Global Cultures & Travel   

Join Jim Jindrick, a resident of Southern Arizona for over 40 years, for an engaging class presented by WhereAZ. Tucson and the broader Southern Arizona region offer a wealth of unique experiences to see, do, hear, touch, taste, and absorb—making it a truly special place in the world. This class provides a comprehensive pictorial overview that highlights the diverse cultural, natural, and historical attractions of the area. Participants will gain valuable insights into the region’s distinctive qualities and will be equipped with practical tools to explore it further.

From 1831-1836, Charles Darwin circumnavigated the globe aboard the HMS Beagle. In the Galapagos Islands and elsewhere, Darwin collected data that, after decades of study and reflection, formed part of the basis for his publication On the Origin of Species. The ideas presented in that volume remain the foundation of all modern biological thought. Drawing upon original source materials and the instructor’s photos, this course will present the historical and cultural context of Darwin’s era, follow the five-year journey, discuss how Darwin came to his ideas, and explain his theories in detail. Please note that you will need to create a free account with NRC to access the meeting link and any course materials.

Join Dr. Kelly Nelson—proudly 50% Finnish-American—for a lively, illustrated exploration of the vibrant contemporary art scene in Helsinki. This 2025 tour includes highlights from the Helsinki Biennial, visits to three standout art museums, and a look at some of the city’s striking new architecture that blends innovation with Nordic design traditions. From there, Dr. Nelson hops across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, Estonia, where she covers a few contemporary art gems tucked within this historic Baltic capital.

The vibrant country of Morocco is located at the far western edge of North Africa and the Middle East, less than twenty miles from Europe. We explore its geography and history, then focus on the current society, religion, and political system of this historic kingdom—the first to recognize the United States upon its independence. Note: Dr. Parmentier is leading an OLLI Corps trip to Morocco in May 2026.

Looking to vicariously escape the 100+ degree Arizona temperatures? Let’s take a trip through the eyes of a travel writer to four chilly, off-the-beaten-path destinations—Greenland, Spitsbergen, Iceland, and the White Continent of Antarctica. Learn about the indigenous cultures and wildlife living in these territories and see some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. You might even get some inspiration for your next vacation. Our presenter, Dan Fellner, has written about and photographed all four destinations for the Arizona Republic’s Travel section and will share his recommendations on how best to experience these fascinating places.

From "Jaws" to "The Graduate," "James Bond" to "The Birds," "Midnight Express" to "Breaking Bad," take a journey with a leading travel journalist to explore the places around the world where some of the most iconic movies and TV series were filmed. We’ll also visit the childhood haunts of Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Buddy Holly, and learn about a British pop star’s surprising connection to the Alamo.

April 2025 will mark Arizona Highways magazine’s 100th birthday. How did a brochure produced by the Arizona Highway Department become one of the most revered travel publications in the world? How has Arizona Highways remained relevant for a century while other national magazines have failed? Former Arizona Highways publisher Win Holden will share the inside story of how this extraordinary publication has not only survived but thrived—attracting elite landscape photographers and adopting an unconventional business model that incorporates licensing, retailing, and ancillary products. The presentation features dozens of historical and contemporary photographs that tell the compelling story of a magazine delivering over $65 million in annual economic impact to the state by captivating subscribers in all 50 states and 100 countries.

An understanding and appreciation of the religions of our neighbors is essential to a civil society. In this two-session class, Chris O’Brien—MIM docent, Fulbright winner, and extensively traveled world history teacher—will guide participants on a basic and practical journey through the religions of Islam and Sikhism. Chris will focus on the beliefs, practices, and social aspects of each religion, covering how each has evolved both historically and spiritually. We will also explore some of the interactions that have taken place between these religions. Class materials will be emailed to each participant and posted on the course website prior to the first session. This allows participants the option to preview the materials, print them, and bring notes to class. Session two will include a guided tour of an Islamic mosque and a Sikh temple. Transportation is not provided by OLLI; Chris will meet members at a predetermined location.

The aim of this class is to provide members with a comprehensive understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous Americans, both historically and in the present day. Instructor Greg Hansen, a member of the Southern Ponca tribe, leads the class through an intense and interactive experience delving into the candid realities of topics ranging from: Who is considered Native American, what is federal sovereignty, how one becomes a tribal member, the use of blood quantum, and the pros-and-cons of casinos. We will also cover federally recognized tribes located in Arizona.

First in a series of cozy mysteries set in modern-day Singapore, this fun and accessible book follows “Aunty” Rosy Lee—a “kaypoh” (busybody) widow, restaurateur, and amateur detective—who serves up mouth-watering dishes in her café while solving local crimes on the side. When a tourist’s body washes up on the beautiful beach of Sentosa, Aunty Lee is on the case, doling out advice alongside the secrets of Peranakan cooking in equal measure. Yu’s novel tackles important themes such as family, aging, love, and tolerance while providing a complex portrayal of the Southeast Asian island nation, where “money flows freely and people of many religions and ethnicities co-exist peacefully, but where tensions lurk just below the surface.” Students will obtain their own copy of Aunty Lee’s Delights (2013) by Ovidia Yu, available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible editions.

Explore the vibrant life and sudden destruction of Pompeii, the Roman city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Through vivid images, historical accounts, and recent archaeological discoveries, we’ll uncover daily life in Pompeii—from bustling markets and lavish villas to graffiti and gladiators. Then, fate suddenly struck on August 24, 79 CE. This session also considers how the city’s rediscovery in the 18th century shaped modern understandings of Roman culture, class, and catastrophe.

This class offers an engaging introduction to Italy’s fascinating history, culture, art, and food. Led by Jennifer Adams, Ph.D., Instructor of Italian in ASU’s School of International Letters and Cultures, we will tour the country’s regions and highlight their exceptional culinary traditions, explore the basics of Italian art and architecture, and discover how to live the dolce vita like a true Italian. The course also includes short, practical lessons in basic Italian words and phrases useful for travel, dining, and cultural interaction.

As one of the world’s most beloved cuisines, it might be surprising to learn that a single, unified Italian cuisine hardly exists. The truth is that Italian food is still largely defined by its regions—each region in Italy has created its own unique culinary tradition. These cooking traditions shape people’s identities just as much as their dialects and traditional costumes do. Local cooking preferences and customs are influenced by geographic, historical, and climatic differences: some regions are landlocked and mountainous, while others hug the sea and are hilly; some have absorbed Arab or Greek influences, while others bear the marks of French or Austrian rule. Additionally, some regions enjoy the dazzling Mediterranean sun most of the year, whereas others experience cold winters, snow, fog, and harsh winds.

Come hear the story of a man who has taken many a road off the beaten path both here in Phoenix and all around the world! Featured in USA Today for his motley array of interesting experiences, Mark Gluckman will share with members his insights from traveling the world frugally as well as his work navigating the contemporary gig-economy through his multiple jobs balancing being a freelance photographer, wine consultant, and part-time actor. This seminar-style opportunity will also include time for questions and answers so that you can gain any specific, practical advice that you may be curious about.

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Step into the shadowy corners of the ancient Mediterranean, where gods weren’t the only ones pulling strings. From curse tablets hidden in graves to love spells inscribed on lead, ancient Greeks and Romans turned to magic to bind enemies, attract lovers, and ward off evil. This session explores the fascinating world of sorcery, omens, and everyday superstition—where priestesses, witches, and household spirits shaped fate. Join us for a journey into the mystical mindset of antiquity, where the boundary between religion and magic was anything but clear.

 

Native peoples have given us some of the most renowned military, political, and spiritual leaders ever recorded. Moved by their dedication to protecting their people, traditions, and homelands, this presentation delves into the lesser-known traditional stories and histories of great Indigenous leaders such as Crazy Horse, Geronimo, Sitting Bull, Wilma Mankiller, and the great Chief Joseph. Join Greg Hansen, Tribal Relations Coordinator for the Arizona Conservation Corps, to learn about these celebrated Native women and men through traditional storytelling and be inspired by their unyielding devotion to preserving their traditional lifeways.

This lecture will explore the history of the French language from its Latin origins to the present, with a focus on the relationship between French and English. We will examine maps, monuments, manuscript illuminations, and paintings to establish the historical context of each era of linguistic development. Next, we will discuss the major phenomena that shaped both spoken and written French. Much of our discussion will focus on the French influence on English in the late Middle Ages, as well as the influence of English on French since the nineteenth century. Other topics include the transition from Latin to French, the reasons people began writing in French, how French dialects were replaced by a standard language, and the future of the French language.

The Celtic fringe is composed of six nations: Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales. Through their ancient language and culture, they are the inheritors of nearly three thousand years of unbroken cultural tradition. Welsh author Emyr Humphreys said, "At any time since the eleventh century, it could have disappeared, but for the determination of one generation or another that it should not." This class will trace the history of the Celts and their culture. Please take care of time zone changes towards the end of this course due to shifts in Daylight Saving time as this class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. in PST.

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean, these volcanic islands have a fascinating and rich history - both geological and cultural. Upon visiting the islands, these histories are apparent in the charming architecture, numerous volcanic features, and gorgeous landscapes, where the Ocean is never far away. This course will introduce you to these islands and their unique heritage and culture, illustrated with numerous photos.

Join us on a delightful culinary journey designed for members ready to step outside their food “comfort zone.” Together, we’ll explore diverse cultures through cuisine, meeting for lunch at a variety of ethnic restaurants—from central Phoenix to the West Valley. These unique gatherings will take place in our informal classroom settings, where you’ll savor authentic flavors, make new friends, and deepen your appreciation for global traditions. Perfect for food lovers seeking adventure and connection! This SIG will meet once a month on Thursdays through December. The restaurant for the first meet-up will be shared after registration. Future Thursday lunch dates will be chosen collectively by the group.

Fees for this SIG will vary based on restaurant prices.