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 →

A Visit to Berlin

This is my first trip to Berlin, a city of many delights. My husband Rick and I bought a three day pass that allowed us to see up to 30 different museums for one price. It was €29 per person, a good value considering all the museums we can see. We went to the Jewish … Continue reading A Visit to Berlin →

Have you heard of Irish painter Mary Swanzy?

While visiting Cork, Ireland, an Irish friend introduced me to the Crawford Art Gallery. They were having an exhibit of the work of Mary Swanzy, an Irish painter (1882-1978) of the 20th Century. According to Wikipedia, Swanzy was noted for painting in many styles, including cubism, and was one of Ireland's first abstract painters. Even … Continue reading Have you heard of Irish painter Mary Swanzy? →