Everyone should travel to Mexico at least once for their Day of the Dead celebrations. It takes place every year on November 1st and November 2nd. On these days, it is believed that the line opens up between the real world and spirit world. The first night honors the children who have passed on and the second night honors the adults.

Here is a great explanation of this holiday courtesy of the History Channel.

“During this brief period, the souls of the dead awaken and return to the living world to feast, drink, dance and play music with their loved ones. In turn, the living family members treat the deceased as honored guests in their celebrations, and leave deceased’s favorite foods and other offering at grave sites or on the ofrendas built in their homes.”

This takes place in cemeteries and grave sites throughout the whole of Mexico however the most popular spots to visit are Oaxaca and Patzcuaro (with the latter is especially popular among Mexicans).

Being there is something you probably won’t experience anywhere else in the world. The atmosphere is so incredible that it almost feels like a party atmosphere where you can listen and dance the music playing. Every tombstone is lit up with candles which makes for such a beautiful setting.

During the festivities you get the chance to get your face painted to look like a skull, taste a variety of sweet candies, eat a piece of ‘Pan de Muertos’ and observe a variety of beautiful floral patterns displayed throughout the city. You will typically see truckloads of marigold flowers (cempasúchil) everywhere which are used to decorate each tombstone during Day of the Dead.

Below are some pictures I took during last year’s festivities. Feel free to share your experiences on the most interesting festival or celebration you have attended.

Frosted Flakes

Western Kentucky Guard Dalano Bantan Commits to Nebrasketball | Basketball | Corn Nation |

The Nebraska men’s basketball team added another talented newcomer on Wednesday, as Coach Fred Hoiberg announced the addition of Western Kentucky transfer Dalano Banton (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) to the Husker roster.

Hoiberg still settling in, but confident in direction Husker Hoops is heading | Basketball | Lincoln Journal Star |

Hoiberg said he’s stopping by his pal Scott Frost’s place later this week to pick up some tips on house hunting in the middle of remaking a roster. ”I think the world of Scott,” Hoiberg said. “He was one of the first guys to reach out after I agreed to become coach here.”

RB Johnson takes aim, at blistering track times, then he’ll try to catch on fast at NU | Football | Lincoln Journal Star |

The Bergen Catholic (New Jersey) senior and Nebraska running back signee said recently that he aims to crack into the 10.2-second range in the 100 meters and go sub-21 seconds in the 200 in the coming weeks as his outdoor season heats up.

Five former Huskers named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League | Volleyball | omaha.com |

Former Huskers Mikaela Foecke, Jordan Larson, Kelsey Robinson, Kadie Rolfzen and Justine Wong-Orantes were named to Team USA’s preliminary roster for the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, USA Volleyball announced Wednesday.

Pro soccer is coming to Omaha: New team will begin play at Werner Park in 2020 | Soccer | omaha.com |

Officials from the United Soccer League came to town Wednesday to announce that Gary Green, owner of the Omaha Storm Chasers minor league baseball team, has been awarded a franchise in USL League One. The team will begin play at Werner Park in March 2020.

College Football Post-Spring Top 25: Sizing Up 2019’s Top Teams Entering the Summer | Football | Sports Illustrated |

Nebraska checks in at #24 in this Sports Illustrated Post-Spring Poll.

Sports on Twitter

Is Nebraska trying to entice Thanos to visit Lincoln?

Would you sacrifice fries for a foul ball?

Same guy. Different food item. Funny thing is the pizza landed right in the lady’s lap and she brushed it off.

One of our writers takes a shot at a former OWH writer.

Messi scored this amazing free kick goal against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final match yesterday. He could not have placed it any better.

Big news in the track and field world. Female South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya was born with unusually high levels of testosterone in her body. She has been destroying her competition in recent years but is now being ordered by the IAAF to take pills which reduce her testosterone levels in order to compete.

Travel/Extras

10 Best Places to Travel in May | Travel | Afar |

How many of these places have you visited?

Ready to jump-start your summer travels? Whether you want to lounge beachside, hike iconic trails, see world-famous works of art, or meander through medieval city centers, here are our picks for the ultimate May trip.

15 Most Naturally Beautiful Countries | Travel | Travel & Leisure |

Do you agree with this list? I have visited 6 of the 15 countries listed there.

The report takes into account several factors, including the number of World Heritage natural sites, the total known number of species and protected areas, and the natural tourism digital demand. And, of course, they also looked at the attractiveness of natural assets.

13 Scariest Airports to Fly Into | Travel | Conde Nast Traveler |

Do you have any scary airport landing stories?

Flying might be one of the safest modes of transportation, but you must admit—landing at one of these airports will make even the most confident flier grip the armrest. These are some of the scariest airport landings our Traveler network has experienced.

Tacos. Tequila. Telenovelas. Nairobi Embraces Its Mexican Soul. | Travel | New York Times |

This is an interesting article about the popularity of Mexican culture in Kenya.

Although the number of actual Mexicans in Nairobi is small — about 200 people, according to embassy estimates — and they don’t have a defined neighborhood, their influence on the city’s cultural life is hard to miss.

The Best Hike in Every State | Hiking | Outside |

Have you done any of these hikes?

Alpine scrambles and beach-front strolls; multi-day adventures and quick urban escapes; soaring trees and rolling sand dunes—every state in the country has something to offer intrepid hikers. So we rounded up a bucket-list-worthy, best-of-the-best guide.

Facebook Dating opens to friends with Secret Crush | Technology | Tech Crunch |

It looks this is your best chance to tell our founder, Jon Johnston, how much you love him.

Facebook built Dating to be privacy-safe, hoping to avoid the awkwardness of friends or family checking out your romance profile. But now Facebook has found a way to let you silently express your affection for a friend without them knowing unless they reciprocate.

Mysterious Ancient Human Found on the ‘Roof of the World’ | Science | National Geographic |

This is such an incredible discovery! I am always fascinated by this stuff!

A fossil jaw shatters records for the earliest inhabitants of the Tibetan Plateau—and gives new insights into the enigmatic Denisovans.

Shameless Plug of my Hiking Videos on YouTube Because Jon Johnston Told Me to Promote Myself

I did the ‘Tre Cime Di Lavaredo’ hike in Italy last August. This is one of the most popular hikes to do in Italy. My hiking video will give you plenty of reasons why it is so popular. I’m sure lots of cowbells helps too.