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Posts tagged ‘travel’

May 27

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Mosaic Treasures at Sepphoris, Israel

You may never have heard of Sepphoris but this former Roman city has some fantastic mosaics.  Also known as Tzippori or Zippori , this archaeological site in the Western Galilee has been excavated over the last 30 years revealing wonderful treasures.  Ignored by tour buses, I had the site to myself  and could enjoy the best and most extensive collection of ancient mosaic art in Israel.

The Mona Lisa of Galilee, Sepphoris

This Roman mosaic Venus is known as “The Mona Lisa of Galilee” for her beauty and enigmatic smile.

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May 20

falafel salad
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Street Food in Israel

I am captivated by street food and open food markets.  Sliding into already crowded streets, the colors, smells, and variety of the stalls are fantastic for exploring and getting to know a new destination.  Cities and regions can be defined by their offerings.  The character of the street food reveals something about a place and its culture.

falafel in Jerusalem

Making Falafel in Jerusalem. I’m pretty sure I ate the ones frying in this picture.

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May 8

hostel view
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A Hotel with its Own Archaeological Ruins

hostel view

Terrific view of old city from the roof deck of the Akko Knights Youth Hostel (Photo from hostel)

I wrote recently about the old historic core of Acre (or Akko), Israel which is packed with Crusader era ruins.  Since Acre is mostly a day-tripper’s destination, we stayed a night in the only accommodations in the old city – a youth hostel.  Apparently you can’t dig anywhere in the Acre without discovering an archaeological site!  I was surprised to find that our youth hostel had its own set of ruins on site and did an excellent job exhibiting them as natural elements of the hostel premise.

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May 5

Harold's oath, Bayeux Tapestry
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The Bayeux Tapestry: Storytelling in Fabric

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme.  This month we are focusing on Art Experiences.  Check out all the inspiring and fantastic stories below!

Norman Horseman, Bayeux Tapestry

Norman horsemen riding into Battle from the Bayeux Tapestry

I’ve joked before about my “art pilgrimages” but I truly think some works need to be seen in person.  There are details that can not be conveyed in photographs, and sometimes the scope and effect of the piece can only be appreciated in front of the artwork.  I’ve experienced this sense of presence most intensely with the 12th century Bayeux Tapestry. Essentially a 230 foot long storyboard of exquisite embroidery, this object retells the the Battle of Hastings with drama, charm, and emotion.  Without even realizing it, I spent 4 hours with the Bayeux Tapestry and loved it!

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May 1

Projected animated manuscript images
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Crusader Acre

Akko ocean fortification from the Crusader era

One edge of square shaped Acre abuts the ocean ad is heavily fortified

For approximately the 12th and 13th century, Acre (or Akko) served as the capitol of the Crusader kingdom of Palestine.  A valuable port city on the Mediterranean, Acre received soldier and supplies as waves of European warriors landed.  This city also prospered as a trading hub between Europe and the near East.  The old city of Acre and the Crusader structures therein are well preserved and provide a glimpse into this bloody period of history.  But what I found in Acre was a well established historical city with elegant architecture suggesting a more stable community during a very violent period in the region.

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