Mt. of Temptation

Mt. Temptation

Just off Jericho, it is believed Jesus was tempted by Satan in these mountains when he fasted for 40 days and nights.

Had a photo with two bedouin natives.

Nazaré, Portugal

Nazare with Mom


Nazaré is the most famous fishing village in Portugal

It consists of two sections: the fishing quarter and the Sítio, the almost exclusively residential upper town. Near the beach you'll find handcraft shops, markets, restaurants, hotels, and boardinghouses. The main square opens directly onto the sea, and narrow streets lead to the smaller squares, evoking a medina in a Moorish village. consists of two sections: the fishing quarter and the Sítio, the almost exclusively residential upper town. Near the beach you'll find handcraft shops, markets, restaurants, hotels, and boardinghouses. The main square opens directly onto the sea, and narrow streets lead to the smaller squares, evoking a medina in a Moorish village.

Rome's Jubilee Bus

Rome's Jubilee Bus

During the Jubilee Year (2000), Rome expected throngs of crowds, much more than the usual tourists. Because of this, they did not allow tourist buses to ply the whole area around the Vatican which was a huge area encompassing a wide range of historical sites such as the Forum and various major Basilicas.

The government though came out with so called Jubilee buses which the tourists can take to go around the city. For the first time, we had to take walking tours which of course limited the sights one could see.

Photo shows our group riding one of these buses.

Paestum

Paestum

No I am not in Greece but in Italy!

Paestum, or Poseidonia, is an ancient Greek, and later Roman city. It is famous for its Greek temples, generally recognised as being the best preserved doric temples in the world. It is located on the coastal plains
South of the Amalfi coast, some 80 km S. of Naples.

Paestum is the Roman name of the city. The original Greek name was Poseidonia.

Only a fraction of the original extension of the city has been excavated, just around the ancient city centre with the temples and public buildings.

The city was the northernmost Greek settlement in Italy, just 8 km from the River Sele that formed the borderline between Greek and Etruscan domination.

Paestum and the surrounding area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ravello, Italy

View from Ravello

High atop a promontory above the sea, Ravello is one of the most romatnic spot along the Amalfi Coast, frequented by intellectuals and artists from Gore Vidal to Tennessee Williams.

Vernon, France

Vernon. France

Bebeth, Vince and I were planning to go to Giverny but when we checked the train schedule, there is apparently no train which stops there. One has to go down Vernon and take the bus or cab for Giverny. This is how we discovered this less known but lovely place.

The left photo below shows me and Bebeth asking an old man how to get to Giverny. Vince took that photo. He kept insisting the house of Monet and the Gardens are still closed that time of year since spring has not yet officially begun.

Good thing we stayed on, took lunch, and strolled around the city till we saw a cab who was willing to take us to Giverny. The gardens and house were opened!

Place du Tertre, Paris

Portrait, Place du Tertre, Paris 93

Its a place where budding artists congregate and offer their services to tourists. The surrounding is lively, colorful and fun. You can see varioius types of paintings, portaits, modern art, as various cafe's surround the place. An old man plays the accordion, while some tourist haggles with the artist on the cost of one portrait - depending on the medium used charcoal, color or even oil.

The first time I had one made, must be a decade prior to this visit, I had the cheapest done - in brown charcoal and more of a caricature. I cant find that paper right now. This time, I had to sit for at least half an hour to have this charcoal done. Was quite a sum but worth the experience.

Mom took my photo while sitting for this artist.