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Morning Mist, Wadi Rum, Jordan
We were driving early morning from Petra toward Wadi Rum on Jordan’s ...
Guard at the Treasury, Petra, Jordan
Like a lot of other people, the first I ever knew a place like Petra, Jordan existed was because of the Indiana Jones movie. And even then, I wasn’t sure it hadn’t been reconstructed on a back lot somewhere. But no, it’s real. And it’s a lot bigger than just the treasury building. (The so-called […]
The Bayeux Tapestry, Normandy, France
The Bayeux Tapestry was the medieval equivalent of a newspaper, or at least a speech by a politician. It tells the story in pictures and words of the rationale and the history behind the Norman Conquest of England. In fact, William the Conquerer, the Norman duke who defeated the English King Harold at the Battle […]
Food and Shelter in Florence
Our Eurail Pass traveling was winding down when we hit Florence. Instead of pressing on, we stayed for two weeks, including Christmas. It was a good chance to refresh our memories of Florence, to discover new neighborhoods, and revisit some favorite works of art. Oh, so many recommendations we have for you! You might also […]
Not Visiting the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock, built on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is one of the holiest sites of the Muslim faith. Muslims believe this is where Muhammad ascended into heaven. Unfortunately, it is also one of the holiest sites of the Jewish religion, as Jews believe it was both the site of the Second […]
Our 2014 Travels in 50 Photos
2014 was our biggest year of traveling yet. We visited 19 countries, including a long driving trip in the western United States. We saw, in order, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, back to the United States, Greece, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia. I made […]
Monastery in the Mountain, Meteora, Greece
It seems so long since we were in Meteora, Greece, but as I perused my photos for my year end post, I came across this one. I remember shooting it, but I didn’t remember posting it on the blog. So I thought I should remedy that. We were in Meteora, Greece for three days, two […]
Drama in the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy
I’ll flirt with heresy and say, To Florence, the Palazzo Vecchio (“Old Palace”) is every bit as iconic as the Duomo. Or more so. It has the advantage of sitting in the spacious Piazza della Signoria, which is itself filled with art. The Palazzo was home to a few generations of the powerful Medici family, […]
Old City, Jerusalem
Mostly I just wandered the warrens of the narrow streets of the Old City of Jerusalem and looked at a city unlike any I’ve ever seen before. You might also like: Rooftop View, Old City, Jerusalem Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel Museum, Jerusalem Not Visiting the Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem Two Men Discussing the Quran, […]
Crucifix, Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
When it comes to church art (and other interesting stuff) it’s hard to beat Santa Croce in Florence. For quality and quantity, it’s far more important than the Duomo (which is hardly decorated at all) and the other Florence “all star” San Lorenzo. A short list of the highlights: altar frescoes by Taddeo Gaddi, frescoes […]
The Apse Fresco, Verona Cathedral, Italy
We were in the Verona Cathedral at night. Consequently, the light inside was even dimmer than normal in an old church. So, I almost missed this amazing feature of the church because it was so dark. But I did notice it as I was gazing around while listening to an Italian nightingale practicing some Christmas […]
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