Fabulous one-day itineraries designed exclusively for SilverKris readers.
Paris
Milan
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Content accurate at time of publication
01 Jan 2012
It’s that time of year again, when we make pledges to better ourselves in the year ahead. NICK WALTON has some holiday solutions to help you make good on your New Year’s resolutions.
Learn my Place in the World
TOUR THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
If you’ve ever questioned the meaning of your existence or simply have an inquisitive mind, there’s no place like the Smithsonian. Founded in 1846, it comprises 19 independent museums (including the National Museum of Natural History; above), galleries and the National Zoological Park, making it the world’s largest place of learning with some 137 million items in its collection. The National Portrait Gallery and National Air and Space Museum offer volunteer-guided tours, but the best place to start is with a tour of the Smithsonian Information Center. Here, watch a video of the museums and pick up brochures to orientate yourself. If you’re keen to tackle this solo, there’s plenty of information available, from catalogues to guidebooks and DVD learning sets. Since you won’t be able to see it all in a day, it’s a good thing the Mandarin Oriental is located a short walk away.
Give Back to the World
BE A VOLUNTOURIST IN A BRAZILIAN FAVELA
Project Favela focuses on the most impoverished neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro (above) by giving visitors a chance to help less fortunate families in one of the world’s largest slums. Regardless of your experience or skill sets, everyone can make a difference. The Project Favela programme, which takes in everyone from doctors and engineers to carpenters, teachers and artists, will place you with one of numerous NGOs working in the area. It is a great way to explore South America while giving back to society, not to mention making lifelong memories in the process. The programme (which runs from two to 12 weeks) includes private airport transfers, lodging, a survival kit and a welcome bag with prepaid bus and subway cards.
