Blessed are Those on the Mount of Beatitudes

14 August 202423 September 2024

Located in the Galilean town of Tabgha, the Mount of Beatitudes is thought to have been the location where Jesus preached his famous “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5 – 7 and Luke 6). The sumptuous gardens overlooking gorgeous views of the Sea of Galilee provide the perfect setting for meditation and prayer.

One of the most notable scriptures of Jesus’ sermon is The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3 – 11):

“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.”

Throughout the oasis are beautiful placards that remind visitors of Jesus’ teachings and recall the biblical verses which are the basis of Christian theology.

Jesus gave hope to the hopeless, loved the unclean and outcasts while healing the sick and demon-possessed. He taught the crowds how to put others first and to love God with all of their hearts. His teachings were innovative and full of grace, unlike the Jewish laws, and drew thousands of spectators and followers.

While there is no evidence (archaeological nor scriptural) to the actual location of the Sermon on the Mount, the current site, previously known as Mount Eremos (Greek for isolated) has been recognized for more than 1600 years. The Byzantines built a church at the base of the hill in the 4^th century AD, while a Catholic chapel rests at the top, overlooking Gennesarat to commemorate the event.

According to archaeologist Bargil Pixner, “this terrace above this still existing cave, called Mughara Ayub, must be considered the traditional place of the Sermon on the Mount. The hillcrest of the Eremos indeed offers a magnificent view over the entire lake and the surrounding villages. The cragginess of this hill meant it was left uncultivated and enabled Jesus to gather large crowds around him without causing damage to the farmers.”

The charming chapel, designed by architect Antonio Barluzzi, was built in 1939 with a donation provided by Italian ruler Benito Mussolini. The floor plan is octagonal, representing each of the eight Beatitudes, with gorgeous colonnaded walkways and a gold mosaic dome. Eight stained glass windows at the base of the dome display the eight Beatitudes in Latin.

Designated for an order of Franciscan nuns, the church was also constructed on the supposed site where Jesus had met his disciples following his resurrection (Matthew 28: 16 – 20).

The altar is centrally placed in the chapel beneath an arch of alabaster and onyx. A beautiful gold cross is elevated on a stand of navy blue. Two dimensional carvings depict various scenes throughout Jesus’ life including his crucifixion. Beneath the shrine are various mosaics representing the seven virtues of charity, faith, fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance.

As we entered the church we were directed to follow the rope that ran along the perimeter of the chapel. The interior was modest and took only a few moments to explore. With additional time to wander the gardens, we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus would have preached along its coast. The chapel overlooks the fertile farmland of Gennesaret. The New Testament book of Mark refers to this area as the place where Jesus performed many miracles and came into contact with the Pharisees. (Mark 6 – 7).

In March of 2000, this vast hillside was the location of a papal mass that was prepared for nearly 100,000 attendees.

Outside of the chapel entrance is a stairway which leads to the most recent addition to the property, the Domus Galilaeae. Translated as the House of Galilee, the center was added in 2000 to provide additional meeting space for studies and retreats as well as a library dedicated to literature based on the Sermon on the Mount.

The Church of the Beatitudes was built upon the land that has been a designated Christian site for many years. Fourth century pilgrim Egeria mentioned in her writings, a cave in the hillside near Tabgha where “the Lord ascended when he taught the Beatitudes.”

While modern day pilgrims continue to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, many arrive by bus off of the Tiberias-Rosh Pina highway. Others, hiking the Jesus Trail, reach the Mount from other pilgrimage sites and historical locations.

Regardless of how we came upon the Church of the Beatitudes, as we meditate and pray, looking out onto the Galilee, we may hear the voice of Jesus speaking to us today.

Scriptural References:

The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:1-7:28; Luke 6
Jesus commissions the disciples: Matthew 28:16-20
The Miracles of Jesus: Mark 6 – 7

If you were to visit Israel, would you want to visit the Church of the Beatitudes? I am so thankful for the opportunity to have visited The Holy Land and thank you for reading about my visit to the Church of the Beatitudes. Let me know if you have any questions about the site or tell me about your visit in the comments section below. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Church of the Beatitudes
Follow signs off of the Tiberias-Rosh Pina highway
Tabgha, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 679 0978

Admission Fee: 5 shekels per person
Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 5PM and closed for lunch from noon to 2PM
Amenities: Historical and religious sites, restrooms (pay 1 shekel), local guides, posted placards, café (coffee, sandwiches and snacks) and gift shop
Scenic View: The view of the Sea of Galilee and the Gennesaret Plain
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Travel Tip: Wear the appropriate clothing for entering a church having your shoulders and knees covered. Dress modestly. If you are going on your own, arrive early when the facility opens to avoid tour crowds. At the gift shop you will find locally produced date nut honey which is exceptional! Visitors can also access the St. Peter’s Primacy Church by taking the trail at the back of the chapel. The hike will take about 30 minutes.

Where to Stay:

Club Hotel Tiberias
Ahad Ha’Am Street 19
Tverya, Israel
Telephone: +972 4 672 8000

Where to Eat:

Magdalena Restaurant
Migdal, Israel 90
Telephone: +972 4 673 0064

This gorgeous restaurant with beautiful views of Galilee has a full menu to include local Israeli dishes and seafood. Start with the Shrimp Kadaif, made of Mediterranean shrimp wrapped in kadaif (shredded phyllo dough), lemon aioli, Dashi and ginger sauce. Follow it up with St. Peter’s fish Tilapia baked in herbs and garlic and a side of root vegetables. The dessert menu offers amazing selections to include Lotus Malbi Cannolis, eclairs and sumptuous brulee.

Revealing the Treasures and History of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

2 March 202423 September 2024

It was a magical moment when I approached the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris as the bells began to toll. Looking up towards the tall spires of the French Gothic cathedral, I admired its gorgeous facade. The statues and decorations reveal an incredible story of history that fascinated me. It is no surprise that the Cathedrale of Notre Dame is one of the most renowned of all Catholic churches in France.

Notre Dame is dedicated to “Our Lady”, the Virgin Mary and Mother of Christ who, according to Catholicism, intercedes on behalf of those who pray to her. A statue in the center of the portico depicts Mary presenting the Son of God to the city of Paris, while a pair of angels looked on.

My eyes were drawn to the simple circular window that dates back to 1225 AD. Each stained glass pane tells the story of the Zodiac and the “Labours of the Months” which were traditionally linked together artistically. The Labours were common in Medieval and Renaissance artwork that symbolized rural activities that are associated with each month of the year.

As I approached the cathedral, I could not help but notice the three arched entrances with multiple statues and figures. The Portal of the Last Judgment in the center is the largest and most ornate. The far right entry is the Portal of St. Anne and to the left, the Portal of the Virgin. Exploring the many stories and Biblical depictions, I began my exploration of the cathedral with the tale of St. Denis.

St. Denis is credited with bringing Christianity to the ancient town of Parisii, a Roman settlement who worshipped demi-gods. His mission to convert the pagans enraged the Roman priests and Denis was beheaded. Ancient tradition claims that Denis stood up and with this head tucked under his arm, began walking north towards Montmartre where he would determine his final resting place at the Mount of Martyrs. This miraculous story increased the number of Christians in Paris and the pagan temple was soon replaced by a church.

Judgment of the world was a common theme among artists during the Renaissance and the Notre Dame has its own story to tell. Above the doorway of the central portal, Jesus is shown on his Judgment Throne seated above an angel and demon weighing the souls of man. While man’s fate hangs in the balance a deceitful demon cheats the scales by adding more weight in hopes to win more souls to the dark side. The souls of the faithful are lined up on the left as the souls of the condemned are chained and led away to their demise. While some of the wicked are blindfolded or carried off unwillingly, one man’s doom comes in the form of a flaming cauldron as he dives in headfirst.

Above the arch yet below the statue of Mary is a row of 28 statues representing the Kings of Judah. During the time of the French Revolution, the locals mistook these effigies as the much despised kings of France and decided to remove their heads. A local schoolteacher collected the heads and disposed of them by burying them in his backyard. For years they remained underground until 1977 when they were discovered and exhumed. The originals are now on display at nearby Cluny Museum, while the current statues have been restored.

Having studied the façade of Notre Dame, I continued towards the right doorway and reached the entrance into the church.

The cathedral is magnificent with its long central nave measuring 426 feet long leads to the altar.

The beautifully carved columns on each side reach up to ten stories high while the walls are decorated with paintings, sculptures and a row of stained glass windows above the columns. The arches above look as though they are praying hands while the stained glass windows burst with color as the outside light seeps in. The minimal light brings forth a cavernous atmosphere of the church as David and I begin our walk towards the altar.

The architecture is truly Gothic known for its simple columns, stone buttresses, stained glass windows and ingenious arches which crisscross to support the roof. Built in the typical floor plan of a basilica, it resembles a cross, where a crossbeam intersects at the location of the altar. The ominous size of the cathedral, measuring 157 feet wide can seat up to 10,000 worshipers at a given time. Towards the back are several chapels to explore.

The altar is where the priest conducts Mass and where the sacraments of the Communion are blessed. Just behind this sacred table is the beautiful Pieta, carved in the 17^th century. The two cherubs that flank each side of the sculpture represent the kings Louis XIII and his son, the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Located in the right transept of the cathedral, the statue of Joan of Arc memorializes the young teenage warrior who led her country to protect the city of Paris from the English. Her allies would later turn against her after hearing her claims that she heard heavenly voices, condemning her to burn at the stake. Opposite the statue is the only rose window with its original medieval glass.

Located on the back side of the choir walls are beautifully carved scenes from the resurrection of Jesus. Ahead on the right is the Cathedral Treasure which contains a reliquary housing some of the most important artifacts to include the Crown of Thorns, a fragment of the Holy Cross and one of the Holy Nails from the crucifixion of Christ.

I enjoyed exploring the interior of Notre Dame couldn’t wait to reach the top of the stairs for scenic views of Paris. Standing in line for close to 20 minutes, I purchased my ticket and made the trek to the top. Surrounded by the famous gargoyles, the panorama could not have been more spectacular, with views of the Seine, surrounding neighborhoods of Paris and the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

This ancient cathedral, with its 200 foot tall bell towers, ornate façade filled with interesting stories, extravagant rose windows and famous gargoyles, there is no doubt why the cathedral of “Our Lady” is France’s most famous church.

Have you visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris? What part of the tour was most memorable for you? I would love to hear about your experience or answer any of your questions if you would kindly leave a comment below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing visit to Notre Dame Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cathedrale de Notre Dame
Place du Parvies de Notre-Dame
75004, Paris, France
Telephone: Cathedral – 01 55 42 50 10; Tower – 01 53 10 07 00; Crypt – 01 55 42 50 10

Admission Fee: The cathedral is free. The treasury is 3 Euros and a view from the towers is 8.5 Euros. A visit to the crypt is 6 Euros.
Transportation: Nearest Underground Train Station: Cite, Saint-Michel; Nearest Bus/Tram Route: 21, 24, 27, 38, 47, 85, 96
Hours: Cathedral Mon – Fri 8 – 6:45, Sat – Sun 8 – 7:15; closed some religious feast days; Treasure Mon – Fri 9:30 – 6, Sat 9:30 – 6:30; Sun 1:30 – 6:30. Tower: April – September daily 10 – 6:30 (Jul – Aug Sat – Sun 10 am – 11pm; October – March daily 10 – 5:30. Archaeological Crypt: Tues – Sun 10 – 6
Amenities: Additional Information; Guided tours (free, times vary) audioguide (moderate)
Scenic View: A climb to the top of the tower provides extravagant views of Paris, the Seine and the Eiffel Tower in the background.
Length of Visit: 2.5 hours to include the cathedral, a trip to the towers and exploring the facade of Notre Dame.
Tips for Your Visit: Be prepared to stand in a long line for a trip to the towers through the left entrance. There may be a line to enter the cathedral, but in most instances, the line moves quickly.

Where to Stay:

Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris
31 Avenue George V
75008, Paris, France
Telephone: 33 1 49 52 70 00

Where to Eat:

Au Bougnat
26 Rue Chanoinesse
75004 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 43 54 50 74

David and I wanted to share a couple of starters, so we were determined to try duck while in France, We absolutely loved the terrine with pistachios, foie gras and served with a compote of red onion. The flavors were earthy and sweet while the pistachios gave the dish an added crunch. The creamy Veloute mushroom soup and the Burgundy snails were loaded with robust flavors of garlic. Seasoned with Parmesan shavings, the risotto was perfectly executed served with green asparagus.

What to Eat:

Beef Borgonion is France’s equivalent to a beef stew but better!
Fresh Bread from the Boulangerie
Cheese
Chocolate Croissants
Coq au Vin is an extraordinary French chicken stew
Creme Brulee is an egg custard that has been torched on the top to create a crisp layer
Crepes are an egg based wrap filled sweet or savory fillings
Croque Monsieur or Croque Madame are croissants filled with sweet or savory fillings such as cheese or ham.
Duck which is listed as canard on the French menu
Escargot
French Onion Soup
Frites are France’s fancy French fries
Frog Legs
Frois Gras is a duck pate
Macarons are deliciously light airy pastries made from sugar and almond flour
Meringues
Profiteroles are cream puffs

What to Read:

The Hunchback of Notre Dame, by Victor Hugo
The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway
Les Miserable, by Victor Hugo
The Life Before Us, by Romain Gary
All the Light we cannot see, by Anthony Doerr
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Perfume by Patrick Suskind

Photo Guide for Paris:

Avenue des Champs Elysses for street scenes and upscale restaurants and hotels
Eiffel Tower for fabulous views of the city
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann for gorgeous architecture
Jardin du Luxembourg for nature
The Louvre for art and architecture
Montemartre for the art scene and architecture
Notre Dame Cathedral for amazing views
Paris Bird and Flower Market for interesting people watching
Paris Metro for street scenes
Sacre Coeur for sunsets and panoramic views
Saint Michel and the Latin Quarter for street scenes

The Rose Window on the South Side of the Cathedral

The Baths of Miletus

22 July 202323 September 2024

Approaching the archaeological site of Miletus, it is obvious that there is a large influence of Roman architecture and tradition that once made an impact on this city. One of the more important customs was that of public bathing.

In the city of Miletus there were three bathing areas: the Capito Thermae, Humei Tope Thermae (in the north) and the Faustina Thermae operating in the south. During the First Century BC, Cnaeus Vergilius Capito donated the resources for a large building complex which would contain an exercise area and baths. An inscription located on the northern section of the Ionic Stoa, confirms his donation. Because baths were more of a social activity among the Romans, this compound was perfectly situated between the Delphinion and the Hellenistic Gymnasium. In the Palaestra, the exercise area, was a swimming pool. There were three sections to the baths (Thermae) which were the dressing rooms, the warm bath and the hot bath.

The Delphinion was built near the Harbour of Lions as a sanctuary of Apollo Delphinios who was the patron saint of sailors and ships. It was first constructed in the 6^th century BC, and went through several updates before it was destroyed in the 5^th century AD. The ruins clearly show the remains of a circular temple which was once protected by a roof and sheltered the altar where the residents brought their offerings. There were inscriptions found on the inner walls of the stoa and on the stelae indicating that this location was also once the city’s archive.

Many of the ancient ruins were not without a Nymphaem, which was one of the most important features of the city. This fountain was considered to be one of the most impressive of all of the Ionian cities. A three story structure with a façade that displayed Corinthian columns, it is said to have looked much like the façade of the Library of Celsius in Ephesus. You can find the Nymphaem on the western part of the city between the northern Capito Thermae and the southern North Agora and the Gymnasium of Eudemus. The structure also contained niches and pedestals on which statues would be displayed. The statues represented gods and demi-gods and it was estimated that there was a total of 27 throughout the building.

The South Gymnasium also known as the Gymnasium of Eudemis, was built on a north to south axis on the southern part of the city. On the esatern side of the Sacred way leading to the sanctuary of Didymia is an Ionic Stoa. It was quite long with seven steps leading up to the 36 columns supporting a beautifully decorated frieze. The original structure was built during the Flavian dynasty and further alterations were completed during the time of the Emperor Trajan.

Within close proximity to the theater were the Faustina Baths, which were built in the second century AD under the direction of Marcus Aurelius’ wife. These were the dressing rooms for the baths. At its height, the baths were an extensive complex with large fountains in various shapes such as the river god Meander, a small lion and other statues of the gods.

The building was a single story structure which included hot and cold baths, an area for physical exercizes and exquisite sculpture decoration. There were 13 rooms on each side which acted as changing rooms for the visitors. There were also beds provided in these rooms for the visitors in the event that they would want to rest.

While visiting Miletus, it is a bit difficult to imagine that this city was once a port town, situated on a peninsula, with three harbors on the west and one on the east. The harbors have since silted up to the point that the site now sits 5 miles inland. Today it is a popular shore excursion from the cruise lines that port in Kusadasi and is well worth the visit if you have an interest in ancient ruins, history and religion.

Have you had the pleasure of visiting Miletus? What aspects of the ancient city did you find fascinating? I would love to hear about your travel experience if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for escaping away with me to Miletus and I hope you have many Happy Travels in your near future!

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus

St. Peter’s Basilica: A Cathedral of Art

26 September 202223 September 2024

A group of school children, dressed in navy uniforms, skipped ahead of us along the walkway which connects the Vatican Museum to St. Peter’s Basilica. Still in awe at the beauty of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, I made my way towards the cathedral known for its architecture and artwork of famous Renaissance artists. While waiting at the entrance, I thought about how I had waited so many years to visit Rome and wondered if these youngsters had any idea how lucky they were for the opportunity to visit St. Peter’s Basilica at such a young age.

The Vatican City resides in the city of Rome, its own country with a post office, helipad and even its own currency with a portrait of the pope. It is the capital of over 1 billion Roman Catholics with the pope its ruler.

Shuttled along with fellow tourists towards the entrance, I noticed The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Cathedral to my far right. Traditionally, the door is only open every twenty five years during the Holy Year, and on special occasions as designated by the pope. Dating back to 1450, the bronze from the original Old Peter’s church was melted down to create the sixteen scenes which feature Jesus, Paul and Peter and shows how each was martyred (the bottom panels).

Once inside the cathedral, I noticed the ornate stucco ceiling of the portico with the coat of arms of Pope Paul V. The basilica was completed during the Pope’s reign in the 1600s. Columns, arched walkways and small windows allowed the day’s light to gracefully creep in. The beautiful rays of sunlight produced a majestic golden hue that reflected off of the marble interior creating a stunning effect.

While Michelangelo is credited for the cathedral’s architecture, Bernini was its interior designer. He created the bronze canopy, the apse, the balconies, various statues (including the statue of St. Longinus) and the marble flooring.

Approaching the Nave, my eyes followed the coppered ceiling, watching the stream of light subtly appear through the windows. Detailed hallways and arches at each side are displayed with magnificent carvings. The Nave was coming into view and the dome appeared above the altar canopy. At the base of the dome are four medallions representing the saints who wrote the Four Gospels of the Bible.

Beneath the dome is the Main Altar, where only the pope recites Mass. When he is in the Vatican City, it is here where he conducts the Sunday morning mass.

The center of the Basilica is known as the Crossing and it is where the Papal Altar sits over the location of St. Peter’s tomb. Located above the tomb is the famous Dome of Michelangelo. Around the opening at the top is an inscription “To the Glory of St. Peter, Sixtus V, 1590, the fifth year of his reign.”

Looking past the elaborate altar canopy called the Baldacchino, my eyes are immediately drawn to the altar where there are two cherubs. These cherubs, holding the papal tiara and St. Peter’s keys, symbolize the authority of the Roman pontiff and seem to capture the glory of the sun.

Designed by Bernini the canopy covers the Papal Altar as well as the Tomb of St. Peter. The bronze structure was created using materials from Rome’s Pantheon and was completed in 1633. In the background, past the Baldacchino, is the Altar of the Chair, which contains the relics of a chair from which St. Peter preached. Located above the papal tiara is the symbol of the Holy Spirit, an alabaster dove that seems to illuminate as the outer light shines through.

The Confessio Petri, or Tomb of St. Peter can be accessed through the banister in front of the altar and taking the stairs below. I took an excursion to see the place where St. Peter was buried and waited for our tour guide to arrive. Once we descended 23 feet below the marble floor, we reached the entrance at the bottom, where we were instructed that this was a high security area and no photos were permitted.

Of course, the most important question on everyone’s mind was, “Are these really the bones of St. Peter?” Our guide explained that the tomb of Peter had been sealed since Old St. Peter’s Church was built in 326AD. In 1940, the tomb was opened and an inscription was found on a nearby wall claiming that “Peter is here.” Archaeologists removed the bones that were wrapped in cloth and tested them to determine their age. They confirmed that they were indeed the bones dating back to the first century and are believed to be those of St. Peter, the first bishop of the Catholic church.

On the day of a pope’s funeral, thousands gather in St. Peter’s Cathedral to pay their respects, and later his coffin is carried out to the square where the eulogy is conducted. While there are several popes that have been laid to rest below the basilica, there are several shrines throughout the cathedral where the bodies of previous popes can be viewed.

The beauty of St. Peter’s continued throughout the basilica as I discovered additional treasures from some of the greatest artists of all time. While the white columns on the portico date back to the fourth century when the first church was built, many of the stones used to construct the cathedral were removed from the court houses of ancient Rome. Cupolas, statues of popes, marble floors and popes interred add to the mystery of the basilica’s possessions.

Nothing compares to the crown jewel of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome of Michelangelo. The largest dome in the world reaches 448 feet from the floor to the top. Sixteen slender curved panels display painted images of angels and saints while Jesus and Mary can be seen above the circular set of windows.

The Latin inscription at the base of the dome comes from the Biblical passage in Matthew 16:18 which says, “You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church, and to you I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven”.

The apse is located beneath the dome where a golden dove represents the Holy Spirit, glowing as the sun shines through the glass. The Throne of Peter, located below the glow of the dove, made of oak was bronzed by Bernini as a symbol of St. Peter’s authority.

Not only was St. Peter buried within the walls of St. Peter’s Cathedral, this is also the site of his crucifixion. To the left of the apse, across from the main altar is a painting which, according to tradition) represents St. Peters’ crucifixion. While Peter was preaching in Rome, he gained the attention of the current reigning emperor Nero, who hated Christians. Nero imprisoned Peter and made a spectacle of his death. It is said that Peter refused to be crucified in the manner of Christ and insisted that he should be nailed to the cross upside down.

Raphael’s famous painting of The Transfiguration is around the corner telling the story of Jesus’ ascension into heaven after having been crucified, buried and then rising from the dead. The Renaissance artist’s oil is located above one of the altars on the other side of the statue of St. Andrew. The magnificent layers of blue in the sky welcome Jesus as he rises from the Earth to his eternal home in heaven and it is exactly how I had imagined it.

There is a crowd surrounding the Pieta as I arrived and I decided to visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II who is close by. My grandparents were Catholic, so I remembered how much they respected him and were proud that he was Polish. I also remember when he survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and the extensive media coverage during his death in 2005. And since I happened to be visiting the weekend of his canonization, it only seemed appropriate that I pay my respects.

St. John Paul II was laid to rest below the painting of St. Sebastian who was able to escape the assassination attempts on his life by the Romans. It is said that Sebastian was John Paul’s favorite saint.

I finally reach Michelangelo’s Pieta (pity), housed behind bulletproof glass, and gazing upon its rich detail, it is clear to see the sculptor’s influence on the artistic community of the Renaissance Era. This statue of Mary shows her holding Jesus after he was taken from the cross. Considered the most famous of all of Michelangelo’s works, he completed it at the age of 24. The soft edges, deep folds and expression on Mary’s face graciously exemplify the perfection in his work.

St. Peter’s Cathedral showcases the beautiful artistic treasures of Renaissance art. It displays the wealth and importance of the Catholic Church with its billions of followers. From the first Pope, St. Peter to St. Francis today, Catholicism remains a key spiritual denomination to many believers in Jesus Christ over many years.

Have you experienced the beauty of St. Peter’s Cathedral? What did you admire the most? I would love to hear about your visit and would be happy if you would include any additional information or suggestions regarding a visit to St. Peter’s in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Purchase a Ticket for the Hop On/Hop Off Bus

St. Peter’s Basilica
Piazza San Pietro
00120 Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6988 3731

Admission Fee: Free admission with an additional charge to visit the dome. Dome fees: elevator to the terrace level and climb up the 320 steps for 10 Euros or climb up the 551 steps for 8 Euros.
Buses/Trains Info: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro station: Colosseo: Line B
Hours: Daily from 8:00AM to 5:00PM from October 1 to March 31 and daily from 8:00AM to 6:00PM from April 1^st to September 30.
Amenities: Audioguides and Radioguides are available.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides: Audioguides are provided in Italian, German, Polish, Spanish, French and English, while Radioguides are also available.
Scenic View: Spectacular view from St. Peter’s dome
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Dress appropriately ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered (i.e., no tank tops and wear long shorts or capri pants). Remain as quiet as possible.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Rome Central Park
Via Giuseppe Mosacti 7
Rome 01168 Italy
Telephone: +39 06 355741

Where to Eat:

Pastasciutta
Via delle Grazie 5
00193, Rome Italy
Telephone: +39 333 650 3758

The first day I tried this restaurant, I ordered the Pappardelle alla Carbonara. I had been waiting for the opportunity to try this Italian dish and fell in love!

My second day of visiting, I tried the Pappardelle ai funghi (mushrooms). Excellent for the price!

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

White Marble Saints

The Ceiling of St. Peter’s Basilica

A Circular Roundel in St. Peter’s Basilica

Grand Tetons: Mormon Row, Snake River and Jackson Hole

12 February 202020 September 2024

Heading north towards the Snake River Overlook, I had several places I wanted to visit along the way, starting with the Chapel of the Transfiguration. This small church, sitting at the base of the Grand Tetons, draws visitors with its beautiful views. From the window behind the altar, a picturesque scene provides an unobstructed panorama of the Grand Tetons. I imagine I would have been distracted by this picturesque scene while attending church here, but then again, it would always be a reminder of God’s beautiful creation.

Located in the park’s Moose area, the Chapel of the Transfiguration is an Episcopal Church located just inside of the South Entrance. Erected in 1925, this congregation an active community providing services for both Episcopalians as well as Eucharists during the summer season.

Traveling north, I found a short detour that led me to Mormon Row. During the summer months, this area is one of the best places to see bison and small herds of pronghorn antelope. It is the perfect backdrop for photographing the farm structures that were once home to Mormon settlers in the early 1900s.

At the last minute, I decided to take the one-mile gravel road to Lower Schwabacher Landing, once used as a starting point for rafting trips. Here, artists once painted some of the most familiar sites of the Teton Range and remains a perfect picnic spot to enjoy the view of the peaks.

I finally reached my afternoon destination. Made famous by world-renowned, photographer, Ansel Adams, the view of Snake River is spectacular. I can clearly see why photographing the overlook has become an obsession for photographers. I spent a few moments imagining myself as an early explorer, witnessing this view for the first time, but needed to start making my way towards Rendevous Mountain at Jackson Hole.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is more popular with skiers during the wintertime, but during the summer a gondola ride up to Rendezvous Mountain is irresistible. The Bridger Gondola provides breathtaking views of the resort below taking only 9 minutes to reach a climb of over 9,000 feet.

The gentle hum of the gondola is therapeutic as the climb continues upwards affording unobstructed sights of Teton Village below. Open only from 4:30PM to 9PM during off-season hours, there is a snack shop and restaurant for taking in the views. It is a perfect time to reflect on all that I experienced here in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone. I am already looking forward to a future visit where I have promised myself to hike more, explore more and make it another trip to remember.

What are some of your most memorable visits to Grand Teton? What would you add to your itinerary on your next visit? I would love to hear about your adventure if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading about my adventure to Grand Tetons National Park! Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Grand Teton National Park
PO Box 170
Moose, WY 83012
Telephone: 307 739 3399

Admission Fee: Each entrance fee covers 7 days of park entry. Private Vehicle: $35; Motorcycle: $30 and Hiker/Biker: $20 which only applies to visitors 16 years old and older entering the park by foot, bicycle, etc. An annual Pass for Grand Teton National Park is $70 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. The Grand Teton National Park accepts the America the Beautiful Pass which allows access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites for a cost of $80 which is valid for one year through the month of purchase. Check out their website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Hours: Open daily, 24 hours; Refer to the Grand Teton National Park website for the operating hours of the Visitor Centers.
Amenities: camping, hiking, boating, skiing, biking, bird watching, climbing and mountaineering, fishing, horseback riding, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, Visitor’s Centers which provide interpretive exhibits and park information and Ranger programs. Guided tours are also available in the park.
Scenic View: Scenic drives throughout the park include the Teton Park Road, Jenny Lake Scenic Drive and Signal Mountain Summit Road.
Length of Visit: To maximize your visit to Grand Teton National Park one would need at least a couple of days to experience all that the park provides.
Tips for Your Visit: The park is open year around, but winter time can be a challenging during snow and ice. If you are looking for animals, winter is the time that they hibernate. Spring is a wonderful time to visit because you can see newborn babies. When viewing wildlife, you must stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, and 25 yard from all other animals in the park. For photographers, you may already know that dawn and dusk are the best times to photograph animals and you will want to bring a telephoto lens for capturing them from far distances. Signal Mountain is perfect for sunsets.

Chapel of the Transfiguration
Grand Teton National Park
Chapel of the Transfiguration Road
Moose, Wyoming 83001
Telephone: 307 733 2603

Admission Fee: Free
Hours: Besides the church services, the hours of operation are not posted. I arrived at 9AM during the weekday and it was unlocked.
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons from the large picture window
Length of Time to Spend Here: Less than an hour.
Tips for Your Visit: The Chapel of the Transfiguration is an active congregation and church services are offered on Sundays at 8AM and 10PM during the summer season. The church played a major role in the movie, Spencer’s Mountain, featuring Henry Fonda and Maureen O’Hara.

Mormon Row
Grand Teton National Park
Located outside of Moose Junction
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Lower Schwabacher Landing
Grand Teton National Park
Moose, Wyoming 83001

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Tram Address:
3265 West Village Drive
Teton Village, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 733 2292

Admission Fee: Free; Additional charge for tram tickets ($35 for round trip access; $84 to ride all summer)
Hours: Open daily from 9 – 5; Refer to the website for winter/ski hours
Amenities: Tram/Lift tickets, Grand Adventure Pass, Bike Rentals, Paragliding, Kids Summer Camps, Daycare, Lodging, Spa, Vacation Rentals, Restaurant (at the base of the mountain and at the top). Great for hiking, biking and skiing!
Scenic View: Gorgeous view of the Grand Tetons and the surrounding area from the top of the lift
Length of Time to Spend Here: Varies depending on activities
Tips for Your Visit: Tram/Lift tickets are free after 5PM. Be prepared for the elevation as it may cause some shortness of breath. Some shops and restaurants at the top of the lift close at 5, but there are restaurants at the base of the resort as well. Piste was opened until 9PM during the summer.

Note: The information I have provided does not include the winter season as I visited during the summer. Visit the resort’s website for more information regarding ski packages, etc. https://www.jacksonhole.com/

Where to Stay:

Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa
3385 Cody Lane
Teton Village, WY 83025
Telephone: 307 201 6066

Where to Eat:

The Deck @ Piste
Rendezvous Mountain
Jackson Hole, Wyoming 83025
Telephone: 307 732 3177

I ordered the Southern Belle made from White Wine with Orange and Passion Fruit. In addition, I had a glass of Henry Estate Pinot Noir to accompany my House Meatballs and Fries.

For more information about Grand Teton National Park, visit the park’s website at https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm.

St. James Parish, the Oldest Church in Barbados

16 April 201816 October 2024

On our cruise stop visit to Barbados, my friend Dave negotiated a great deal with the taxi driver and guide, to take us through the west side of the island. Gene, our chauffeur, suggested a stop at St. James Parish Church, the oldest church on the island. Upon arrival, the pastor happened to be outside and welcomed us to his parish. Handing us a brochure, the booklet outlined a tour of the highlights of the church.

Entering at the west end, close to the parking area, we passed the first set of pews and found ourselves standing at the cross-aisle. To our left and right were the north and south exits of the building, while straight ahead, was the nave and the altar. The thick pillars on each side of the room were made from coral.

Looking back towards the entrance, we noticed the mahogany pipe organ above. Beautifully carved, we learned it was approximately 130 years old. More mahogany features stood between the nave and the altar to include the screen, paneling, choir stalls, roof beams, the altar and pulpit.

The “Modern Stained Glass Window” represents the Ascension of Christ and stands a memorial to those soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.

The stained glass window at the south entrance tells the story of the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunich.

At the north entrance of the church is the original bell dating back to 1696.

In 1887, the original burial ground was closed and a modern cemetery was opened nearby. The tombstone of John Gibbs dates back to 1700.

St. James Parish Church is an Anglican/Episcopal Church located on the island’s first settlement of Holetown in St James Parish. It is an active congregation that oversees a number of local outreach programs. The church is located in Holetown, St. James, Barbados. For more information, visit their website at http://stjames.truepath.com/index.htm.

Please note that there is no admission fee to visit the church, but donations are greatly appreciated.

What to See and What to Do:

St. James Parish Church
Church Road
Holetown, Barbados
Telephone: 246 422 4117

Where to Stay:

Hilton Barbados Resort
Needhams Point, St. Michael
Bridgetown, Barbados, BB11000
Telephone: +246 426 0200

Where to Eat:

Waterfront Cafe
The Careennage
Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies
Telephone: 246 427 0093

Order the local beer and a flying-fish sandwich!

What to Eat:

Flying Fish – the national dish of Barbados
Fish Cakes – salted cod or whitefish
Pepperpot – meat with Bajan spices and hot peppers
JugJug – guinea corn flour, pigeon peas, salted beef brisket, ham or other salted meats, pork or chicken, onions, and other herbs and spices
Pudding and Souse – steamed sweet potatoes made with onions, salt and pepper and souse is a picked pork dish
Roti – island burrito

What to Read:

Washington Black, by Esi Edugyan
A Caribbean Mystery, by Agatha Christie
Captain Blood, by Rafael Sabatini

Photo Guide for Barbados:

The Animal Flower Cave
Cherry Tree Hill
Silver Sands Beach
Almond Beach Resort
Speightstown
Rihanna Drive, Bridgetown

Are you interested in visiting churches or other places of worship when you travel? If yes, I would be interested in hearing about some of the locations you visited in the comments below. Happy Travels!

At the south entrance is the original baptismal font dating back to 1684.

An Ethiopian “Hunger Veil”