In December 2006, Condé Nast Traveler magazine's lead article was entitled "50 Trips of a Lifetime" and featured two of the Cultural Crossroads experiences, and this December we will have four more included.

The locations include Italy, France, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Spain, Russia and Guatemala, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Greece and even into Vermont. Whether it is private after hour visits to see works of art such as Da Vinci's "Last Supper," the "Sistine Chapel", the "Vasari Corridor" or lunch with Princess Alia in Jordan, the experience is far beyond that of a typical tour.

In a similar fashion we visit local artisans and learn their craft (basket making, carpet weaving, silk, chocolate, cheese and furniture making, etc.), learning local customs through dance and music (flamenco, Whirling Dervishes, ballet, opera, to name a few), cooking with chefs and enjoying the fruits of our labors and enjoying the company of area natives over meals at their homes.

We believe that these exchanges are important for cultural understanding. We also believe it is important to give back to the places we visit by making a positive impact. We do this not only with money spent, but by giving back through organizations that help local people. The Jordan River Foundation, set up by Queen Noor, and the Maya Education Foundation are two such organizations.