Travel USA

On the road: Three US states and two time zones in 15 minutes

From Las Vegas, Nevada, to Utah – via Arizona

Interstate 15 from Nevada to Utah ©Rebecca Hillauer

From Las Vegas, I’m continuing my journey to St. George, Utah, by minibus shuttle. The route takes us through the Virgin River Gorge, which is considered one of the most scenic drives in the USA. It’s located neither in Nevada nor in Utah – but in Arizona. More here.

Culture Travel USA

On the road: Oatman, the donkey town in Arizona

Wild West revived in an old gold mining town

Historic Oatman town sign ©Rebecca Hillauer

Before I leave Las Vegas, I drive to neighboring Arizona, to Oatman, famous for its wild donkeys. Because of them, crowds of people are drawn to this remote desert area. A legendary revolver duel also takes place. More here.

Culture Travel USA

On the road: Las Vegas, part 3

Impressions away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip

Street sign ©Rebecca Hillauer

The neighborhood where I’m staying for a week in Las Vegas is considered “historic.” Founded in 1947, the houses are ranch-style bungalows. Although it’s only 15 minutes drive to the city center and the Strip, it’s quiet and has a small-town feel. More here.

Culture World

From the road: Peaceful holidays!

Once again to everyone celebrating on this Christmas Eve

Maria durch ein Dornwald ging (with English subtitels)

This is still my favorite German Christmas song. My thanks go to my former singing teacher, Juliane Gabriel, who introduced me to it. You can listen to my preferred version from 2024 here.

Nature/Environment Travel USA

On the road: Las Vegas, part 2

Valley of Fire, a Saturday night and Sunday at the casino

View through the rear window ©Rebecca Hillauer

I also came to the “entertainment capital of the world” to see it at least once – and to try my luck at a slot machine. The area also offers spectacular landscapes. More here.

Travel USA

On the road: Las Vegas, part 1

Las Vegas confronts me with a sad memory.

Oversized hotels, bombastic shows and casinos that always win in the end. An art world in the middle of the desert. I came here to see an old friend from Germany and to look after two small dogs. More here.

Statue of Liberty in Las Vegas ©Rebecca Hillauer
Comment Culture Guest post World

Between whitening-cremes and wax prints

Africa’s elites and their gaze toward whiteness

Soap advertisment in Nigeria ©Rebecca Hillauer

Many African women still bleach their skin to emulate a perceived ideal of beauty and buy Western luxury brands. African postage stamps feature white celebrities. Guest post. More here.

Nature/Environment Portrait USA Women

Woman pioneer of solar technology

125th birthday of biophysicist Mária Telkes

Born on December 12, 1900, in Budapest, Mária Telkes became famous in the USA as the “Sun Queen.” During World War II, she developed a portable solar distiller and in 1948, she designed one of the first solar-heated houses. More here.

Mária Telkes / Wikipedia
Politics USA Women World

Justice for Anna Mae Aquash?

50 years ago, the indigenous activist was murdered.

Anna Mae Aquash ©Denise Pictou Maloney 

Anna Mae Aquash was kidnapped, interrogated, and ultimately executed because she was accused to be a FBI informant. To this day, her family demands answers about those behind her murder. The streaming service Hulu is showing a documentary series about her story. More here.