Paris' crowning museum is, of course, the Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre). It's not the world's largest as far as museums go - that title belongs the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. It is however, the world's largest art museum (and the world's second largest museum overall). A mind-boggling 38,000 paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning millennia... Continue Reading →
London Neighbourhoods Calling, Part 3
Wandering about to seek out street art is something I enjoy. Meandering at my own pace, nipping in and out of side streets and alleyways, combing out images made by modern-day artists. Some are weathered and show signs of age, others are large, looming, and full of life. Odd, beautiful, quirky, bold, comedic, sad, vibrant... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – The White Temple, Thailand
In northern Thailand is one of the region's most visited temples - Wat Rong Khun. Also known as the White Temple, it is a Buddhist temple that, to me, seems a labour of love and devotion. Located 15 km / 9 miles outside the city of Chang Rai, the original temple was worn down and... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Xalapa, Mexico
We are nearing the end of the alphabet and are up to the letter "X". Today we will go to the "birthplace" of the ever-popular jalapeño pepper: Xalapa(pronounced ha la pa) in the Mexican state of Veracruz. Yep, that spicy pepper has been cultivated in this highland state capital since the Aztecs. Used widely in... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Troödos Region, Cyprus
I like islands. In fact, my "happy place" is an island (that would be Ireland). I'd like to visit many an island in this world simply because it is an island. One of those is the Mediterranean isle of Cyprus. Today we will take a look at its Troödos Mountain Region which has some interesting things... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Naoshima Island, Japan
Art aficionados, you may want to add this place to your list. Set in the Seti Inland Sea, the small Naoshima Island of approximately 3,000 residents is filled with museums and outdoor modern art installations. A change of pace from Japan's city life, a small journey via train and boat to this unique island may... Continue Reading →
My Top 5 Man-Made Sights
Last month I posted about My Top 5 Cities to Wander. This month my Top 5 is about man-made places or things. These places or works of art hold a special place in my memories, my heart, and bring a smile to my lips. Michelangelo's Slave and Bound Slave, Louvre Museum (Paris) - I have... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Park Güell, Barcelona
Antoni Gaudi has his stamp on Barcelona. An architect and with a penchant for what is now referred to as Catalan Modernism. His attention to detail and in his designs extended to use of wrought iron, ceramics, glass and more. One of his popular contributions is Park Güell, located on Carmel Hill. It was built... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – La Mano de Punta del Este (or The Hand of Punta del Este) – Uruguay
Since February 1982, Uruguay's Punta del Este has been home to this famous sculpture by Chilean artist Mario Irarrázabal. Located on Brava Beach, in the popular resort town, stands the concrete and plastic statue of fingers struggling out of its sandy location. Irarrázabal created the iconic artwork during the first International Meeting of Modern Sculpture in the Open... Continue Reading →
Welcome 2017
January 1st. The first day of a brand new year, the passing of the old to welcome the new for another go around the sun. A universal time of celebrating it seems. This time of year often finds many people reflecting on what has come to pass and hopes for the future. Resolutions may be... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Rock Garden of Chandigarh, India
While in India, D and I were told that we should see the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. When I first heard of it I immediately thought of a flower-related rock garden since that is what is in my mom's front yard. This rock garden is nothing of the sort. Rather, it is a very cool... Continue Reading →
Sunday Special – Chicago, U.S.A.
The Windy City. The Second City. Birthplace of the skyscraper and a city filled with some great architecture. Home to deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hotdogs where ketchup on a 'dog is unheard of. Add a thriving theatre district, funky neighbourhoods, museums and art everywhere plus a waterfront view of Lake Michigan and... Continue Reading →