The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Jaszczurówka Chapel) is a Roman Catholic Church built in Zakopane Style between 1904 and 1907. The building was erected by “goral” carpenters under the supervision of Aurelian Blocha, who is said to the be the designer of the church’s main altars. The Goral people are an ethnic group primarily found in Southern Poland and Northern Slovakia. Continue reading Jaszczurówka Chapel, Zakopane, Poland
The Fairy Chimneys in the central Anatolia region of Turkey are truly a geological phenomenon. You see, as a result of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, hardened ash turned into porous rock. Then, after years of erosion, the softer rock wore away leaving pillars, some of which stand as high as 130 feet and topped with mushroom-like caps. Continue reading Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys
I am not sure which might be more loved by Brazilians; coffee or football. What better way to dive into the local flavor of the region, than a visit to the Brazilian Coffee Museum. Located in the former Official Coffee Exchange building, the Museu do Café offers exhibits intended to give information about the history of coffee in Brazil. Besides nearly 500 trophies, there are life-size photos, banners, documents, uniforms, and soccer balls, making the Santos Football Museum an interesting stop. Santos Botanical Gardens displays over 100 species of orchids and is home to a few peacocks, iguanas and turtles. Continue reading A Visit to Santos, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro has always been known as one of the most vibrant cities in South America. Several years ago, the Brazilian government passed a law, making street art legal and thus began the evolution from typical graffiti to street murals. These photos were taken along the avenue leading to the new Aqua Rio Aquarium, built just before the Olympic games were held in Rio. Continue reading Street Art in Rio
A large percentage of Madagascar’s flora and fauna exist nowhere else on earth. Accessed only by boat, the Lakobe Nature Reserve is a natural habitat for the endangered black lemur. After my guided walk through the forest, I spent some time relaxing on the beach while being entertained by a group of ethnic Sakalava women and children, performing a traditional folk dance. Continue reading Nosy Be, Madagascar
The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is home to magnificent wildlife viewing. This game park proclaims to be the oldest in Africa, dating back to the late 1890’s. Located in Central Zululand, Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa, Hluhluwe is easily accessed from either Durban or Richards Bay. Continue reading Hluhluwe Game Reserve, South Africa
When I stepped off the boat in Zanzibar, I instantly felt transported to a place where time stands still. I was struck by the mix of African and Arab cultures. I doubt that little has changed in the traditions of locals over the years. Continue reading Cultural Indulgence…a visit to Zanzibar
One cannot help but notice the contrast between urban development within the City itself and the age-old East African culture still practiced in the out-skirting rural communities. The Makumbusho Village Museum is a unique museum where one can learn about the cultures of the many ethnic groups of Tanzania. This open-air museum displays a number of furnished houses from across Tanzania, offering visitors a depiction of life throughout this fascinating country. Traditional dance and music performances are offered to further enhance the visitors experience. Continue reading Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The Traveling Gal 