Grateful for the Stories: Writing for Pasadena Magazine
Some stories stay with you long after the journey ends. I’m grateful to continue sharing those experiences in print with Pasadena Magazine, where travel still has the space to unfold thoughtfully on the page.
My print stories there have taken readers across the globe — from the icy landscapes of Antarctica, where I flew by helicopter over the white wilderness with Quark Expeditions, to unforgettable wildlife encounters on a Churchill Wild polar bear walking safari in Canada.
I also wrote about the thrill of being on the inaugural sailing of Icon of the Seas, which was the largest cruise ship in the world at the time of its debut — an extraordinary moment in cruise history.
Sometimes the most memorable stories come from small but surprising details. In Genoa, I discovered that pesto — the city’s culinary treasure — which is so beloved that travelers are allowed a special exception to carry it through security at the airport, meaning yes, your pesto can actually fly home with you.
Another favorite assignment explored Ireland’s legendary castles for my television special Celtic Charm. Filming across Ireland was magical, and the project went on to win a Telly Awards, a dotCOMM Awards, and a first-place journalism honor — recognition that made the journey even more meaningful.
These kinds of epic experiences are why I love being a travel journalist. But behind every story is a team that believes in the work. I’m especially grateful to editor Malina Savalfor championing thoughtful storytelling and giving these adventures a home in print.
And the journey continues. I’m excited for my newest story — exploring the beauty and surprises of Florida — to be published soon.
Travel keeps opening new doors, and I’m thankful for every editor, reader, and destination that makes the next story possible.
Thank you to Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for publishing my article, “Epic Antarctica Adventure: Paddleboarding, Helicopter Rides, and a Polar Plunge South of the Circle. Antarctica Ranks First When It Comes to Wilderness, Adventure and Breathtaking Beauty,” in the print May/June 2025 Summer Travel issue about my first time setting foot on my seventh continent with Quark Expeditions.
Thank you to Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for publishing my article, “Luxury Meets Wilderness on This Canadian Arctic Safari With Polar Bears and Beluga Whales: A Magical Arctic Safari Features Singing Beluga Whales and Playful Polar Bears” in the print May/June 2025 Summer Travel issue about my walking safari with polar bears with Churchill Wild.
Thank you to Malina Saval and Pasadena Magazine for this stunning two-page print feature on Ireland’s incredible castles! I am so grateful to share my story in print and online for St. Patrick’s Day from the March/April 2025 magazine. Explore the magic, history, and luxury of these iconic estates!
The Israeli singer returns the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills on Oct. 11 with “One More Night,” bringing the mix of Ladino, flamenco and Middle Eastern music that has defined much of her work.
“NAZA: The Real Story” focuses on the IDF’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties while fighting Hamas, portraying an army that takes extensive precautions before carrying out strikes.
“Naza” is not successful on any level as a documentary, but if judged on awards, and getting people who were already angry angrier, it very well may be.
After weeks of holiday feasting and heavy meals, the new Jewish year is a perfect time to reset, to nourish our bodies with food that is wholesome and still tastes delicious.
For Israel, and for everyone who believes that seemingly permanent conflicts need not remain permanent, what is unfolding in the South Caucasus deserves to be recognized, encouraged and protected.
I stood there in awe, my eyes blurring with tears, listening to the hush and experiencing the unnamed. I couldn’t tell which was stranger: feeling the rainforest in me, or me in the rainforest. And then my phone rang.
Following on the heels of his earlier presentations of the Passover Haggadah and the books of Esther and Jonah, Gorfinkel, known to his friends as “Gorf,” along with Israeli illustrator Yael Nathan and a team of specialized artists, have produced “The Koren Magerman Tanakh Graphic Novel: Bereshit Vol. 1,” which renders the first two Torah portions in Genesis, Bereshit and Noah, in dynamically engaging visual narrative form.
FZ1073 has a message for the world. For the terrorists striving to take innumerable Israeli lives and make the survivors’ lives unbearable, the message is that your love of death will never diminish our love of life nor make us any less determined to defend it.
A career becomes more rewarding when it supports rather than consumes the rest of life. Wealth becomes more meaningful when it creates security and enables generosity.
Epic Travel Stories in Pasadena Magazine: Antarctica Helicopters, Churchill Polar Bears & Ireland’s Celtic Charm
Lisa Ellen Niver
Grateful for the Stories: Writing for Pasadena Magazine
Some stories stay with you long after the journey ends. I’m grateful to continue sharing those experiences in print with Pasadena Magazine, where travel still has the space to unfold thoughtfully on the page. My print stories there have taken readers across the globe — from the icy landscapes of Antarctica, where I flew by helicopter over the white wilderness with Quark Expeditions, to unforgettable wildlife encounters on a Churchill Wild polar bear walking safari in Canada.Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Religious Violence and Other Failures
The End of the Beginning – A poem for Parsha Bereshit
A Bisl Torah ~ Sharp Anchoring
A Moment in Time: October 7 – We Will Not be Defined by Loss
Simchat Torah is the Antidote of Hevel
Print Issue: The Genocide Case Against Hamas | October 9, 2026
Yasmin Levy Refuses to Put Ladino Music in a Museum
The Israeli singer returns the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills on Oct. 11 with “One More Night,” bringing the mix of Ladino, flamenco and Middle Eastern music that has defined much of her work.
Amichai
‘NAZA: The Real Story’ Gains Momentum as Counter-Film Challenges Gaza Documentary
“NAZA: The Real Story” focuses on the IDF’s efforts to avoid civilian casualties while fighting Hamas, portraying an army that takes extensive precautions before carrying out strikes.
‘NAZA’ Proves Nada
“Naza” is not successful on any level as a documentary, but if judged on awards, and getting people who were already angry angrier, it very well may be.
Jewish Businessman Takes Pro-Palestinian Group to Court … and Wins
“I have no problem with freedom of speech, but don’t call me a baby killer” – Philip Krawitz
Ynon Kreiz to Leave Mattel and Co-Lead Combined Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery
Kreiz will join the board and oversee day-to-day management and integration of the businesses.
Rabbis of LA | IDF Veteran Remembers October 7, 2023
Second of two parts
The Virtues of Fresh Salads
After weeks of holiday feasting and heavy meals, the new Jewish year is a perfect time to reset, to nourish our bodies with food that is wholesome and still tastes delicious.
Table for Five: Bereshit
Primordial Light
Olympic Legend Moved By Hostage Painting
Dwight Stones, who was born in Los Angeles and is Jewish, has long been a strong supporter of Israel.
On Oct. 7, Reflections on Remembrance
Even as we mourn everything we’ve lost, let us also remember the moments of hope and healing — moments that restore our faith in humanity’s promise.
Rosner’s Domain | Remembering Oct. 7, Politically Speaking
October 7 is a day that already reverberates powerfully in the consciousness of every Jew. But the meaning of it has yet to be deciphered.
When Peace Becomes Possible: A Lesson from the South Caucasus
For Israel, and for everyone who believes that seemingly permanent conflicts need not remain permanent, what is unfolding in the South Caucasus deserves to be recognized, encouraged and protected.
Mamdani Uses Oct. 7 to Accuse Israel of the Worst Crime in History
Even on this singular day to honor the victims of Oct. 7, the mayor kept the poison coming.
The Other Shoe
I stood there in awe, my eyes blurring with tears, listening to the hush and experiencing the unnamed. I couldn’t tell which was stranger: feeling the rainforest in me, or me in the rainforest. And then my phone rang.
A New Graphic Novel Re-Presents the Bible
Following on the heels of his earlier presentations of the Passover Haggadah and the books of Esther and Jonah, Gorfinkel, known to his friends as “Gorf,” along with Israeli illustrator Yael Nathan and a team of specialized artists, have produced “The Koren Magerman Tanakh Graphic Novel: Bereshit Vol. 1,” which renders the first two Torah portions in Genesis, Bereshit and Noah, in dynamically engaging visual narrative form.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 and the Indomitability of the Jews
FZ1073 has a message for the world. For the terrorists striving to take innumerable Israeli lives and make the survivors’ lives unbearable, the message is that your love of death will never diminish our love of life nor make us any less determined to defend it.
Achievement, Relationship, Purpose
A career becomes more rewarding when it supports rather than consumes the rest of life. Wealth becomes more meaningful when it creates security and enables generosity.
Oct. 7 Haunts the Campus
Students like me have come to understand that pro-Israel students being othered is the new campus normal. It shouldn’t be.
My Three Sons
I just completed a project I started in November 2023: taking each of my three sons on vacation separately.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.