The ART of Travel

Spain- Seville

2012-02-27T09:43:00.001-08:00

What a treat to be in Seville, such a civil and delightful city in southern Spain! I am staying in an area called Juderia which I find out means the Jewish quarter. It is the old, charming section of winding narrow streets, lovely balconied homes with central courtyards and big gardens, and no Jews since they were all expelled in the 15th century. There are no synagogues remaining here.

There is a huge cathedral built on the same site as a mosque (the Muslims ruled here from the 8th to the13th centuries). It was the third Catholic cathedral to be built in the world after Rome and London.

Spanish Square, built in 1929, is breathtaking! Its tile work and Arabic influenced architecture made it the perfect setting for "Lawrence of Arabia." No picture can do it justice since it is so big and grand.

The streets are filled with people walking around as were the other Spanish cities but here I see more tourists from all over the world. Seville is a lovely spot filled with history, culture and fun!

Spain- Toledo

2012-02-25T13:46:00.001-08:00

Madrid is the political capital of Spain, but Toledo is the religious capital of Spain. In the11th to14th centuries, Catholics, Muslims, and Jews lived in Toledo side by side. Jews were expelled from Spain by Queen Isabella in 1492. The oldest synagogue in Spain and second oldest in Europe is in Toledo. It was converted to a church after the expulsion, but still stands. We were stunned that in the reconstruction and reopening of this historic synagogue, they left the cross on the wall!
The cathedral is very famous as is Alcazar, both of which are pictured here.

Spain- Marvelous Madrid

2012-02-22T07:48:00.001-08:00

Having just read that there were union strikes on Saturday and Sunday, I was concerned about arriving in Madrid Monday night but, much to my delight, I found a vibrant, exciting and strike free city. The wide boulevards, lovely architecture of 17th and 18th century palaces and other structures as well
as contemporary architecture makes for a beautiful skyline.

The Royal Palace has over 2000 rooms, of which 20 are now open to the public. Kings sure know how to build to excess! The palace is decorated in grand style. It was rebuilt by the Bourbons in the 18th century. The last king to live in it was in 1931.The present king lives elsewhere and uses it for state and personal functions.

The streets are filled with people- tourists as well as citizens, enjoying sunny winter days with weather in the high 40's.

Pictured are the Monument to Cristopher Columbus, a street scene and the Royal Palace.

Myanmar- Bagan

2012-02-16T21:36:00.001-08:00

This small town in central Myanmar has over 2000 pagodas and stupas. Many date back to the 11th and 12th century. We are staying in the most beautiful hotel in the country and the most beautiful one we've ever stayed it. The Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort is spectacular! The villas are lovely and the service is wonderful but the views are what is truly amazing! A camera cannot capture it but I try.

Myanmar- Full of Surprises!

2012-02-14T05:01:00.001-08:00

Right from the start, I was surprised by Yangon which has no motorbikes- only cars and buses. There is also a beautiful synagogue there with only one Jewish family left of a once thriving community. On the from the airport, I saw a ferris wheel.

Yangon combines modern and traditional buildings, the most famous pagodas and temples in the country and I will blog a more about them with more pictures when I get home.

Now I am at a lovely spot at Lake Inle called Pristine Lotus Hotel and Spa which is heaven on earth, so beautiful and calm. The staff is friendly and nice. Minority groups live in the area and specialize in different handicrafts so everyday we go by boat to their villages to see how they make their wares. Yesterday was the 5 day market and we saw people from all around come to buy and sell. Wait until you see the photos! I hope the capture the color, drama and excitement of the day!

Myanmar- Inle Lake

2012-02-14T01:23:00.001-08:00

From Yangon we flew to central Myanmar to lovely Inle Lake where people fish, farm and live on the lake. Yes, farm on the lake! Stripes of earthen mats are floated on the lake and secured with bamboo poles. Farmers in boats tend their crops. Everything happens on the lake! Here is the entrance to a major market as well.

Laos- Elephant Camp and the Countryside

2012-02-06T02:21:00.001-08:00

This morning we went to an elephant camp where we rode on an elephant through beautiful scenery.This camp, a joint venture which benefits the people around it, the environment and the elephants, was the brainchild of German man named Marcus who start Tiger Trail Adventures. We then took a short boat ride to a lovely waterfall which was not as full as it can be during rainy season.
After that we changed our itinerary from kayaking and instead went three villages to see how the people nearby really live. We saw people at work, children at school and coming home for lunch break, women working at home, as well as people dancing at a community center in honor of a small festival. There was a live band and singers.

Pictures will follow when I get home.

Laos- Maison Souvannaphoum

2012-02-05T16:48:00.001-08:00

Here I am having breakfast in the hotel in the charming city in the cultural heart of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO heritage site. The 25 room hotel was once the residence of a former prince and is a walk away from the Royal Palace and Museum and many temples, including Mount Phousi Temple. The staff is as nice as can be as are all the people we have met so far. Most Laotians are Buddhists who value loving kindness.

La Residence Hotel and Spa, Hue Viet Nam

2012-01-30T06:47:00.001-08:00

The Markets of Siem Reap- Tourists Galore

2012-01-30T05:44:00.000-08:00

Siem Reap was the capital of ancient Cambodia. It is now the capital of the Angkor region and a very popular tourist region. There are 167 hotels in the city. There are many market areas- Night Market, Old Market, New Market. Most sell similar goods, many scarves, jewelry, carvings, souvenirs for tourists. The scene is crowded and colorful. There are many people in the streets. There are people hawking their wares. A new phenomenon is a fish pedicure. Fish eat the dead skin off your feet.I had never seen that and then understood the signs I had seen which read NO PIRANHAS!! Not for me, thank you. I did buy scarves for myself and gifts though.

The Great Lake of Cambodia- Happy Lunar New Year!!

2012-01-22T00:27:00.000-08:00

The Tonlé Sap also known as the Great Lake of Cambodia is a combined lake and river system of major importance to Cambodia.The Tonlé Sap is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and is an ecological hot spot that was designated as a UNESCO biosphere in 1997.The Tonlé Sap is unusual for two reasons: its flow changes direction twice a year, and the portion that forms the lake expands and shrinks dramatically with the seasons. From November to May, Cambodia's dry season, the Tonlé Sap drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh. However, when the year's heavy rains begin in June, the Tonlé Sap backs up to form an enormous lake.There are many villages of boat houses on the lake. Many fisherman and their families live there. Some live in basic conditions: some have flat screen TV's bigger than mine! There are floating schools, churches, telephone towers, generators. The communities are generally basic and fresh drinking water is a luxury for a few of the villages. Now in the dry season the sediment in the water makes it very brown but we saw many children swimming, even though there were signs saying not to swim. Today was the Lunar New Year and many homes were decorated and had people celebrating with family parties. Happy Lunar New Year to you!!

Ta Prohm or Trees Grow in the Temple

2012-01-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Jayavarman VII embarked on a massive program of construction and public works in the 12th century. After the fall of the Khmer empire in the 15th century, the temple of Ta Prohm was abandoned and neglected for centuries. When the effort to conserve and restore the temples of Angkor began in the early 20th century, the École française d'Extrême-Orient decided that Ta Prohm would be left largely as it had been found, as a "concession to the general taste for the picturesque." According to pioneering Angkor scholar Maurice Glaize, Ta Prohm was singled out because it was "one of the most imposing [temples] and the one which had best merged with the jungle, but not yet to the point of becoming a part of it". Nevertheless, much work has been done to stabilize the ruins, to permit access, and to maintain "this condition of apparent neglect."

Cambodia- Angkor Wat

2012-01-21T05:29:00.000-08:00

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO Hertiage Site, is a temple complex at Angkor, Cambodia, built for the king Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. It is the world's largest religious building. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors, last year almost 3 million people visited the site.We woke up at 4 AM to see it at sunrise along with hundreds of others. The carvings were intricate and stunning, depicting Hindu stories of battles of the gods. The size and breadth of the artistry is impressive. It is an amazing place to see!!

Western Australia- Historic Albany

2012-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Our visit to historic Albany in Western Australia took us through the great Southern forests, through Walpole and Denmark. We stopped to walk among the giant tingle trees and you see us pictured above in the roots of one of them. We visited Tree Top Walk and walked 40 meters above the ground!! Founded in 1826. this beach-side town evolved along historical trade routes around Princess Royal Harbor or should I say Harbour? and King George Sound. There are several beautiful beaches with fabulous surf in the area. We tried them all!! Albany was a whaling town and the last whaling boat did not stop until the late 70's! The brig Amity is open for people to see as well as a several historical buildings including a schoolhouse.Western Australia is such a laid back and friendly place to be. We really enjoyed our stay. Everyone was so nice. Remember how it was to walk into a store and have someone come up and ask if they can help you? And mean it?? People are like that all the time. I got a cell phone since we rented a car and would be driving over 3000 kilometers. Jeff, the assistant manager at the Mercure Hotel Perth, helped me set it up. When my credit card info would not work, he took out his own credit card and charged the minutes to his own card!! Would this happen in the USA??

Singapore- Multicultural City/State

2012-01-20T02:12:00.001-08:00

style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a whirlwind tour of Singapore but fit so much into a short time thanks to our expert guide Patrick who was like family by the time we left!! Made up of 75% Chinese, 17% Malay and 7% Indian, Singapore teaches English as a first language in its schools and then your own cultural language as a second language. We visited Little India, Chinatown and the Malay section of Singapore as well as the biggest Orchid Garden in the world. We saw a wonderful art exhibit at the Singapore Art Museum as well as several malls where there are so many upscale stores we wondered how people can afford to shop there!! Norm went to a war museum while I shopped and went on the internet. We walked and walked around the town, seeing the architecture- many skyscrapers!- and shops, watching the people and how they live. It's a clean, easy to negotiate city. The subway is the way to travel!! Real estate is expensive. Owning a home is prohibitive. But for the traveler, it's a great, clean and safe place to come for a few days!! The trip is not complete without having a Singapore Sling at the original Raffles Hotel pictured above where the drink was originated!! Be prepared for sticker shock. The price is exorbitant!

Western Australia- The AWESOME Natural Bridge and Gap

2012-01-18T01:30:00.001-08:00

I was most impressed, however, by the visit to Natural Bridge and Gap which had stones over a million years old that are also found in Antarctica, proving that Australia and Antarctica were once connected. In fact, Australia is moving further north 5 centimeters a year.These pictures cannot do justice to the grandeur and beauty of the scene. I know this place will inform my art when I come back. I have already started some preliminary sketches and mock-up collages. I look forward to sharing the new work with you when it is completed in the spring/summer of 2012.

Western Australia- Perth to Margaret River

2012-01-18T01:19:00.000-08:00

We loved Perth, the sunny and delightful capital of Western Australia, and left to travel west to Margaret River, known for its beaches and wineries. Norm found great surf and we found three great caves. Pictured is Lake Cave where we walked 500 steps down to see great formations. At the Leeuwin Lighthouse we saw where the Indian and Southern Ocean meet. The landscapes are beautiful, the people are delightful and the lifestyle is easy. Australia is a great place to vacation! when we were here in 1998, our dollar was stronger and went further. Today things are very expensive. A bottle of Coke is 3.50!

Arriving in Australia

2012-01-05T04:29:00.000-08:00

After traveling for over 36 hours, we finally arrived in Perth, Western Australia. We left our house at 7 AM on Monday morning and Arrived at Perth airport on Wednesday morning 7:30 AM. We actually flew on 3 planes for 27 hours. Perth is far away!! But I must say, the trip was not at hectic or grueling as I expected and I thank American Eagle and Cathay Pacific Airlines for that. Part of One World Air, they made the trip seamless. We checked our bags straight through from Philadelphia to Perth and they arrived with us. We also made all the flights which took off on time. The seats had leg room and the service was exceptionally friendly and considererate. We ordered kosher food on all flights and got it. I cannot tell you howe many times we haven't received it when we've ordered it. There were many movies to choose from for in-flight entertainemnt so I got to see several movies and read a book and a half!

Perth, Australia's sunniest capital, is a great town of over a million people in Western Australia. It boasts one of the largests inner city parks in the world and has 19 beaches in the metropolian area. When we got off the plane it was a lovely summer day and the expected temerature was 90!!

The Mercure Hotel is located in the heart of the city, walking distance to the Hay and Murray Street Malls, The Art Gallert of Perth, The Western Australia Museum,State Library, and several other major attractions. On the first day, we went to the Art Gallery and the musueum.I have somephotos but cannot upload them from this computer. I will do so at a later date becasue the work was outstanding and I want to share it with you!!

The next days we visited beaches which were glorious- clean water, great surf. Many kite surfers. I also have pictures to share later.

Australia is amazing!!

Trials & Tribulations-Packing for 9 weeks

2011-12-18T09:39:00.001-08:00

Many rules have changed since 9/11 concerning what you can and cannot pack and how much weight you can carry on planes. We are going to Western Australia and Asia with a 2 week stay in Spain on our way back. In 1998/99 we went on a 3 month trip which included eastern Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Bali, India, Thailand, Italy and England and we took 28" gray suitcases as shown above in the bottom picture stuffed with kosher food for the areas where it would not be available.

This time, however, we are limited to 24" suitcases weighing only 40 pounds and 21" carry-ons which we had to buy ( blue luggage). We bought Delsey very light luggage! What to do with all the food we need to parts of Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and Myanmar where there is no kosher food and no vegan alternatives? I packed up a large box and mailed it to our hotel in Cambodia. The concierge said he would hold it for us until we arrive. We sure hope it gets there intact!! We are also sending one to the hotel in Spain where kosher food is scarce.

The center picture shows just some of the food we have sent!! Packaged food, mostly vacuumed packed, that I can heat up on a hot plate we carry with. Simple fare but it makes it possible for us to travel anywhere and see this beautiful and exciting world.

The top photograph is the complete luggage I will take. A 24" and a 21" suitcase plus a personal tote bag which I also put my pocketbook in. I have learned to pack few clothes, making room for all the other paraphernalia that I need. A few pants, a few tops, a bathing suit, a sweater, underwear, a nightgown. I wear the same things over and over. It is amazing how little one needs. When I come home and have a closet full of clothes, I am amazed at all the choices I have.

Of course, as we use up the food, I'll have room for buying some new things so my closets will be filled with some new choices too. That will be good, I am sure, since I will be sick of seeing the same few tops and pants.

Pearl Harbor- December 7, 1941-2011- 70 years!

2011-12-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

Pearl Harbor Oahu is proud to feature a number of exciting historic tours to the site of the United States entrance into World War II. As The Official Pearl Harbor Tours Site, our tours are designed for your convenience and schedule. All of our tours take you to Pearl Harbor's Visitor Center and the USS Arizona Memorial for a time of reflection and remembrance. The tragic attacks of December 7, 1941 shook the island of Oahu, and the United States, forever. The lives lost and that tragic day are things that we want to live on forever.

Within the grounds of Pearl Harbor are a number of exhibits, displays, memorials, and museums, honoring not only the 1,177 victims of the Japanese attacks, but all of those who bravely served in World War II. The USS Missouri Battleship and the Pacific Aviation Museum are located on Ford Island, and offer unique insights into the war. The USS Bowfin Submarine takes visitors through narrow corridors that often were submerged for months at a time.

Pearl Harbor Oahu Tours are combined with many of the top sites around the island of Oahu, including the world famous North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and a driving tour through downtown Honolulu's historic district. We took a tour that included the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Using photographs that I took on the tour, I made the images shown above by cropping them to make them visually appealing. The series, entitled "Heroic Motifs," can be seen
at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.324100564269609.89549.100000090046416&type=3

Archival pigment prints from the top: Pearl Harbor Template 1, Oil and Water in Pearl Harbor 4, Heroic Impression 1, Eternal Resting Place 1, and Always Remember 1.

Travel With Me- Sketchbook Project 2012

2011-12-05T06:06:00.000-08:00

Above are some of the scanned images from my sketchbook entitled "Travel with Me." Sponsored by the Art House in Brooklyn, New York, the Sketchbook Project has been an ongoing project for a few years. I participated in 2009. You do a themed sketchbook that travels around and then is housed in a sketchbook library in Brooklyn. this year's tour is international!! The tour comes to Philadelphia:

Aug 23rd-25th
The Painted Bride
co-presented with InLiquid
230 Vine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

I had so much fun doing the sketchbook and suggest you participate next year. I don't know what the theme will be but it should be fun!! Meanwhile, enjoy my images here and those of others on the website.

Houston- Museum Scene- Big & Bold & out of this world!!

2011-12-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Menil Collection_ A Museum and A Neighborhood

The story of the Menil Collection begins in France with the 1931 marriage of John de Menil (1904–1973), a young banker from a distinguished military family, and Dominique Schlumberger (1908–1997), daughter of Conrad Schlumberger, one of the founders of the oil services company Schlumberger, Ltd. The de Menils left France during World War II for Houston, where John eventually directed Schlumberger’s worldwide operations. The de Menils quickly became key figures in Houston’s developing cultural life, as advocates of modern art and architecture. As patrons of architecture, they built one of the first International Style houses in Texas (Philip Johnson was the architect) and the Rothko Chapel. Surviving her husband by twenty-five years, Dominique built the museum that bears the family name as well as the Cy Twombly Gallery and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum.

John and Dominique de Menil were humanists who believed that art is a central part of the human experience. It is clear from their collection that they were deeply moved by the many ways individuals over different cultures and eras have revealed in art their understanding of what it means to be human.

This belief in the power of art explains the value the Menil Collection places on the primacy of the artwork, the individual artist’s intention, and the viewer’s unmediated experience in the gallery. That experience includes the contemplative, intimate quality of space and light, and the restrained aesthetic of display. Viewers will also note the absence of explanatory wall texts, docent tours, and acoustic guides: the Menils believe that a viewer’s encounter with a work of art should be immediate and direct, not conditioned by others’ thoughts and opinions about the work.

We saw Walter De Maria's Bel Air Trilogy, 3 awesome cars wondering how he did what he did and is it ART?? My 11 year old grandson and I had great discussions along with my son and husband. The extensive collection is awesome. Then we visited the Dan Flavin Installation of colored lights and the Cy Twombly Gallery which created quite a stir and discussion!! Is scribble art? "I could do that" Yes, but did you?? and off to my personal favorite the Rothko Chapel where 14 large black painting create a subdued and somber place of meditation and retreat. My 11 year old started giggling so that he had to leave before he could see that the seemingly black paintings were really not solid black at all.

The question is What is ART? How do you define it??

Museum of Fine Art

Next stop was the Museum of Fine Art which houses 63,000 works of art from all over the world, from ancient to contemporary times. The current exhibit that I liked best was Selected Prints by Robert Rauschenberg. The prints were stunning!!

Health Museum

A unique museum was the Health Museum Houston's most interactive science learning center and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Located in the heart of the city's rich and varied Museum District, The Health Museum encourages growing interest and regard for healthier lifestyles, fitness and good physical, mental and spiritual health. The Museum treasures Houston’s diverse population and welcomes individuals of all backgrounds. Very kid friendly and lots for adults to do and learn too. We all had so much fun and spent lots of time here!!All 14 of us!!

Johnson Space Center Houston

"INTELLIGENT FUN" defines the way we spent our day at Johnson Space Center Houston. A day when we've touched a Moon rock, witnessed a shuttle launch, enjoyed a guided tour of NASA and saw real space-flown vehicles! It was awesome! We all had a great day here- all 14 of us!!

Photos from internet from top: Bel Air by Walter de Maria, Installation by Dan Flavin,Cy Twombly's works,in the Rothko Chapel, Georgia O'Keefe from the Menil Collection, Ceramic from Menil Collection 600-800

POST 2011- Open Studio @ Sherman Mills

2011-10-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

These photographs that I took show you selected work done in 2011 in my studio in my home and in Vermont at the Vermont Studio Center during an Artist Residency in July. The works on paper usually start with a monotype. Some stay a monotype, using water or soy based ink. They often go through the press several times until I am satisfied with the image. Very often, I add collage, using handmade or other papers to achieve the effects I want. I feel like I am painting with the paper, tearing bits and pieces of paper, creating the images and layers I want as I go along. I then often print again, sometimes more monotype, sometimes silkscreen, or stamping or other techniques. I also draw with colored pencils, woodies, crayons, charcoal, pencils, whatever, or add natural materials such as shells, etc. That's why it's called MIXED MEDiA!! Anything goes to get the effect that I want.

I am intrigued by memory and what remains in our mind's eye. My work reflects scenes from previous travel and life experiences. More than a report on how it was exactly, it is a response to the color and pattern of the landscape and my reaction to it. My work is informed by an accumulation of such scenes and the pleasure I get from the printing process itself. I represent the hidden and reveal the atmosphere creating personal memoir that evokes the mystery of memory and the magic of place.

See more of my work on the gallery pages in my website.

I participated in POST @ Sherman Mills to be part of the city-wide event which was really fun. I loved having people come through to see my work which they could not do in my suburban home. There were 10 of us who rented studios for POST @Sherman Mill and many others around the city. The next POST weekend is Oct 15 & 16. Find out more at
http://www.philaopenstudios.com

Visual Memoirs- Notes of Nostalgia

2011-09-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

This series of six mixed media images was created in July 2011 at the Vermont Studio Center at an Artist Residency, inspired by memoir and the power of music and how hearing a melody can bring back a flood of memories, recreating a time, a place and an event as if it were happening again. I use monotype, silkscreen, images, colors, and pattern to depict snippets of memories creating layers of visual memoirs.

From the top they are: Melody and Memory, Melodic Memory and Surviving Memory. They will be shown at the POST Open House on Sunday October 2 at Sherman Mills, 3502 Scotts Lane, bldg 2. Come see them in person. The layering and colors really show much better.

Art Excursion to Pittsburgh- The Mattress Factory

2011-09-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

The four artists on an ART excursion to Pittsburgh made The Mattress Factory one of our main stops. Originally a Stearns and Foster factory, this unique and delightful art venue has changing and permanent cutting edge exhibits of local and national artists. It is such a freeing and enjoyable place; it brought out the child in us. Yoyoi Kusama's art installations allow you to enter and then we had great fun in the two rooms she created. The blue one is called "Infinity Dotted Mirrored Room" and the other with mannequins is called "Repetitive Vision." Valetta posed in the doorway! Sandi Neiman Lovitz danced, Mary Kane and Valetta posed again and I took pictures which went on into infinity. What fun we had!!

Where would you find a venue that cuts a hole in the floor for an artist like the did for Sarah Oppenheimer's work called 610-3356? Or a permanent house for Greer Lankton's eerie "It's about Me, not YOU," filled with skeletons and other very unusual things.

The gold lame curtain stage is from Dawn Weleski's "City Council Wrestling," an installation that took up most of the basement. It brought out the ham in both Valetta and Mary Kane.

The Mattress Factory is a must-see stop in Pittsburgh!!

ART Excursion to Pittsburgh- Fallingwater visit on the way!!

2011-09-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

Three artists from ARTsisters and one from the Regional Center for Women in the Arts took a motor trip to Pittsburgh for 2 nights to visit points of ART interest in August 2011. We stopped at Fallingwater on the way there. Fallingwater is a home designed for the Kauffman family 75 years ago by Frank Lloyd Wright 90 minutes outside of Pittsburgh. It is quite amazing!!

Pittsburgh is a wonderful city. I had not been there in 40 years. The three rivers meet at the point. The city is small enough to get around. It is noticeably clean and friendly. There are more bridges in Pittsburgh than in Venice!! We visited many art galleries and had a wonderful time but did not have time to see the museums so we need to get back. In my next post I will tell you more about a unique art venue called the Mattress Factory.

Vermont Studio Center- Monotypes Part 1

2011-08-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

These five monotypes are part a series of monotypes created at an Artist Residency at Vermont Studio Center which explores reaching your limits, exploring your edge, seeing the light both physically and metaphysically, and appreciating the wonder, joy and gifts of life, especially in the afternoon of life. The entire series can be seen on my website in the gallery As We Are Reaching.

They are from the top: By Gravity Alone 1, By Gravity Alone 2, Balanced for Now, Time Swept Up 1 and Time Swept Up 2.

Vermont Studio Center- The Object of My Affection

2011-08-10T21:54:00.001-07:00

Now you know! The reason I was so happy and so directed for 2 weeks in Vermont at the Artist Residency- yes!! I was in love. and there is a picture of the object of my affection- the press that I had virtually to myself just a few feet away from my personal studio. I did all my printing on that press. And, as it turned out, even with more printers than presses, I never had to wait!! The timing was always perfect.

The amount of work I got done in 2 weeks of consistent creating and printing with no distractions, no chores or regular life responsibilities like laundry or meal preparation, no TV, Twitter or Facebook was comparable to 4 to 6 months of work at home. Of course, I would not be willing to give up everything I like to do for a very extended period of time- no social media, no TV (I do have shows I DVR after all) as well as friends and family I missed.

But going to an Artist Residency is something I want to do on an annual basis so I know I can focus for 2-4 weeks on my art and get a lot done in a short, saturated fabulous time in the mountains of Vermont with the object of my affection once again.

Vermont Studio Center-Barbara White Print Studio

2011-08-06T20:46:00.001-07:00

Having a print studio available 24/6 (I observe the Sabbath and do not print on Saturdays) was a dream set-up! The Barbara White Studio on Main Street has a large print studio that accommodated the 4 printers scheduled for July very well, especially since Sage Dawson was preparing her collograph plates the whole time I was there and rarely used the press. Deborah Sosower did a lot of hand printing because she made some very large woodcuts. She and I collaborated on a short series of smaller woodcuts with chine colle as well. Mariana Smith, the fourth printmaker, combined various printmaking techniques and drawing into her prints, including burning which she did in the sculpture building.

As you can see from the photographs, taken by Sage Dawson, the print studio is comprised of 2 rooms and has two presses. There is a lot of room for preparing the plates and for cleaning up after. The pictures show the space for all of us. Each artist also has a private studio. In the next post, I will show more of the smaller print studio that was next to my private studio where I printed most of my work.

Vermont Studio Center- Fellow Artists

2011-07-26T06:03:00.000-07:00

The joy of an Artist Residency is having studio space and the focus of undiluted time to spend on your work times the community of like-minded people around you who are also artists with the same passion and commitment to their work. It is a pleasure to be in such an environment and interact with artists of different media and styles, but who all love what they do.

Pictured above are some of the people I enjoyed meeting: Top photo shows Sage Dawson and Masako Miki both fellow printmakers.

The next photo is my dream Vermonter (who actually lived in Connecticut) but put here to be sure you are paying attention!!

Steve Locke is the Visiting Artist from Boston who lectured and then spent time with those of us who signed up for a critique. He was so generous with his time and insights.

The bottom photo is Lenore Shapiro, a writer, who roomed across the hall from me and was returning for her 6th visit to Vermont Studio Center to finishing editing a young adult novel on the Holocaust. She is 80 years old, a lively and intelligent person to pal around with and have late night conversation with.

There were so many others whose pictures I did not get. Unfortunately I rarely had my camera with me.

Vermont Studio Center- Here I Am!

2011-07-24T04:16:00.000-07:00

It took over 5 hours to get to Providence, Rhode Island to stay at my sister's overnight and then another over 5 hour trip from there to Johnson, Vermont to get to the Vermont Studio Center so when I hit Vermont Route 15 (top photo), I was thrilled not only but the scenery but glad to know I was on the last leg of a very long journey. I turned right onto Pearl Street, expecting to go far and found the Red Barn (photos above) right there!! What a treat! I was in center city Johnson, not in the suburbs. The Vermont Studio Center is in 31 buildings all over town. The Gihon River runs right through the town, next to the Red Barn, a major building of the Center. As buildings became available, they were bought and rehabbed. The photos above show various buildings used as studios or dorms.In later posts, I will show you my actual studio. My dorm was Diney House the third photo from the top.

Preparing for New Options in Vermont!

2011-06-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Beside taking all the familiar supplies I have become used to having in my possession as I have described before, I am also taking new materials to experiment with while I am away. I have purchased canvas board to see if I can print on canvas and collage on it. Instead of doing works on paper, I will try my hand at making an image with ink on canvas. I have also bought varnish and matte medium so I can seal the work. Then I will not put glass over it. It is an experiment and I will see if I like how it looks.

I also bought colored 3-in-1 pencils called "Woodies" at Dick Blick online. They are like watercolors, colored pencils and wax crayons all in one. Several painters I know use them and like them and I like the effects they get. I am willing to try them and see what happens when I use them in my mixed media work. Art is an adventure and I am willing to take a journey to new and unknown places and see what happens. I have an open mind. If I like it, you will see the results. If I do not like it, you will not get to see the results. The art will stay in the back of my closet.

Meanwhile, I am beginning to get my things in order for the trip on June 30. I will be in Rhode Island for the weekend and then go to Vermont Studio Center for my 2 week Artist Residency on July 3.

Packing for Vermont Artist Residency- How Much Is Too Much?

2011-06-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have been fortunate enough to have done a considerable amount of traveling in the last 12 years and each time I go, I travel lighter and lighter. I hardly bring any clothes with me. I wear the same things and wash them out. After all, who is going to see me if I am moving along the itinerary?? Also, who wants to carry the heavy load? My poor husband calls himself the "camel!" Another trick we have recently adopted, is not to check luggage unless absolutely necessary. We pare down to bare necessities.

We also need to leave space for purchases along the way. On the trip to Paris in Fall 2010, I had only a carry-on for a week stay. I did buy quite a bit and found I had to leave a weathered pair of sneakers and an old, but oh! so comfortable, pair of shoes to make room for the new purchases.

For this trip to Vermont, the clothes are not an issue- a few T shirts, pants, a Shabbas outfit, enough underwear and nightgowns not to do laundry and I will be fine.

BUT, I am wanting to take everything in my studio! I have overbought supplies like crazy, my rationale being "What happens if I run out of things and I am stuck in the middle of Vermont? So I bought 100 sheets of BFK Rives, my favorite printing paper. Or what if I want to collage a lot of things and I run out of the kind of non-toxic archival glue I prefer? So I bought out the store and got all 48 large tubes of it as well as fixative and more matte medium. I overloaded on printers' ink just to be sure and bought tons of fabulous hand-made and designer papers for collage. I will have a carful of supplies, enough to last a lot more than 2 weeks, I expect I'll run out of toothpaste before I run out of art supplies.

Vermont Studio Center- Artist Residency

2011-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am preparing for a two week Artist Residency at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, Vermont the first two weeks in July. Founded by artists in 1984, the VSC is the largest international artists' and writers' residency program in the United States, hosting 50 visual and writing artists each month from across the country and around the world.

The VSC provides 2 to 12 weeks studio residencies on an historic 30 building campus along the Gihon River in Johnson Vermont, an hour and a half north of Burlington, a village, in the heart of the Green MountainI am collecting all the supplies I think I will need to print and create mixed media pieces for two weeks with 24 hour access to a press!! How exciting and exhilarating!! I can't wait. I have several unfinished pieces I am bringing. A few pieces I need to do for the Fringe Festival in September. Some work I started at the Main Line Art Center in June that I want to complete and several ideas for new series I want to implement and then... and then... and then... we'll see what percolates up in the creative environment of artists......

Absence and Reunion- Trip Down Memory Lane

2011-05-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

The exploration of memories and what remains in one's mind's eye in visual snippets is a fascination for an artist. What informs my work is what images are sarked by what i see today and what they remind me of from my past. I use circles a lot to symbolize the circle of life and how patterns are repeated in life. Harry Chapin said, "All my life's a circle, sunrise and sunset..." As I get older, I agree more and more as I see so many things repeated and oen thing reminds me of another years later.

Of course, it is not only visual memories that come back, there are smells, sounds and tastes that bring back past memories as well. Old songs, favorite foods or special smells that recreate experiences or special times.

These three mixed media prints are from high school years in the late 50's- early 60's. The use of black and white are reflected of the 50's, the 55 Chevy was my favorite car, the prom pictures as well as other yearbook pictures as well as the old television and other pictures and ads of the timed are intersperse with patterns from the times as well as monotypes printing in colors.

Trip Down Memory Lane- Absence and Reunion

2011-05-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

In my most recent work I have been focused on memory and what remains in one's mind's eye. Images from memory are often included in the mixed media works. On May 22, I attended my 50th high school reunion so memories of high school have been on my mind. Reading over my high school yearbook and remembering incidents from those years as I reconnect with old friends, listening to oldies (some of my favorite music anyway)and remembering my hopes and dreams when I was a teenager inspired a series of 6 mixed media works on paper I have called Absence and Reunion. Here are three of them. I will post the others next time.

Revisiting the Edge- Immaculata University Art Show 2011

2011-05-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, the uttermost part of the earth, offer native forest and glaciers, fjords and channels. These unique and mysterious places at the end of the earth are some of my favorite places. So much so that we went there twice!! They intrigue me, capturing my imagination and stimulating my creative process. There are such extremes in nature there and so few people. It's so far from everything. There are not many people there but, the ones that are, are very friendly.

Several works inspired by visits there are included in the Immaculata University Art Show which runs from May 14 to 22, 2011.
Here are four examples ( from the top) Revisiting the Edge 5, 3, 4 and 6, mixed media prints. Oops, they got placed out of order.

Silent Narrative- The ART of Memory

2011-04-30T19:57:00.001-07:00

I just got back from spending 10 days in Norfolk, Virginia at my sister's house in Ghent which is a wonderful neighborhood in the downtown area. The city is located at the southeastern corner of Virginia at the junction of the Elizabeth and James Rivers, bordering the Chesapeake Bay. Though Virginia Beach and Williamsburg have traditionally been the centers of tourism for the region, the rebirth of downtown Norfolk and the construction of a cruise ship pier at the foot of Nauticus in downtown has driven tourism to become an increasingly important part of the city's economy. There are many museums and attractions in the area. I especially enjoy the Chrysler Museum of Art and the d'Art Center both of which are very close to where she lives.

The two images I have shown are from a series I call Silent Narrative and are # 1 and 2. They were inspired by bits of memory and what comes forward into the present when you spend time with family.

Emerging Spring- The ART of Nature and Flowers

2011-03-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a visit to Atlanta and spent a lovely afternoon at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, a favorite spot of mine. Atlanta Blooms! is the current show and boy! is it dazzling- 200,000 bulbs are blooming- tulips and daffodils abound. Also, the annual Orchid Daze exhibition makes a splash with thousands of lovely orchids floating against the backdrop of dramatic water features.

This visit and my recent visit to the Philadelphia Flower Show created a desire for spring that could not wait until the weather turned warm. I had to create my own personal spring in my studio. I created the series "Emerging Spring" using vivid colors,lots of green, floral papers and an optimistic outlook hoping for warm breezes by the time I was finished.

Images from the top are mixed media works on paper: the series Emerging Spring 1 through 6.

Art Inspired by Travel- Ebb and Flow Series

2011-03-15T21:27:00.001-07:00

In this series Ebb and Flow, I use monotype and collage to express the mystery of memory and what has remained in my mind's eye from years gone by. I am often surprised by the images that come back and the memories that surface as some experiences of today imitate those of yesterday. Why those? The places I have visited and the scenes I have seen remain in my mind and become part of me. My most recent trip to Hawaii is freshest in my mind and is reflected in the ocean blue used in the series. The intricate circle of life and its impermanence is one of the themes explored in this series.

The images shown are Ebb & Flow 1 through 4. To see the complete series, visit my website www.lindadubingarfield.com

Sun and Sea- Mixed Media Series Inspired by Hawaii

2011-03-12T22:31:00.000-08:00

Traveling to the Hawaiian Islands, watching the ocean, sky and beaches... experiencing the colors, textures and smells...retaining images and memories... from different locations... In this series Sun and Sea, I create visual memoirs, informed by an accumulation of what remains in the mind's eye and my passionate response to color. I am also reminded of other beach scenes over the years, of other times, other oceans...blending experiences and creating timeless imagery as I explore the mystery of memory and the magic of place using hand-pulled printmaking techniques, collage and mixed media.

This series of 12 mixed media monotypes is made by several layers of traditionally pulled monotype with collage, silk screen print, stamping, oil pastel, colored pencil.

Titles of images from top are: By the Beautiful Sea, Allowing the Light Through, Bubbles of Contentment, Cause for Optimism.

Contact me for information about purchasing these works at garf621@aol.com

Big Island Hawaii- Nature's Beauty

2011-03-08T16:05:00.000-08:00

Hawaii’s Big Island offers experiences found in no other place on earth. A variety of climatic zones, from seasonal snow-capped mountains to black sand beaches, stretch across its vast topography creating rich pockets of adventure for visitors to explore. The entire island is beautiful and opened to picturesque vistas. We stayed at a lovely hotel on the Kona side on Kohala Coast called Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

South Kona pictured in the photographs shown here is shrouded in history. Kealakekua Bay is the spot where the the famous Captain Cook met his fate. There is a small monument commemorating the event but it is hard to spot across the bay. Why did he come onto the island at this spot? Who killed him?

Maui, Hawaii- Napili Bay Area

2011-03-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

Napili Bay is a classical crescent-shaped bay with a sandy beach, located at the far northwest corner of Maui. It is fully developed, in terms of having various kinds of lodging, basic shops, and rental business. Yet the bay is quite secluded and still preserved with the natural beauty and charm of a tropical beach. Unlike Lahaina old town (30 min) or Ka'anapali (20 min) to its south, Napili Bay is pristine Hawaii without abundant tourist population or traffic, or any entrapment such as shopping mall, chain stores/eateries and big tour buses.

The eastern side of Molokai is visible straight across the bay at a distance. Its tall mountains, steep slopes with green valleys, as well as the island cloud formations can change in appearance and mood according to the time of the day. The north side of Lanai can be seen to the far left side when facing the bay. It is toward there that daily sunset can be seen over the horizon, unobstructed by Lanai (unlike the view in Lahaina or Ka'anapali).

Kapalua Bay is the next bay north of Napili Bay. It is publicized for good snorkeling and diving, yet there is only one lodging on the bay (Kapalua Resort). To avoid the limited parking there, one could easily walk there from Napili Bay. To the north end of Napili Bay is Napili Kai Beach Resort where we stayed, which stretches from the beach to the top of the headland, where the resort's entrance is next to the short trail for going to Kapalua Bay. One can walk up the steps that leads from the beach to the main lobby, then out to the parking area and turn left to get to the trail (around 10 min).That public trail is also the beginning of a nature hiking trail that meanders along the shoreline boundary of Ritz Carlton Resort in a northern direction. It passes through a headland that has many interesting volcanic rocks and then passes by the Honolua Bay.

Photographs: From the top: Looking out at Molokai from Napili Kai Resort, view from the trail, the view of Molokai from the trail, the rolling waves of Spenser's Bay.

2011-03-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Maui, Hawaii- Iao Valley State Park

2011-02-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

The lovely, deep valley of Iao features the Iao Needle, a natural rock pinnacle which rises 2250 feet above sea level, presiding over the Iao stream and surrounded by the walls of the Puu Kukui Crater. Once used as a natural altar, the 2,250-foot stone pillar covered in green, is a basaltic core that has survived eons of swirling water.

Iao Valley is a peaceful lush area with easy hikes, exotic tropical plants, and clear, natural pools. The ridge-top lookout offers a fantastic view of the valley and Kahului Harbor.

Iao Valley is the site of one of the most famous battles that occurred in 1790 and changed Hawaii history forever when King Kamehameha I destroyed the Maui army in an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Photos: From the top: Iao Needle, View of the creek from the trail through the park, Mountains in the Iao Valley, the lush Valley, Taro growing, Mountains in the Valley.

Maui, Hawaii- Paradise on Earth

2011-02-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is the third most populous after Oahu and Hawaii. It is called the Valley Island for the large isthmus between its northwestern and southeastern volcanoes and the numerous large valleys carved into both mountains.

It was our favorite because it is so beautiful and is a great combination of the perfect size with plenty to do and see, but not so large that it is overcrowded and too commercial.

We were lucky to stay at the Napili Kai Beach Hotel right on the Napili Bay on the northwestern coast. The accommodations are wonderful and the staff is extremely helpful and friendly. There is a coastal walk that we took for several miles from bay to bay. I think Napili Bay was the most beautiful. We were a mile away from the Ritz Carlton Hotel. This area was so beautiful as you can see from the photographs above.

The day we arrived there was a storm that beat a 19 year record of 6" of rainfall so many roads and beaches were closed. We did not care. We had landed in Paradise! Just looking at the gorgeous scenery and walking between the drops in 70 degree weather when it was 20 degrees at home made us happy!! We stay around the hotel for 2 days before we could explore more of the island which I will tell you about in the next post.

Kauai, Hawaii- Waimea Canyon State Park

2011-02-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

Kauai is an island of discovery, from the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon. Kauai embraces the senses like no other destination as we discovered 50-miles of heavenly beaches. Along the southern route, we also found our way to Waimea Canyon State Park and the exquisite canyon, described by Mark Twain as "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.".

Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures 10 miles long, 1 mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Waialeale's summit. The lines in the canyon walls depict different volcanic eruptions and lava flows that have occurred over the centuries. Even though smaller than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, Waimea Canyon rivals the beauty. Numerous lookouts and hikes offer terrific views of every aspect of this natural wonder. The canyon is protected by the Koke'e State Park which encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has 45 miles of trails that run through the canyon and the nearby Alakai Swamp.

What struck me beside the amazing visual beauty was the absolute stillness of the area. It was very quiet- no rushing water, loud birds, or hordes of people. The landscape is so breath-taking, mesmerizing and silent, it transports you to another place. I have rarely been anywhere like it. It brought tears to my eyes; it felt like holy ground.

Photographs: From the top: Waimea Canyon, closeup of the walls of the canyon, Looking down from another area approaching the canyon

Kauai, Hawaii- The Garden Island

2011-02-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

Kauai is the fourth largest Hawaiian island and the oldest at 6 million years old. One of the wettest spots on earth, with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches, is located on the east side of Mount Waialeale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls. On the west side of the island, Waimea town is located at the mouth of the Waimea River, whose flow formed Waimea Canyon, one of the world's most scenic canyons, and which is part of Waimea Canyon State Park. At 3,000 feet deep, Waimea Canyon is often referred to as "The Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

We stayed at the Sheraton Kauai in the south where the people could not have been nicer. The road goes around the island like a C, going everywhere but through the Napali Coast. We took the northern route one day and the southern route to the canyon the next day. The beaches on the northern shore are beautiful, the surf unpredictable like the weather. January is rainy season so we had some rain and then it would clear up. But a few storms made the water too rough to go in. The surfers use boards. Norman is an Atlantic Ocean body surfer so he had a hard time finding the right beach with the appropriate waves and flooring for body surfing.

More in the next post about the southern route.

Photographs: From the top: Route 56 north beach, Route 56 north beach, Sheraton Kauai Palm Trees,, Sheraton Kauai view from our room.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii- National Historic Landmark

2011-02-08T22:23:00.000-08:00

Pearl Harbor is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan on December 7, 1941, brought the United States into World War II.

Aircraft and midget submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy began an attack on the U.S. The Americans had deciphered Japan's code earlier and knew about a planned attack before it actually occurred. However, due to difficulty in deciphering intercepted messages, the Americans failed to discover Japan's target location before the attack occurred. Under the command of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the attack was devastating in loss of life and damage to the U.S. fleet. At 6:05 AM on December 7, the six Japanese carriers launched a first wave of 183 aircraft composed mainly of dive bombers, horizontal bombers and fighters. The Japanese hit American ships and military installations at 7:51 AM. The first wave attacked military airfields of Ford Island. At 8:30 AM, a second wave of 170 Japanese aircraft, mostly torpedo bombers, attacked the fleet anchored in Pearl Harbor. The battleship Arizona was hit with an armor piercing bomb which penetrated the forward ammunition compartment, blowing the ship apart and sinking it within seconds. Overall, nine ships of the U.S. fleet were sunk and 21 ships were severely damaged. Three of the 21 would be irreparable. The overall death toll reached 2,350, including 68 civilians, and 1,178 injured. Of the military personnel lost at Pearl Harbor, 1,177 were from the Arizona.

The Arizona remains in the water. There is still a film of oil in the water around the ship. Our guide who was born after 1941 tells how her father was a civilian worker at Pearl Harbor and was on his way home from work when he heard about the attack on the radio and went back. There were no lines of communication then. The only way her mother knew if he was dead or alive was to read the newspaper every morning and see if his name was on the list of dead. Many people were connected to the military in the 40's as they are even today in Hawaii. Visiting this tragic watery grave was a very moving experience.

Photographs taken by Linda Dubin Garfield: from the top: view of Pearl Harbor from the water, oil on water, view of USS Arizona in water, tanks from ship, close up of tank, rusting part of ship from original ship at Pearl Harbor

Hawaii- Honolulu City Tour

2011-02-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

Honolulu means "sheltered bay" or "place of shelter." Honolulu has been the capital of the Hawaiian Islands since 1845 and gained historical recognition following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor near the city on December 7, 1941. It comprises the majority of the population of the Hawaiian Islands.

Ala Moana stretches from Honolulu Harbor to Waikiki and is home to Ala Moana Center, once the largest shopping center in the United States and today the largest open air shopping center in the world. Chabad Hawaii where we ate Shabbas dinner and lunch is in this area, a 30 minute walk from our hotel.

Waikiki is the tourist district of Honolulu, located between the Ala Wai Canal and the Pacific Ocean next to Diamond Head. Numerous hotels, shops, and nightlife opportunities are located along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues which are like the Boardwalk in Atlantic City with constant foot traffic. It is a popular location for visitors and locals alike and attracts millions of visitors every year. A majority of the hotel rooms on Oahu are located in Waikiki.

We took a 5-hour city tour with Polynesian Adventure Tours which took us around the town. These photos of(from the top: Cemetery of the Pacific, Palaces in the downtown area and Downtown) were part of the tour. In the next post, I will share the highlight of the tour- Pearl Harbor.

Vacation in the Hawaiian Islands 2011

2011-01-30T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states (August 21, 1959), and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It occupies most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of Australia. Hawaii’s natural beauty, warm tropical climate, inviting waters and waves, and active volcanoes make it a popular destination for tourists, surfers, biologists, and volcanologists alike.

Due to its mid-Pacific location, Hawaii has many North American and Asian influences along with its own vibrant native culture. Hawaii has over a million permanent residents along with many visitors and U.S. military personnel. Its capital is Honolulu on the island of Oʻahu.

The state encompasses nearly the entire volcanic Hawaiian Island chain, which comprises hundreds of islands spread over 1,500 miles (2,400 km). At the southeastern end of the archipelago, the eight "main islands" are (from the northwest to southeast) Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lānai, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaii. The last is by far the largest and is often called "The Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state as a whole. The archipelago is part of the Polynesian subregion of Oceania. We plan to visit Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the big Island Hawaii.

About 1.3 million people live in Hawaii and 1 million of them live on Oahu. U.S. military personnel make up 1.3% of the population in the islands. It seemed to me they were all out walking on Wakiki's main street in Honolulu when we were out on the weekend evenings!!

We arrived in January after 15 hours of travel, surprisingly awake, mid-afternoon ready to hit the Wakiki Beach. We were staying at the Outrigger Wakiki in a supposedly partial-beach view room, but there was an industrial blower that made such noise, it was impossible to open the patio door so we had no view at all and no ocean breezes either!!

The hotel is right on the beach so we relaxed and enjoyed that and I met an artist I had corresponded with via e-mail for years who was my creative coach through Eric Meisel who lives in Hawaii so it was a wonderful first day and night in Oahu, The Gathering Place.

Pictures taken by me are of Wakiki Beach, the hotel and surroundings.

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 6

2010-12-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

This monotype, Versailles, expresses the royalty, dynamism and history I found at the very popular tourist stop the Palace of Versailles, only 16 miles outside of Paris.

Versailles was the center of political power in France from 1682, when Louis XIV moved from Paris, until the royal family was forced to return to the capital in October 1789 after the beginning of the French Revolution. Versailles is therefore famous not only as a building, but as a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy of the Ancient Régime.

It represents the ultimate in beautifully appointed but often overdone rooms with antiques and art treasures culminating in the Hall of Mirrors. See earlier posts where I describe the palace and gardens and the juxtaposition of them and the contemporary art exhibit showing there.

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 5

2010-12-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

What do you think is the number one tourist attraction in the world? What is the most recognized attraction to people in the world? My guess would be the Eiffel Tower. It is the most-visited paid monument in the world; millions of people ascend it every year. Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.

The tower stands 1,063 ft tall, about the same height as an 81 storey building. Upon its completion, it surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930.

Image: Le Tour, Monotype by Linda Dubin Garfield

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 4

2010-12-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

The Bois de Boulogne, one of Europe's most spectacular parks, just west of the city is a place where Parisians go to breathe and enjoy spacious green surroundings. A historic spot which French nobility once used as hunting grounds, the Bois de Boulogne is a lyrical expanse of greenery and calm where picnics, bike rides, boating, and even fishing can make you feel like you're far away from the urban scene.

One word of warning: prostitution rings thrive around the Bois de Boulogne after dark. Avoid the area at these times.

Image: Bois de Boulogne, Monotype with mixed media by Linda Dubin Garfield

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 3

2010-12-13T19:20:00.001-08:00

These three monotypes are titled (from the top) "Le Marais," "Sully" and "Vosges." I purposely grouped them together because they are geographically together in Paris. Le Marais is the area where you find Place de Vosges which I spoke about before. It is the oldest planned square, quite lovely with great architecture around it. Build by Charles !! for his son, it stand the test of time and still works as a beautiful, popular square today. The Victor Hugo Museum is there as is the Sully Hotel (meaning large, grand edifice, not a place to rent rooms). You can refer back to past posts to read more about these places. I was enamored by each place and tried to encorporate the energy and feeling of the place in the work of art.

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 2

2010-12-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Moulin Rouge, which means Red Mill, is a cabaret built in 1889 by Joseph Oller, who also owned the Paris Olympia. Close to Montmartre in the Paris red-light district of Pigalle on Boulevard de Clichy in the 18th arrondissement, it is marked by the red windmill on its roof.

The Moulin Rouge is best known as the spiritual birthplace of the modern form of the can-can dance. Originally introduced as a seductive dance by the courtesans who operated from the site, the can-can dance revue evolved into a form of entertainment of its own and led to the introduction of cabarets across Europe. The modern can-can was born as dancers (many of them failed ballet dancers with exceptional skill) were introduced to entertain the guests. The can-can that we recognise today comes directly from this period and, as the vulgarity of the dance lessened, it became renowned for its athletic and acrobatic tricks.

The Moulin Rouge lost much of its former reputation as a 'high-class brothel' and it soon became fashionable for French society to visit and see the spectacular cabarets, which have included a can-can ever since. The dance is recognizable for the long skirts with heavily frilled undergarments that the dancers wear, high kicks, hops in a circle whilst holding the other leg in the air, splits, cartwheels and other acrobatic tricks, normally accompanied by squeals and shrieks. Whilst the dance became less crude, the choreography has always tended to be a little risqué and somewhat provocative.

Today the Moulin Rouge is a tourist destination, offering musical dance entertainment for visitors from around the world. Much of the romance of turn-of-the-century France is still present in the club's decor.

Images: Top: Moulin Rouge 1, monotype;and Bottom: Moulin Rouge 2, monotype capture the joy, excitement and provocativeness of the Moulin Rouge as well as the choreography and maybe even a hint of the windmill.

Paris Inspired Art- Monotypes Part 1

2010-11-28T22:41:00.000-08:00

Capturing the excitement and energy of the streets of Paris is a daunting job. Paris is a walking city and I walked miles and miles, or should I say kilometers? Every neighborhood had its charm and flavor. In previous posts, I spoke about Marais where I stayed. Some of the energy and passion of this fabulous city is in the monotype if you look for it. The movement, the color, the application of the ink- all work toward expressing the sights and feelings of the experience of Paris in visual form, using color instead of words.

Top: Rendez-Vouz d'Octobre, monotype, bottom: Rues de Paris, monotype

Paris- Doorway to Happiness

2010-11-21T19:48:00.000-08:00

Paris is the center of fashion, art and people-watching; a city where Chanel-clad ladies walk poodles along grand boulevards; a place where the waiters are rude but the food is amazing. Paris is all of that and more. Your love affair begins once you look beyond the closed door, open yourself to explore the backstreets of many neighborhoods, and make Paris your own.

Comfortable shoes are essential for this city of a thousand walks, landscaped gardens and cavernous galleries. Reserve your ticket for speedy access to the Louvre, which sidles up to the Jardin des Tuileries. Across the Seine on the Left Bank, take your pick from Impressionist hangout Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame's Gothic grandeur and Musée Rodin's Kiss sculpture. OK, you really can't leave without seeing Paris light up from the Eiffel Tower, open till midnight.

Parisians luxuriate in shopping -- bidding shopkeepers bonjour and pausing to lèche-vitrines ("lick the windows" or window shop). Saunter the boutiquey Marais for home-grown fashion, and voguish rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, home to concept store Colette, for haute-couture. Where else can you find such palatial department stores as Art Nouveau Printemps and rival Galeries Lafayette? Antiques, bric-a-brac, vintage Chanel -- it's all at Saint-Ouen's enormous weekend flea market; arrive early for bargains and stay for brunch.

Visiting Paris opens doors to every sensual pleasure. It is mysterious, magical and welcoming. I took pictures of doors I saw around the city. Many were very old. All were very interesting.

Paris- Rue des Rosiers

2010-11-17T07:55:00.000-08:00

Rue des Rosiers is the main thoroughfare of the Marais' historic Jewish quarter. Walking down this street and seeing the facades scrawled in Hebrew and French, many of them dating to the early 20th century, you can sense the rich history here. The area is also known as the Pletzl, which means square in Yiddish. 

Large Jewish communities have lived here on and off for centuries, starting in the 13th century, when the area was known as "The Old Jewry." At the constant mercy of kings who periodically expelled them from France, Jews only acquired a measure of stability in the early 19th century, under Napoléon I.  

During WWII, the neighborhood was especially targeted by the Nazi occupation and the collaborationist French police. Many schools in the area attest to that, including one that can be found off of Rue des Rosiers, at 6, Rue des Hospitalières-St.-Gervais. A commemorative plaque stands at the boy's school here. 165 students from this school were deported to concentration camps. 

Today, the street and surrounding neighborhood is well-known for its delicious Middle Eastern and Yiddish/Eastern European specialties. I googled over 133 kosher restaurants in Paris. About 35 of them were around Rue des Rosiers. some of my favorites were Mivami for felafel and Israeli treats, Micky's Deli for fresh deli meat, and Korcarz for delicious dairy dishes. I also loved the authentic French food at O'you which was a taxi ride away.

Photographs above show stores in area. From top: Love Paris, Kosher Shop and Waiting for Felafel.

Versailles- Murakami at Versailles

2010-11-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

“For a Japanese like me, the Château de Versailles is one of the greatest symbols of Western history. It is the emblem of an ambition for elegance, sophistication and art that most of us can only dream of. Of course, we are aware that the spark that set fire to the powder of the Revolution came directly from the centre of the building.

But, in many respects, everything is transmitted to us as a fantastic tale coming from a very distant kingdom. Just as French people can find it hard to recreate in their minds an accurate image of the Samurai period, the history of this palace has become diminished for us in reality.

So it is probable that the Versailles of my imagination corresponds to an exaggeration and a transformation in my mind so that it has become a kind of completely separate and unreal world. That is what I have tried to depict in this exhibition.

I am the Cheshire cat that welcomes Alice in Wonderland with its diabolic smile, and chatters away as she wanders around the Château.

With a broad smile I invite you all to discover the wonderland of Versailles.”

Takashi Murakami

How intriguing it was to see the modern work of Murakami along side the classical works of the Versailles collection. What a coup for an artist to have his work shown at Versailles!! I found it invigorating and exciting to see resin 21st century Japanese cartoon-like sculpture among the traditional sculptures. At first it was jarring, but charming. It piqued my interest and made me wonder why Murakami put his sculptures where he did. His were ornate, multi-colored and very decorative as were many of the older sculptures found in the original collection. This was not my first visit to Versailles, but it was my most interesting!!

Versailles- The City

2010-11-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Versailles, a city renowned for its château, the Palace of Versailles, was the de facto capital of the kingdom of France for over a century, from 1682 to 1789. It is now a wealthy suburb of Paris and remains an important administrative and judicial center, located in the western suburbs of the French capital, 10.6 miles from the center of Paris. Versailles is historically known for numerous treaties such as Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the American Revolutionary War and the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I.

From May 1682, when Louis XIV moved the court and government permanently to Versailles, until his death in September 1715, Versailles was the unofficial capital of the kingdom of France. For the next seven years, during the Régence of Philippe d'Orléans, the royal court of the young King Louis XV was in the Tuileries Palace in Paris, while the Regent governed from his Parisian residence, the Palais-Royal. Versailles was again the unofficial capital of France from June 1722, when Louis XV returned to Versailles, until October 1789, when a Parisian mob forced Louis XVI and the royal family to move to Paris.

King Louis XIV, son of Louis XIII, was only five years old when his father died. It was 20 years later, in 1661, when Louis XIV commenced his personal reign, that the young king showed interest in Versailles. The idea of leaving Paris, where, as a child, he had experienced first-hand the insurrection of the Fronde, had never left him. Louis XIV commissioned his architect Le Vau and his landscape architect Le Nôtre to transform the castle of his father, as well as the park, in order to accommodate the court. In 1678, after the Treaty of Nijmegen, the king decided that the court and the government would be established permanently in Versailles, which happened on 6 May 1682.

Photograph- garden at Versailles

Paris- Shoppers' Paradise & Fashion Mecca

2010-11-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

I am sure there is great shopping all over Paris but I am most familiar with shopping in the neighborhood closest to my hotel. The historic Marais quarter is prime stomping ground for shoppers with an eye for the unique and finely-crafted, not to mention antique and art lovers. Try antiques or fine arts shopping on the Place des Vosges, jewelry shopping at boutiques like Satellite on Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, or explore boutiques featuring up-and-coming designers on Rue des Rosiers. There were many small fashion boutiques on all the streets like the ones pictured above. And we saw many fashion shoots like the one shown in the photograph on top with the model as tall as a giraffe with the photographer telling her how to move and stand in front of the art galleries around the Place des Vosges. Picking up accessories in Paris to brighten an outfit made my day!!

Paris- Shopping in Belle Epoch Style!

2010-11-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

First inaugurated in 1893, the Galleries Lafayette department store is a Paris fashion institution. Located near the Opera Garnier, Galleries Lafayette is an essential stop for fashion enthusiasts: men's and women's designer collections are always kept at the cutting-edge, and the latest trends in jewelry and accessories, home furnishings, or cosmetics can all be perused under one roof. Galleries Lafayette also houses a gourmet food market, Lafayette Gourmet, that will be sure to tempt foodies and curious travelers alike. Modeled after a Mideastern bazaar, the store flaunts unique Belle Epoque architecture. It is an amazing shopping experience!! Pictured are the balconies and incredible glass ceiling. The prices were not cheap but some things were on sale and, therefore, affordable. The dollar to euro ratio was dropping by the minute when I was there.

Across the street, the new Galleries Lafayette Maison in Paris extends over five floors and 10,000 square meters and is devoted to the culture and cult of lifestyle. Visitors stepping into the atrium are welcomed into a fairy-like palace. Between the brightly lit columns and stairways new visions of light and color appear as if by magic in the glass balustrades on each floor – a sparkling canopy of stars, welcome messages in a wide variety of languages and the names of exciting places

Paris- The Louvre, a Must-See Spot

2010-11-07T21:13:00.000-08:00

Where do you begin to discuss Arts and Culture in a city like Paris whose history is filled with centuries of arts and culture? I'll start at the Louvre which I found out was first a prison, then a palace and then a museum. It is so big, there is no way to see all of it in one visit. We did not even try. We headed right to the Mona Lisa (pictured above) and stayed in that general area.

Right across from the Mona Lisa was the huge painting I have pictured above. I have never seen such a large painting. I was amazed by its size!! I looked at it for over 20 minutes absorbing all that was in it. It was unusual because there were musicians in the dining area and nobles and peasants eating together. I was interested in how he lightened the colors to show perspective and make the background seem farther away. He also used steps up to imply steps back. He painted a powerful, majestic social scene.

Veronese’s Wedding of Cana (1562-63) the Louvre’s largest painting, now hangs directly across from its most famous one. To remove this gigantic canvas from the gallery before the remodeling started, workers had to break the door frames of the Salle des États. The frames were eventually replaced with removable ones. Some visitors may find the 84 feet separating Mona Lisa from Veronese too close for comfort. Unlike Leonardo’s small and intimate portrait, the Veronese is a painting you really need to back up to see. The Louvre has pointed out, however, that the refectory at San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, where the painting originally hung before its 1798 seizure by Napoléon, was also just about the same distance.

The Louvre Pyramid (pictured above) is a large glass and metal pyramid, surrounded by three smaller pyramids, in the main courtyard and serves as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Completed in 1989,it has become a landmark of the city of Paris. The pyramid and the underground lobby beneath it were created because of a series of problems with the Louvre's original main entrance, which could no longer handle an enormous number of visitors on an everyday basis. Visitors entering through the pyramid descend into the spacious lobby then re-ascend into the main Louvre buildings.

This is a must-see place when visiting Paris!!

Marais: Architecture

2010-10-28T01:34:00.000-07:00

Marais, the old narrow streets, barely wide enough for a car, navigate through 400 years of 17th century Paris. This is the oldest neighborhood of Paris, created from ancient swamp lands. It is now a mélange of hip boutiques along the Rue des Francs Bourgeois, the Jewish ghetto of the rue des Rossiers that dates back to the 13th century and some of the trendiest cafes, brasseries and restaurants of all Paris.

Marais, the oldest section of Paris, is a treasure of Renaissance architecture. It is home to the Musée Carnavalet, Musée Cognacq-Jay, The Archives, Hotel Sully, Musée Picasso and one of the grandest old squares in all of Paris, the Place des Vosges. This square is a masterpiece of brick facades and harmonious stone arches.

In Marais one can find cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, boutiques, art galleries and museums. It is a diverse, energetic neighborhood, well-located and thriving.

(Photographs from the bottom: These buildings are in Marais: roof top Hotel du Sully, Hotel du Sully, another view of Hotel du Sully, library in Marais, side of library, another traditional building in Marais)

Marais: Place des Vosges, Oldest Planned Square in Paris

2010-10-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

Henri IV built the Place des Vosges from 1605 to 1612. A true square (140 m x 140 m), it is the first European example of royal city planning. It was built on the site of the Hôtel des Tournelles and its gardens: at a tournament at the Tournelles, a royal residence, Henri II was wounded and died. Catherine de Medicis had the Gothic pile demolished, and she moved to the Louvre.

The Place des Vosges, inaugurated in 1612 with a grand carousel to celebrate the wedding of Louis XIII and Anne of Austria, is the prototype of all the residential squares of European cities that were to come. What was new about the Place Royale in 1612 was that the house fronts were all built to the same design, probably by Baptiste du Cerceau, of red brick with strips of stone quoins over vaulted arcades that stand on square pillars. The steeply-pitched blue slate roofs are pierced with discreet small-paned dormers above the pediment dormers that stand upon the cornices. Only the north range was built with the vaulted ceilings that the "galleries" were meant to have. Two pavilions that rise higher than the unified roof line of the square center the north and south faces and offer access to the square through triple arches. Though they are designated the Pavilion of the King and of the Queen, no royal personage has ever lived in the aristocratic square. The Place des Vosges initiated subsequent developments of Paris that created a suitable urban background for the French aristocracy.

Before the square was completed, Henri IV ordered the Place Dauphine to be laid out. Within a mere five-year period the king oversaw an unmatched building scheme for the ravaged medieval city: additions to the Louvre, the Pont Neuf, and the Hôpital Saint Louis as well as the two royal squares.

Cardinal Richelieu had an equestrian bronze of Louis XIII erected in the center (there were no garden plots until 1680). The original was melted down in the Revolution; the present version, begun in 1818 by Louis Dupaty and completed by Jean-Pierre Cortot, replaced it in 1825. The square was renamed in 1799 when the département of the Vosges became the first to pay taxes supporting a campaign of the Revolutionary army. The Restoration returned the old royal name, but the short-lived Second Republic restored the revolutionary one in 1848.

Today the east side of the square is planted with a grove of mature lindens set in grass and gravel, surrounded by clipped lindens.

Many famous people lived around the Place des Vosges. Two significant ones are No. 6, "Maison de Victor Hugo" Victor Hugo from 1832–1848, in what was then the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, which is now a museum devoted to his memory, managed by the City of Paris. The other is No. 7 Hotel du Sully, Henri IV's great minister, which is a lovely grand edifice and garden, currently housing the offices for all historical buildings.

Around the periphery of the square are shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes galore. We went to an art opening one night, ate lunch in the park several times, had late afternoon coffee at a cafe a few times and thoroughly enjoyed the area which as around the corner from our hotel. We also viisited the Victor Hugo Museum and Hotel du Sully which are free and well worth seeing. The gift shop at Sully had wonderful gifts to bring home.

(Photographs from the bottom: Statue of Louis XIII, Fountain in center of square, Place Royal with distinct brick and stone design and Clipped linden trees)

Marais: The Right Place to Stay in Paris

2010-10-18T21:37:00.000-07:00

Located in the very heart of the Marais, around the corner from the Place des Vosges (more later,) the Hostellerie du Marais welcomes you into its cultural ambiance. Its contemporary style rooms, entirely renovated in 2008, combine both design and comfort. With air conditioning and LCD TV on cable, you can enjoy a modern stay in the Old Paris.

Nothing beats mingling with the crowds in the cobblestone streets to do some shopping. Visitors will enjoy antique shops and second-hand bookstores, art galleries and boutiques of all types. You can admire architecture from as far back as the 17th century that gives this district its authentic charm and which will transport you back in time.

We were so lucky to stay is this charming three star European hotel. The breakfasts were wonderful. The staff was incredibly accommodating and helpful. We were close to so many wonderful places and could walk everywhere, including the Metro. More in the next post about Marais, the best place to stay in Paris!

Photographs: From top: Neighborhood Shop, Boutiques and Galleries Galore, Place des Vosges

The First Time I Saw Paris

2010-10-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

I taught for a year after I graduated from college and saved as much as I could to afford the Grand Tour of Europe. My friend Susan and I bought a Europass and off we went. We spent a week in Paris, staying at the University dorm for $2 a night. Even so, we could not stay within the $5-a-Day budget like we did in the other cities. Paris was expensive even in 1965!!

But I saw all the sites I had read and dreamed about: the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Place de Vosges, among others. I walked the streets filled with history, beauty and charm. I practiced my fractured French while the natives cringed and answered in English. I used francs and ate onion soup at 3 AM in Les Halles where the fresh fruits, flowers and vegetables came in from the country. I had cafe au lait in cafes where I sat and people-watched for hours. I saw the "Mona Lisa" at the Louvre and absorbed all the culture the city had to offer. No one was going to keep me down on the farm; after all, I'd seen Paree!!

More Art Inspired by Tuscany and Umbria

2010-07-22T08:28:00.000-07:00

The colors and sensations of Italy linger long after I return home and had a direct influence on the work I did for a while. I am not sure if the light and colors of Italy ever totally leave your mind's eye. I did several series of monotypes based on my trips to Tuscany and Umbria. These three monotypes are titled (from the top): Harvest Time, Landscape Lambrusco and Tuscan Hills 2.

See more at my website: www.lindadubingarfield.com

Art inspired by Tuscany and Umbria

2010-07-20T16:53:00.001-07:00

The colors, sensations and memories of the lovely hill towns of the wine country in Italy linger long after I returned home. Tuscany and Umbria are in my mind's eye and these are from several series I did inspired by my travels there. I will be posting several more in the next few weeks.

From the top: Tuscan Hills 1, Merlot Fields, Exuberant Landscape. All are monotypes.

See more on my website www.lindadubingarfield.com

Traveling Around Tuscany- A Treat with A Twist!

2010-07-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Driving around Tuscany was a delight. The towns were near each other, the roads were clearly marked and each town had some special character and charm to discover. Here are four more of them:

Pisa is in western Tuscany and is know throughout the world for the Leaning Tower. Of course, there is so much more there than the world renown landmark. It has many historical buildings and manages to maintain its medieval appearance. It is also known for its excellent university which was established in 1343.

Terme is a popular destination for thermal spa tourism. The link will give you information about hot springs all over Italy. The bottom picture is from Terme.

Arezzo offers many artistic elements and original characteristics to visitors. There is an Antique Furniture Exhibition the first weekend of the month. There are also splendid landscapes around the area as well as Etruscan remains and architectural and pictorial works of different periods. Second photo from bottom is a scene from Arezzo.

One of my favorites, however, was Pitigliano, a very small town in the southern part of Tuscany. The Jewish Quarter of Pitigliano was settled by Jews in the 16th century when the town became a haven for Jews escaping the enclosed ghettos of cities like Siena and Florence. Even when the Jewish Quarter was enclosed in 1622, relationships still continued between Jews and non-Jews, and it was known as the liveliest Jewish ghetto in Italy. When Jews were emancipated in the mid-19th century, the ghetto population was about 500, accounting for a third of Pitigliano's population. Many of them left for cities, though, and by WWII none were left.

The parts of the ancient Jewish Quarter open to visitors includes a small museum, the restored synagogue from 1598 which was done beautifully, ritual baths, dye works, the kosher butchering area and bread ovens. It was quite a surprise to see a synagogue in a small hill town and a kosher bakery, even though it was not working!! Second photo from the top is the restored synagogue and top photo is one of the streets in Pitigliano. It's a wonderful town to visit- all the usual elements, with a surprise twist! Actually, the kosher bakery is the central window on the left.

Next post will include some of the art I created, inspired by this trip into Tuscany, a magnificent and multi-sensory environment!! Of course, the colors and sensory experiences of Italy are in my mind's eye forever and will always be there influencing me in some way.

Visiting Siena, Italy

2010-07-11T07:00:00.001-07:00

Siena is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval towns, located in the heart of Tuscany. Built on three hills and surrounded by well-preserved walls, Siena is filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world's most unique piazzas- Piazzo del Campo (shaped like a shell with scalloped edges). Siena, with its uniquely preserved medieval architecture, satisfies every art lover and many others as well. From tiny piazzas shared by you and a couple of pigeons to stately 14th and 15th century buildings, there is always something to notice and admire. Limited traffic within the city center enhances your experience and adds to the feeling of stepping back in time into a medieval world. I also enjoyed the small shops around the Piazza for shopping and still have the pottery I bought there.

Tuscany, Italy

2010-07-06T06:46:00.000-07:00

Tuscany is know for its exquisite landscapes, its rich legacy and its influence on high culture. It is regarded as the birth place of the Italian Renaissance and has been home to some of the most influential people in the history of arts and science such as Petrarch, Dante, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Amerigo Vespucci and Puccini. The region has major art museums such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Pitti Palace in Florence and other galleries in smaller towns and villages. The area also has a great culinary tradition and is famous for many wines, including Chianti, Vino Nobile de Montepulciano and Morelino de Scansano.

Six localities have been designated as World Heritage sites: the historic center of Florence, the historic center of Siena, the square of the Cathedral of Pisa, the historic center of Pienza and the Val d'Orcia. In addition, 120 natural preserves have been protected, making Tuscany and its capital Florence a very popular tourist destination with millions of tourists coming here every year.

In the next few posts, I will tell you about the towns I visited.

Umbria, Italy- Todi and Spoleto

2010-06-28T22:27:00.000-07:00

Todi is a picturesque medieval hill town with storybook charm in the southern part of Umbria, 40 minutes from Spello on the way to Rome. It is near the Tiber River, overlooking the Tiber Valley. It is surrounded by medieval, Roman and Etruscan walls. Although it's a hill town, its center at the top of the hill is flat. The central piazza, originally the Roman forum, has several beautiful medieval buildings. Sights are close together and there are good places to linger, enjoying the views and the ambiance. Todi photographs are bottom three images.

Spoleto, one of the largest towns in southern Umbria, is a hill town in Italy famous for its summer music festival, Festival dei Due Mondi, with interesting Roman, medieval, and modern sights. It was inhabited in prehistoric times and the lower parts of its wall are from the 6th century BC. Spoleto is a walled town built on a hillside with most of the sites in the compact upper town. Above Spoleto is a medieval Rocca and spanning the deep gorge to one side of the Rocca is Spoleto's most famous sight, Ponte delle Torri or Bridge of Towers (Photograph third from top.) Spoleto photographs are top three images.

Photographs are from the web.

Umbria, Italy- Hill Towns of Perugia and Assisi

2010-06-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

A 25 minute ride from Spello takes you to a hill town almost in the very center of Italy, capital of an area known as the "Green Heart of italy." Perugia is a lively, medieval, walled hill town with historic buildings, people-filled squares and modern shops. Estruscan ruins are still visible in certain places.

Famous for its chocolate, there is a chocolate festival in October. Otherwise, walking through the narrow streets and along the walls at the edge of town for views of the valley (see bottom photograph taken from Piazza IV Novembre) is the city's top attraction. Corso Vannnucci is the main pedestrian street which is lined with elegant shops, bars and restaurants. There are art exhibits and many points of interest including Roman walls and gates and a 5th century Temple. We loved the feel of this town, great energy!! Lots of charm and interested places to explore. Looked like reasonable hotels were available- not as nice as ours in Spello, though.

Twelve miles east of Perugia is Assisi, best known as the birth place of St Francis. It is a hill town of Roman ruins, medieval streets and sacred shrines. A very popular tourist attraction, there are 3000 inhabitants and 4-5 million visitors annually. We stayed a short time, walked around a bit and then left, overwhelmed by the crowds and not so interested in visiting all the churches.

All three photographs are of Perugia.

Spello, Umbria-The Tastes & Smells of the Region

2010-06-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

Spello is a 2000 year old Roman settlement whose nickname is "Jewel of Umbria." Its narrow alleyways and cobble stoned streets are decorated with flowers in the spring and summer. It is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and sunflower fields. Many culinary adventures start there, especially wine and olive oil tastings. They are known for their excellent olive oil. I got a great recipe that I have used (and changed) so many times, I want to share it with you:

Spaghetti with Zucchini, Raisins and Nuts (pictured at top)

1 lb spaghetti**
4 T olive oil
2/3 cup chopped walnuts**
5 minced garlic cloves
5-6 small sliced thin zucchinis**(cut in half- moon shape)
2/3 cup raisins
2 oz Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta to and drain. Return to pot.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium flame. Add walnuts until brown, Add garlic until brown. Continue stirring to keep from sticking to pan. Add zucchini with seasoning and continue tossing with other ingredients until tender. (5-7 minutes)
Add pasta and mix well. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

**The beauty of this recipe is that you can make many substitutions and it always works- whole wheat pasta or udon noodles are great, yellow squash or a combination of both works, sliced almonds are great. I haven't tried it but you could probably use craisins in place of raisins too!!

The secret is to use fresh ingredients and the best quality olive oil you can afford.
Buon Appetito!!

Staying in Spello, Umbria

2010-06-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

This map of Italy shows you in red where Umbria is. To the upper left of it is Tuscany. After leaving Florence in a rental car, we drove to Spello. Tiny stone houses that dot the Umbrian countryside form this mesmerizing and charming town.   Only occasionally do tourists stop in Spello; it’s not part of the "usual" travel itinerary. It’s one of those places that if you happen to drive past, you feel compelled to detour and discover.

Mostly, Spello exists for the locals. There are only 6,000 inhabitants; tiny in a country of over 56 million people. But it’s that small town charm that is the essence of Spello and what the accidental tourist finds endearing.

Spello is a pleasure for those who love walking. Three well-preserved Roman stone arches form the entry points to the town, Porta Venere, with its towers, Porta Urbica and Porta Consolare. Once inside, the cobblestone streets meander in and out of mysterious alleyways that lead to simple, yet elegant stone houses.

The locals will welcome you with a smile as they sit outside their houses, knitting, sewing or simply chatting to one another. If you offer an Italian greeting such as "Buon Giorno," you will almost certainly receive a delighted response.

For the art lover, Spello is well known for its wonderful frescoes by Pinturicchio- depicting scenes from the New Testament - which can be found in the 12th century church of S. Maria Maggiore.

We stayed in a 13th century villa that once belonged to a mercenary. Restorations in the 18th and 19th centuries gave Hotel Palazzo Bocci its charm and loveliness today. Well located for day trips throughout Tuscany and Umbria, we stayed here and traveled throughout the area. The roof top scenes above are from the windows of our room at the hotel. Morning and evening walks were very pleasurable, the hotel was lovely and the people divine, not to mention the food! Especially the olive oil!!

Florence- One of my favorite cities

2010-06-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Florence is a glorious city. Walkable, filled with history, amazing art, outstanding food, great shopping, it is a place to return to many times. This time we stayed in a wonderful pension Hotel Pendini founded in 1879, perfectly located between the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. We walked and walked, enjoying every minute of our stay. Since we were there during holiday time, we were surprised at many corners- a carousel, street concerts ( including Strauss waltzes on New Year's Eve,) people on stilts- magic everywhere. And the art!! Like nowhere else...here is a site for museums in Florence

But this time we are traveling through Tuscany and Umbria.

Pura Vida-Series of Archival Transfer Monotypes with Chine Colle

2010-05-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Wildlife Fantasy

This is the second mixed media monotype I have finished from the series Pura Vida, based on travel to Costa Rica. I wrote about my trip to Cano Negro, a rich and exciting place filled with many species of animals and birds. This image combines digital photography, traditional monotype printmaking, chine colle, pastel, colored pencils, and other collage and drawing materials to create a fantasy place where many birds and animals meet.

Disney World- The Best Part

2010-05-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

The best part of the trip is that I get to spent 3 whole days with a grandchild and really get to know him better than I would in any other circumstance. There are no parents, or siblings, or other responsibilities to distract us. We are totally focused on having fun together. There is no other agenda.

I tell them there are only a few rules:
1- No whining, not allowed in the park.

2. You must answer people when they spoeak to you. People are very friendly and you cannot be shy and not respond, even if you say, "I would rather not say."

3. You have to tell me what you really want to do or how you feel. I want to know and I want to do what you want to do. Do not be shy.

Reality is suspended. I stay on a Disney property hotel so I get a room key that I can charge everything to. All snacks are outrageously expensive, but the same price everywhere. Almost $3 for a soda or ice cream- put it on the charge. I let them buy 2 major gifts for themselves so we look around at the gift shops which are every where and they find things and then I also buy them smaller things too. Also we buy small items (pencils and stickers for classmates, magnets for teachers, stuffed animals and/or tee shirts for siblings and cousins, mugs for parents.) It is "consumerville" to the hilt!! The concept of real money goes out the window and the plastic card is like Monopoly money, which is one of the reasons why my husband could never come with me on this trip: the prices would kill him!

By the end of the trip on the plane ride back, we are close as can be. We have connected and I know how the little guy thinks and feels about the world around him. I have a real sense of his personality. Like the commercial says: Coke- $3, Stuffed animal- $20, Relationship with grandson- Priceless.

Photographs taken by Linda Dubin Garfield

Disney World- The Magic of Disney

2010-04-27T18:09:00.000-07:00

What makes Disney World so special to adults and children? What is the Magic, not only of the Kingdom, but of the entire property? For me it is how dedicated everyone is to insuring that I have a good time. Everyone who works for Disney does his or her job well, from top to bottom. There is a super work ethic. And everyone does it with a pleasant disposition and courtesy. No one waits on you in a store talking on a cell phone, ignoring you when you walk in. No one is annoyed at you when you bother them to wait on you. Everyone is pleasant and friendly. People make eye contact and want to help you have a good time. The staff of all Disney properties work tirelessly for your benefit. Things run smoothly and on time. The bus system, the food system, the park system- are all though out and planned. They are not cheap but they are well run and I feel like I get my money's worth.

The other major ingredient of the Magic is the imagination and showmanship that goes into the program and entertainment in the parks. The rides and shows are superior in quality and design. Every time I have returned to Disney World there is something new added. They are always thinking of some new ride or event to add to the parks to keep returning guests excited. The special effects are brilliant, the art is creative, and the overall effect is always entertaining. My favorite activities include the African Safari, the Lion King Show, the 3-D movies, Peter Pan Ride, Winnie-the-Pooh Ride, It's a Small World After All, Barnstorm Goofy Ride, Race Track Ride, Magic Carpets of Aladdin Ride, Dumbo Ride, and the Little Mermaid Show. Remember, I bring a five year old with me- no Splash Mountain for us!

The entire concept and development of Disney World is from the ingenious mind of Walt Disney who imagined all of this.

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you anywhere.
Albert Einstein

Photographs by Linda Dubin Garfield

Disney World- My Favorite Ride

2010-04-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

Everyone of my trips to Disney World, whether with my 16 year old son, my sister or each of my 5 year old grandchildren, has included the It's a Small World ride. Most people find the repetitious song cloying by the end; it is sung over and over and over... ad nauseum but I enjoy it. The boat ride travels through the dioramas of twirling dolls dressed in many countries' themed traditional dress- saris, peasant outfits, a chasidic wedding, Mexican dancers, etc. All the dolls are happy and adorable; the artwork is lovely, colorful and clever. There is so much to see- great eye candy- so much, you can get visual diabetes! It's a delightful 10 minutes and a ride i look forward to on every visit.

I think also love the ride because I believe it really is a small world after all. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and seeing how our similarities are so much more significant than our differences. Our hopes and dreams, our fears and worries are similar- what we want for our children... these important things are the same. What we eat and wear are different, our music is different, but the basics are the same. I also love when I bump into people I know far from home. It happens often because it's a small world. So a high school friend's daughter is waiting in the airport in Zambia, Africa right next to me on a 5 hour delayed flight! Isn't that great?
Small world, hey?

Photographs of It's A Small World taken by Linda Dubin Garfield

Disney World- for the 7th time!

2010-04-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Disney World in Orlando, Florida is a magical world of suspended reality. I find it an oasis from real life. The place is always totally clean; everyone is friendly and pleasant; the cost is outrageous but you charge everything to your room key so it is not like real money. You are there to enjoy yourself and have fun- and you do!

My first visit was with my son when he was 16. He really did not want to be with his mom and often left me to go by himself. I called my sister from there (on a pay phone to let you know how long ago this was) and asked her why I had gone with him and not her? I thought you needed to go with a kid. I had no idea that adults could go to Disney World alone. The next visit my sister and I went together and had a ball!! We stayed at Port Orleans- Dixie Landings which is now called Port Orleans- Riverside. I still stay there. It is on of the Disney Resorts and is a moderately priced hotel on the Disney grounds.

Then I made a promise to my grandchildren that I would take each one to Disney World when they turn 5. I figured 5 was a good age: old enough to remember the trip (after spending all this money, I wanted them to remember our going) but young enough not to want to go on the scary rides I would not want to go on. So far my system has worked.

I just got back from taking Ari, my 5th grandchild to turn 5. When we discussed going when Ari was around 3, he did not seem so excited about it. But as he 4th birthday approached, he told his mother he decided to skip being 4 and was ready to go directly to 5. She explained it did not work that way and he had to be 4 before 5.

Then he met his future kindergarten teacher who told him that he would be in her class when he would be five.

"No," he told her. "I can't be in your class when I am 5."

"Why?" she asked.

"Because I am going to Disney World with my Bubbie (Grandmother) when I am five," he answered.

Photographs taken at Port Orleans- Riverside by Linda Dubin Garfield

Costa Rica- Magical Rain Forest

2010-04-07T16:48:00.000-07:00

The beauty and lushness of the tropical rain forest is amazing. Everything is bursting with life and energy. The color, freshness, and vitality awakens you to a heightened level.

This first mixed media print in the series "Pura Vida," inspired by my travels in Costa Rica, is a multi-media experiment. I knew I wanted to do something more than I had done before to express what I had seen and experienced on my visit to Costa Rica. I have combined digital photography, monotype traditional printmaking, colored pencil drawing, chine colle, collage, as well as pastel to create a fantasy rain forest replete with the butterflies and lush greenery that remain forever in my mind's eye.

Image: Magical Rain Forest, Mixed Media by Linda Dubin Garfield

Costa Rica- San Josecito Beach

2010-04-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

The lovely San Josecita Beach is a short 25 minute boat ride down the coast from our hotel on the Osa Peninsula. This quiet beach is further along the same path as the town and Cocatito Beach we had walked to. There are shaded areas and places to snorkel. We went later in the day and stayed for sunset which was truly magnificent. A boat from the hotel came back for us right around sunset so we drove through the Pacific Ocean while the sun was setting.

Costa Rica- Cocatito Beach

2010-03-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

After the easy walk to "downtown" Drake Bay, we decided to walk the other way to Cocatito Beach. The sign said 35 minutes. Unfortunately, the sign did not mention it was an uphill climb and the elevation was so steep that along the way they had added steps and a railing to help people climb. Since I am so out of shape, I had to stop several times to catch my breath, wondering if I would ever make it. One hour later, we arrive at a secluded Pacific Coast beach as lovely as any I have seen. Trees provide shade from the hot tropical sun. Several other people come trickling by the path. some stay a while; some move on. When we leave and I dread the walk back, I find it takes 35 minutes to return to the hotel where a delightful fruit drink quenches my thirst and the difficult trek to get to the beach is a forgotten chore of a glorious day.

Costa Rica- Caño Island

2010-03-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Caño Island is situated just 12 nautical miles from Aguila de Osa Inn, and can be seen just minutes after leaving the protected cove of the hotel. The boat ride to the Park entrance takes approximately 45 minutes, during which time we were lucky enough to see dolphins frolicking in the ocean. Norman snorkeled and I sat on the beautiful beach. The Pacific Ocean is warm there. There was plenty of shade to protect us from the hot sun.

Costa Rica- Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay

2010-03-21T02:59:00.001-07:00

We had to take off our shoes and wade to a motor boat which then took us to our hotel which could only be reached by boat, after our taking a 15-seater plane to a small landing strip and a brief jeep ride to the bay. Our hotel, the Aguila de Osa Inn on the left side of the bay was unreachable by car. We could, however, walk on the path 30 minutes to the town, which we did on several occasions to discover the elementary school, a middle school, as well as a lovely view of the bay and several buildings- one a bar and some outdoor stores, pictured above. After all, I am a city girl!! I love downtown!

The path ran in front of the hotel and went for about 6 miles. It followed the bay and went to several beaches (more later) and passed several hotels. We saw many people walking by. People who worked in the hotels used the path to get to work. Tourists used the path to go from place to place. It was a well beaten path. There were no cars in the area.

Costa Rica- Cano Negro

2010-03-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

After a two hour bumpy ride from our hotel, we arrive in Los Chiles, a culturally mixed village that sits only 4 kilometers from the Nicaraguan border. Here the boat awaited our river adventure into the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. We went on a 4 hour floating safari on the River Frio through tropical rain forest, pastures and marsh.

We were there during the dry season and saw 100's of birds of many species, including cormorant, spoonbill and jabirus, We saw howler and spider monkeys, as well as iguana, caiman, crocodile, and lizards that walked on the water.

At the end of the boat ride, some people got off the boat for a few minutes in Nicaragua, but I did not- worried about lurking rebels more than crocodiles wasI!!

Costa Rica- Hanging Bridges

2010-03-12T07:33:00.001-08:00

An excursion to the Costa Rican rain forest at the Arenal Hanging Bridges was a wonderful morning activity. The 2 1/2 hour hike crossing 15 bridges suspended on the primary rain forest with a very knowledgeable naturalist guide opened the doors to this tropical biologically diverse world. I saw things I would have missed, liked leaf cutter ants, hundreds of them right before my eyes, marching in lines destroying a leaf in perfect order. Also, a huge ant hill which houses over 9 million ants and looks like a big dirt hill, not to mention the many different flora species and small animal species.

The three photos above show my husband Norman on one of the hanging bridges, a view of the lush rain forest and a distant view from one of the higher bridges.

Costa Rica- Arenal Volcano

2010-03-09T08:36:00.001-08:00

Leaving the Peace Lodge, we drive down to the Arenal area to stay at the Arenal Kioro Suites and Spa, situated central to the volcano!! The top photo was taken from our hotel room. Great, right? Except for the clouds which cover the volcano for most of our visit.

The Arenal volcano is the world's second most active volcano. Costa Rica has 7 active volcanoes, 112 as part of the Rim of Fire. At night, it is possible to see glowing embers and activity but we saw nothing.

On the way from the Peach Lodge to the Arenal area we did see beautiful countryside. Lush farmland where many fruits and vegetables are grown- pineapples, bananas, coffee and sugarcane.

Cloud Forest- Night Tour

2010-03-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

While visiting Costa Rica & staying at the lovely Peace Lodge (www.waterfallgardens.com) at La Paz Waterfalls, I went on a night tour equipped with flashlight & camera. Looking for nocturnal animals, I came upon glass frogs and leaf frogs.

Peace Lodge- In the Clouds

2010-03-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

The moisture of the cloud forest makes everything grow so beautifully in the garden at the Peace Lodge (www.waterfallgardens.com) at La Paz Waterfall. Our stay here was delightful. I highly recommend your visiting this magical place. Close to the airport, volcanoes, rain and cloud forests, it is a wonderful place to begin your vacation in Costa Rica. We had one of the most beautiful rooms ever. The bathroom had its own waterfall and was as big as my dining room at home!! There is a jacuzzi in the bathroom as well as one on the balcony overlooking the cloud forest and mountains.

These photographs show the exotic flowers, including orchids, growing in the garden, as well as the "diamond raindrops" left on the leaves by the constant moisture in the air.

Costa Rica- Tropical Paradise

2010-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Arriving in Costa Rica a day late due to a blizzard & driving to the Peace Lodge in a cloud forest north of Arenal Volcano is a mystical and other worldly experience. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and, having never been in a cloud forest, I was not prepared for the lush vegetation and beauty awaiting me.

A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. As the winds sweep up to the Continental Divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest here receives an incredible four meters of rain every year- that is almost twelve feet.

One of the most characteristic features of a cloud forest is the abundance of vegetation. Competition for growing space is so intense that trunks and branches are almost entirely covered with a variety of lichens, liverworts, and mosses. The lush cloud forest canopy is thus home to many species of insects, amphibians, and mammals which never even come down to the forest floor.

The Peace Lodge is an exceptional hotel built on the side of a mountain, near the La Paz Waterfalls. It is an organic part of the environment. There are 3.5 kilometers of paved trails that wind through cloud and rain forest,70 acres of wildlife and forest, showing the diversity of plant and wildlife.

Terezin- The Model Camp

2010-01-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

Terezin- The Earth is Soaked with Blood

Terezin- These Walls Bear Witness

Terezin- A Walk in the Park

Terezin, 30 miles from Prague, is a place of sadness, pain and death as well as courage and heroism. Terezin earned worldwide notoriety following Nazi occupation. As early as June 1940, the Prague Gestapo Police Prison was set up in the Small Fortress and turned into a huge place of persecution, where Jews were especially singled out for particularly harsh fate. The Main Fortress became a ghetto, a concentration camp for the Jews as early as June 1941. Initially the Jews were only in the barracks, but by 1942, the town's original population had been forced to move out and the whole town of Terezin became a town behind bars for Jews.

It also became an instrument of Nazi propaganda. The false image of Terezin was meant to be a smoke screen to hoodwink the international public and cover up the genuine tragic fate of inmates in Terezin and other camps. Bathrooms which were never hooked up and never used were built for show and the Red Cross visitors never knew. Some 140,000 men, women and children were deported to Terezin. In the final days another 15,000 prisoners arrived and had to be vacated. Many arrived dead and others died shortly after arrival.

There were many courageous and heroic people who worked hard to keep the people surviving. Rabbis, artists, doctors, nurses and others who boosted and strengthened morale, Less than 4000 people survived the war out of more than 53,000 inmates who had left the camp in transports. The victims included many children who had left behind drawings compiled into the book "I Never Saw Another Butterfly."

It was a difficult and moving experience to be there.

Three photomontages from series Behind the Scene/Seen: An Artistic Response to the Holocaust.

Cultural Prague

2010-01-23T17:53:00.000-08:00

Prague is a cultural center with many places to see. The National Museum's main building is the design of the famous Czech architect Josef Schultz and dates from the national revival period in Prague at the end of the 19th century (1885-1890.) There are many long term exhibits there.

We also visited St. George's Convent which has a permanent exhibition of Mannerist and Baroque Art in Bohemia. The Convent was originally a Benedictine convent founded in 975 which retains its early medieval character.

We visited the Museum of Czech Cubism which has been placed in the newly renovated Balck Madonna House. The unique Cubist building, designed by Josef Gocar, was built in 1911-1912. The museum presents Czech Cubism as an artistic trend which influenced all spheres of fine arts.

The Franz Kafka Museum has a long-term exhibition of all the first editions of his works (1883-1924.) Correspondences, diaries, manuscripts, photographs and drawings as well as 3-D objects and 5 audiovisual works and music composed especially for this exhibit. www.ngprague.cz

photos: top: tourists; next: view from the castle; third: town hall; bottom: kafka statue

Prague Photomontages from Behind the Scene/Seen

2010-01-16T17:34:00.000-08:00

Prague-Ghosts In the Streets

Prague- Dead End Tracks

Prague- Clear Reminders

These 3 photomontages are from the series Behind the Scene/Seen. While visiting the charming city of Prague, it is all too easy to miss the history and the ghosts and cries of the murdered Jews who once lived and thrived here. Seeing behind the scene/seen includes those who perished on these streets during the Holocaust.

Jewish Prague

2010-01-10T19:40:00.000-08:00

Jews have lived in Prague, the cultured and elegant city of lore and legend, since the 11th century. Waves of persecution marked their history, however. The cemetery, founded in the 15th century, ( bottom three pictures) has 12,000 tombstones crowded together in layers in a small plot of ground since Jews were not allowed to be buried anywhere else. It was used until 1787. Holocaust victims were not buried there.

The Jewish Museum in Prague is visited by half of all the tourists who visit Prague. It consists of several synagogues, the cemetery and the Ceremonial Hall, all located in the Jewish Quarter.

The former Ceremonial Hall and mortuary (second from top) was built in 1911. It housed the Burial Society Hevrah Kaddishah (founded in 1564) now houses a small museum about the customs and ceremonies of Jewish burials.

The Old-New Synagogue (top picture) is not part of the museum but located in the Jewish Quarter as well. It was built in the 13th century and is still in use today. It is the only existing medieval hall of its kind. The golem of Prague legend is from here. It is the oldest extant synagogue in Europe.

A good source for tours in the Jewish Quarter of Prague is www.legacytours.net or contact luba@legacytours.net.