Another small segment from the chapter about Sicily I’m writing for my next book. As we wandered through Noto, we noticed groups of people walking towards a wooded area and followed see what was happening. Through a high arch, along a path, canopied by enormous trees, was the start of a religious procession for Holy Friday, recreating the stations of the … Read More
Agrigento, Sicily Italy 2003
An excerpt from the new book I’m writing. Driving on Sicily would be a challenge according to the guidebook. It reported that in some towns, if you make a wrong turn, you’re likely to face a flight of stairs that you must drive up or down. The encouraging phrase, “be brave, you can do it and besides you don’t have … Read More
Food Hall, Seoul South Korea
The food hall at the Shinsegae Department store had Asian foods (both ingredients and prepared) from across the continent. They also had a wide variety of European and American foods. There were pastries that could have been on the Champs Elysees, California wines, pasta, Belgian chocolates, tacos, tortilla shells, olive oil, German sausage, and they even had bagels. In London, … Read More
Finland 2006
Hanko a small town in SW Finland has grand seaside villas built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was a glamorous retreat for Russian nobles, czars and artists. Many of these “old ladies,” as the villas are referred to, are now B&Bs. Near the town’s waterfront was a wooded area that looked as though it could … Read More
Trinidad
These photos were taken on Castara beach in Trinidad in 2006. At the time I was using an inexpensive Nikon with no special lenses—just point and shoot. I took a lot of photos and saved the ones that captured the beach’s beauty and the intensity of movement, moments caught forever. Those instants were a contrast to the general vibe of … Read More
Rocky Mountain Sunsets
Living in Manhattan I rarely see the blazing sun set into the horizon. That makes nearly all sunsets attractive. Really colorful ones, at the shore, in the desert or on open plains are a special treat. This evening I saw a fabulous Colorado sunset. At first, I didn’t think it would be much. But as the sun dipped behind the … Read More
Alphonse Mucha — North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
My friend Michael introduced me to the art of Alphonse Mucha when I lived in London in the early 1970s. Mucha, a Czech illustrator and graphic artist, lived in Paris and was known for his stylized Art Nouveau posters. I hadn’t seen much of his work since then. So, when we arrived at the North Carolina Museum of Art and … Read More
Sunday in New York City — Halloween
I will repeat something I’ve written many times—I love New York City. The plan for yesterday was to attend a matinee performance of American Ballet Theater, then return home and not emerge except for walking Pookah. After the performance I decided to run a couple of errands. The American Folk-Art Museum is across from Lincoln Center. I went there to … Read More
Young Monks — Myanmar
Before traveling to Burma, I’d always pictured Buddhist Monks as older, wise gentlemen. Then I visited a teaching monastery. It’s customary for young boys, especially those from intensely religious families, to enter a monastery. In Burma, becoming a “novice” monk is considered a great honor. Young monks sometimes stay for only one week but can remain there for years. Poorer … Read More
New England Coastal Road Trip – Day Eight
We are now traveling south, heading back to New York City. Our day was spent in Salem, Massachusetts, the stop we aborted last Saturday due to the traffic, crowds, and general mayhem. Today, a Tuesday, was significantly calmer, though the city was still filled with people. I suspect that ANY day in October will be that way, culminating on Halloween. … Read More