Not long ago, Medellin, Colombia was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The whole country suffered for decades in a four-way fight for power and money and justice. A right wing militia, a left wing militia, drug cartels and corrupt politicians wreaked havoc, leaving thousands dead and many thousands more homeless, injured, terrified. Medellin was the center of the violence and of the drug empire of mafia boss, Pablo Escobar.
art
The Angels in the Details
Sculpture in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
I love taking photographs when I travel, but I am selective about it because cameras can make you an outsider, an observer instead of a participant. One thing I like about having a camera is that, even if I don’t use it, I pay a little more attention to the details.
Mongolian Style
Mongolia is not generally known for its art or design. But there is so much here that is beautifully evocative of the country’s land and its people. Mongolian art and design are influenced by the country’s historic relationships with other parts of Asia, including India, China, and Tibet. The complement is also true — Mongolia has influenced the art of many other Asian regions.
White Nights, Imperial Splendor and Veggie Burgers in St. Petersburg
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
I am spending the week in beautiful St. Petersburg, Russia. It is a city designed by and for royalty, full of large palaces, giant churches, gold spires, and grand boulevards. The feeling of the historic center is formal and aristocratic, and the city seems all about the buildings. No graffiti or garbage or village dogs. Continue reading
Matisse Takes Boston
Henri Matisse is one of the 20th century’s most important artists. Although his art is intelligent and innovative, it portrays a world that is full of sunshine and kindness, dancing and music. People are comfortable with themselves and each other. His work is playful, colorful and quietly emotional. Continue reading
Art and Heart in Northern Italy
Five days in Milan, Venice and Florence is not enough but it was enough for a wonderful detour on my way home from Greece. These three Northern Italian cities were once rich and powerful city-states and remain important cultural centers with strong local economies. Well, duh, it’s Italy! Continue reading
Walls and the One in Berlin
I have been spending a couple of days in Berlin doing the things tourists do — walking, eating, museums. Berlin is beautiful and clean and civilized. I have enjoyed all of it but what will always stay with me is the time I spent at the Berlin Wall. Continue reading
London the Culture Vulture
London is a treasure chest of art and antiquities from every time and place. I had three days to enjoy it and visited six of London’s best museums. To avoid being overwhelmed, I limited what I saw to specific works or exhibits in each museum. A few things stood out.
Camino Milagro 