Catherine Palace

Catherine Palace’s Rococo facade

As the second wife of Peter the Great, Catherine I, Empress of Russia, came to the throne by chance.  She was orphaned at an early aged and spent her youth as a maid.  Nevertheless, they met soon after Peter moved the capital to St.… Read the rest

Marienkirche

Marienkirche

Today we are visiting Marienkirche (St Mary’s Church), located in Rostock, a city in northern Germany. After a walk through the town square we come across this charming church and enter into the dazzling interior, the whitewashed wall reflecting the light of the bright day outside.… Read the rest

Warnemünde & Rostock

On the canal, Warnemünde

I wake up in Warnemünde, our first port of call, and I can’t wait to get out and explore.  After dressing, breakfast and other morning tasks, we walk from the port into town and follow the pretty canal lined with boats floating prettily and little pension (B&B) along the banks.… Read the rest

National Museum Of Beirut – Other Artifacts

Gold Mask, Baalbek, Roman Period

As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post.  So, I have divided the five original subheadings into separate posts.… Read the rest

National Museum of Beirut – Jewelry

Pectoral (top) – gold and semi-precious stones, Byblos, 18th Century BC.
Pectoral (bottom) – gold

As I begin writing about the artifacts contained in the National Museum of Beirut, my enthusiasm carries me away and there ends up being too many favorites to fit into just one post.… Read the rest

National Museum of Beirut – Sarcophagi

National Museum of Beirut

This fabulous museum is hidden behind construction work as I approach with my luggage.  It’s my last stop in Beirut before I have to leave and it’s most definitely a must see.

I work my way around the museum, starting on the entrance level, followed by the basement exhibits and leaving the first floor until last. … Read the rest

Lebanese Hospitality

Cafe CentreVille (downstairs from Al-Sultan Brahim) with the Al Majidieh Mosque lit up in the background

Lebanon. The history! The culture! The food!  Oh, the food.  But nothing brings this all together to be so delightful, so delectable, so enjoyable than the hospitality. … Read the rest