Austria is a country which, during the time of the Holy Roman Empire, was the center of Western Civilization. Its low point was the defeat of Nazi Germany, of which Austria was a part, at the end of World War II. However, its participation in much of European history has provided fruit for a rich heritage, reflected in its incredible sights. Besides the political history, Austria has been a center for the development of the Arts, especially, Music, with the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss II. Below is my list of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of this lovely country. Check out the photo album which should follow tomorrow.

 

     1. Hofburg, Vienna. This huge, elegant and extravagant complex was the home of the Austrian monarchs since 1279 AD and has witnessed the highs and lows of the country. It is sometimes referred to as the Winter Palace, with Schonnbrunn (see #2 below), on the outskirts of Vienna, the Summer Palace.

 

     2. Schonbrunn, Vienna. As mentioned above, this palatial mansion is the Summer Palace of the Austrian monarchs. Construction began in 1696 although the expansion of the complex continued over many years. There are extensive gardens and sculptures on the grounds, topped by the Gloriette, a structure erected to commemorate "just" wars.

 

     3. Melk Abbey, Melk. With its glorious setting on a promontory above the Danube, this Baroque masterpiece is a functioning Benedictine monastery. Highlights of a visit to this World Heritage Site are the ornate Abbey church and the Library which contains numerous Medieval manuscripts.

 

     4. Stephansdom, Vienna. This impressive church dates to the middle of the 12th Century, with considerable additions, modifications, and restorations, and has become a symbol of the city of Vienna. The crowning feature of the church is its colorful roof, made from 230,000 glazed-tiles.

 

     5. Fortress Hohensalzburg, Salzburg. This striking white castle, located on the top of a hill in Old Salzburg, is one of the largest Medieval castles in Europe and also one of the best preserved. There is a funicular that visitors can use to get to the castle because the climb is very steep.

 

     6. Schlossberg, Graz. The city of Graz, for hundreds of years a center of education with its universities, was named the "Cultural Capital of Europe" in 2003. Its well-preserved Old Town is topped by the Schlossberg, a hill in the city center with the ruins of a Medieval castle. Although most of the castle is gone, the most distinctive remnant is the Clock Tower which has become the symbol of the city.

 

     7. Belvedere Palace, Vienna. This beautiful, elegant, Baroque mansion is located just outside the city center and has been transformed into a museum of Austrian history and art. The grounds are beautiful and pleasant to walk.

 

     Other sites considered:

         Hundertwasserhaus, Vienna

         Hofkirche, Innsbruck

         Maria Theresian Strasse, Innsbruck

         Musikverein (Golden Hall), Vienna

         Mirabell Palace & Gardens,  Salzburg

 

     Germany is a wonderful country to visit. Besides a long history and a distinctive heritage, the German people are extremely efficient and the country runs like clockwork. There are many sights for the tourist, but my choices as the Seven Man-made Wonders are the following:

 

     1. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria. This fairy tale castle is the most elaborate one built by the most extravagant King in the history of the country, Ludwig II. It sits dramatically at the top of a hill in southern Bavaria, near the Austrian border. The castle was never completed inside, although several finished floors give testimony to Ludwig's penchant for the dramatic and the avant garde. Neuschwanstein served as the model for Cinderella's castle in Disneyland.

 

     2. Residenz, Wurzburg. This palacial Royal residence is in the style of Versailles and other ornate mansions around the world. The architecture is Baroque and the furnishings are resplendent and presumptious. Everything about Wurzburg exudes wealth and standing. The city is located at the beginning of the Romantic Road, in southern Germany. Although greatly damaged in World War II, it has been mostly restored to its former elegance.

 

     3. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne. This magnificent church is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It was begun in 1248 AD, but not fully completed until the late nineteenth century.

 

     4.  Wieskirche, Wies, Bavaria. This incredibly ornate church in a small town in souther Bavaria is known for its elaborate Rococo style and ornamentation. The church is a pilgrimage church because a wooden sculpture of Christ, scourged, was supposedly seen crying. The church was built to house the figure in the 1700's. Wies lies near the southern terminus of Germany's Romantic Road, not far from Neuschwanstein (see #1 above).

 

     5. Marienplatz, Munich. Certainly one of the most elegant squares in Northern Europe, Marienplatz is the main gathering place in Munich Altstadt (Old City). It is ringed by beautiful buildings, especially the Old Town Hall and the New Town Hall. Its centerpiece is a golden statue of Mary, the Virgin Mother, on a tall marble column. The dramatic twin spires of the Frauenkirche, the symbol of the city, are also visible from the square.

 

     6. Linderhof Castle, Bavaria. Another of Ludwig II's extravangant palaces, this fairly small, by Ludwig's standards, mansion makes up for its size with its elegant and unusual furnishings. On the grounds is a Moorish Kiosk and the Venus Grotto, a cave reminiscent of the opening act of Tannhauser, Wagner's epic opera.

 

     7. Brandenburg Gate, Berlin. One of the city's original gates, it consists of twelve Doric columns with Viktoria, Goddess of Victory, driving a chariot-like Quadriga and has become the symbol of the city. Since it was closed when the Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, it has now become a symbol of unification, since the gate is open once again.

 

     Other sites considered:

         Ettal Monastery, Ettal

         Ehrenbreitstein Castle, on the Rhine

         Aachen Cathedral, Aachen

         Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin

 

        

     Spain is another European country with a long and distinguished history. Spain, however, differs from some of these other countries in the region because of its Moorish heritage. Since Spain was under Moorish rule for many years, there are significant influences which are still visiible throughout the country.

     Here is my list of Spain's Seven Man-Made wonders. A photo album will follow.

 

      1. Alhambra, Granada. This Moorish palace and fortress complex has some of the most intricate and exquisite architecture in the world. Although parts of the complex have been altered throughout its history. Particular favorites within the grounds are the Patio of the Lions and the Generalife Gardens.

 

      2. La Mezquita, Cordoba. The original structure here was fashioned into a mosque in 784 AD. Its distinctive red and white candy-striped columns are recognizable around the world. The Minaret is visible throughout the city. Once the Moors were driven out of Spain, part of the interior of the mosque was destroyed to make way for a Catholic cathedral which still sits in the center of the mosque.

 

      3. La Sagrada Familia (Church of the Holy Family), Barcelona. This most famous work by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi is still unfinished, although construction is expected to continue until 2026, the 100th anniversary of the artist's death. The Basilica is recognized as one of the most unusual churches in the world.

 

      4. El Escorial (The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real), about 30 miles northwest of Madrid. It was both a Royal residence and a Monastery (masses still take place here). It is also the final resting place for most of the Spanish kings since its construction in the late 16th century. Exquisite artwork and gifts from monarchs around the world adorn the rooms. The Library is particularly stunning.

 

      5. Palacio Real (Royal Palace), Madrid. This elaborate mansion is the official residence of the King of Spain. Its walls are richly decorated with paintings by famous. The Throne Room and the Armory are particularly impressive.

 

      6. El Alcazar, Segovia. One of the most beautiful and recognized castles in the world is located in the city of Segovia, about 60 miles northwest of Madrid. It has been a fortress, a prison, a Royal residence, and a Military academy over its history, which dates to the early 13th century. Its setting, on a ridge above the confluence of two rivers is particularly dramatic. The city also contains a Roman Aqueduct which is remarkably well-preserved.

 

      7. La Giralda & Cathedral, Seville. Seville's cathedral is the largest Catholic cathedral in the world (since St Peter's in the Vatican is actually a basilica). It also claims to hold the remains of Christopher Columbus. Its bell tower, La Giralda, was once a minaret but was converted after the expulsion of the Moors. It is now recognized as a symbol of the city.

 

      Other sites considered:

        Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao

        Cathedral, Toledo

        Roman Aqueduct, Segovia

        Plaza Mayor, Madrid

        City Walls, Avila

        Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen), northwest of Madrid

 

 

      Italy is a country with a rich heritage, especially in the Arts. After all, the Renaissance was born here. Additionally, the Roman Empire was, for most of its history, headquartered in Rome. Also, within the confines of Italy is the center of Roman Catholicism (Vatican City), and this great religion, with it many spectacular edifices, have spilled over into the countryside. Thus, there are many choices for the honor of being one of Italy's Seven Wonders. Here, in my humble opinion, is the list.

 

      1. Colosseum, Rome. This icon of Western Civilization was built in 79 AD and served as the major entertainment venue in the city of Rome. It is perhaps most famous as the location for gladiatorial contests, brutal fights between men or among men and animals which all too often resulted in death. The arena even had a retractable awning.

 

      2. Pantheon, Rome. This building, probably the best preserved relic of the Roman Empire was a temple built for all religions. Its glorious interior is made of multi-colored marble and there is an oculus (opening) in the roof to allow light in. It is still used for worship, as it contains many altars around its circular edge.

 

      3. Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa. This gigantic field contains three noteworthy buildings. Pisa's Duomo is spectacular in white marble. Next to it is the circular Baptistry. But, the most recognizable structure is the Leaning Tower, which has been famous through the ages as a representation of poor engineering (or at least poor site selection). Legends also credit the tower as the place Galileo learned about the acceleration due to gravity.

 

       4. Pompeii, near Naples. On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, sending billows of pumice and ash toward the Bay of Naples. In its path was the city of Pompeii, and it was buried and burned completely. The remains of the city was rediscoved in 1748 and has since been partially excavated to reveal much about life during the Roman Empire days. Many of the buildings and their contents were remarkably well-preserved, providing visitors with a veritable time-capsule of city life at the time. Even bodies were preserved by the ash and casts made reveal the positions they were in when the were buried.  

 

       5. Duomo, Milan. Milan's stately Duomo is the second-largest church in Italy (a country known for its large and elaborate churches), and the third-largest in the world. It also contains the world's largest collection of sculptures in the niches on its exterior. Its tallest spire is topped with a golden statue of the Madonna, and the cathedral can hold 40,000 people.

 

       6. Duomo, Florence. The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the real name of the church, is stunning, with its exterior walls of white, pink and green marble, and its fantastic, red-roofed dome, engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. It is accompanied by an octagonal Baptistry, with the famous, golden "Doors of Paradise," designed by Ghiberti, and the beautiful Campanile (bell tower), erected by Giotto.

 

       7. St Mark's Basilica, Venice. One of the most beautiful and opulent churches in the world, St Mark's was built in Byzantine style and dedicated in 1094 AD. Above the center doors are four, bronze horses, taken from the Hippodrome in Constantinople, and all the front-facing doors are topped with elaborate Byzantine mosaics. The interior of the church is also splendid and is crowned with a golden altar, the Pala d'Oro, which is studded with numerous precious and semi-precious stones.

 

      Other sites considered:

 

         Basilica of St Francis, Assisi. 

         Roman Forum, Rome

         Trevi Fountain, Rome

         Amalfi Drive, the road from Sorrento to Amalfi

         Agrigento, Sicily

         Duomo, Siena

     My choice of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of France includes some incredible structures that have endured for centuries as well as some more recent attractions. Look for the photo album, to follow, which pictorially represents these masterpieces.

 

      1. Eiffel Tower, Paris. This iron structure, the tallest in Paris at over 1,000 feet, was built in 1889 by Gustav Eiffel for the World's Fair. It has become the most recognizable symbol of Paris and sits prominently on the left bank of the River Seine.

 

      2. Mont St-Michel, Normandy. One of the most unique locations on the globe, this village/fortress/church, sculpted from rocky mount just off the Normandy shore, has been a monastery, a pilgrimage site, and a prison. A narrow, winding lane, the Grand Rue, thoroughly lined with shops and restaurants, leads from the King's Gate to the Abbey.  

 

      3. Pont du Gard, near the city of Nimes, in Provence.  This Roman aqueduct was built in the mid-first century AD to bring water to the Roman city which is now Nimes. It was built entirely without mortar and is a marvel of engineering.

 

      4. Versailles Palace, just southwest of Paris. This palace, perhaps the most ornate house in the world, was built as a hunting cottage in 1624, then expanded over the years to its present size, with hundreds of rooms and extensive gardens. Perhaps the most impressive room in the chateau is the Hall of Mirrors which is over 200 feet long, with numerous chandeliers and almost 400 mirrors.

 

      5. Chartres Cathedral, in Chartres, about 80 kilometers southwest of Paris. Considered a monumental and ground-breaking engineering achievement when built in the 12th Century, this cathedral was the first to introduce flying buttresses and the also increased the heights to which construction could reach. Its stained glass is legendary, with its characteristic blue, known as "Chartres blue," considered a totally new color at the time. Its basic design has been much-copied over the years.

 

      6. Chambord Chateau, in the eastern end of the Loire Valley. This incredibly gradiose chateau is the largest castle in the Loire Valley with 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and distinctive French Renaissance architecture.  

 

      7. Arc de Triomphe, Paris. This monument, which occupies the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle and marks the end of the famous boulevard, Champs Elysses, was commissioned in 1806 by Napoleon to commemorate France's soldiers, especially those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, and today also include the France's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It stands over 150 feet tall and provides great views of the city of Paris and the Eiffel Tower.  

 

      Other sites considered:

        Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

        Chateau Chenonceau

       

         Much has been made, recently, about the "New Seven Wonders of the World." Well, I have decided that there are many man-made wonders around the globe, so many that there should probably be a list for each country. So, here goes.

         England is a country with a long history and a number of iconic symbols. These are my choices of the seven most incredible man-made sights in this rich country.

 

      1. Stonehenge, on the Salisbury Plain, in the county of Wiltshire, west of London. Archaeologists believe the sight dates to the period between 2200 BC and 3100 BC, making this formation about 5,000 years old. There is much folklore surrounding its purpose, but best guesses are 1. an astronomical observatory which predicts and displays the solstices, or 2. a religious site.

 

      2. Palace of Westminster (Britain's Parliament Building) & its Clocktower (Big Ben), London.  The British Parliament building is stunning, with its golden color and intricate architecture. It is a huge complex with almost 1200 rooms and its clocktower and bell are recognized throughout the world.

 

      3. Tower of London, London. This Medieval complex has been a royal residence, a prison, a fortress, a mint, a treasury (the Crown Jewels are still stored here), an observatory, a zoo, a place of torture and execution, etc. It was built in 1078 AD, by William the Conqueror. Famous people who were imprisoned or executed here include Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn, and Rudolf Hess.

 

      4. Tower Bridge, London. This unusual and interesting bridge has become a symbol of London. It dates to 1894 and appears to have solved the problem of a bridge which allows boat traffic, foot traffic and automobile traffic. Its architecture is Victorian Gothic and the elements are operated by hydraulics.

 

      5. Buckingham Palace, London. The palace is the residence of the Royal Family while in London and contains about 400 rooms. Each day, there is a Changing of the Guard Ceremony which is witnessed by thousands. There is also a Changing of the Horse Guards at the nearby Mews (a sort of garage/stable where the carriages and horses are kept.

 

      6. Roman Bath, in the city of Bath. This relic of the Roman occupation of England dates to about 70 AD and are adjacent to the more recent Pump Room.

 

      7. Hadrian's Wall, in the northern part of England, near the border with Scotland. This 75 mile long structure is another relic of Roman times. The wall was begun in 122 AD and completed by 130 AD. Sprinkled along its length were "forts," basically small communities which provided manpower and services to assist the Roman Army soldiers who were responsible for the protection of the colony (England). One of the largest of the forts was Vercovicium, otherwise known as Housesteads Fort.

 

      Other sights considered:

 

         Windsor Castle

         Leeds Castle

         Warwick Castle

         York Minster

         Westminster Abbey

         St Paul's Cathedral

         Royal Pavilion

 

      Much has been made, recently, about the "New Seven Wonders of the World." Well, I have decided that there are many man-made wonders around the globe, so many that there should probably be a list for each country. So, here goes.

 

      I am beginning with the USA since I know it best. The following are my picks as the Seven (Man-made) Wonders of the USA. After checking out the list, look for my photo album which is soon to follow.

 

      1. Mount Rushmore, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The colossal sculpture of four US Presidents (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt), was carved between 1927 and 1941 by Gutzon Borglum, along with many workers. It is now preserved as National Monument.

 

      2. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California. The iconic bridge was completed in 1937 and was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world (it is now 8th). It spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and has become the enduring symbol of the city.

 

      3. Gateway Arch, St Louis, Missouri. This gleaming silver parabola is more appropriately known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, and commemorates, primarily, the Louisiana Purchase and its subsequent stimulation of westward expansion in the US. It was designed by noted architect, Eero Saarinen and engineer, Hanskarl Bandel.

 

      4. Empire State  Building, New York, New York. For many years the world's tallest building, this 102-story Art Deco masterpiece was built in 1931. Even though many buildings now outrank it in height, it still maintains an aura and mystique which make it one of the "Big Apple's" most visited tourist attractions.

 

      5. Hoover Dam, just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Also known as the Boulder Dam, this was recognized as one of the most ambitious engineering achievements of all time. The construction of the dam (completed in 1935) created Lake Mead and its upper surface is a road connecting Nevada and Arizona.

 

      6. Washington Monument, Washington, District of Columbia. Although construction began in 1848, the granite and marble obelisk was not completed until 1884, due to the intervention of the Civil War. It stands 555 feet tall and is, by law, the tallest structure in America's capital. It is dedicated to America's first president, George Washington.

 

      7. Statue of Liberty, New York, New York. This world-famous icon has greeted immigrants and visitors to America since 1886. It was a gift to the United States from France, sculpted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi with its interior designed by Gustav Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). The statue rises about 300 feet (including its pedestal) on Liberty Island in New York harbor and can be visited from either Battery Park on Lower Manhattan Island or from Liberty State Park, in Jersey City, New Jersey

 

      Other US wonders which were considered:

 

           Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

 

           Stone Mountain, near Atlanta, Georgia

 

           Crazy Horse Memorial, Black Hills of South Dakota

 

           Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois

 

           Space Needle, Seattle, Washington

 

           Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

 

           USS Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii

    Again, someone I am not familiar with, Robert Thomas Allen said,

 

            "Most of my treasured memories of travel are recollections of sitting."

 

    I'm not actually sure what this man means, but I suppose Mr Allen prefers a relaxing type of vacation, rather than one which involves hustle and bustle and great activity. My wife, Lee, feels the same way, although she is perfectly content to satisfy my wander lust as long we make some time for things like, people-watching with a beer or coffee on a busy square, strolling and even sitting in a garden just to soak up the ambience, savoring a long, leisurely dinner, or lying on a beautiful beach with a great book. For this reason, I have learned to plan these types of pauses in my never-ending quest to see new and different things and places. And there may be some truth to the idea that some of these breaks in the action are remembered with great affection after the journey is over.

 

     The following is a an annotated list of some of the world's best shopping venues, especially for all those women out there who can't get enough.

 

      United States

         

          1. New York City - Fifth Avenue - for upscale shopping in a delightful Christmas environment. Check out some of the elaborate store holiday displays.

 

          2. Boston - Faneuil Hall - for specialty stores; Quincy Market - for food items

 

          3. Philadelphia - Reading Terminal Market - for crafts, specialty items and food items

 

          4. Washington D.C. - Eastern Market - combination flea market and farmer's market

 

          5. Chicago - Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) - for upscale shopping

 

          6. Los Angeles - Farmer's Market - for specialty and craft items; Rodeo Drive (Hollywood) - for upscale shopping

 

          7. Honolulu - Aloha (Stadium) Flea Market (Wed & Weekends only) - for typical flea market items

 

          8. Bloomington, Minnesota - Mall of America - typical mall offerings on a grand scale

 

          9. St Thomas, US Virgin Islands - Charlotte Amalie Streets - Probably the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean

 

      Great Britain

 

          1. London - Harrod's Department Store - for absolutely everything

 

          2. Edinburgh - Royal Mile - for specialty items and souvenirs; Prince Street - for upscale shopping

 

      France

 

          Paris - Champs Elysses - for upscale shopping and a delightful walk

 

      Italy

 

          1. Rome - Via Candotti - for upscale shopping; Campo de Fiori for food and flowers

 

          2. Venice - Streets around Piazza San Marco - upscale boutiques, giftware, masks

 

      Austria

 

           Vienna - Kartnerstrasse for all types of goods

 

      Netherlands

 

           Delft - Main Square - for a variety of goods, especially Delftware

 

      Spain

 

           Madrid - El Rastro (Sundays) - gigantic flea market

 

      Turkey

 

           1. Istanbul - Grand Bazaar for all types of goods; Spice Bazaar - for food and spices; Istiklal Caddesi - for a variety of goods in the Beyoglu section of the city

 

      Thailand

 

           1. Bangkok - Chatuthat Market (Weekends only) - for specialty items, souvenirs, etc

 

           2. Damnoen Saduak - Floating Market - for a unique experience, shopping by boat

 

      Egypt

 

           1. Cairo - Khalili Bazaar - for all types of goods

 

      Morocco

 

           1. Marrakesh - Souqs - for various specialty items, such as leather, carpets, etc

 

           2. Fez - Souqs - for various specialty items, such as leather, carpets, etc.

 

    Annie Sophie Swetchine, whoever she is, once said,

 

            "Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives, and the serious part of frivolous ones."

 

    Now here is someone who is definitely anti-travel. I would almost tend to agree with her if by "frivolous" she means "over and above the typical or average." But if she means frivolous in the very derogatory sense of "unneeded, self-indulgent," then I would definitely disagree. I believe that we are here on this planet for a very finite time and that meaning and purpose in life does not come just from work (even though some jobs or careers can be extremely self-fulfilling). Rather, I believe that all humans have an obligation to explore their world or at least to sample some of the different cultures which promote self-reflection and rethinking, leading to intellectual growth and understanding. Travel, to me, becomes a necessary part of this process of self-actualization, and, if this element is missing, it becomes more difficult to achieve happiness and satisfaction in life. 

   Noted playwright Noel Coward once said,

 

           "But why, oh why, do the wrong people travel, when the right people stay at home?"

 

    Mr Coward probably means refers to the large numbers of people who travel, but really don't have an open mind, don't put much effort into it (they let others do the planning and excuting for them), and, ultimately, get very little out of their travels. These are contrasted with the people who don't travel because they are too busy working, creating, or leading whatever they are involved with at home. The latter would probably make great travelers but they never seem to find the time.

    My take on this is the former group should consider staying home, since they are probably the typical "ugly American" types, who treat locals with disdain and give the rest of us a bad rap. As for the second group, they should make time to travel, even if it is just to research their chosen field in other countries.

    Robert Benchley said this about traveling with kids,

 

       "In America, there are two classes of travel: First class, and with children."

 

    Benchley correctly maintains that kids change everything. They multiply the difficulties and potential catastrophes of trips. They also, in my opinion, can add considerably to the enjoyment of a place. Seeing things through the eyes of children can totally change your understanding and appreciation of a place. So, althoug this quote seems to address the negative aspects of traveling with youngsters, I would prefer to concentrate on the more positive elements.

    When we took my seven-year-old grandson to New York City this summer, he was a handful, but I wouldn't trade the expression on his face when we went to the top of the Empire State Building for anything in the world.

    I should also say that having kids on a trip significantly changes the itinerary. Parents and grandparents need to find and plan activities that they will find interesting and engaging. Most museums are definitely out, for example. But, trips like these can be so rewarding that one shouldn't shy away from them because they may be extremely stressful.

    Frommer has recently published a book, entitled, "500 Places to Take Your Kids Before They Grow Up," so don't hesitate to travel even though you have small children.

Artistic expression is one of the hallmarks of the human intellectual achievement. Since the early days of civilization, man has sought to depict his understanding and appreciation of the world through art. One of the purest examples of fine art is the painting, a two-dimensional representation of reality, usually done on canvas. As one travels the world, he sees many examples of this type of expression. In the accompanying photo album, I have catalogued some of the very best paintings of all time.

   John Steinbeck, noted American author, once said,

 

         "A journey is like a marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it."

 

    Without dwelling on Steinbeck's reflection on the state of marriage, he is definitely correct when he maintains that travel is full of "bumps in the road" and unforeseen problems and occurrences. Even the most meticulously planned trip can descend into nightmarish catastrophe just because of unexpected events.

    I recall our trip to Greece and Turkey. Lee was extremely nervous about going to Turkey since there had been a bombing there right after we booked the trip, but she spoke to a girl who worked at the American Embassy in Istanbul and was reassured that there was little to worry about.  "Just try not to call attention to yourself and stay away from large gatherings" said the girl. All was great until our last day in Istanbul. We were walking down Istiklal Caddesi (a crowded pedestrian shopping area) when we found ourselves in the midst of a parade, with people carrying Turkish flags, etc. Lee was frightened, but I simply got flags for us to wave and, as soon as possible, ducked into a store and waited till the parade had moved on.  

    Serendipitous circumstances don't have to be negative. We stumbled on a village festival in a small village in Portugal which was delightful, and caused us to change our plans, to stay and enjoy the festivities.

    So, think less about control when on a trip and more about adapting to whatever happens.

 

    Artistic expression is one of the hallmarks of the human intellectual achievement. Since the early days of civilization, man has sought to depict his understanding and appreciation of the world through art. One of the purest examples of fine art is the sculpture, a three-dimensional representation of reality, usually done in stone or metal. As one travels the world, he sees many examples of this type of expression. In the accompanying photo album, I have catalogued some of the very best sculptures of all time (check for it tomorrow).

 

     The following is my list of the world's greatest sculptures. They date from the 3rd century B.C. to the Twentieth Century. I have also listed the artist and the place that the sculpture can be seen in person. The list is in no special order. See photos of these great works of Art in the Photo Album section of the blog.

 

    1. David, Michelangelo, found in the Accademia in Florence, Italy

 

    2. The Thinker, Rodin, found in the Rodin Museum in Paris and in front of the Congress Building, Buenos Aires, Argentina

 

    3. Venus de Milo, unknown sculptor, found in the Louvre, Paris, France

 

    4. Statue of Liberty, Bartholdi, on Liberty Island in New York City Harbor, New York, USA

 

    5. Pieta, Michelangelo, found in St Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

 

    6. Winged Victory of Samothrace, Unknown sculptor, found in the Louvre, Paris, France

 

    7. David, Donatello, found in the Bargello Museum, Florence

 

    8. Moses, Michelangelo, found in the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome, Italy

 

    9. Discobolos, Myron, original no longer exists, a copy can be found in the National Museum, Rome, Italy and the British Museum,London, England 

 

    10. The Kiss, Rodin, found in the Rodin Museum, Paris, France

 

    11. Rape of the Sabine Women, da Bologna, found in the Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence, Italy 

 

    12. Laocoon and His Sons, Agesander, Athenodoros, & Polydorus, found in the Vatican Museum, Vatican City

 

    13. Christ the Redeemer, Landowski, found on Corcovado mountain overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

 

    14. The Awakening, J. Seward Johnson Jr., found in East Potomac Park, Washington, D.C., USA

 

    15. East Doors of the Baptistry, Ghiberti, found opposite the Duomo in Florence, Italy

 

    16. Mount Rushmore, Borglum, found the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA

 

    17. Stone Mountain, Lukeman, found just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, USA

 

    18. Winged Mercury, da Bologna, found in the Bargello Museum, Florence, Italy

 

    19. The Four Rivers, Bernini, found in the Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy

 

    20. Crazyhorse Memorial, Ziolkowski, found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA

 

 

    Henry Miller said,

 

             "One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things."

 

    This quote is very similar to the previous one by Miriam Beard. Miller realizes that travel alters life. Becoming exposed to different cultures and attitudes opens the mind to possibilities that it never envisioned before. Complacency becomes understanding; naivete becomes sophistication; ignorance becomes knowledge.

     Miriam Beard once said,

 

              "Travel is more than the seeing of sights. It is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

 

     This, I believe, is true, especially for me, since I became "addicted" to travel late in life (although I may have always had wanderlust). It was the transformation of my mind and philosophy which made me look forward to the next trip almost before the present one was over. It is very noticeable to friends and family that I am happiest when I am traveling or at least planning a trip. The planning aspect has also become extremely important in my life, and something that I spend many waking hours doing. Lately, this blog has become somewhat of a substitute for planning or taking trips, but it can never totally displace these activities in my life.

    Rene Descartes, noted philosopher, said:

 

             "Traveling is almost like talking with men of other centuries."

 

     Descartes realized that people and cultures around the world are so different that traveling is very much like time-travel. Anyone who has visited a small village in Europe or an island in the Caribbean or a city in the Deep South of the United States will concur. Sure, the media typically reports from a place which is grounded in 2007, such as, New York City or Paris or Istanbul, but this is not so true out in the countryside, where people are often involved in doing the same things they have done for centuries and life is much different.

     So, even though Einstein proved that time-travel is impossible (since nothing can exceed the speed of light), travelers in our world today can travel through time by just taking a trip to a country very different from their own. I'll see you in another world! 

     Helen Keller once said:

 

                 "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."

 

    Even someone who was deaf, dumb, and blind knew that excitement is necessary to make life worthwhile. Travelers know that trips to foreign countries or even new areas of your own country can be truly adventures, especially if you make your own arrangements. So, get off your butts and travel the world -- your life will be richer and more rewarding for it.

 

 

    Christmas has become a holiday celebrated throughout the world. Although it began as a religious holiday, a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and an important day for all Christians, it has evolved into a more secular celebration where gift-giving and family-centered activities dominate. Because of this evolution, travelers can find evidence of these practices from one end of the earth to another. Some of the symbols have also become universal -- the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, colorful lighting displays.

    Check out my photo gallery, also posted today, to see evidence of this holiday taking place throughout the world.