IDEAS TOWAKE UP TO

Dr. Shireen Rahimi 
Iranian-American filmmaker, marine scientist, and freediving cinematographer

Through stunning above and below water images and evocative storytelling, Dr. Shireen Rahimi uses her camera to enhance our emotional connection to the wonder of the natural world, often highlighting some of the threats that endanger its very existence.

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IDEAS TOWAKE UP TO

Merle Liivand
Estonian national competitive swimmer, model, aquapreneur 

Estonian swimming champion and real-life mermaid, Merle Liivand, uses her powerful stroke and mermaid tail to bring attention to how plastic is destroying our oceans, its shorelines, and the flora and fauna that inhabit them.

Click here to find out how she sets the record straight by only using her core and mermaid fin to raise awareness of the oceans.

Video credits: World Economic Forum

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IDEAS TOWAKE UP TO

Moderated by Ombretta Agró Andruff 
Founder and Executive Director, ARTSail Residency and Research Initiative 

An Italian-born, Miami-based freelance curator and climate activist, Ombretta brings more than twenty years of curatorial expertise with an international practice across non-profit institutions, commercial galleries, and art advisory pursuits with private clients. 

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SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

Cool off with the kids! EAST Miami's Guest Experience Supervisor Karina shares her top five summer things to do with her son. 

SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

PHILLIP AND PATRICIA FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE 

An interesting museum with lots of different exhibits. There are so many interactive things. Plus, they have a very nice aquarium and the planetarium is AMAZING.  

SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

SOUTH POINTE PARK

This has been my son’s favourite spot since we moved to Miami. There are so many activities in the same place – a splash water park, a very nice playground, the beach. It’s safe, and parking isn’t expensive either.  

SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

ZOO MIAMI  

This is the largest zoo in Florida. I love the fact that you can interact with the animals. Giraffes are one of my son’s favourite animals and you can feed them here.  

SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

BAYSIDE MARKETPLACE

A great place with a wide variety of activities and restaurants. 

SUMMER FOR FAMILIESIN MIAMI

CRANDON GOLF AT KEY BISCAYNE 

You don’t need to be a professional golf player to enjoy being here with your family. Most people go just to have fun, and I love the fact there is nature around – you’ll see iguanas all over the place. 

COFFEE WITH A CAUSE

This summer, EAST Beijing’s barista team has launched a special creation, the Coconut Coffee Delight. It’s more than just delicious – the sustainable, fair-trade coffee beans in it support a good cause and help make a difference.

COFFEE WITH A CAUSE

The seasonal set includes one cup of cold-brew coffee and one coconut latte mousse, which uses fair-trade coffee beans from the ASOBAGRI women's co-op in the Huehuetenango area of Guatemala. The co-op promotes gender equality and has a “Con Manos de Mujer” (“with the hands of women”) certification by MAYACERT. These beans are part of Arabica’s Sustainable Coffee Series, which incorporates the ideals of sustainable agriculture, purchasing, roasting, packaging and future education. 

Credit/Provider
Jeremias Garcia Argueta

Copyright
Photograph by Jeremias Garcia Argueta. © 2016 Fair Trade USA.

MICHELLE

RESERVATIONS AND REVENUE MANAGER
EAST MIAMI

You, in a nutshell:
Born and raised in Miami! I love the year-round sunshine. I am a foodie and enjoy cooking traditional Nicaraguan food with lots of rice, fried dishes and cheese (not healthy but it’s worth it)

Describe Miami in three words:
Exciting, innovative, sunny.

Favourite food in Miami:
Gallo Pinto (traditional central American rice).

Favourite corner in Miami:
Cape Florida Light House at Key Biscayne.

Must-go place in Miami:
Flanigan’s Restaurant.

JACKY

GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGER
EAST BEIJING

You, in a nutshell:
I’m a local Beijinger and we’re known for being conversational and warm-hearted, traits I like to think I bring to work. I always say, “We can’t do everything for our guests, but we can ensure we do our best to help them get the most out of their stay.”

Describe Beijing in three words:
Captivating, historical, influential.

Favourite food in Beijing:
Roast duck – there are two different ways to cook it and both are delicious.

Favourite corner in Beijing:
A hutong for traditional Beijing architecture and atmosphere – like Yandai Xie Jie hutong (named for its appearance like a cigarette pouch).

Must-go place in Beijing:
The Great Wall, for sure. The Mutianyu section is the longest and well preserved.

FRANCES

HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
EAST HONG KONG

You, in a nutshell:
I’m a yoga learner and a cat lover, who enjoys going on different adventures to enjoy Hong Kong’s nature whilst taking my tasting buds on a world tour!

Describe Hong Kong in three words:
Vibrant, multi-cultural, sophisticated.

Favourite food in Hong Kong:
Hotpot.

Favourite corner in Hong Kong:
Soho, Central – love these trendy areas with lots of small shops and different authentic cuisines.

Must-go place in Hong Kong:
Victoria Peak by tram.