Modern Architecture in Rome: Rebuilding the City
I don’t mind saying that travel has a way of reminding me how little I know. In Rome a few weeks ago (December 2014), we signed up to take our … Read more
Europe
Watchtowers, Golden Bay, Malta
In the 16th Century, the Knights of Malta ringed the island of Malta with watchtowers just like this. Each was manned by four soldiers, and they looked out over the … Read more
Florence Italy Revisited: The Church Circuit
Note: This story was originally posted together with a summary of Florence’s museums. But the post became unwieldy: that’s how many significant churches and museums are recommended in Florence. Churches, … Read more
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 of Hastings and assumed the throne of England, had the thing done only a couple of years later so he could explain to everyone his side of what happened and how a French guy ended up as King of England.
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!
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, … Read more
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 … Read more
The Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
When it comes to church art (and other interesting stuff) it’s hard to beat the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence. For quality and quantity, it’s far more important than … Read more
Images of Verona , 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 … Read more
The Pope’s Chair, St. John Lateran, Rome
If you said that St. Peter’s Basilica is the Pope’s “home church” in Rome, you’d be wrong. In fact, the Pope’s chair (cathedra in Latin, hence the English word cathedral) … Read more
