By Anthony Jones Painting of the Raft of the Medusa A sail on the horizon! A sail, a sail! Please God let them see us! “Au secours! Au secours!” we shouted, although our cries were more desperate croaks. We sounded and looked like a murder of crows, our skins blackened by fourteen whole days under … Continue reading Help!
Category: art
Italy at Christmas Despite the Pandemic
During Christmas time 2020, we had planned to go to Italy as a family. Of course, this plan was cancelled along with everyone else's plans once the pandemic struck us hard starting in March of that year. We decided to try again to see this culture-rich country in 2021. The original plan was that our … Continue reading Italy at Christmas Despite the Pandemic
Mindful in Majorca
The last time I was in Majorca was in 1966. I was 10 years old and was there with my parents and three siblings. If someone had told me then that I would one day retire to Spain with my husband, I would have said, "No way!" The idea would have been so implausible for … Continue reading Mindful in Majorca
The Many Sights of Southern Holland
Most people who travel to the Netherlands go to its lively capital Amsterdam. And this is undoubtedly a place worth visiting for its history, charm and many sights to see. However, if you ever get a chance to visit the area around Eindhoven, in the southern part of this charming country, you will find a … Continue reading The Many Sights of Southern Holland
What’s Special About Warsaw
Most of Warsaw was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. In response, the Poles rebuilt the city as it was before it was destroyed. They did this over many years with the help of photographs taken and paintings done before the devastation. Talk about a resilient people! Isn't that something? Hitler wanted all … Continue reading What’s Special About Warsaw
The Great Disruption or the Great Awakening?
2020, the first year of the Great Disruption. It had been 100 years since our last pandemic. We were due for another one and Covid-19 obliged us. Most everyone suffered. Millions died. The world was turned upside down. All the things that brought us joy were no longer allowed: No hugs or kisses. No parties. … Continue reading The Great Disruption or the Great Awakening?
Murals in Orihuela in honor of Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez
In the city of Orihuela, in the Spanish province of Alicante, there lies a hidden treasure: beautiful murals painted by Spanish artists in tribute to the poetry of hometown son Miguel Hernandez. I never heard of this poet before but he was very popular during and after the Spanish Civil War. Unfortunately, he wasn't a … Continue reading Murals in Orihuela in honor of Spanish poet Miguel Hernandez
Five Days in Lisbon, Portugal
The beautiful city of Lisbon reminds some people of San Francisco: it's hilly, there are trams everywhere, it's beside the water, and it even has a big bridge built by the same company that constructed the Golden Gate Bridge. If you visit Lisbon, one thing I recommend you do is take the Yellow Bus tram … Continue reading Five Days in Lisbon, Portugal
Manet and Modern Beauty Exhibit
Jeanne (Spring) painted in 1881 When you were a child learning about famous French painters, did you confuse Manet with Monet? I certainly did. But I came up with a memory device that helped me figure out the difference between these two awesome painters. That is, Manet has the word Man in it and Edouard … Continue reading Manet and Modern Beauty Exhibit
Lesson 14: Ask for Directions
Question: Why does it take millions of sperm to fertilise one egg? Answer: Because they won't ask for directions. Mount St. Victoire, painted by Paul Cezanne Have you ever noticed how some people are scared to ask for directions? They don’t want to look like they don’t have everything under control so they just muddle … Continue reading Lesson 14: Ask for Directions
US Author Nancy Klein in Spain 