travel | Daydream Tourist

Aug 5

The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

The monthly ArtSmart Roundtable brings together some of the best art-focused travel blogs to post on a common theme. This month we are discussing great architecture! You can find links below for the rest of the group’s posts this month. Today I’m bringing you one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World and the greatest Greek temple ever built: The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus!

Concept drawing of the Temple of Artemis (Photo: dkiel)

Oh wait – that doesn’t look very impressive….

Temple of Artemis of Ephesus today in modern Selcuk

Temple of Artemis today in modern Selcuk, Turkey.

Jul 31

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Belgian Chocolate Overload

Most countries are known for a culinary specialty. If I mention Italy, Japan or Argentina, you probably imagine pasta, sushi and fantastic steaks. If we think about Belgium, then I definitely picture amazing chocolate! I was in Bruges the week before Easter so all the shops had out their best holiday treats. Not only is Bruges beautiful in March and has its own sculpture by Michelangelo, but it has incredible sweets!

Lovely packaged, truffe-filled Belgian chocolate eggs ready for Easter at Depla Chocolaterie, Bruges

Jul 23

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Travel, Timing, and Reconstruction: Why You Can’t See What You Came to See

Washington DC had a very unusual earthquake in 2011. It destroyed some of the statuary at the National Cathedral and cracked the Washington Monument, an iconic obelisk-shaped landmark in the center of the city. This summer a massive scaffold has gone up over the tower to continue the repairs. Reconstruction and restoration are common sights for travelers where long-term improvement projects often leave facades covered and historic interiors obstructed. You can still enjoy these sites with in most cases with minimal impact on your visit!

Restoration of the Washington Monument takes place behind an artistic scaffold.

Jul 18

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Ardfert Cathedral and Abbey, County Kerry

Every day in Ireland seemed to bring another beautiful ruin. Each one a massive stone structure clearly whittled down by time and the encroaching flora. King Henry VIII’s anti-Catholic purge of Ireland left hundreds of Cathedrals and monasteries abandoned to decay. Today they remain inviting and evocative structures to explore and enjoy. Ardfert Cathedral and Abbey is one such peaceful place. Like many of the ruins in Ireland, we had the whole site to ourselves and had an excellent impromptu picnic there.

Coming up on Ardfert Cathedral, County Kerry, Ireland

Jul 15

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Guess the Artist – French Addition

In honor of Bastille Day, I have a little French Art History trivia for you. I found the following painting in Rouen and want to see if you can correctly guess the artist who painted it. (No cheating and scrolling to the bottom!)