Jeff Greif 
Japan is renowned for its hot springs, or onsen, which have been part of Japanese culture for centuries, initially associated with religious purification practices by Buddhist monks. Over time, they became integral to samurai traditions and later evolved into popular communal spaces during the Edo period. Since then, an entire … Read more
Mickalene Thomas’s book confirms her status as a key figure of contemporary art. It features notable works arranged in thematic chapters, an interview with the artist by Hayward Gallery chief curator Rachel Thomas, and essays by scholars and curators that cover Thomas’s distinct visual vocabulary, drawing on themes of love … Read more
It’s time again for Miami Art Week from December 8 to 10, where Miami becomes the center of the art world hosting many art fairs including the biggest one Art Basel Miami. In addition there are pop-up galleries and special exhibitions presenting the best in contemporary art. The international week … Read more
Often compared to the Freedom Tower in New York, the London Eye, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the Tokyo Skytree just celebrated its tenth anniversary. Providing a dramatic change to the city’s skyline in 2012, the Tokyo Skytree also gave the city a new television tower. And, it created an exciting … Read more
Nestled deep in Waikiki off Kalakaua Avenue (the famous shopping street) and close to the Aloai Canal, you’ll find the Surfjack Hotel and Swim Club, considered one of the best hotels in Oahu. It’s a refreshing find in Honolulu where vintage 1960’s kitsch meets 2020 cool. The hotel celebrates Hawaiian … Read more
Fall is finally here and it’s the start of the new season in New York City. This is when new is in the air, new gallery openings, concerts and dance performances, new shows opening on and off-Broadway and a new you getting back to your routine (which includes Soul Cycle … Read more
As I write this, I’m a healthy 168 pounds, but three years ago that wasn’t the case. Having battled with my weight my entire life, I reached a pinnacle in 2016 tipping the scale at 250 pounds. It took a coveted invitation to Amsterdam for the 325th Anniversary Gala of … Read more
One of Eastern Europe’s biggest surprises today both in terms of evolution and culture is Warsaw. Largely rebuilt from scratch after World War II, it’s a city of surprises where artists, designers, chefs and a veritable treasure trove of creative types reside. Rooted squarely in its past, it has lately … Read more
As America’s Independence Day celebrations enter the home stretch, France’s Bastille Day festivities await. July 14th, 2019 marks 230 years since the Storming of the Bastille — a turning point in the French Revolution. Today, more than ever, there will be hundreds of events held in NYC to honor France’s … Read more
Calling all fashionistas, hipsters and arbiters of cool. Tokyo finally has a boutique hotel to call its own and it’s located in the fashion district of Shibuya, minutes by foot from Omotosando, one of the best shopping streets here and home to luxury brands Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. The … Read more
For those well-versed in the ritual of Après Ski, that delicious cocktail sipped fireside at the end of an awesome day on the slopes with friends is better than the skiing itself. But for the uninitiated, this rite of passage can perhaps be a bit “underwhelming”. What’s the big deal, … Read more
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a duty-free shop anywhere in the world, you’ve certainly noticed the fragrance Angel, by Thierry Mugler. The striking bottle shape and distinctive packaging usually stands out among the many perfume brands on the shelf. The well-known French fashion designer was at the pinnacle of … Read more
Miami Art Week happens each December where Miami becomes the center of the art world hosting over 20 art fairs, pop-up galleries and special exhibitions presenting the best in contemporary art. The week brings in artists and galleries from around the world, but it’s also a time when Miami celebrates … Read more
Tokyo is a city always on the move and forever changing. It had been three years since I last visited and I wanted to get out of the grid of the usual neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza. I was looking to go deeper, to explore non-touristy neighborhoods that join … Read more
Tokyo is a city always on the move and always changing. This wasn’t my first trip there, but it had been three years since my last visit. I was most familiar with the Shibuya neighborhood where I had visited numerous times. But Shibuya is much more than a neighborhood; it’s … Read more