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By Danielle Braff The Washington Post Sun., May 12, 2019 The Ukrainian capital is known for history and architecture. While Ukraine is one of the largely undiscovered spots in Eastern Europe thanks to its political and economic struggles, it’s also incredibly rich in architecture and beauty, making it a lovely place to visit. Currently, there is a Level 2 travel advisory for Ukraine, so while you should exercise increased caution, it’s safe as long as you avoid the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, or provinces. Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe (legend says it was founded in the 5th century), with a population of 2.9 million. Located on the Dnieper River in north-central Ukraine, it is overflowing with exquisite churches, ancient architecture and plenty of history. A visit isn’t complete without stopping at the St. Sophia Cathedral — which took about 20 years to build and dates to … [Read more...] about In Ukraine, go beyond Kiev for culture and cuisine
Culture
Jakarta event highlights dance as part of cultural diplomacy
A dance performance is more than just moving your body in such an aesthetical way, but this branch of performance art can also be a universal language that connects different cultures. The United States Embassy’s cultural center in Jakarta, @america, held an event on May 7 entitled “Celebrating International Dance Day: Cultural Diplomacy Through Dance”. The event featured presentations from members of Purwakanthi, a community of Javanese dance enthusiasts. Yurita “Riri” Yuzwar, one of the speakers that night, explained how her passion for dancing had enabled her to make friends with people from other countries. It happened when she studied in the US in 1996 at American University in Washington DC, where she studied for four months before being transferring to Georgia State University in Georgia. Yurita Yuzwar (center), a member of the Purwakanthi community, discusses her experience in the United States during "Celebrating … [Read more...] about Jakarta event highlights dance as part of cultural diplomacy
Japanese students bring cultural discipline to Brunei
When asked why they were doing this, they said that in Japan, it has become a habit for people to carry plastic bags and clean up litter voluntarily. One reader identifying himself as Haji Ismail said, “The Japanese are trained from a young age to clean up things around them, and it’s also part of their school curriculum. This is an effective way to nurture children, apart from training and education at home. Over time, it has become ingrained in their culture.” … [Read more...] about Japanese students bring cultural discipline to Brunei
Malaysia proposes joint Unesco bid for hawker culture
Malaysia will follow up on a proposal made to Singapore last month that the two neighbours bid for a joint listing of their hawker culture under Unesco. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik told The Straits Times yesterday that although he has not received a formal request from the Penang state government on a joint nomination as reported last week, he had already raised the idea in a meeting with Singapore's Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia three weeks ago. "So far, I don't have any requests from Singapore to do a joint nomination. I highlighted this to Singapore's Deputy High Commissioner when he visited me but he didn't come back to me. So I take it that they will go on their own," he said. Mr Bakhtiar plans to take up the issue again with his counterpart at the Asean Socio-Cultural Community Council meeting on May 17. 'CASUALLY ASK' "Maybe if I can see Sim Ann, then I will casually ask her and convey to her," he said, referring to Singapore's … [Read more...] about Malaysia proposes joint Unesco bid for hawker culture
Tories launch panel to probe OPP ‘workplace culture’ after spate of suicides
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By Robert Benzie Queen's Park Bureau Chief Mon., April 29, 2019 Queen’s Park has struck a $500,000 independent panel to probe “workplace culture” at the Ontario Provincial Police after more than a dozen officers have died by suicide in recent years. Solicitor General Sylvia Jones announced the review Monday, saying it was prompted by the deaths and by complaints from current and former OPP staff. “Frontline OPP members in cities and towns across Ontario have raised concerns,” Jones said in a statement. “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our front-line staff is my top priority. OPP officers have our back. They deserve a government that has theirs.” Thirteen officers have taken their own lives since 2012 — including three suicides in a three-week span last summer. Article Continued Below The all-male panel is made up of former associate chief justice of Ontario Douglas Cunningham, former deputy attorney … [Read more...] about Tories launch panel to probe OPP ‘workplace culture’ after spate of suicides