-TAW-kwa] movement was an education, social, and reform movement during the late 19th century and early 20th century. Named after Chautauqua Lake in NY State, the movement quickly spread throughout the rural Midwest, with African American Chautauquas soon becoming popular. During our 25 June Idlewild tiny world tour, historians Reverend Robert Jones and Dr Micala Evans Cochran will be hosting our very own Idlewild Chatauqua with entertainment, socializing, and local food.
⠀
Image Source: Library of Congress
For our Idlewild tour, Mr. Eat Right, aka Steve Couch, collaborates with Fawns Den caterers and East Side Market on a local, black-owned business sourced lunch! A native of Detroit, MI, Chef Steve is an expert in customized, seasonally-inspired dishes.
⠀
More information of our Idlewild Tour this June is on our website. Link in bio!
Although Idlewild hasn't been in it's resort town glory for almost 60 years, the natural beauty that defined it is still there. Nature has reclaimed many of the buildings and man made structures. Come join us in visiting Idlewild this June! ⠀
⠀
Photo Credits: Second Wave Media
Our Idlewild Chautauqua was a great success last year! If you'd like to experience the upcoming trip to Idlewild, check out the tinyworldtours website for more information. ⠀
⠀ ⠀ ⠀
Grand Rapids, MI
49504
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Tiny World Tours posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Despite clouds, we had a great Total Solar Eclipse Celebration filled with amazing music, speakers, delicious food, entertainment, spiritual moments, conversation, and global community connection!
On April 8, 2024, a lively group of art and nature enthusiasts will gather at the edge of the Texas Hill Country for a rare convergence of the sun and the moon with contemporary art, modern architecture, nature walks, science talks, music and dancing, and tasty local cuisine. Tiny World Tours is curating a day-long, multi-disciplinary celebration of the total solar eclipse at The Plant at Kyle utilizing the dramatic spaces within around the innovative, iconic 1989 building designed by acclaimed San Antonio-based architects Lake|Flato, as well the varied areas of the grounds.
On April 8, 2024, a lively group of art and nature enthusiasts will gather at the edge of the Texas Hill Country for a rare convergence of the sun and the moon with contemporary art, modern architecture, nature walks, science talks, music and dancing, and tasty local cuisine. Tiny World Tours is curating a day-long, multi-disciplinary celebration of the total solar eclipse at The Plant at Kyle utilizing the dramatic spaces within around the innovative, iconic 1989 building designed by acclaimed San Antonio-based architects Lake|Flato, as well the varied areas of the grounds.
Our Idlewild Chautauqua was a great success last year! If you'd like to experience the upcoming trip to Idlewild, check out the tinyworldtours website for more information. ⠀ ⠀ . ⠀ . ⠀ #twt #blackhistory #idlewildmi #utopia #utopias #jimcrow #greenbook
At our June Chautauqua in Idlewild, enjoy masterful storytelling and live music performance by our knowledgeable and entertaining speakers (Dr. Micala Evans and Rev Robert Jones, Sr.) in an outdoor setting describing Idlewild’s past and future. ⠀ ⠀ Rev. Jones. is a native Detroiter, an inspirational storyteller, and a musician celebrating the history, humor and power of American Roots music. His deep love for traditional African American and American traditional music is shared in live performances that interweave timeless stories with original and traditional songs. ⠀ ⠀ Video Credit: Beehive Productions, Olivebridge NY
In February 2020, when we last offered our "Walking Mexico: Surrealist Garden "Las Pozas" in Xilitla" tour, a guest requested a local cooking class. We were able to do so, everyone took part, and it was fantastic! Visit our website and join our February 2022 Las Pozas tour!
Did you know that there's Bhutanese architecture at the University of Texas at El Paso?! ⠀ ⠀ Bhutanese style cultural references and architecture is evident throughout the beautiful campus. Please message or comment to let us know if you might be interested in joining us on 2022 (or beyond) adventures to Bhutan, Far West Texas, or … both! @danielcareywhalen @denisereiss18 @eamesdemetrios @centennialmuseum @drukyulholidays
Did you know that there's Bhutanese architecture at the University of Texas at El Paso?! ⠀ Bhutanese style cultural references and architecture is evident throughout the beautiful campus. Please message or comment to let us know if you might be interested in joining us on 2022 (or beyond) adventures to Bhutan, Far West Texas, or … both! @danielcareywhalen @denisereiss18 @eamesdemetrios @centennialmuseum @drukyulholidays
Did you know that there's a Bhutan architecture and temple at the University of Texas at El Paso?! Bhutanese style cultural references and architecture is evident throughout the beautiful campus. Please message or comment to let us know if you might be interested in joining us on 2022 adventure to Bhutan, Far West Texas, or both!
What Is a Mexican Temazcal? ⠀ A temazcal is a ceremony steeped in Mexican heritage. It involves participants sitting in a traditional sweat lodge for health and therapeutic benefits. Ceremonies are typically led by a sort of spiritual leader called a shaman or temazcalero. ⠀ ⠀ Each temazcal ceremony is unique. Sometimes a temazcal might be led by a shaman and could involve chanting and singing. Or a temazcalero might perform the same function as a shaman. ⠀ ⠀ The temazcals are typically dome-like structures made out of cement, mud, or volcanic stone. At the start of the ceremony, people are asked to step into the sweat lodge and get comfortable where they will typically sit in a circle or a semi-circle. Once the participants are settled in, steaming volcanic stones are placed in the middle of the circle. Water is then poured over these stones to produce steam for the sweat lodge. ⠀ ⠀ If you'd like to try to experience an authentic Mexican Temazcal, ask Tiny World Tours to arrange one for you!
Landa de Matamoros is located in the state of Querétero in central Mexico. The town is most famous for being home to one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Franciscan missions. In the Pre-Hispanic period, the area was inhabited by the Chichimecas (like the Pame people) until the Spanish came in the mid-18th century. Today, Landa is rural and has high emigration rates. The town sits at the foot of a string of mountains and is about 210 km away from the capital of Querétero. Every December there is an important celebration to which thousands return to Landa to participate honoring “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception”.
Xilita is a municipality located in the Huasteca region of Mexico. It is known for its fertile mountains and springs, which lead to beautiful and lush landscapes. The Gardens of Las Pozas are also located within Xilitla. Most of Xilitla’s residents live within rural villages, and their economy is primarily agricultural, with some of its main crops being citrus and coffee. The rugged landscape has helped somewhat with shielding Xilitla from industrialization, which helped to preserve indigenous Huastec and Nahuatl cultures as well as traditional agrarian lifestyles.
Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese drama that is known for its heavily stylized music and garb, as well as its distinctive mime and dance. Kabuki actors use very exaggerated hand and body motions to express emotions. The actors usually do not wear masks, instead they use kumadori, which is stage makeup. Kabuki was first created about 400 years ago in the early Edo period, and the actors were all female. However, women were soon banned from Kabuki, which led to all male casts.
In Japan, Japanese calligraphy is referred to as Shodo, which usually translates to “the way of writing.” There are three main writing styles in Japanese calligraphy: Kaisho, Gyosho and Sosho. Kaisho, or square/block style, is the most basic and easiest of the three. The brush strokes of this style are drawn very carefully, and very precisely, and are always done in a certain order. Gyosho is the semi-cursive and most popular style of Japanese calligraphy. The brush strokes are done more quickly and convey motion and fluidity. Sosho is the cursive style, and is the most abstract of the main three styles. Being the most abstract style also makes it the hardest to read and understand.
These lights can be found at TeamLab Borderless at the MORI Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan. This light room is one experience among many others. Teamlab is a multidisciplinary artist group that was formed in 2001, and is made up of artists, architects, engineers, programmers, CG animators, and mathematicians. Their projects aim to show the relationship between artificial and natural creations. Their projects immerse participants in an interactive world of art.
The city name of San Miguel de Allende comes from two different people: a 16th-century friar named Juan de San Miguel, and a martyr of Mexican Independence named Ignacio Allende. After the 1918 influenza pandemic, San Miguel de Allende was on the verge of becoming a ghost town. However, the 1937 “discovery” of the city’s baroque/neoclassical colonial buildings by American artist and writer Stirling Dickinson led to the creation of art and cultural institutions that have gained a large following among foreigner visitors, resident expats, and Mexican nationals.
The Sunday markets in Jalpan and Xilitla (Sierra Gorda, Mexico) are wonderful places with sample local produce, crafts, and indigenous culture, engaging all your senses!
The archeological site of Ranas y Toluquilla are ancient ruins that can be found north of the state of Querétaro and south of the Sierra Gorda. The origin of these sites is still unsure and mysterious, but it is said that these sites were inhabited from around 300-400 AD to about 1300-1400 AD. The area that surrounds the site is a wooded area full of both pine and oak trees. The high elevation, 3000 meters, allows the mountain to serve as a barrier for the winds coming south from the Gulf of Mexico.
Las Pozas was a project created by Edward James in 1944, which continued construction until James’ death in 1984. Las Pozas, meaning “the pools,” gets its name from the nine natural pools that can be found in the garden. Las Pozas is a surrealist garden, so along with the naturally flowing pools and waterfalls, it is filled with massive surrealist concrete sculptures which stand up to four stories tall. It is located in a subtropical rainforest in the Sierra Gorda mountains of Mexico; this location was chosen by James because he found it to be more “romantic” than other locations he had visited while looking for places to construct his garden.
Edward James (1907-1984) was a British eccentric who was most well known for his support and participation in the surrealist art movement. One project James led was the creation of Las Pozas, a surrealist garden. While building this garden, James often stayed at the home of Plutarco Gastélum, who helped James in the construction of Las Pozas. Today, this home has been transformed into the hotel Posada el Castillo. Along with the construction of Las Pozas, James also sponsored many surrealist artists, and appeared in several notable surrealist paintings including "Not to Be Reproduced" (La reproduction interdite, 1937), a painting by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte. currently owned by the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam.
