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Bath, England: Ancient Rome’s Influence on the United Kingdom

14 January 20253 May 2025

Bath, England, was once an artists’ paradise where the likes of Jane Austen, the famous writer, made frequent visits as a child.  Today, visitors from all over the world are drawn to the historical Roman baths, the beautiful Bath Abbey and the quaint pedestrian square lined with British restaurants and souvenir shops.

On our way to Bath, the countryside was dotted with farms and charming villages as well as picturesque cottages and lovingly tended gardens. Corner pubs seemed to have been plucked from a popular London crossroad and relocated to this rural scene.

The purpose of my trip to Bath was to explore the Roman Baths, the site of Aquae Sulis and the surrounding courtyard, that were built here in the 1st century AD. Rome’s empire spanned as far as England at the height of its success and this therapeutic pool of water is what remains of Rome’s influence on this area.   

Our big red bus dropped us off in the heart of Bath so we followed the crowds making their way to the Roman baths and took in the extraordinary charm of the town.  The cobblestone roads and Georgian architecture reminded me of Jane Austen’s book about Bath’s high society in Northanger Abbey and her novel, Persuasion.

The sky had been threatening to rain all morning, but seemed to have held off for now. Our wait in line extended out the doors and around the corner near Bath Abbey and somehow I managed to bring up the end.

While standing in line, I noticed the square was surrounded by four story buildings with shops, restaurants and bakeries on the ground floor open for business.  The Roman Baths Kitchen, Jack’s of Bath, tourist center to exchange money, the Cornish Bakery, the Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Hawkin’s Bazaar were well lit and provided a respite from the drizzling rain.

Bath Abbey stands behind me in the Abbey Church Yard in the heart of the city.  The dark, carved wooden arched doors, gorgeous stained glass windows and yellow-hued Bath stone are highlights of the Gothic façade, while its crown jewel are the stone angels climbing up Jacob’s Ladder towards heaven.    The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul and was formerly a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century.

Our entry into the Roman Baths provided us access to the upper and lower levels of the museum.  Following along the top floor of the complex, statues of Roman emperors and British governors lined up at intervals along the terrace overlooking the Great Bath.  From this point of view, I clearly noticed the green water of the bath below and wondered if it was warm, as steam seemed to have been coming off of the pool.  A doorway led into a dark room where well lit exhibits provided a timeline and explained how Rome transformed the Sacred Spring of Bath into England’s first spa.

The Sacred Spring not only fed into the baths, but was a collection pool for curses and offerings to the gods and goddesses.   Metallic inscriptions on lead or pewter contained curses where locals would write the names of the suspects and blaspheme them for their wrongdoing, many times for theft or perjury. Offerings to the goddess included jewelry, personal belongings or even coins.  Some of the currency dated back to the Republic when Augustus was Caesar of Rome.

The lower level leads to the Great Bath yet the complex extends beneath the square and streets of town.  The water’s natural temperature is a steady 46 degrees Celsius.  The pool’s depth is just over five feet and stairs lead down on each side.  Tables and benches may have lined the sides of the pool where visitors could enjoy drinks and snacks.

Large pipes of water extended from the Great Bath on the east and west sides creating additional spa features to the complex.  The baths were constructed where the patrons would begin with the hottest bath to the coldest.  The hot plunge bath, known as the Caldarium, was heated by a system under the floor called the hypocaust. They were constructed of stacks of pilae (tiles) that allowed the heated air to circulate throughout the floors and surrounding walls.  The Laconicum, similar to today’s sauna, was a small room with intense heat designed to induce sweating.

The final bathing experience was the cold bath which helped close the pores of the skin.  The water would have come from outside of the baths, most likely a nearby cold water spring.  The two columns were added in 1904 as additional support when electric trams were installed.

Adjacent to the Roman Baths was the Temple of Sulis Minerva, honoring the native Celtic goddess of the spa, who carried out the curses provided to her in the Sacred Spring. The temple, built in the classical style, had four large Corinthian columns that supported both the Temple Pediment and beautifully decorated frieze.   The Temple Pediment, discovered in 1790, is one of the most fascinating relics of the temple.  The detail in this piece of artwork is thought to have come from the area of Gaul in the first century AD.

An inscription that was found in the Temple of Minerva is dedicated to the goddess Sulis Minerva and may have been the podium that supported her statue.  Identified as the Haruspex stone, it was committed to the temple by a Haruspex priest L. Marcius Memor, who had the power to provide consulting services and made important decisions for the temple.

Several tombstones and relics on display represent the kinds of people who lived and died near the Roman bath.  Many came to Bath, from Europe, leaving their homes to find work here.   One stone inscription was identified as the gravestone of Rusonia Aventina who passed away at the age of 58.  She came to Bath from Metz, France.

Another fascinating find was the altar where the priests conducted animal sacrifices.  Several altar stones and inscriptions were found at the Temple of Sulis Minerva.  Discovered in 1965, two of the cornerstones remained in their original positions.  The pedestal carvings depicted the Roman gods, such as  Bacchus and Jupiter and were thought to have been painted.

The bronze head of Sulis Minerva is one of the rarest objects from Roman Britain as there were only two other fragments of its kind.  Discovered in 1727, it is said that it was most likely from the statue of Sulis Minerva that stood in the temple.  Dating back to the first century, there are several layers of bronze gilding applied at various stages over time.

Shortly after the discovery of the first century Roman Baths, John Woods and his son revived the town of Bath into a spa resort once again in the 18th century.  They added to the landscape by building The Royal Crescent’s thirty townhomes were decorated with beautiful Ionic columns and Palladian molding.  Today it is a museum and houses the Royal Crescent Hotel.

The charm of this town is in its Gregorian architecture and the pedestrian square and it is just as I had imagined it would be, thanks to the writings of Jane Austen.

Have you had the opportunity to visit the charming English town of Bath? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my excursion to Bath from London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Roman Baths, Bath
Abbey Church Yard
Bath, BA1 1LZ
United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 1225 477785

  • Admission Fee:  £16.50 for adults (18 – 59); £10.25 for children ages 6 -16; children five and under are free; Seniors (65+)  are £14.50
  • Hours:  January to February: Open from 9:30AM to 5PM; March 1 – April 18:  Open from 9AM to 5PM; April 19 – April 22: Open from 9AM to 7PM; April 23 – June 20: Open from 9AM to 5PM; June 21 – August 31: Open from 9AM to 9PM; Open September – October: 9AM to 5PM; November to December: Open 9:30AM to 5PM
  • Amenities:  local guides, museum, restrooms, audioguides, WiFi throughout the site
  • Scenic View:  Upstairs there are stunning views of the baths below.
  • Length of Visit:  2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear comfortable shoes for walking.  No re-entry is provided. Photographs are permitted. There is no bathing at the baths.

Where to Stay:

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
16 Royal Crescent
Bath, BA1 2LS
United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 1225 823333

Where to Eat:

Sotto Sotto
10 North Parade
Bath, BA2 4AL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1225 330236

What to Eat: 

  • Fish and Chips – fried fish and French fries
  • Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – usually eaten from noon to five on Sundays
  • Full English Breakfast – includes eggs, sausages, potatoes, mushrooms, blood pudding, tomatoes and toast
  • Pie and Mash – typically a simple steak and kidney pie or pork pies, this is a classic British comfort food served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Bangers and Mash – which is sausage served with mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Cockles – a small type of clam
  • Eton Mess – a dessert made of merengue, cream and strawberries
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding – a moist sponge cake baked with dates or raisins and smothered in toffee sauce served with custard or ice cream
  • Afternoon tea – with teacakes, scones, jam and clotted cream as well as champagne and tea
  • Beef Wellington – filet steak covered with pate and wrapped in puff pastry

What to Read:

  • Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen
  • Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer
  • Persuasion, by Jane Austen

Photo Guide to Bath:

  • The Roman Baths
  • The Town of Bath

The Roman Baths of Bath, England

Funerary Statue at Bath, EnglandAncient Coins found in the Roman Baths of Bath, England

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Tigang Sasih: A Cultural Experience in Bali

15 January 202222 September 2024

37_DSC1378Visiting a friend while on vacation in Bali, I was invited to a Hindu Nelubulanin Ceremony, a religious gathering that takes place when a child reaches the age of three months.  According to Hindu beliefs, a child born to a family is considered a god until their three month ceremony which is one of the most rights of passage celebrations of the Hindu faith.

The Sunarsas picked me up at my hotel and we began our journey towards the northwestern side of the island.  After a three hour drive and a stop along the way, we arrived in the residential town of Gilimanuk.

We set out early in the morning so that Wayan and his family could present their daily offering at the Monkey Temple.  The traffic was light and the scenic drive included views of the ocean as well as statuesque trees that lined the roadway.

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Prior to entering the village of Pemuteran, home to the Monkey Temple, there were several other Balinese sanctuaries situated along the coast.  Among some of the most dramatic scenery, these places of worship are essential to the every day customs of the Balinese Hindus.

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The cliffs behind the Pura Agung Pulaki temple are where the monkeys reside.  According to Balinese legend, these monkeys are believed to be descendants of ancient guardians of the temple that once inhabited the island.

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The Balinese believe that the reincarnated monkeys continue to provide protection to this magnificent temple.  They are known by locals as the “Wong Samar” or “Gamang”.

The Sunarsa family entered the temple, prayed and left their offerings inside.  It was hardly fifteen minutes when they emerged and met me outside where the active monkeys filled the sidewalks.

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Returning to the vehicle, we noticed over fifty monkeys invading the walkway and curiously exploring the hood of our car and hopping onto the roof.  Candra, Wayan’s wife, explained that these macaques are quite familiar with humans but can be aggressive if provoked.  As we slowly walked towards the car, the monkeys began to scatter towards the trees and we continued our drive towards the coast.

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Within an hour and a half, we arrived at the home where the Nelubulanin Ceremony would be taking place.    On the drive over, Wayan explained the purpose of the celebration and its meaning.

According to the Balinese Hindus, until the day of the child’s three month celebration, the baby is a divine creature and is not permitted to touch the ground with his or her feet.  They believe that the child is pure and sacred and must stay clean before the ceremony to connect with Mother Earth.

Family and friends will bring trinkets and blessings to the child to ensure that they are prosperous, healthy and have a joyous life.  A priest is also in attendance to perform the ceremony and acts as an intermediary with the gods.

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Celebrations are not only a part of the Hindu religion but of the Balinese culture.  Large gatherings of family members and friends come together to celebrate, memorialize or mourn their loved ones.   It is customary that relatives bring a dish for these celebrations and the food that day was an amazing spread of delicious Balinese foods.

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The family of the child prepare themselves for the ritual by participating in a purification ritual.  The parents also ready the baby by adorning him or her with jewelry such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

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Many offerings are presented to the high priest in attendance and he prays over the items that have been prepared for the ceremony.

25_DSC1430The Hindu priest facilitates the offerings and various rites of the event.  He is seated on a platform among the offerings, water and incense.  He is in a continual state of prayer that includes chants in the ancient Sanskrit language.

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During this time, the family simultaneously presents their offerings to the priest and praying to the Hindu gods. The contributions are strategically placed within a designated square platform representing goodwill and protection towards the child.

The large number of offerings include earthly items that symbolize the state of the child’s future on earth.   For example, leaves with inscriptions represent wisdom and intelligence, coins represent wealth and jewelry symbolizes the need for desire.

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Fruit and grains of rice and corn represent the child’s future hard work and diligence.  The water containing a goldfish symbolizes the pond of life.  The climax of the ceremony is when the family places the child in the center of the small objects and watches as the child selects one of these items which will represent how he will live his life.

The child is carried around the symbolic offerings three times which represent birth, life and death.  Once the ceremony is completed, the family gathers around to enjoy each other’s company at a wonderful feast which usually includes the suckling pig (babi buling) as well as a wide variety of other Indonesian foods and fruits.  It is a joyous time for the family and their friends and lasts throughout the day.

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Male Bali Starling

We stayed long enough to eat and enjoy each others company.  Before sunset, we began the drive back to Lovina Beach.  Nearing the halfway mark of our journey, the family eagerly suggested a stop at the Bali Barat National Park, a sanctuary for the country’s native bird, the Bali Starling.  The reserve was established to protect these beautiful birds from extinction as locals trap them to keep them as pets for good luck.

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Turning into the park, the entrance was paved and lampposts lined the driveway.   The mangrove forest surrounding us is also home to more monkeys and a protected species of cattle.  Not far from the conservation is a popular dive site with a coral reef and a variety of unique, interesting salt water fish.

Bali Starling Female

Female Bali Starling

With over 160 varied species of birds at the Bali Barat National Park, it is the Bali Starling that is the most sought after, and is one of the most endangered species of birds in the world.  The Bali Starling Recovery Project was created to reintroduce the bird back into the island of Bali.

From the beautiful drive to Gilimanuk, attending the Nelubulanin Ceremony, and visiting the Bali Starling Recovery Project, I was happy to have spent the day in the lives of my Balinese friends.  With the Balinese celebrating a variety of ceremonies over the course of a year, it is unusual that an outsider would be invited to participate in the festivities.  I felt honored to have experienced the ceremonial celebration.  I learned so many wonderful lessons that day.  One, the importance of religion and family in the lives of the Indonesians and secondly, their love of sharing their country and values with those that have a respect for their culture.

Have you attended a ceremonial celebration from another culture?   I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for following my adventures through Bali!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pulaki Temple
Jalan Seririt-Gilimanuk, Banyupoh, Gerokgak
Kabupaten, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 362 92380

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours:  Daily, open 24 hours
  • Amenities:  Public toilet, Beach, Food and Drink Stalls
  • Scenic View:   Beautiful views of the ocean from here and watching the monkeys is extraordinary!
  • Length of the Tour:  Less than 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Dress appropriately for visiting the temple, covering your shoulders and knees.  Watch out for the monkeys on the inside and outside of the temple as they are known to steal car keys, sunglasses, etc. Inside there are plenty of cats, which keep to themselves.

Bali Barat National Park
Kantor Pos Gilimanuk
Cekik, 82253, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 365 61060

  • Admission Fee: To tour the park, the cost is 10,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekday and 15,000 Rupiah (IDR) during the weekend. Because certified guides are required to trek through the park, the costs are varied (i.e., 2 hour trek = 150,000 IDR for 1 – 2 persons and 250,000 IDR for three to five persons).
  • Hours:  Daily, open from dawn to dusk (open for overnight camping)
  • Amenities:  Local Guides, Beach, Hiking, Snorkeling, Diving, Animal Reserve, Birding, Food and Drink Stalls
  • Scenic View:   Beautiful views of the ocean from here and visiting the unique animals is fascinating!
  • Length of the Tour:  Varies, depending on the activities you select
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The best time to visit is from August to December which is the end of the dry season and start of the rainy season. I would also suggest going early in the day to watch the sunrise!  The birding excursions are the most popular.

Where to Stay:

Nirwana Water Garden
Lovina Beach Street
Lovina Beach Bali

Nirwana Water Garden is located in the heart of Lovina Beach.  It is a 45-minute drive to the dive site of Menjangan Island.   Ngurah Rai International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.  The hotel can provide hotel transfers for a fee.

Nirwana Restaurant serves Indonesian specialties, with the option of in-room dining.  Guests can enjoy a guided tour to visit the dolphins at Lovina Beach, which can be arranged by the Nirwana’s staff.

Where to Eat:

Warung Ibu Wina
Jalan Mawar , Kalibukbuk, Lovina Beach, Anturan
Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia
Telephone:  +62 813 3759 6912

I could not stop thinking about the Makso soup that I had tried on my first day in Bali.  The ingredients were light and fresh and the soup was downright delicious.  I searched out a warung (a small Indonesian cafe) to find a place where I could find this yummy chicken soup and came across Warung Ibu Wina.

What to Eat: 

  • Babi Guling:  Suckling pig, which is similar to BBQ pork in the US.
  • Bakso Soup:  Indonesian soup made with meatballs, noodles, spices, vegetables and broth
  • Gado-Gado:  A cold salad of vegetables served with a peanut sauce
  • Nasi Goreng:  Fried noodles with lots of vegetables and a choice of meat, topped with peanuts and an egg.
  • Pisang Goreng:  Fried Bananas, served with palm sugar, honey, flaked coconut or ice cream
  • Sate Ayam:  Chicken on a stick usually served with a peanut sauce
  • Spring Rolls:  Crispy pastry filled with minced meat and mixed vegetables and then fried, usually served with a chili sauce

What to Read:

  • Balilicious, by Becky Wicks
  • Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
  • A House in Bali, by Colin McPhee
  • Love and Death in Bali, by Vicky Baum
  • Snowing in Bali, by Kathryn Bonella
  • Under the Volcano: A story of Bali, by Cameron Forbes

Photo Guide for North Bali:

  • Git Git Waterfall
  • Mount Batur
  • Sekumpal Waterfalls
  • Tamblingan Lake
  • Twin Lakes Viewpoint
    22 3 month baby
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Explore Medieval Life at the Ohio Renaissance Festival

13 October 201616 September 2024

Stepping into another place and time, I entered the charming medieval village of the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg, Ohio.  This festival was voted one of the best in nearby Warren County, and I imagined a day of eating overesized turkey legs and drinking lots of beer.  What could be better than that?   So, on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon, I set out to enjoy a day in the Middle Ages.

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The Ohio Renaissance Festival takes place yearly on the weekends running from late-August to October.  Dating back to 1990, the venue eventually established a permanent location in Harveysburg and began building a medieval village.

What I found most fascinating about the festival was the number of people in costume.  From wenches to rowdy pirates, lords and ladies, it was as though I had been transported to England in the 16th century.  I was also surprised at the size of the venue which sits on about 30 acres displaying over 100 shops in the Medieval Marketplace and a large number of outdoor stages for entertainment.

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As I wandered through the village, the smell of barbecue drew me to the food stalls where I started my feeding frenzy with, of course, that turkey leg and a beer. It was a difficult choice because there were so many options such as bread bowls filled with soup, fish ‘n chips and corn on the cob.

I could hear cheering from the jousting field and began to wander towards the Tournament Joust.  The royal family was joined by their friends and watched the competition from their box seats.  The excitement of the crowd was contagious, so I joined in to cheer on my favorite knight, jousting to the bitter end.

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The shops were filled with medieval merchandise, including gorgeous gowns and armor.  Made-to-order crafts were available for purchase and I enjoyed browsing through the leather goods, stone carvings and jewelry.  High end, more expensive items were those made from glass and novelty items such as dragon eggs.

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In addition to the shows and entertainment, children and adults played games, competed in feats of skill and enjoyed carnival-like rides.  It was an opportunity for me to try my hand at archery, knife and ax throwing, a few tries to “drench a wench”, and a ride on the swinging ship called SeaDragon.

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The admission covered most of the activities at the festival.  Additional attractions not covered included the Premium Jousting Seating (the Royalty Box), Open House Mead Tasting and the Naughty Bawdy Pub Show and required a small fee.

I spent most of the day at the Festival and found myself browsing the shops, trying a few games and watching some of the shows.  I joined in with the singing at the bar and was living the life of a serf.  I was amazed at the amount of fun I was having and loved the camaraderie of the crowd.

What was even more amazing was how much time and effort that goes in to setting up the Renaissance Festival each year.  The authenticity of the venue was so outstanding that I felt I was actually visiting a medieval village, immersed in the experience.

The Festival also hosts themed weekends, so check them out online to see if there is one that interests you.  You may want to dress up and experience the Ohio Renaissance festival in a whole new way,

Have you visited the Ohio Renaissance Festival?  What was your favorite part of the festivities?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about the Ohio Renaissance Festival and I wish you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH  45068
Telephone:  513 897 7000

  • Admission Fee:   Tickets for Adults are $19 while General Admission tickets for Children (ages 13+) are $7.50.
  • Hours:  The 2019 festivities will begin the weekend of  August 31st and continue until the weekend of October 26 – 27.  The event opens at 10:30 AM to 6 PM each festival day.
  • Amenities:  Themed weekends, entertainment, food, crafts, games and rides as well as special events.
  • Length of Visit:  Full day of food, fun, activities and entertainment
  • Tips for Your Visit:  To immerse yourselves in the spirit of the festival, dress in medieval costume!

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Wilmington
123 Gano Road
Wilmington, OH  45177
Telephone:  937 283 3200

Where to Eat and What to Eat:

Ohio Renaissance Festival Grounds
10542 OH-73
Waynesville, OH  45068
Telephone:  513 897 7000

  • 1572 Roadhouse Bar-B-Q for Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Sausages, Baked Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Peach and Blueberry Cobbler
  • Aleing Knight Pub for King’s Weinie, Hot Dogs, Tots, Scotch Egg, Wedge Fries, Cheese Curds, Spicy Corn Nuggets, Chicken Sandwichies, Fried Mushrooms, Strawberry Cheesecake and Cheesecake on a Stick
  • Archebald Drake’s for Fish and Chips
  • Bourbon Chicken at the Dragon’s Lair
  • Bread Bowls
  • Davinci’s Pizza
  • Garden of Eatin for bourmet burgers and Fries
  • Jerky Stand for Beef Jerky
  • Turkey Legs, Loaded Potatoes and Fried Pickles
  • Corn Dogs, Brats and Pork Shops

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Pharaoh Exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

8 September 201616 September 2024

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The Cleveland Museum of Art is known for its impressive impressionist collection and is one of the most visited in the world. I had always wanted to visit and when I learned about an additional exhibit based on an Egyptian collection, I was ready to make the two-drive to explore both exhibitions.

Entering the museum, I was overwhelmed with excitement to view the new exhibit:  Pharaoh, King of Ancient Egypt.  For months, I had been eager to explore this amazing showcase with over 200 ancient artifacts on loan from the British Museum.  This exhibit provided an in-depth insight into the life, customs and culture of the Egyptian Pharaohs who ruled from 3000 BC to 30 BC.

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The ancient Egyptians worshiped hundreds of gods and goddesses. The pharaoh was not only the ruler of the Egyptian kingdom but a religious figure as well. According to their beliefs, the pharaoh, an earthly representation of the god Horus, took human form to keep order within the kingdom of Egypt and to protect its citizens.  Through various rituals, the pharaoh would attempt to please the gods in hopes to grow abundant crops and defeat their enemies.   This was displayed by the 5-foot statue of Seti II seated on his throne while making an offering to the god, Amun, symbolized by a ram’s head on the shrine that Seti is holding.  At the base of the statue is the carved name of Seti II, known in Egypt as a cartouche.

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Once the pharaoh died, the Egyptians believed that he (or she) would be transformed as the god Osiris, the ruler of the underworld.  Within his tomb, offerings of bread, wine and carved figures were given as gifts to the gods.   The goddess Sekhmet was considered the “daughter of Ra”, a very powerful god, associated with the sun.  She could also transform herself into the uraeus, the rearing cobra, displayed on the crown of the pharaohs.

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One exhibit showed the Head of Pharaoh Mentuhotep II, a perfect example of the uraeus.  His white crown symbolized the rule of the land of Upper Egypt while a red crown represented the rule of Lower Egypt.  When the kingdoms were combined, the crown included both symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt.

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In addition to statues, figures were also carved into the lintels of Egypt’s extravagant temples.  The new pharaoh would leave his mark by building his own temple where the writing on the lintel would reference his rule.  The lintel of Amenemhat III is a fine example of what would have been built in the time period of 1859 BC to 1814 BC.

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During the Ptolemaic Period, when Greeks ruled Egypt, the tradition of building temples in the Egyptian style continued.  According to the exhibit placard, it reads, “Pharaoh Ptolemy I presents grass and a papyrus plant to Hathor, goddess of fertility and joy.  These plants symbolized Upper and Lower Egypt; together they represented the unification of the Two Lands.”

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Smaller figurines of the pharaoh and the gods were also carved out of stone or wood while some were sculpted out of bronze.  The jackal head is thought to have represented the god Horus in southern Egypt while the falcon may have been associated with the Horus of Pe in northern Egypt.

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The colorful stela (writing on stone) of Pharaoh Tuthosis IV showed his offering a gift of papyrus and lotus flowers to Amun-Ra and the deified queen Ahmose-Nefertari, who was the wife of Pharaoh Ahmose.   It is believed to have been created somewhere between 1279 BC – 1203 BC by Kha, the man who is carved into the bottom with his arms raised.

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One of my favorite items in the exhibit was the Coffin Case of Bakenmut.  I was taken by surprise at the beautiful artwork displayed both inside and out.  Although not the sarcophagus of a pharaoh, it was the resting place of a member of the clergy of Amun at Thebes, a very rich man.  It is estimated that it was built between 950 BC – 900 BC and made out of sycamore wood.

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On the interior, there are images of two deified kings, Amenhotep I and Tuthmosis III from Dynasty 18.  It is believed that Bakenmut desired to have an association with these kings in the afterlife.

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I also enjoyed the wing of the exhibit that documented the lives of the royal family. Various everyday items displayed included jewelry as well as tiles and reliefs that decorated their opulent living spaces.  One of my favorite pieces was the scarab beetle that dated back between 1391 BC to 1353 BC.  The scarab symbolized immortality, resurrection, transformation and protection and most used to decorate tombs.

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One of the most fascinating artifacts in the collection was the papyrus that dated back to 2454 BC – 2311 BC.  This document revealed the administrative functions and economic procedures of that time period.  For example, lists of offerings, calendars, accounts and inventory have been found by archaeologists and researchers.

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When the pharaoh died elaborate tombs were designed to assist him with his passing and provided him with the items he would need in the afterlife.  For example, many valuable objects would be buried with the pharaoh such as furniture, food and jewels.  One of the most interesting objects was the shabti, a funerary figurine that was said to act as a servant for the deceased, carrying out manual labor after the pharaoh’s death.  The turquoise Shabti of Seti I was said to have been carved from 1294 to 1279 BC.

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Inside of the tomb, reliefs were painted to show images of the pharaoh in the afterlife.  Seti I was the father of Ramses II and his tomb was considered the longest and deepest of all tombs discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Thebes.  The fragment from his tomb has retained its original color and was part of the doorway .

The pharaoh lived a life of luxury not only on earth, but beyond his death.  Valuable artifacts that were once the property of the pharaohs show the extravagant lifestyle for which they were accustomed.  While many of us believe “you can’t take it with you”, the Egyptians would vehemently disagree.

The Pharaohs exhibit at The Cleveland Museum of Art was an insightful opportunity to explore the lives of the Egyptian pharaohs and to witness firsthand their riches and culture.   The exhibit was on loan from the British Museum and was open to the public from March 13th to June 12th, 2016.

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Have you had the opportunity to visit the Cleveland Museum of Art?  What was you favorite exhibit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH  44106
Telephone:  216 421 7350

  • Admission Fee:  Free for the permanent museum exhibits. Additional fees may apply for special exhibits and tickets can be purchased online, at the ticket center or by calling 216 421 7350.
  • Hours:  Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10AM to 5PM; Open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10AM to 9PM. Closed Mondays.  Closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The museum will close at 4PM on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
  • Amenities:  On-site library and archives, restaurant, café, and museum store
  • Length of Visit:  At least 3 hours for the permanent exhibit
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Ensure that you have visited the museum’s website to confirm additional exhibits.

Where to Stay:

Glidden House at University Circle
1901 Ford Drive
Cleveland, OH  44106
Telephone:  216 231 8900

The Glidden House is a gorgeous boutique hotel built in 1910.  Located in a prestigious residential neighborhood of Cleveland, this extraordinary French Gothic offers impressive amenities and services.

Where to Eat:

Trentina Restaurant at Glidden House
1903 Ford Drive
Cleveland, OH  44106
Telephone:  216.421.2900

Trentina is the sixth restaurant of Jonathan Sawyer, a James Beard Award winning chef offering Northern Italian cuisine and wine.

Check out more of these phenomenal artifacts from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s exhibit Pharaoh: King of Ancient Egypt!  Enjoy!

What to Read: 

  • Await Your Reply by Dan Chaon
  • The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
  • Cherry by Nico Walker
  • The Coming of Fabrizze by Raymond DeCapite
  • Derelict Paradise, by Daniel Kerr
  • The End by Salvatore Scibona
  • A Ghetto Takes Shape: Black Cleveland, by Kenneth L. Kusmer
  • The Greatest Thing Since Sliced Bread, by Don Robertson
  • The Headmaster’s Papers, by Richard Hawley
  • The Silent Syndicate, by Hank Messick
  • The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell

Photo Guide for Cleveland:

  • Abbey Road Skyline
  • Brewnuts is not only a lovely donut shop, but its nostalgic art deco interior is perfect for unique photos
  • A Christmas Story House in nearby Tremont
  • Civic Center District to photograph Cleveland’s City Hall, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and FirstEnergy Football Field
  • The Cleveland Arcade is one of the most photographed location in Cleveland so arrive early (8 or 9) before the crowds arrive.
  • Cleveland MetroParks Zoo
  • Cleveland Murals in Ohio City (close by)
  • Cleveland’s Museum of Art for its phenomenal architecture and exhibits
  • Cleveland Public Library
  • Cleveland Signs
  • Coastal Taco has some of the best views of the river in the city of Cleveland.
  • The Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville is for nature lovers.
  • The Flying Fig is a yummy cafe where outdoor photos are a must.
  • East Fourth Street is where you will find cozy cafes lining brick walkways
  • The Fountain of Eternal Life honors local residents who served in the military (photograph during the day AND night)
  • Great Lakes Brewing Company
  • Heinen’s Grocery Store to photograph the rotunda overlooking the food court and check out the terrace for additional photos
  • Holden Arboretum in nearby Kirtland
  • Lakeview Cemetery
  • Hope Memorial Bridge is the best place for photographing a cityscape photo of Cleveland
  • Located at Playhouse Square, Yours Truly is a chic cafe with exposed brick and stylish furniture and the infamous GE Chandelier
  • Pour Cleveland is a lovely coffee shop with an artsy interior.
  • Q Arena
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for its spectacular architecture and historical exhibits
  • Settler’s Landing Park is perfect for photographing several iconic locations in Cleveland.
  • Superior Viaduct Bridge
  • West Side Market is absolutely amazing for shooting food photos at each of the stalls, but a trip up to the second level by way of the corner staircase will provide a photo-worthy shot of the market from above.

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Figure of Squatting Baboon, about 1391 – 1353 BC

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Tiles from the Palace of Pharaoh Ramses III, about 1184 – 1153 BC

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Rosette inlays from the Palace of Pharaoh Ramses III, about 1184 – 1153 BC

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Statue of Government Official Sennefer, about 1479 – 1425 BC

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Scarab adorning a finger – ring, about 1648 – 1540 BC

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Great Harris Papyrus, about 1184 – 1153 BC

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Shabtis of the many Pharaohs over the years

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Underwater Photos from Belize, Honduras and Mexico circa 1989

12 March 201431 August 2024

Some of the best scuba diving takes place in the countries of Belize, Honduras and Mexico.  Here are just a few photos of the underwater sea life I encountered on several dives.

000 Amazing fish photos

The Wrasse is a fish with over 600 species.  It is a brightly colored fish that is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums as they help to keep the tank clean.

000, Eel eating fish

A spotted moray eel snatching up a fish for lunch.  They are usually hiding in reef crevices, but once in awhile can be found near the bottom of the ocean feeding on fish or crustaceans.

000, Eel, underwater photos

Up close, the Squirrelfish have big dark eyes, which helps them to see at night.  These fish are more prevalent during night dives, but can also be seen during the day hanging around in dark areas.

000, Lobster

The lobster is one of many crustaceans found in the Caribbean.  They have a hard exoskeleton which provides protection from predators.  They can live up to 70 years of age.

Angel Fish

It is not uncommon to find large Angelfish on reef dives in the Caribbean.  They can be found in various colors with a wide arrange of names, i.e., Gray Angelfish or Queen Angelfish.

Barracuda

Some new divers and snorkelers may become frightened when coming in contact with the barracuda.  They are an intimidating fish with sharp teeth, but they are not considered a threat.  Some divers agree that these fish are attracted to shiny objects and suggest water lovers to not wear bright, metallic jewelry.

Beautiful fish photos

The Blue Tang is a popular Caribbean fish and was made popular by the movie “Finding Nemo.”  Depending on where they are swimming, they can camouflage themselves by changing various shades of blue.  Here one can see the yellow spike towards the back of its body where the tail meets the body.

Big group of fish

French Grunts and Blue-Striped Grunts are very common in the Caribbean and Florida.  They swim in large numbers and are usually spotted on shallow reef dives.  Pictured here are the Blue-Striped Grunts.

Fish photos

The Yellowtail Snapper can easily be confused with the Goatfish, but there are a couple of differences.  The Yellow Goatfish have barbels, also described as whiskers, that can be found under their chins.  The Yellowtail Snapper may be found within schools of Yellow Goatfish and vice versa.

Lots of Fish

Herring fish travel in schools and are a popular meal for the larger fish as well as seabirds.

Swimming fish..underwater

The Tiger Grouper is a beautiful fish that lives in sheltered reef areas.  They usually hang out in shallow waters and can grow up to 35 inches, weighing around 10 pounds.

Underwater photos, moray eel

There are over 200 species of Moray Eel found in both saltwater and freshwater environments.  They look like a sea snake but do not belong to the reptile family.  They prefer warm temperatures and like to eat meat, such as other fish and crustaceans.

Whether you plan to scuba dive or snorkel the waters of the Caribbean, you may come into contact with one or more of these animals.  There are so many beautiful creatures of the sea where you can feel as though you are in a world all its own.

Do you like to snorkel and/or scuba dive?  What is one of your favorite experiences under water?  I would love to hear your story in the comments below!  Many thanks for checking out some of the fish you will find in Central America and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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