Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
The Street Artist
How One Woman Uses Art to Make the Homeless Visible THE CHALK OUTLINE OF FORGOTTEN LIVES 🖍️ Maria Alvarez does not sell her art in galleries or display it in museums because her canvas is the sidewalk and her subjects are the homeless people who sleep on those sidewalks and who are walked past by thousands of commuters daily without being acknowledged or even consciously perceived, and Maria's art involves creating life-size chalk portraits around the actual sleeping positions of homeless individuals during the early morning hours before they wake, so that when morning commuters arrive they see vivid colorful artistic representations of human beings in the exact spots where they would normally see nothing because they have trained themselves to look through homeless people as though they were part of the urban landscape rather than human beings deserving of acknowledgment 🌆
By The Curious Writerabout 10 hours ago in Viva
The Tattoo Artist
How One Woman Transforms Trauma Into Art on Human Skin THE CANVAS NOBODY CHOOSES 💪 Elara Chen does not work in an ordinary tattoo shop and does not create ordinary tattoos because her clients come to her not with designs they found on Pinterest but with scars they want transformed, surgical scars and self-harm scars and burn scars and mastectomy scars and the countless other marks that trauma leaves on human skin that serve as permanent visible reminders of the worst moments of their owners' lives, and Elara's gift is the ability to see in these damaged landscapes of skin the foundation for artwork that does not hide the scar but incorporates it, making the wound part of the beauty rather than something beauty must conceal 🌸
By The Curious Writera day ago in Viva
'Bridgerton': Why Waiting For Eloise's Story Isn't Such A Bad Thing
Since the hit fourth season of Bridgerton ended, fans have eagerly speculated on which sibling would follow after second-son Benedict Bridgerton, to become the romantic lead for season five: marriage-averse Eloise, played by Claudia Jesse, or the recently widowed Francesca, played by Hannah Dodd. It was recently confirmed that Francesca would take the spotlight, finding a second chance at love with her late Husband John Stirling's cousin, Michaela, in the show's first queer leading romance.
By Kristy Anderson3 days ago in Viva
The Curve of Elegance: Why the Oval Engagement Ring is 2026’s Ultimate Style Icon
In the delicate dance of choosing a symbol for lifelong commitment, the shape of the stone often speaks louder than its size. For decades, the round brilliant cut was the undisputed sovereign of the jewellery world. However, as we move through 2026, a new silhouette has claimed the hearts of modern brides across the UK. The oval engagement rings have transitioned from a vintage alternative to a contemporary masterpiece, offering a blend of traditional brilliance and a uniquely modern, flattering aesthetic.
By Mohd Kaish4 days ago in Viva
Why I’m Trading the Round Diamond for a Cushion: The Bold Return of Soft Luxury
We live in an era that often feels incredibly sharp. From the crisp lines of our modern architecture to the high-definition screens we stare at all day, everything is pointed and precise. Perhaps that is why, as we navigate through 2026, there is a collective yearning for something softer, something with a bit more "soul." In the world of fine jewellery, this sentiment has led to the massive resurgence of cushion diamond rings.
By Mohd Kaish4 days ago in Viva
The Return of the Marquise: Why 2026 is the Year of the 'Royal' Silhouette
In the cyclical world of jewellery, what was once considered "old-fashioned" often returns with a renewed sense of vigour and sophistication. We saw it with the resurgence of yellow gold, and now, in 2026, we are witnessing the triumphant return of the marquise engagement rings. Originally commissioned by King Louis XV of France to resemble the perfectly shaped lips of the Marquise de Pompadour, this cut carries a romantic heritage that few other shapes can match.
By Mohd Kaish4 days ago in Viva
What Makes Singapore a Top Travel Destination. AI-Generated.
Singapore is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. This island city-state in Southeast Asia is well-known for its top-class attractions and multicultural heritage. It has a distinct charm that draws tourists back time and time again with its modern city centres that are surrounded by lovely gardens.
By Rochell Megan11 days ago in Viva
Why Mirissa Is One of Sri Lanka’s Most Loved Beach Destinations
Located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the laid-back beachside town of Mirissa has become one of the island's most popular beachside destinations. Though it may not be as lively as other major beachside towns, Mirissa manages to strike a perfect balance between natural beauty, a relaxed atmosphere, and fun activities.
By Daphne Olga11 days ago in Viva
What Gives Kataragama Its Deep Religious Significance. AI-Generated.
For travellers interested in the religious and historical side of a nation, one worth visiting in Asia would be the island of Sri Lanka. The town of Kataragama, located in the south of the country, is a place where religion plays quite a significant role in everyday life. People travel long distances to pray here, fulfil vows and give thanks. Here is a breakdown of what makes the town of Kataragama one of the holiest sites in the country.
By Rochell Megan12 days ago in Viva
What Makes Souq Waqif One of Doha's Must-Visit Cultural Destinations
Doha is a city of extraordinary contrasts. Its skyline, one of the most dramatic in the Middle East, rises from the edge of the Arabian Gulf in a display of architectural ambition that speaks to Qatar's rapid and remarkable transformation over recent decades. Yet just a short distance from the gleaming towers of the West Bay district lies a place that tells an entirely different story — one of merchants and falconers, of hand-ground spices and hand-stitched thobes, of a trading culture that predates the modern city by centuries. Souq Waqif, Doha's oldest and most beloved marketplace, is not a reconstruction or a heritage theme park.
By Claudia Fennel12 days ago in Viva
Why Mozambique’s Island Getaways Are Among Africa’s Most Enchanting Beach Destinations
Mozambique’s coastline does not announce itself loudly. It runs along the Indian Ocean without drawing much attention to itself, opening up to islands that feel far removed from busy travel routes. These are not places built around crowds or constant movement. Instead, they unfold gradually, guided by tides, weather, and light. Understanding why Mozambique’s island getaways are among Africa’s most enchanting beach destinations begins with recognising how little has been altered—and how much that changes the experience.
By Daphne Olga12 days ago in Viva
