CultureJuly 31, 2026
Is There Really a Mermaid Legend in Greece?
Yes — Greek folklore tells of Thessalonike, half-sister of Alexander the Great, who became an immortal mermaid and questioned passing sailors in the Aegean.
3 min read
Topic
Culture
From the Library
From the Editions
No. 17CultureSeptember 7, 2026
You Can Come by Yourself: What Solo Travelers Should Know About Joining a Hosted Group
Waiting for someone to travel with can mean waiting for years. A hosted group can give you the confidence to finally say yes, even when you’re coming on your own.
5 min read
No. 13CultureAugust 24, 2026
The Curse of Lokrum Island
When Benedictine monks were forced from their island home, legend says they left behind a trail of melted wax—and a curse upon anyone who tried to possess Lokrum.
1 min read
No. 10CultureAugust 17, 2026
Mystery Monday: 23,000 Carvings in a Hawaiian Lava Field. But Why?
More than 23,000 images are carved into an ancient Hawaiian lava field. But thousands of the smallest markings reveal a beautiful story about newborn babies, ancestry, and a hope families have shared for centuries.
2 min read
No. 7CultureAugust 13, 2026
What Is a Duck Fart in Alaska?
Planning an Alaska cruise or vacation? Here's one quirky little Alaska tradition you might spot on the drink menu — the famous Duck Fart.
2 min read
No. 4CultureAugust 10, 2026
The Kushtaka: Alaska’s Mysterious Land Otter Man
Alaska is known for glaciers, wildlife and breathtaking scenery—but its stories run much deeper. Discover the Tlingit tradition of the Kushtaka, the mysterious “Land Otter Man” said to move between the human world and the wild.
2 min read
No. 3CultureJuly 31, 2026
Is There Really a Mermaid Legend in Greece?
Greek folklore says Thessalonike, the half-sister of Alexander the Great, became an immortal mermaid — and for centuries sailors answered her one question to cross the Aegean safely.
5 min read
No. 2CultureJuly 30, 2026
Why Does Greece's Most Famous Drink Turn White?
If you've ever watched someone pour water into a crystal-clear glass of ouzo, you've probably had the same reaction I did… "Wait… what just happened?"
4 min read