https://crmcohen.com/2017/10/28/three-dimensions/2017-10-28T13:30:05+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/28/ai-wei-wei-maybe-maybe-not/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/weiweielevatorphoto.pngWeiWeiElevatorPhotoOn his way out of the hotel, Ai noticed the mirrored surface of the elevator and quickly snapped a photograph on his cell phone. This image would later be shared online, alerting Ai’s supporters to what had transpired in Chengdu. Unlike regular selfies, which people usually post on social networks to share their presence at a party or in an enjoyable moment, Ai’s selfie serves as a political tool documenting and illuminating acts that the Chinese government would rather keep secret. 2017-10-28T17:10:09+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/27/secrets-of-the-museum/2017-10-27T03:40:53+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/26/ancient-coins/2017-10-26T04:53:16+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/26/life-within-the-walls/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/imagegen-ashx1.jpegImageGen.ashxThe Isaac Kaplan Old Yishuv (community) Court Museum, Jewish Quarter2017-10-25T19:10:52+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/25/history-on-a-mountain/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/memorial-to-soviet-jews-in-red-army-515x289-custom.jpgmemorial-to-soviet-jews-in-red-army-515x289-customJews throughout Eastern Europe by serving in the Red Army helped defeat the Nazis. They are memorialized here, and it looks like a Soviet style memorial.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1373892542.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAValley of the Communities from abovehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/warsaw.jpgwarsawThe section of the Valley that includes Warsawhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/jadvasjem12022013_005.jpgJadvasjem12022013_005The names are carved on a slab that looks like the side that is missing off the top with the entrance empty. The stones you see are left by people who visit.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/mount-herzl-military.jpgmount-herzl-militaryThis memorial is for those last fighters in the Old City in 1948. I believe there are 35 plaques.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1280px-pikiwiki_israel_12291_dakar_submarine_memorial_in_mount_herzl.jpg1280px-PikiWiki_Israel_12291_dakar_submarine_memorial_in_mount_herzlMemorial to the Dakar, a submarine purchased by Israel from England in 1968 that vanished enroute in the Mediterranean. There were 69 people aboard and it was not found until 1999. It is unknown what happened to it. It was one of four submarines lost that year- the others were French, Soviet, and American. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/800px-victims_of_acts_of_terror_memorial_img_1245.jpg800px-Victims_of_Acts_of_Terror_Memorial_IMG_1245Memorial to those killed in terrorism attacks. Each black plaque is engraved with the names of those killed over a period of 10 years at a time. Unfortunately, it makes it possible to learn which periods of time have been the most deadly. The corner element "holding it together" is a damaged structure leaning to the side.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/pikiwiki_israel_12289_dakar_submarine_memorial_in_mount_herzl.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAA salvaged portion of the submarine at one end of the memorial.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/800px-pikiwiki_israel_12299_ss_erinpura_memorial_on_mount_herzl.jpg800px-PikiWiki_Israel_12299_SS_Erinpura_memorial_on_mount_herzlMemorial for people who died at sea trying to get to Israel. Their names are inscribed on the bottom of the pool.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1024px-jadvasjem12022013_0021.jpg1024px-Jadvasjem12022013_002Memorial to the Last Descendants is a memorial to Holocaust survivors who were the last in their family left alive. They managed to get to Israel in 1948, and died fighting in the War of Independence. Their memorial is an inverted house stuck in the ground with the roof at the bottom. 2017-10-25T03:41:48+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/25/hurva-ruined-synagogue/2017-10-24T18:45:30+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/25/armenians-and-jews/2017-10-24T15:23:54+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/23/from-king-david-to-the-ottomans/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5994.jpgIMG_5994Model of the Old City at the Israel Museum in the new part of Jerusalem. At the front you can see the walls which are actually a late edition in the 16th century by Sultan Suleiman.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5982.jpgIMG_5982Finally to the Ottomans who occupied Jerusalem from 1517-1917 when they were thrown out by the British. They neglected the city so badly that it was a nightmarish place for people to live. That's why in the late 19th century people began venturing out of the city to live.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5981.jpgIMG_5981Mamluk style of architecture is what we often associate with the Moorish style of two toned Islamic art including the muqarna (stalagmite type of ornamentation we see in the Alhambra in Spain and the Mesquita in Cordoba)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5980.jpgIMG_5980Skipping ahead to the Middle Ages, the Mamluks (meaning slaves) were a group of Turkish, Balkan, and Circassians who took power in Egypt and eventually made their way to Jerusalem.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1024px-the_remains_of_robinsons_arch_on_the_western_side_of_the_temple_mount.jpg1024px-The_remains_of_Robinson's_Arch_on_the_western_side_of_the_Temple_MountThis is what remains of Robinson's Arch, named for the Biblical scholar who identified it.2017-10-23T23:37:51+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/22/views-of-jerusalem/2017-10-22T12:56:21+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/22/i-like-paris-in-the-fall/2017-10-22T09:16:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/20/william-the-conqueror-and-napoleon-bonaparte/2017-10-22T09:16:15+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/19/etretat/2017-10-22T09:15:43+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/16/honfleur/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/d29016_10.jpgThe Lieutenancy Building at Honfleur, Normandy c.1832 by Joseph Mallord William Turner 1775-1851"The Lieutenancy Building at Honfleur, Normandy" Joseph Mallord William Turner, 1832https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5834.jpgIMG_5834The Lieutenancy marks the entrance to the harbor and was used Napoleon's governor as his home. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5835.jpgIMG_5835https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5833.jpgIMG_5833The tall skinny buildings that now house hotels and restaurants were once fishermen' houses and designed at a time when buildings were tied based on their width, not height.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_58321.jpgIMG_5832https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bdm_pissarro_avant_port.jpgbdm_pissarro_avant_port"Pilots Jetty, Le Havre", Camille Pissarro, 1903https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/3df61ccf21e3d701bbff74dd922bdac9-monet-paintings-churches.jpg3df61ccf21e3d701bbff74dd922bdac9--monet-paintings-churches"Bell Tower of St. Catherines", Monethttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/the-lieutenancy-at-honfleur.jpgthe-lieutenancy-at-honfleur"The Lieutenancy", Monet, 1864https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/1245px-georges_seurat_-_la_maria_honfleur.jpg1245px-Georges_Seurat_-_La_Maria,_Honfleur"La Maria (The Harbor)", Georges Seurat, 1886https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/658px-claude_monet_-_rue_de_la_bavole_honfleur_-_google_art_project.jpg658px-Claude_Monet_-_Rue_de_la_Bavole,_Honfleur_-_Google_Art_Project"Rue de la Bavolle", Monet, 18642017-10-22T09:15:13+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/13/all-the-light-you-cannot-see-sant-malo/2017-10-22T09:14:53+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/12/art-at-mont-saint-michel/2017-10-22T09:14:32+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/11/jewel-of-normandy/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5800.jpgIMG_5800Once again at the visitor center for Mont Sant Michel were these billboard sized photographs of people who live in this part of Normandyhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5799.jpgIMG_5799https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5798.jpgIMG_5798Mudflats appearing below the ramparts.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5797.jpgIMG_5797https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5796.jpgIMG_5796Pilgrims and tourists wend their way up as we wend our way down.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5795.jpgIMG_5795This one was on the island itself.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5794.jpgIMG_5794The cupola has a golden Michael on top.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5793.jpgIMG_5793This pieta has the head of Jesus smashed off, probably during the French Revolution.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5792.jpgIMG_5792How the supplies came up to the abbey.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5791.jpgIMG_5791Close up of the treadwheel shows that three prisoners at a time were put into this device (hamster like) to move it so the pulley could bring up supplies.2017-10-11T06:32:47+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/11/remembering/2017-10-10T23:24:32+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/10/the-right-weather-for-a-solemn-day/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5711.jpgIMG_5711At the Visitor Center at the American Cemeteryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5707.jpgIMG_5707Anitore Banon, "The Braves", installed 2004https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5679.jpgIMG_5679I'm struck by what war has meant for this part of the world. William the Conquerer started 400 years of bloody conflict with Britain.2017-10-10T06:07:18+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/09/the-history-we-never-learned-but-should-have/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/18515531_390331.jpg18515531_390331https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5705.jpgIMG_5705https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5702.jpgIMG_5702https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5701.jpgIMG_5701https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5700.jpgIMG_5700https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5699.jpgIMG_5699https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5698.jpgIMG_5698https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5697.jpgIMG_5697https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5696.jpgIMG_5696https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5695.jpgIMG_56952017-10-09T07:18:35+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/09/bucket-list/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/ships.jpgshipsThese are the ships that William used to sail to Britain, he had to wait a long time for favorable winds in the Channel.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5686.jpgIMG_5686Westminster Cathedral as it looked in William the Conqueror's day (model of what he had built)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5684.jpgIMG_5684Tower of London, built by William the Conquerorhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5683.jpgIMG_5683Chain mail suit.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5682.jpgIMG_5682To scale model of a Viking boat similar to the ones used by William in the museum upstairs.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/tower-of-london.jpgTower of londonHow the Tower of London looks today.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/winchester-cathedral.jpgWinchester CathedralCathedral todayhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bayeuxtapestry-comet.jpgCometHaley's Comet is seen in the sky, a bad omen for the futurehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/scene-46.jpgPreparationsYou can see the servants carrying the coats of mail in preparation for the battlehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/sltuhavkvzp8mh4xub5t.jpgHarold is crowndeEdward dies and Harold has himself crowned, against his promise to William to acknowledge him as king.2017-10-08T16:41:05+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/10/08/plane-train-and-chateau/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5689.jpgIMG_5689https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5690.jpgIMG_5690https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5688.jpgIMG_5688https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5669.jpgIMG_5669https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5667.jpgIMG_5667Art installation, Gare St. Lazare, 2017https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_5670.jpgIMG_5670https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/giverny-6.jpggiverny-6Monet's Chateau, Givernyhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/24444010465_bc72fe7bc8_k.jpg24444010465_bc72fe7bc8_khttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/bellfontaine.jpgbellfontaineChateau de Bellefontaine, Bayeaux2017-10-07T17:21:12+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/17/immigrants-and-refugees/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5478.jpgimg_5478Sefat Emet Street with one of the newly planted trees just in time for Tu Beshvat. The Sefat Emet was a Hassidic Rabbi of the 19th century whose interpretation of the Torah translates as "The Language of Truth". Tu Beshvat is a winter holiday that is also known as the New Year of the trees. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5392.jpgimg_5392https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5430.jpgimg_5430https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5429.jpgimg_5429https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5427.jpgimg_5427https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5424.jpgimg_5424https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5422.jpgimg_5422https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5420.jpgimg_5420https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5417.jpgimg_5417https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/0714fdd627a04773b5314fb1da9036d7.jpg0714fdd627a04773b5314fb1da9036d72017-02-17T03:20:22+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/15/the-storeroom/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2001-2987.jpg2001-2987This Aphrodite was excavated at Beith Shean in 2001. She is remarkable because she still has some of the paint pigment on her. We see sculptures from this time and assume they were pure white marble when in fact they were fully painted with vivid colors. Once buried much of this disappears if not all so this is an exceptional work.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5470.jpgimg_5470Another fascinating synagogue that will be included in the exhibition has a mosaic floor that is already on display and has been in the museum's collection for a long time. It is a large mosaic detailing the rules of Shmita (the biblical injunction that says the land must be left fallow every seventh year). We were in Israel during a shmita year and if you look back in the blog posts you'll find quite a bit about this. This particular mosaic goes into extreme detail about what can and cannot be planted, harvested, and eaten during that year.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5467.jpgimg_5467Before departing from our amazing tour we were treated to two more mosaics, this one of King David playing his lute. This is the oldest known synagogue mosaic from Hamam near the Sea of Galilee. The dating of these mosaics is currently a controversy as it has been dated from the 3rd to 4th centuries though some say in is 5th to 6th centuries. Stay tuned if this interests you.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5466.jpgimg_5466Samson (the giant) attacking the Philistines.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5462.jpgimg_5462As we moved from the storeroom to the galleries of the museum for a few tidbits of a private tour we saw works from Beit Shean. An amazing huge site in northern Israel that I blogged about last summer. As you can see some things, especially delicate works that would not survive outside stay in the museum.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5460.jpgimg_5460Another mystery from the same area is this very large fragment of inscribed marble touting Hadrian's importance found in the same area. The pieces are as big as those found in the Pantheon in Rome. Why and why here?https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5458.jpgimg_5458Here is one of the only bronze busts of Hadrian in the world. The mystery is that this was transported with troops from one place to another and this one was somehow left behind when the garrison moved on. Who knows why so they are planning to excavate in the area to see if they can solve the puzzle. This one was found buried by a local person who was using one of those metal detectors looking for ancient coins!https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5457.jpgimg_5457In preparation for that exhibition one of the curators who thought the hairstyle wrong for that time period created a plaster bust with a different "doo". The rest of the face stayed exactly the same. Isn't it remarkable how different they look.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5454.jpgimg_5454Several years ago there was a large exhibition about Hadrian, the Roman emperor who traveled and conquered widely and was quite accomplished in many ways. One of the controversies in this part of the world is that he changed the name from Canaan to Palestina. As you can see he was quite a confident and handsome man. The first emperor to grow a beard. The next several followed suit.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5453.jpgimg_5453These are oil lamps that will be lent with glass vials that hold the oil hanging down through the holes you see.2017-02-15T05:05:24+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/14/israel-museum/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/dp817120.jpgdp817120Goya, "Bon Voyage": "Where is this internal company going, filling the air with noise in the darkness of the night? If it were daytime it would be quite a different matter and gun shots would bring the whole group of them to the ground, but as it is night, no one can see them.", 1799, etching, burnished aquatint, and burinhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ff116184.jpgff116184Goya, "Punctual Folly," etching and aquatint, 1816-23https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/a-way-of-flying-1823.jpga-way-of-flying-1823Goya, " A Way of Flying", etching and aquatint, 1816-23https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/goya_-_el_cid_campeador_lanceando_otro_toro_the_cid_campeador_spearing_another_bull.jpggoya_-_el_cid_campeador_lanceando_otro_toro_the_cid_campeador_spearing_another_bullGoya, "The Old Comprador Spearing Another Bull", etching, burnished aquatint, and burin, 1816https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/el_quitasol_goya.jpgel_quitasol_goyaGoya "The Parasol", oil on canvas, 1777, 59 X 40"https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/1000989.jpg1000989Goya, "The Straw Manikin,", oil on canvas, 1791-92,https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/fgdw1.jpgfgdw1Goya, "Sad Forebodings of What is Going to Happen", etching and drypoint, 1810-15https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/07disast.jpg07disastGoya, "What Courage!", etching, aquatint, and drypoint, 1810-15https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/hb_22-60-25-26.jpg22.60.25(26)Goya, "One Can't Look", etching, roulette, and aquatint, 1810https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/d5e41aa01e3bbe8af0432de9935bc873.jpgA 711108Goya (after Velasquez), "Las Medians", red chalk and pencil, 17792017-02-14T04:37:58+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/14/graphics-and-graffiti/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5391.jpgimg_5391Enjoyed this very detailed graphic on the wall of a construction zone- reminded me of some of Breughel's prints (we'll see some of them in the Baroque period).https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5381.jpgimg_5381Always thought Paul Newman had beautiful eyes. This is one of the painted doors in Machane Yehuda (the outdoor market) with stores and stalls all around. Each outside door is painted by an artist named Solomon Souza. He's very busy!https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5380.jpgimg_5380The awning of this store says you need the lottery in your life and that they sell hot and cold drinks, popsicles, calling cards, newspapers, and cigarettes. You see many awnings like this with different varieties of things they sell...https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5379.jpgimg_5379Jerusalem is full of cats, all feral who are into multiple generations since the British brought them here to take care of the rodent problem. Not many rodents but many many cats.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5378.jpgimg_5378The cats make the most of the considerable amount of garbage available in this city especially the first week we were here when there was a garbage strike. Only the cats were happy about it.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5377.jpgimg_5377This makes it look a lot better than it is in actuality.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5355.jpgimg_5355https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5320.jpgimg_5320https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5268.jpgimg_52682017-02-13T17:20:34+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/10/remembering-and-contemplating/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/latrun-intro.jpglatrun-introAcross the road from the Armored Museum is the very peaceful looking monastery where the monks have taken a vow of silence was eatablished at the end of the 19th century. The valley where both the museum and monastery are located was a battle site since biblical times: Joshua and King David both fought serious battles here. We can hope this valley remains as peaceful as it looks today.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5305.jpgimg_5305https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5319.jpgimg_5319Wall of names of all Israelis who have fallen in all the wars starting in 1948. There is a daily prayer for the dead recited each day for any of the soldiers fallen on that given day in the calendar in front of the wall.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5322.jpgimg_5322Leaving Latrun (Ayalon Valley) climbing up to Jerusalem, this is the modernized road that was so heavily fought over since during the War of Independence Jerusalem was under siege. In the Six Day War in 1967, the valley was captured and is now part of Israel.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tank-destroyer-post-wwii-egypt.jpgtank-destroyer-post-wwii-egyptA tank captured in the Sinai campaign, in Egypt.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5301.jpgimg_5301The main feature here are the tanks, some captured and retooled to Israeli standards and some developed and manufactured by Israel itself. It seems the tank is the main weapon of warfare here.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5304.jpgimg_5304This tank has an interesting story- captured by Syria from Israel, sent to Russia, and recently returned to Israel.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5306.jpgimg_5306https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5310.jpgimg_5310The Sherman tank, captured during World War II and used in the Israeli War of Independence.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5317.jpgimg_5317British Tegart fort built during the British Mandate of Palestine houses a library of historical documents and exhibits. The outer walls are pock marked, a reminder of the fierce battles fought here in the War of Independence. 2017-02-09T19:09:59+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/08/nabateans/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5281.jpgimg_5281https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5291.jpgimg_5291Nubian Ibex are a very common sight, equivalent to deer in our part of the world.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5294.jpgimg_5294Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon who was killed in the shuttle disaster in 2003. He took the name Ramon because of this landscape, as it reminded him of what it must look like on the moon.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5295.jpgimg_5295https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5296.jpgimg_5296https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5297.jpgimg_5297https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5298.jpgimg_5298https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5300.jpgimg_5300https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/the_monastery_petra_jordan8.jpgthe_monastery_petra_jordan8https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/statue_in_the_negev_desert_of_israel.jpgstatue_in_the_negev_desert_of_israel2017-02-07T18:29:03+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/06/not-in-paris-anymore/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5331.jpgimg_5331https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5332.jpgimg_5332https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5324.jpgimg_5324https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5269.jpgimg_5269Back of the bus shows some of the variety of head coverings.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5282.jpgimg_5282https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/137.jpg1372017-02-05T18:24:19+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/03/delacroix/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5240.jpgimg_5240The exterior entrance to the studio and museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5241.jpgimg_5241https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5243.jpgimg_5243https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5244.jpgimg_5244https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5247.jpgimg_5247https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_5248.jpgimg_5248https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/frightenedwildhorsecrayonlitho1828.jpgfrightenedwildhorsecrayonlitho1828"Frightened Wild Horse", crayon lithograph, 1828. Delacroix was known for his depictions of animals and this is a particularly nice one both of the subject and the technique.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/jewishwomantangiersetching1833.jpgjewishwomantangiersetching1833https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/delacroix1824.jpgdelacroix1824https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/thales-fielding1824.jpgthales-fielding18242017-02-03T06:21:13+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/02/01/no-need-to-go-to-russia/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tatlin.jpgtatlinhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/malevich-tower.jpgmalevich-towerMalevich, "Suprematic Architecture Model", 1927https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/malevich__a_non_stop_station_k.jpgK.Malewitsch, Station ohne Halt - Malevich / A Non-Stop Station: Kuntsevo - Malevitch, Kazimir , 1878-1935.3RD-M8-Y29 K.Malewitsch, Station ohne Halt Malewitsch, Kasimir 1878-1935. 'Station ohne Halt. Kunzewo', 1913. Oel auf Holz, 49 x 25,5 cm. Inv.Nr.11926 Moskau, Tretjakow-Galerie. E: Malevich / A Non-Stop Station: Kuntsevo Malevich, Kasimir 1878-1935. 'A Non-Stop Station: Kuntsevo', 1913. Oil on wood, 49 x 25.5cm. Inv.Nr.11926 Moscow, Tretjakov Gallery. F: Malevitch, Kazimir , 1878-1935. Malevitch, Kazimir , 1878-1935. 'Station sans arret. Kunzewo', 1913. Huile sur toile, H. 0,49 , L. 0,255. Inv.Nr.11926 Moscou, Galerie Tretiakoff.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/673119d330c67ef3eee9586d0879baba.jpg673119d330c67ef3eee9586d0879babahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/still-life-with-blue-tablecloth.jpgstill-life-with-blue-tableclothhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/goldfish.jpggoldfishhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/the-pink-studio.jpgthe-pink-studiohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/pablo_picasso_1901-02_femme_au_cafc3a9_absinthe_drinker_oil_on_canvas_73_x_54_cm_hermitage_museum_saint_petersburg_russia.jpgpablo_picasso_1901-02_femme_au_cafe_absinthe_drinker_oil_on_canvas_73_x_54_cm_hermitage_museum_saint_petersburg_russiaPicasso, "Absinthe Drinker", 1901. Shchukin said of Monet and Picasso: "If, with Claude Monet everything flows, Picasso's hand makes everything solid....where in Matisse's work, there are just silhouettes, with Picasso, there are just volumes."https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/woman-with-a-fan.jpgwoman-with-a-fanPicasso, "Woman with a Fan", 1909https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/screen_shot_2016-03-29_at_3-19-57_pm.jpegscreen_shot_2016-03-29_at_3-19-57_pmGauguin, "Sunflowers", 1901. Gauguin and Van Gogh were close friends and worked side by side until Gauguin left Europe for the South Pacific. Wonder if he was thinking about his old friend when he painted this.2017-01-31T19:40:35+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/01/30/louis-vuitton-foundation-museum-its-not-about-the-bags/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5199.jpgimg_5199Adrian Villar Rojas, "Where the Slaves Live", 2014, found objectshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5201.jpgimg_5201https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5210.jpgimg_5210https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5212.jpgimg_5212https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5213.jpgimg_5213https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5221.jpgimg_5221A good way to see how Gehry approaches architecture as a sculptural practice.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5222.jpgimg_5222https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5224.jpgimg_5224https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5225.jpgimg_5225https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5227.jpgimg_52272017-01-29T19:18:28+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2017/01/29/paris-in-winter/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5234.jpgimg_5234Arc de Triomphe with an insane roundabout with people making their own lanes.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5235.jpgimg_5235Champs Elyseehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5238.jpgimg_5238Looking towards Les Invalides and over the Seinehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5239.jpgEiffel TowerAlways amazes me that when it was built, it was hated by Parisians because it was a tower without a "skin". https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5249.jpgimg_5249Weekend stalls with books of all kinds (mostly in French) along the Seinehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_5250.jpgimg_5250Towers of Notre Dame in the distance2017-01-29T17:01:45+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/21/hamatzav-the-situation/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5050.jpgIMG_5050And here is the tee shirt seller who has "Free Palestine" tee shirts alongside "Israeli Army" tee shirts.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4986.jpgIMG_4986Down the street from where we are staying in a section of Jerusalem where many artists live (if they can afford it or have lived there for generations) is this sign. I know it is hard to read so in a nut shell: Here lives Morris Katz creator of art shows, the world's most prolific artist listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Teacher, author of "Paint Good and Fast". Would have liked to meet him though his shop was never open.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4984.jpgIMG_4984Inside that room which was a relief as it was well air conditioned was a Chihuly "fire" work.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4983.jpgIMG_4983Just one more reminder of how contested this "holy" land is.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4982.jpgIMG_4982Looking out the window from Aish Ha'Torah (translated as the fire of Torah/the bible) onto a group of disabled students experiencing the Western Wall. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4981.jpgIMG_4981Just a reminder of home, this truck delivers fresh eggs (which by the way are individually stamped with the date) and the side of the truck says: From nature fresh, organic, free range, and omega.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4979.jpgIMG_4979Girls walking to school by themselves. In the US one hardly ever sees children so young without adult supervision. Isn't it ironic for the place that is supposed to be so "dangerous" that the risk to children is so minimal.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4977.jpgIMG_4977In the orthodox communities there is no "screen time" so kids are outside playing, riding bikes, jumping rope, and being kids as we were in the "olden" days.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4966.jpgIMG_4966Building is even going on in the Palestinian areas, which can be seen as a positive thing although this is West Bank, not Gaza.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4967.jpgIMG_4967There are checkpoints between Palestinian areas and Israeli areas and some within Israel itself especially between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and close to the airport. I would not be surprised if we start to see this in other countries as well.2016-07-21T11:44:15+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/20/jerusalem-center-of-the-world/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5047.jpgIMG_5047So many denominations have vied for control over the Church of the Holy Sepulcher that over time they've been restricted to certain hours and certain sections and no one wants to take care of repairs. They have finally come to an agreement to repair the badly deteriorating interior. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5008.jpgIMG_5008https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5009.jpgIMG_5009https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5011.jpgIMG_5011https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5015.jpgIMG_5015https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5016.jpgIMG_5016https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5033.jpgIMG_5033https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5040.jpgIMG_5040https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5042.jpgIMG_5042https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5043.jpgIMG_50432016-07-21T09:28:12+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/20/stumbling-on/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4994.jpgIMG_4994I looked for this bakery for days and of course my kids stumbled upon it by accident. Most immigration from France over the last few years (16,000 last year alone). Israel allows more immigration than any other country and French Jews are leaving France because of serious anti-semitism there. More are expected this year. Many French bakeries, very yummy!https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4995.jpgIMG_4995Across from the main post office in Jerusalem is this installation of old mailboxes. Shut and Yuvi Gerstein have set these up so that when you tap on the top of each box they make a specific sound and lights go on across the street on the main post office.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4999.jpgIMG_4999In front of the Jerusalem City Hall is a fountain that incorporates a well drilling bit, something that reminds one that water is a precious commodity in this arid land.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4868.jpgIMG_4868Looking for a bathroom in Safed I found this beautiful gate and arch.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4849.jpgIMG_4849https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4850.jpgIMG_4850https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4851.jpgIMG_4851https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4852.jpgIMG_4852https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4853.jpgIMG_4853https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4854.jpgIMG_48542016-07-25T11:34:14+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/19/doors-and-stores/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5054.jpgIMG_5054Doors on the ceiling of a restaurant in downtown Jerusalem by the Machane Yehuda market.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5059.jpgIMG_5059In Tel Aviv strolling through the old port we were treated to a goofy water display to rock music like Lady Gaga and Adele. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5061.jpgIMG_5061https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5062.jpgIMG_5062https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5063.jpgIMG_5063https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5018.jpgIMG_5018Cabalistic Yeshiva door in the Jewish quarter of Jerusalemhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5019.jpgIMG_5019Another yeshiva door on the same alley.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5022.jpgIMG_5022The door to the Istanbul community synagogue in the Jewish quarter.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5025.jpgIMG_50252016-07-19T04:26:52+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/18/things-you-dont-notice/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5003.jpgIMG_5003https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5004.jpgIMG_5004https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5005.jpgIMG_5005https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5006.jpgIMG_5006https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5007.jpgIMG_5007https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5010.jpgIMG_5010https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5012.jpgIMG_5012https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5014.jpgIMG_5014https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5024.jpgIMG_5024https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_5026.jpgIMG_50262016-07-18T14:23:55+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/18/ancient-astroturf/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4896.jpgIMG_4896https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4900.jpgIMG_4900Walls of the ancient tower at Caesarea that guided sailors into the harbor at night.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4904.jpgIMG_4904Excavations on the bottom boutiques on top.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_48891.jpgIMG_4889Columns as adornment along the walkway.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4950.jpgIMG_4950Power plant in the background fallen columns in the foreground.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4869.jpgIMG_4869https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4871.jpgIMG_4871https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4872.jpgIMG_4872Rosh Pina is a small town in the north that we really like partly because it reminds us of home. Just as at home it is changing as it's been "discovered"https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4873.jpgIMG_4873Old simple homes built by some of the 19th century immigrants from Europe are being turned into bed and breakfast or rental cottages, old stone on the outside IKEA on the inside.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4892.jpgIMG_48922016-07-18T07:24:18+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/17/caesarea/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4928.jpgIMG_4928https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4929.jpgIMG_4929A small segment on mosaic floor randomly placed near the bathhouse.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4930.jpgIMG_4930https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4931.jpgIMG_4931The outside bath area.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4932.jpgIMG_4932https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4933.jpgIMG_4933https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4934.jpgIMG_4934https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4935.jpgIMG_4935https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4897.jpgIMG_4897Looking out to sea where the entrance to the ancient port was.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4898.jpgIMG_48982016-07-17T11:44:14+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/13/caring-for-the-dead/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4848.jpgIMG_4848https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4847.jpgIMG_4847The following three slides are portions of a carved arch. The pink color is just from the lighting.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4846.jpgIMG_4846https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4844.jpgIMG_4844https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4842.jpgIMG_4842This giant slab of ancient glass was probably already in this location as I can't imagine how they might have moved it. Produced between the 4th and 6th centuries using 10 tons of raw material (sand mostly) heated to over 1800 degrees fahrenheit for 5-10 days! The poor quality of the end product and that it was left here indicates they were not able to complete the job and who knows what its purpose was.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4841.jpgIMG_4841Coffins made of leather or lead.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4838.jpgIMG_4838A final image through the wall of one shaft into another- yet again another lion. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4835.jpgIMG_4835https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4834.jpgIMG_4834Continuing deeper into the main cave to a large room dug out.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4830.jpgIMG_4830A little less finely carved though carved both top and bottom.2016-07-13T14:43:41+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/13/always-digging/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/800px-cipori154.jpg800px-Cipori154The citadel which was established by Crusaders and then fortified by Arab invaders is at the top of the Zippori site.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/800px-mona_lisa_of_the_galilee_large.jpg800px-Mona_Lisa_of_the_Galilee_largeThe famous Mona Lisa of the Galilee mosaic is part of a 54 square foot mosaic floor in the Dionysian House, probably the dining room. It is comprised of 1000s of tiny stones and glass.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_47301.jpgIMG_4730Reproduction of one of the carts that would have traveled along the cardo.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_47291.jpgIMG_4729https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4737.jpgIMG_4737https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4733.jpgIMG_4733Just walking around you find these exquisite little gems of detailed mosaic.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4732.jpgIMG_4732The floors are wetted to show the vivid colors of the mosaics, made from natural stones and pieces of glass.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4729.jpgIMG_4729Orpheus Mosaic was unearthed in 1995 and it dates to the end of the 3rd century CE. It shows scenes from daily life though is a good example of how syncretism works. If you want to interpret a work to suit your beliefs perhaps you might think this is a scene of baptism and Christian friendship.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4727.jpgIMG_4727The grooves that you see in the stones are from carts going down the street.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4726.jpgIMG_4726The cardo main street from 63 BCE2016-07-12T16:09:11+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/12/water-and-light/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4766.jpgIMG_4766https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4770.jpgIMG_4770https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4760.jpgIMG_4760An active archaeological and reconstruction zone (more on this in the next post)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4761.jpgIMG_4761The channels were dug through the earth and lined with plaster. The plaster is now being repaired and preserved.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4756.jpgIMG_4756The channel through which that water flowed in ancient times.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4778.jpgIMG_4778These tunnels were built in the 2nd century CE (not including the stairs)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4755.jpgIMG_4755Yes, this is a mosaic map of the channels flowing towards Zippori.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4754.jpgIMG_4754https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4752.jpgIMG_4752https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_46951.jpgIMG_46952016-07-12T04:44:59+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/11/an-important-city-you-never-heard-of/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4657.jpgIMG_4657https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4658.jpgIMG_4658https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_46671.jpgIMG_4667https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4659.jpgIMG_4659https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4670.jpgIMG_4670https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4671.jpgIMG_4671https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_46601.jpgIMG_4660https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4656.jpgIMG_4656https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4672.jpgIMG_4672https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4665.jpgIMG_46652016-07-11T15:17:59+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/08/always-a-surprise/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4654.jpgIMG_4654https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4653.jpgIMG_4653https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4642.jpgIMG_4642https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4645.jpgIMG_4645https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4596.jpgIMG_4596https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4595.jpgIMG_4595https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4593.jpgIMG_4593https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4594.jpgIMG_4594https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4592.jpgIMG_45922016-07-08T11:40:02+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/06/graphics/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4597.jpgIMG_4597https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4591.jpgIMG_4591https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4586.jpgIMG_4586Machane Yehuda is a fabulous though gritty indoor market selling everything and anything. Two artists have taken upon themselves to spray paint portraits of famous Jewish figures on the metal shutters of every stall. It's a great visual late at night. If you want to know more I've attached a link.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4585.jpgIMG_4585https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4587.jpgIMG_4587https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4590.jpgIMG_45902016-07-08T11:39:33+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/03/the-stage-is-set/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4544.jpgIMG_4544https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4543.jpgIMG_4543https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4539.jpgIMG_4539https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4538.jpgIMG_4538https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4548.jpgIMG_4548https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4545.jpgIMG_4545https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4550.jpgIMG_4550https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4552.jpgIMG_4552https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4554.jpgIMG_4554https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4553.jpgIMG_45532016-07-02T20:54:42+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/02/in-the-neighborhood/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dot_france_29_provence_gordes_20.jpgDOT_France_29_Provence_Gordes_20https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4535.jpgIMG_4535https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4534.jpgIMG_4534https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4533.jpgIMG_4533https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4531.jpgIMG_4531https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4530.jpgIMG_4530https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4529.jpgIMG_4529https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4525.jpgIMG_4525https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/800px-fontaine_de_vaucluse3.jpg800px-Fontaine_de_Vaucluse3https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/fontainedev.jpgOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA2016-07-02T05:35:51+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/07/02/skills-of-the-ancients/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/pdg_08-09-10_45.jpgpdg_08-09-10_45https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4517.jpgIMG_4517https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4516.jpgIMG_4516https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4515.jpgIMG_4515https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4513.jpgIMG_4513https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4510.jpgIMG_4510https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4501.jpgIMG_4501https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4498.jpgIMG_4498https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4497.jpgpont du gardehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_4494.jpgIMG_44942016-07-01T15:56:27+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/30/hill-and-dale/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/1024px-glanum-triomphal_arch-arc_de_triomphe.jpggalum archThis triumphal arch built in 25 BCE can be found across the road from the hospital in St. Remy where van Gogh spent some time. It marked the northern end of the city of Galum, a fortified city later abandoned in 260 CE. It is the best preserved of this type of arch in France.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4467.jpgOpede main streetOppede Le Vieux is a village at the top of a hill dating from the 12th century. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4468.jpgOppede le VieuxThis village was hard to get to and a bit dark and dank so by the 19th century it was mostly abandoned for a new village further down in the valley. Only facilities for visitors remain and a few hearty souls.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4469.jpgOppede archhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4470.jpgView from OpedeLooking out from Opede Le Vieux over the Luberon region.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4471.jpgOppede cathedralhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4473.jpgOppede fortressCrusader fortress had direct connections to the popes in Avignon.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4475.jpgfortressAt the very top the fortress looks out over the whole valley and appears to be in some stage of restoration.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4476.jpgwendingWending our way back through the village and down to the new village of Oppede.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4477.jpgMenerbresMenembres was the site of a famous battle between the Catholics and the Huguenots which lasted for five years.2016-06-30T05:38:42+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/30/van-gogh-in-france/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/800px-van_gogh_-_garten_des_hospitals_saint-paul3.jpegvan Gogh"Trees in the Garden of St. Paul's Hospital", 1890https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/meadow-in-the-garden-of-saint-paul-hospital-1890.jpgvan Goghvan Gogh, "Meadow in the Garden of St. Paul", 1890https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/300px-hospital_in_saint-remy.jpgHospital in St. Remyvan Gogh, "Hospital in St. Remy", 1889https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_43961.jpgSt Remy clinicIn May 1889 after he mutilated his ear he checked himself into the Cloister and Clinic of St. Paul de Mausole in St. Remy de Provence.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/skull-with-burning-cigarette.jpgVan Gogh, Skull with Burning Cigarette"Van Gogh, Skull with Burning Cigarette", 1885https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/vincent_willem_van_gogh_128.jpgSunflower paintingWhile this was painted in Paris there is no doubt that van Gogh would have seen the fields of sunflowers around Arles. This one was painted in 1888 before he came to Arles.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4461.jpgLavenderDuring the day the lavender fields are full of bees and the lavender is planted for them to make lavender honey. At dusk you can walk along the rows and take in the scent.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4458.jpgFieldsWe are here during lavender season and the fields (this one in the distance are everywhere). You can see the flatness of the perspective in van Gogh's work.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/800px-the_sower.jpgThe SowerAlso painted in 1888, this painting is also in the collection of the Kroller Muller Museum.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/300px-van_gogh_-_terrasse_des_cafc3a9s_an_der_place_du_forum_in_arles_am_abend1.jpegCafe Terrace at NightPainted in 1888, now in the collection of the Kroller Muller Museum, Otterloo.2016-06-30T14:35:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/30/arles/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44211.jpgcrypto porticoSubterranean galleries ventilated by air shafts were part of the forum's structure.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44371.jpgIMG_4437https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44351.jpgIMG_4435https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44281.jpgstreet demoA street demonstration of the communist party protesting the changes in work rules in France. Many teachers in this group have job security but are in solidarity with others who do not.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44251.jpgla républiqueThe Place de la République is what is on top of the crypto portico today. Notice the obelisk in the center from ancient times.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44231.jpgcrypto porticoes 2Later used as grain storage spaces they were built in the 1st century BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44062.jpgarlesTaken from the tower of the arena looking out over the river in the distancehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_44073.jpgarenaBuilt in 90 CE one of the most intact (and oval) Roman amphitheaters. It could accommodate 20,000 spectators. It's 446 X 358 ft.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4413.jpgtheaterBuilt during the reign of Augustus and plundered during the Middle Ages for building materials it wasn't rediscovered until the 19th century. Personally I am disappointed to see a theater like this with all the new scaffolding and lights for use in modern times though will admit I've been to performances in spaces like this which are quite magical. Another one of those two sides to the argument things.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4417.jpgst trephineThis is a well preserved Romanesque church. The portal is decorated with biblical scenes and figures of important church leaders. 2016-06-29T15:53:43+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/28/location-location-location/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/170px-nostradamus_birthplace.jpgNostradamusThis is the birthplace of Nostradamus, originally a Jewish French apothecary from the 15th century. He started out in medicine and ended in the occult. His predictions are easily interpreted to mean whatever you want them to.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4390.jpgstill lifeA nice composition of "Frenchness"https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4369.jpgColors of ochreThese are the different natural colors of the ochre.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_43941.jpgSt RemyThe town of St Remy en Provence's architecture is in stark contrast to the color of the buildings in Roussillon.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4387.jpgquietFor some reason this was a fairly quiet day in this little townhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4389.jpgalleyAlleyway with a built in sukkahhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_43861.jpgwisteriaTenacious wisteriahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4362.jpgRoussillonOchre (from yellow to red to orange pigments) has been used since prehistoric times. It was especially in demand in the 18th century for dying textiles and that's when this town was booming. Now it's a tourist/artist haven.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4381.jpgminesEntrance to the old mines below the town.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4366.jpglandscapeLooking out from the highest point in the town.2016-06-30T15:18:26+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/28/dwellings/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4338.jpgovenhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4345.jpgsheep and peoplehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4352.jpgstairshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4341.jpgarchhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4348.jpgScalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4354.jpgBorie Villagehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4343.jpgstreet2016-06-28T05:10:56+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/26/in-the-right-place-at-the-wrong-time/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4331.jpgAvignonhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4330.jpgMain EntranceIn addition to protection from invaders the walls also helped protect the city from flooding from the Rhone river which runs alongside.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4319.jpgSt. Bezenet bridgeThis is the bridge associated with the song "Sous le Pont d'Avignon"https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4317.jpgArchAvignon has a population of around 100,000 and 12,000 of them live inside the walls. Unfortunately the "newer" city is fairly uninteresting.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4316.jpgalley to Palais du PapesThis alley leads to the Palais du Papes.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4321.jpgStreet scenehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4334.jpgLa Garance, Le ThorA 400 year old farmhouse restored lovingly and shared with others.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4335.jpgLa Garance, Le ThorThis is the view looking out from the house. Beautiful sunset and all seems peaceful in the world.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4333.jpgPlane Trees2016-06-28T05:12:39+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2016/06/27/immigrant-popes/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4313.jpgChapelThis chapel is 160ft long and is also an example of the International Gothic style.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4314.jpgfrescohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4311.jpgtrompe l'oeilThis is a bit of wall painting left that is a great example of Trompe L'oeil.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4304.jpgTarasqueA mythological creature hybrid of a lion and dragon combined, specific to this region of Provence. There is even a town called Tarasque. The story associated with it is a kind of Beauty and the Beast legend.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_43091.jpgrestorationhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4297.jpgcannonballsThe Medieval version of the barrel bombhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4307.jpgAudience HallUsed for obviously big occasions such as festivals and banquets. The popes used 1/4 of their treasury on this building. This is how it looks in its restored state. The ceiling was recreated from frescoes of the time.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4312.jpggargoyle in situhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4302.jpggargoylehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4310.jpgSimulation2016-06-27T06:02:14+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/17/odds-and-ends/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3922.jpgIMG_3922This city is a feast for the eyes everywhere you look.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3923.jpgIMG_3923Our final mean at 4 Cats, the restaurant that gave Pablo Picasso his first art exhibit. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3921.jpgIMG_3921An example of Modernisme in a functional gate. Note the Art Nouveau style typeface.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_38111.jpgIMG_3811Stained glass workshop where those working on various Gaudi restoration projects have worked.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3743.jpgIMG_3743Food as art: chocolate and candieshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3740.jpgIMG_3740Barcelona is home to many breeds of dogs but probably more bull dogs than any other. This gigantic confection is now resident in a fantasy of a coffee shop but used to live in a restaurant in Girona that was voted the best restaurant in Europe in 2013, now closed.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3609.jpgIMG_3609Everyone can get into Flamenco dancing.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3634.jpgIMG_3634This very quiet square has been the scene of a number of movies. The significance of the pock marks on the building are a reminder of the horrific Spanish Civil War that resulted in the destruction of Guernica and many believe helped lead to World War II.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3626.jpgIMG_3626This mural by Picasso is in the cathedral square. It depicts a festival in Barcelona where people build human towers. Picasso refused to come to Spain during the reign of Franco so he sent the drawing to a friend who then executed it.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3447.jpgIMG_3447Rebecca Horn2015-10-17T13:07:38+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/17/museums-of-barcelona/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/4382_770x515.jpg4382_770x515Before leaving the museum we saw a special photography exhibit installation of life in Barcelona in the 1960s by local photographer Xavier Miserach, a fitting end to an extraordinary week in this city.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3917.jpgIMG_3917Last work was from another exhibit but fit into this theme and something we had noticed about all the blocks in Bareclona. When turning from one street to another (except for alleys) there is this triangular space at either end of every block that allows for a spaciousness for pedestrians and safety for vehicles turning. Title is "Via Laietana" 1988, Sergi Aguilarhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_39021.jpgIMG_3902This section of the exhibit had to do with visualizing spaces and uncommon images in them.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1581.jpg1581Marcel Broodthaers (part of the Atlas installation). His graphic work has deliberate errors which are not known to the viewer.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3878.jpgIMG_3878John Baldessari, "Dwarf and Rhinoceros With Story Called Lamb", 1989/2013, https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3897.jpgIMG_3897Marcel Duchamp figures prominently in thinking about what came to be called installations and conceptual art.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3869.jpgIMG_3869https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3875.jpgIMG_3875A video about Volkswagen that talks about their factory being a "symbol for transparency and authenticity". The work includes text added by the artist, Octavi Comeron and titled "Transparent Factory", 2006. How ironic given to current issues with Volkswagen.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3896.jpgIMG_3896Entrance to the room featuring geographic locationshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3867.jpgIMG_3867Tapies, Sudden Awakening Part 32015-10-17T13:04:08+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/17/everything-guell/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3813.jpgIMG_3813Combining traditional materials and imagery with modern lines and natural imagery in the tile work.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3838.jpgIMG_3838Large sconces either side of the Neo-Gothic style doorshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3817.jpgIMG_3817Even the stables below the entry have beautiful forms though totally functional.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3856.jpgIMG_3856The central tower over the ceiling dome of the main hall.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3844.jpgIMG_3844More parabola shapes for the window frames.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3837.jpgIMG_3837Detail of the wood work and the marquetry (patterns made with small thin veneers of different colors of wood) in the wainscoting.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3835.jpgIMG_3835Entrance to the main hallhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3829.jpgIMG_3829Formal dining roomhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3853.jpgIMG_3853This direction you can see the Agbar tower in the distance (not there in Gaudi's time)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3848.jpgIMG_3848The attic where laundry and other household activities could be accomplished. Notice the undulating walls and ceiling. 2015-10-17T03:36:19+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/15/gaudi-from-the-end/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3722.jpgIMG_3722We were fortunate to see an exhibit explaining Gaudi's philosophy so I'm going to intersperse these models and explanations as we look at the exterior and interior of Sagrada Familia.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3716.jpgIMG_3716For the design of the capitals of the tops of the towers on the three facades Gaudi chose twinned polyhedrons, the result of studying crystals.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3714.jpgIMG_3714Capitol of each column features an ellipsoid form that resembles the tree in the photo behind it. It gives the whole structure added strength.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3711.jpgIMG_3711https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3720.jpgIMG_3720https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3710.jpgIMG_3710https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3723.jpgIMG_3723Detail of entry door.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3717.jpgIMG_3717https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3724.jpgIMG_3724https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3701.jpgIMG_37012015-10-15T13:20:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/15/modernisme/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3749.jpgIMG_3749Close up of the mosaic columns in the front balcony of the hall. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3756.jpgIMG_3756The hall seats 2000 people. All performances are on the stage and opera is performed in concert form, no scenery changes.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3770.jpgIMG_3770On both sides of the stage are figures with protruding heads and instruments in relief and mosaic bodies. There are nine female figures on each side.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3765.jpgIMG_3765Ceiling from belowhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3758.jpgIMG_3758https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3757.jpgIMG_3757https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3754.jpgIMG_3754Pablo Casalshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3746.jpgIMG_3746It's hard to get a true perspective on the exterior as it's crowded in among other buildings and until recently had a church right up against it's Western side that blocked the light. It was renovated in 2008 after the church was demolished.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3762.jpgIMG_3762Floor to ceiling windows add additional light into the hall.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3767.jpgIMG_3767On the right hand side is Beethoven, representing the international musical heritage which is also performed in this hall.2015-10-16T04:42:01+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/14/it-takes-a-lot-of-imagination/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3596.jpgIMG_3596Standing by the oldest building in Barcelona that was home to a very important scholar and rabbi named Rashba who was a student of Ramban (are you confused)?! Notice at the corner the bump for getting off and on your horse.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3639.jpgIMG_3639There is one synagogue discovered in the quarter, called the Sinagoga Major it was probably built as early as the 4th century CE. It was uncovered in 1987.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3632.jpgIMG_3632Leaving the Jewish quarter we once again make our way along the Roman road.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3623.jpgIMG_3623Compare this main cathedral of the city of Barcelona (begun 1298 under Jaume II). It was not finished until the early 20th century. Notice how ornate it is compared to the one in Girona- Barcelona was much richer.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3611.jpgIMG_3611Tower in the king's palace so he could see the sea and who he might be able to tax for landing a ship on his shore.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3637.jpgIMG_3637A marker stone to identify one of the home, in this case Samuel from Sardinia. Since Barcelona was a commercial center Jewish merchants from throughout Europe passed through. They had a distinct advantage, a common language with other Jews so they sought them out whenever possible.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3594.jpgIMG_3594Stone above is from Middle Ages. Again if you have limited space you build up.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3638.jpgIMG_3638A stained glass window delineating the women's section of the synagogue. There is a solid wall behind the window as another building was erected there after the synagogue was abandoned. Perhaps one day it will be excavated.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3593.jpgIMG_3593The oldest stone of this wall is from Roman times.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3641.jpgIMG_3641Another portion of the Roman floor sunken many feet below street level now.2015-10-14T04:59:16+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/14/dali-needed-an-editor/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2691876290_c22507c0f6.jpg2691876290_c22507c0f6From upstairs you can see the boat very clearly. The blue drops are condoms.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3573.jpgIMG_3573https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/7c3a8c_c9e2b94ee9114c0c98671be7aaeda3b1.jpg7c3a8c_c9e2b94ee9114c0c98671be7aaeda3b1https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/800px-apartment-west_may_face.jpg800px-Apartment-West_May_FaceTo get the full affect one must climb on to the camel and look through a special glass.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3548.jpgIMG_3548https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3553.jpgIMG_3553https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3569.jpgIMG_3569Entry hall of the museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3566.jpgIMG_3566Next room is a large glass dome topped hall with a painting that at first looks like a nude painting from the back of Gala but when one takes a photo with a smartphone the pixels form the face of Abraham Lincoln. Dali was definitely before his time.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3582.jpgIMG_3582The bed (and the clocks)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3559.jpgIMG_35592015-10-13T15:40:57+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/13/girona/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/tombs.jpgtombsTombstones from the Girona Jewish cemetery. More on what happens to gravestones in a future blog posting.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3512.jpgIMG_3512This is the second alley. The community was protected by the king because the Jewish community provided financial assistance to the king. The church on the other hand was not so happy with the Jewish community and the Inquisition destroyed the community in the late 15th century. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3509.jpgIMG_3509Plaza in front of the cathedral. Below is the Jewish quarter.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3530.jpgIMG_3530https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3528.jpgIMG_3528https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3521.jpgIMG_3521https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3518.jpgIMG_3518Entering the Jewish quarter. Girona was home of one of the most important rabbis in Jewish history- Nachmanides also known as Ramban (not to be confused with Rambam/Maimonides). He was responsible for starting the Kabbalistic tradition.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3544.jpgIMG_3544The city of Girona is between four rivers though two of them were widened to prevent flooding. It's reminiscent of Florence with it's bridges.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3520.jpgIMG_3520https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3507.jpgIMG_3507The cathedral has the distinction of having the largest vault of any in Europe. To be honest if the guide hadn't told us that I would not have noticed. 2015-10-13T02:15:54+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/12/look-up/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1agbar.jpg1agbarThe Agbar Tower can be seen from many places in the city. It is not a sculpture, rather an office building and the exterior is meant to call water to mind, rippling and moving. We keep missing it at night when it is all lit up and is supposed to look like a kaleidoscope. It is not in the historical center of the city rather in a technology hub.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3438.jpgIMG_3438A more traditional tile facade along Las Ramblashttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender3.jpgFullSizeRenderA wire sculpture in a small plaza, could not find out who the artist is.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34471.jpgIMG_3447https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34451.jpgIMG_3445https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34371.jpgIMG_3437Another interesting facade on Las Ramblas, notice the dragon protruding from the end.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender2.jpgFullSizeRenderhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34481.jpgIMG_3448https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34501.jpgIMG_3450https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_34411.jpgIMG_34412015-10-12T04:04:39+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/11/its-been-awhile-2/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender-copy-3.jpgFullSizeRender copy 3https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender-copy1.jpgFullSizeRender copyhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender-copy-4.jpgFullSizeRender copy 4The Museum of Contemporary Art is a lively spot at night with skateboarders, outdoor movies, and socializing. The building is designed by the American architect Richard Maier (same one who designed the Getty in Los Angeles). Spaniards are very social and go out every night starting around 9 pm and party until 2 am. They do go to work but take a long siesta in the afternoon.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender-copy.jpgFullSizeRender copyThe entry doors to Palau Guell, the palace of the patron of Gaudi, the most well known Moderniste architect. The palace was built in the late 1800s.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3451.jpgIMG_3451The remains of an ancient Roman arch with sections of the wall preserved inside the small arch you see. There is glass to look through to see the remains.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3436.jpgIMG_3436San Antoni market takes up a full block and is in the midst of a massive renovation. It's a much bigger market than the Boqueria (more on that later) in a less tourist traveled area. Look forward to a return trip to Barcelona to see it reopened as it looks beautiful.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3453.jpgIMG_3453Catalan flags can be seen from many balconies especially after the referendum for independence passed about three weeks ago. Barcelona does have an air of being prosperous. I can see why they want to go their own way.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3443.jpgIMG_3443Date palms remind you that this is a Mediterranean country.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3442.jpgIMG_3442So many parks and unexpected plazas as you come out of one alley and go into another.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fullsizerender-copy-2.jpgFullSizeRender copy 2The Art Nouveau style that you see everywhere.2015-10-11T03:25:49+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/10/human-development/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/nano-bible-worlds-smallest-bible.jpgnano-bible-worlds-smallest-bibleText is etched in Hebrewhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/01-1-shrinebook.jpg01-1.ShrineBookIn another part of the Israel Museum is the Shrine of the Book that holds the Dead Sea Scrolls. This building is hydraulic, able to sink into the ground if attacked. A temporary exhibit of the smallest bible ever produced was very interesting.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3387.jpgIMG_3387"Modern Fossils", 2010, Christopher Locke, concretehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/money.jpgmoney"Middlemen", aernout mik, 2001, single channel videohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_33581.jpgIMG_3358Agricultural Revolution: the oldest complete sickle in the world, 9000 BCE, horn, flint, and resinhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/survival.jpgsurvivalSurvival and Extinction: "Ursus Maritimus", Mark Dion, 1995, fiberglass, goat skin, glass eyes, art cratehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/fire.jpgfire"Blue Gas Eyes" Miroslav Balka, 2014, video, salt, steelhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ben-david.jpgben-david"Evolution and Theory", Zadok ben-David, 1998, hand cut aluminum at the entrance to the exhibithttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3322.jpgIMG_3322https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3309.jpgIMG_3309That speck you see (about the size of a grain of sugar) is the new Nano Bible, containing 1,200,000 letters etched, created by the Technion. It's an example of a beautiful use for Nano technology. I am attaching a short link about this amazing achievement.2015-10-09T16:51:49+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/06/sights-and-sounds/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3300.jpgIMG_3300Main corridor of the market with many lanes crisscrossing it.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3294.jpgIMG_3294Outside the market a little Urban Art installation. Could not find the name of the artist but these red parachute figures blow up and then deflate.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3298.jpgIMG_3298Every type of olive you could imagine.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3297.jpgIMG_3297Here you can see the lulav sticking out of the shopping bag. We have seen people carrying them everywhere.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3301.jpgIMG_3301https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3299.jpgIMG_3299Halvah, an acquired taste. Made from various nut butters and other added ingredients. Popular throughout the Middle East.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3304.jpgIMG_3304Walking home you can see these two men have a tall plastic bag between them, that holds the lulav.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3296.jpgIMG_3296Entrance to the Machane Yehudah market.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/lulav-etrog_hp.jpglulav-etrog_hpThe lulav is made up of a palm branch (representing the spine), myrtle branches (representing the eyes), and willow branches (representing the mouth). The etrog is a citron that represents the heart.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3286.jpgIMG_32862015-10-06T09:33:53+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/04/more-than-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-a-sukkah/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3283.jpgIMG_3283Looking up through the roof of the too tall sukkah.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3253.jpgIMG_3253Some kids really got into grinding the wheat and hopefully none of their appendages.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3258.jpgIMG_3258For this ancient one the kids tried to be the animals who would have turned the stone. Not too successful but they had a valiant try.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3257.jpgIMG_3257Olive trees have existed in this region for 1000s of years and are an important source of shade, food, and of course oil. This is obviously a more modern version where the olives are put into those special baskets and then pressed to release the oil.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3270.jpgIMG_3270This one has no roof, or at least you can't tell the walls from the roof and the sukkah must have at least three walls.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3254.jpgIMG_3254An ancient grain mill that would have been turned by animals to grind the wheat into flour. The guide estimated this one from about 100 BCE.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3264.jpgIMG_3264We know how important water is in our part of the world but in this part of the world it's even more precious. This is an example of an ancient well.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3271.jpgIMG_3271One might think a sukkah on a cart is not okay because it is too portable but it counts as okay though the walls seemed too open to me.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3266.jpgIMG_3266Outside of my favorite one.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3281.jpgIMG_3281This one was my favorite. I liked all the textures and it felt really cozy inside.2015-10-04T10:01:25+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/04/sukkot-in-jerusalem/2015-10-04T05:06:21+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/02/learning-about-a-new-art-movement/2015-10-02T13:05:32+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/02/past-and-present/2015-10-02T12:55:29+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/02/the-ghent-altarpiece/2015-10-02T05:31:55+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/10/01/flanders-and-russia/2015-10-01T12:50:23+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/30/ghent-or-gent-depends-on-where-youre-from/2015-09-30T13:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/28/biking-the-countryside/2015-09-28T19:27:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/28/provincial-and-global/2015-09-27T15:29:47+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/26/bruges/2015-09-27T14:49:58+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/27/they-call-them-flemish-primitives/2015-09-27T06:55:54+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/25/out-the-window/2015-09-25T05:14:49+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/24/wishes-for-a-good-year/2015-09-25T15:11:12+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/24/mondrian/2015-09-24T05:16:41+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/24/dutch-masters/2015-09-23T17:46:52+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/09/22/modes-of-transport/2015-09-24T17:20:30+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2015/05/29/sometimes-it-pays-to-have-a-guide/2015-07-21T14:04:03+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/26/two-museums-in-jerusalem/2015-07-21T14:03:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/23/from-town-to-kibbutz-cooperative-village-and-back-to-town/2014-11-24T08:04:40+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/21/zichron-yaakov-france-in-the-center-of-israel/2014-11-21T15:18:03+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/19/katzrin-capitol-of-the-golan/2014-11-19T17:32:31+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/18/rosh-pina-and-the-golan/2014-11-18T14:48:41+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/18/islamic-art-in-the-heart-of-jerusalem/2014-11-20T08:57:08+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/16/a-jerusalem-neighborhood/2014-11-19T07:25:00+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/11/14/picasso-museum-sleep-deprived/2014-11-14T15:06:38+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/10/26/large-ai-wei-wei-on-alcatraz/2014-10-26T14:49:09+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/02/17/art-in-chicago-2/2014-02-17T03:33:50+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/temple-of-zeus/2014-01-18T15:23:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/temple-of-concord/2014-01-18T15:23:37+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/30/travel-bits-and-bites/2014-01-18T15:23:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/28/catania/2014-01-18T15:23:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/its-greek-to-me/2014-01-18T15:23:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/27/a-tale-of-two-cities/2014-01-18T15:23:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/14/bauhaus/2014-01-14T14:35:45+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/14/value-added/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/jaffa.jpgJaffaJaffa port now part of Tel Aviv (called Tel Aviv Yafo), an ancient city that is mentioned in connection with Solomon, Jonah, and St. Peter.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/gilad-ophir-untitled-2006-mediums.jpgGilad-Ophir.-Untitled-2006-mediumsGilad Ophir, Untitled, 2006, Tel Aviv Museum. No explanation included but looks like the way Syrians and Egyptians tried to camouflage their fighter jets.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/shooting-targets.jpgShooting Targets 1997 by Gilad Ophir born 1957Gilad Ophir, Shooting Target, 1997, Tel Aviv Museum of Arthttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sharon_yaari_1.jpgsharon_yaari_1Ya'ari, Hadera Apartment. This too is a quintessential Israeli image though subtle: the window coverings, the type of plant, and the barrenness around the plant. Hadera is an immigrant town with no "sites" to speak of so visitors don't usually go there.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4f0caf3086142.jpg4f0caf3086142Sharon Ya'ari, Bus Shelter front. This artist had a most interesting photography show at the Tel Aviv Museum.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/4f0caf44bf44d.jpg4f0caf44bf44dYa'ari, Bus Shelter back, Tel Aviv Museum. This seems like a non-descript structure though in Israel with the bus going everywhere it's never a surprise to see one of these shelters in the middle of nowhere. It's also the place Israeli soldiers stand to catch a "hitch" around the country. An important landmark in rural Israel.2014-01-13T16:44:58+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/12/tzfat-safed-zefad-tsfat/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3689.jpgIMG_3689These are the oldest remnants of a synagogue (The Ari Sferad) in Tzfat.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo2.jpgphotoAs Shabbat approached Elana and Yakov were making their last "placements" for people in Jerusalem to have a Shabbat dinner. Now they could truly relax.2014-01-13T16:23:29+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/13/tel-aviv-time-for-reentry/2014-01-12T19:58:14+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/10/it-takes-a-village/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/photo1.jpgphotoThe doorway to the Artist Colony Innhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ark1.jpgarkNoah's ark: back says "HMS Don't Ask for Directions"https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/surfrabbi.jpgsurfrabbiCheck out the surfing rabbi!https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/david.jpgdavidDavid and Goliathhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hasid1.jpghasid1The Safed (Tzfat) candle factory had amazing wax sculptures in addition to the actual candles. This chess set featured the Hasidim (one sect) vs. the Litvishe (my son-in-law). So the building in the corner is a replica of the Rebbe's home in Brooklyn and there is an actual building that is rebuilt to look exactly like his home in New York for when he returns from the dead. The buildings are the castles. The figures all have wicks on their heads.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ark.jpgarkhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tzfat.jpgtzfatWe are staying and exploring in the old city (artist quarter) of Tzfat, very beautiful and mysterious.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hasid2.jpghasid2Here are the Hasids from the front- the Baal Shem Tov is in the front and Shlomo Carleback is cut off on the left.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/temple.jpgtempleThe Temple in Jerusalemhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hasid3.jpghasid3Here you see the Litvishe side with Rav Kook and 2014-01-10T13:11:10+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/10/what-we-can-learn-from-the-dead/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/unknown2.jpegUnknownMaimonides, the great Jewish sage is is often referred to as a polymath is one of the most important figures of Medieval Judaism. His grave is located in Tiberias though he died in Egypt while serving as physician to the Sultan Saladin. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/images3.jpegimagesOn the way up to the grave we passed pillars each displaying one word representing the topics he wrote about including love, holiness, business, health, law, etc. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/unknown-1.jpegUnknown-1The women's section- you can see half of the marble tomb on this side. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3655.jpgIMG_3655The Pioneer Cemetery (Kinneret Cemetery) is at the southern end of the Sea of Galilee. It is the burial place of many pioneers who came to Israel in the early 20th century. They mostly came from Eastern Europe.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3654.jpgIMG_3654The cemetery is a bit chaotic with the older stone moved by tree roots and all the graves are above ground in the tradition from ancient times.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_36631.jpgIMG_3663There were many women and children there and apparently on Lag B'Omer there are 100,000 people at this site coming for pilgrimage. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_36621.jpgIMG_3662This was a much more nicely appointed site than most I've seen. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/cemetery.jpgcemeteryThis cemetery in Nazareth contains Muslim, Christian, and Jewish graves. Some are quite old and it's in the center of the old city. Apparently there is a group of Israelis that come every year made up of all three faiths who come to clean the graves.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3661.jpgIMG_3661The blue covering is over what is supposed to be the grave though is probably more likely a cenotaph (representation of where the person is buried but no actual remains). There are always people there, women on one side and men on the other. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_3660.jpgIMG_3660The son of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai who is an important Talmudist in his own right is also buried there.2014-01-12T06:26:11+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/08/a-tale-of-nazareth/2014-01-08T06:05:49+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/07/haifa-and-acre/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/unknown1.jpegUnknownThis makes sense in a port city to have a building called the Sail Tower. The architect is an Israeli named Dina Ammar, completed in 20022014-01-06T20:32:50+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/05/shabbat-in-jerusalem-2/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/556767713-1.jpg556767713-1Prayer on the women's side. Many students from the US are in Israel this time of year as they are on vacation from their universities. Men and women pray separately at the Wall and there has been some contention about what the women are permitted to do or not. Looks like a resolution may be coming soon in another area further away from the men's section that will allow women who want more active participation to do so. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/images2.jpegimagesThe newly built synagogue in 2010- notice the arch has been incorporated. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/hurva.jpeghurvaThis is the arch of the Hurva Synagogue which is located in the center of the Jewish quarter. It was originally built in the 18th century and was destroyed in 1721. It lay in ruins for 140 years. Hurva means destruction and the arch was erected as a commemoration in 1977. It was a powerful symbol. https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/f080408kg09.jpgF080408KG092014-01-05T04:59:30+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/05/desert-and-sea/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/birth.jpgbirthThe Dead Sea has so much salt in it, that it is impossible to sink and you can read a newspaper while floating with no effort at all. The large group you see in the center is one of the youth trips for Americans 19-26 who have never been to Israel before. Since they are university students this is one of the busiest times for these trips and they were everywhere we went. It's great for the kids but difficult to be around.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/masadasynagogue1.jpgmasadasynagogueThe excavated synagogue on top of Masada. Many ceremonies are held here nowadays including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs (coming of age ceremony) and military ceremonies for the Israeli army.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/masada1.jpgmasada1The excavated ruins atop Masada.2014-01-05T04:58:49+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/05/lessons/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/new-dead-sea-scrolls-theory_24016_600x450.jpgnew-dead-sea-scrolls-theory_24016_600x450An example of one of the scrolls (from the internet- not permitted to take photos inside)2014-01-04T20:30:09+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/05/why-cant-we-all-get-along/2014-01-04T17:22:31+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/05/new-and-old-jerusalem-2/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/mansion.jpgmansionThis mansion on the edge of Mea Shearim was built by an early pioneer who came from Germany in the late 1800s. While here I'm reading a new book entitled "My Promised Land" by Ari Shavit. Right now in this book he is talking about his great grandfather and his peers who immigrated to Palestine, a harsh and primitive environment when they had successful and comfortable lives in Western Europe. It's interesting to ponder that and to read his explanations. We just came upon this building as we were walking. That's why I always like reading something related to where I am traveling. We couldn't go inside as it's now some kind of government building which would have meant going through security.2014-01-04T15:22:13+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2014/01/02/arrival-of-the-new-year-in-jerusalem/2014-01-04T13:43:31+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/small-temples-and-remains/2013-09-25T06:24:34+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/temples-of-hera-and-herakles/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34511.jpgTemple of HeraklesTemple of Herakleshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3422.jpgTemple of HeraTemple of Hera, ca. 450 BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34541.jpgFallen column, Temple of HeraclesFallen column, Temple of Heracles, with white stuccohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34521.jpgTemple of HeraklesTemple of Herakleshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3427.jpgCistern below Temple of HeraCistern below Temple of Herahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34561.jpgWhite stucco, Temple of HeraWhite Stucco, Temple of Herahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3420.jpgTemple of HeraTemple of Herahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3421.jpgPublic Space, Temple of HeraPublic space, Temple of Hera2013-09-25T06:20:34+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/25/agrigento-valley-of-the-temples/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34841.jpgHead from CorinthCorinthian head, 4" approx. tall, clay, Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3434.jpgRoman road and modern city of AgrigentoLooking east, center is old Roman Road, bissecting the ancient cityhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34771.jpgFresco on Monastery WallMonastery wall, Agrigento Archaeological Museum, 13th centuryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3432.jpgTemple of AescylusTemple of Ascepilus, in the foreground, Valley of the Templeshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3428.jpgWalls with Catacomb NichesWalls with added catacomb niches, Byzantine https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3425.jpgTemple of VulcanTemple of Vulcanhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3419.jpgOlive Tree600 year old Olive Tree, Temple of Herahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3478.jpgGymnasium BenchBench from a Greek gymnasiumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3480.jpgAgora, Archaeological Museum, AgrigentoAgora, adjacent to Archaeological Museum, Agrigentohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3485.jpgGolden head coveringHead covering for woman, gold, Roman2013-09-25T05:59:33+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/24/photos-not-showing-on-email/2013-09-24T17:18:55+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/24/artisans/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-3.jpegHunters FeastingSmall Game Hunt, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images.jpegVestibule of PolyphemusVestibule of Polyphemus, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-2.jpegCubicle with Erotic SceneCubicle with Erotic Scene, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-5.jpegPeristyle mosaicPeristyle mosaic, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-4.jpegAmbulatory of the Big Game HuntAmbulatory of the Big Game Hunt, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-1.jpegRoom with Girls in BikiniRoom with Girls in Bikini, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/images-6.jpegPeristyle mosaicPeristyle mosaic, Villa Romana del Casalehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3417.jpgTiled DomesDomes of San Giuliano Cathedral, Norman, Baroque, rebuilt in 1909https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3416.jpgPonte San FrancescoPonte San Francesco, Caltagironehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3415.jpgCaltagirone former town hallFormer town hall, Caltagirone2013-09-24T18:01:32+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/23/looking-up/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/nightduomo.jpgDuomo in RagusaNighttime in Ragusa Ibla, Duomohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34071.jpgSanta Maria del Monte stairwaySanta Maria del Monte stairway, Caltagirone, 1608/1954https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34041.jpgRoofs, Vecchia MasseriaRoofs, Vecchia Masseriahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34031.jpgMore Pine ConesThe pine cone is a Roman symbolhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_34021.jpgVecchia Masseria at SunsetSunset at Vecchia Masseriahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3404.jpgRoofs of Vecchia MasseriaRoofs of Vecchia Masseriahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3403.jpgMore Pine ConesRione, pine cone symbol of Romehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3401.jpgVecchia MasseriaLooking out to Gela and the sea from Vecchia Masseriahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3398.jpgAgroturismoAgroturismo Vecchia Masseria, near Caltagironehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3384.jpgBalcony, Palazzo La RoccaBalcony, Palazzo La Rocca, Ragusa Ibla2013-09-23T20:15:48+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/21/small-spaces/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_33691.jpgCemetery, ScicliCemetery, Sciclihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3360.jpgScicli alleyAlley in Sciclihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3346.jpgCava D'IspicaCaves line both sides of the gorgehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3342.jpgGymnasium exteriorGymnasium exterior, Cava D'Ispicahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3341.jpgInscription Inscription indicating student seating, Gymnasiumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3340.jpgInscriptionInscription indicating elder seating, Gymnasiumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3339.jpgGymnasium meeting roomGymnasium meeting room, Romanhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3336.jpgCatacombsBurial chambers, 4th-5th centuries CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3335.jpgCatacombsCatacombs, Cava D'Ispica, 4th-5th centuries CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3369.jpgCemetery, Scicli2013-09-22T19:20:43+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/20/steps-and-views/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3332.jpgView of ModicaSan Giorgio Cathedral, top of hill Modicahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3315.jpgRepairsCompleting repairs at San Pietro, Modicahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3327.jpgView across the valleyView across the valley, Modicahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3296.jpgDescendingDescending to Corso Umberto Ihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3301.jpgSundialSan Giorgio sundial, 1895https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3325.jpgHome of Tomasso CampaillaHome of Tomasso Campailla, 1668-1740https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3314.jpgSan Pietro exteriorSan Pietro, Modica, rebuilt after 1693https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3317.jpgSan Pietro interiorSan Pietro, Modica, rebuilt after 1693https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3311.jpgSchoolElementary school above the archhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3298.jpgPalazzo NapolinoPalazzo Napolino, Modica, 18th century2013-09-20T14:13:51+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/19/stage-sets/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/salon1.jpgsalon1Salon near our room, Villa Favorita, Notohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo4.jpgHotelNotoVilla Favorita, Noto, original villa 18th centuryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo3.jpgMina's driving schoolA new careerhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mar5.jpgLichened churchMarzamemi centerhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mar4.jpgArab influenceMarzamemi alleyhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mar2.jpgMarzamemi new and oldMarzamemi new and oldhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mar1.jpgTonnaro (tuna factory)Abandoned tuna factoryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mar3.jpgMarzamemi town squareMarzamemi town squarehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3292.jpgPalazzo Ducezio, NotoPalazzo Ducezio (town hall), 1746, Notohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3295.jpgRoman Portal, NotoPorta Romana, built in 18th century2013-09-19T13:44:30+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/19/a-drive-in-the-country-2/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/800px-villa_romana_del_tellaro_003.jpgSatyrScene including a satyr, Tellaro mosaichttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/800px-villa_romana_del_tellaro_noto_-_hunt_mosaic_24.jpgHuntingHunting, mosaic, Villa Tellarohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/villatellaro.jpgvillatellaro Scenes of daily life, Villa Tellaro, 4th century BCE, mosaichttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tellaro-4.jpgGeometric detailDetail, geometric pattern mosaic, Tellarohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/800px-villa_romana_del_tellaro_-_tiger_2499613161.jpgTigerDetail of a tiger, Tellaro mosaichttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/600px-villa_romana_del_tellaro_-_geometry_24996113031.jpgGeometric borderDetail of the geometric border, Tellaro mosaichttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/reserve.jpgreserve vendicariLooking south, Riserva Naturale L'Oasi Vendicarihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tuna.jpgtonnaroAncient tuna processing plant and Swabian tower, Vendicarihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/olives.jpgolivesVery old olive trees full of oliveshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/farm2.jpgfarm2Plowing between the olive and almond trees2013-09-19T06:09:19+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/18/archaeology-of-southeastern-sicily/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3248.jpgBasinsSection A: Archaeological Museum https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3247.jpgDetail basinSection A: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3245.jpgTomb entrancesSection A: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3270.jpgFemale figure with snakeSection D: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3252.jpgHorse reliefSection B: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3244.jpgTomb doorsSection A: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3281.jpgTorsoSection B Archaeology Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3258.jpgRider and HorseSection C Archaeology Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3269.jpgBustsSection D Archaeology Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3263.jpgBronze athleteSection B Archaeology Museum2013-09-18T15:57:44+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/18/ancient-greeks-and-romans/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3284.jpgBustsSection D: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3283.jpgRoman figureSection D: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3271.jpgDrapery reliefSection D: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3282.jpgLion headsSection D: Archaeological Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3255.jpgPediment fragmentsPortion of a Temple Pediment (Section B of museum)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3277.jpgGoddessSection C Archaeology Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3279.jpgTheatre figuresFigures found in the Greek amphitheaterhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3276.jpgVenus LandolinaIn Section B of museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3268.jpgRoman BustsSection D Archaeology Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3264.jpgSection of pedimentSection C: Archaeological Museum2013-09-18T14:55:53+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/17/syracuse-not-new-york/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/villapoliti.jpgvillapolitiGrand Hotel Villa Politi, built 1862, Syracusehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/alley3.jpgalley3Via Roma, Ortigyahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/athenanormanduomo.jpgathenanormanduomoNorth side of duomo, Syracuse (Ortigya)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3224.jpgduomopiazzaPiazza del Duomo (cathedral), Syracusehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/apostolo.jpgapostoloBasilica of San Fillipo Apostolo, 15th centuryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/alley2syr.jpgalley2syrAlley in Ortigya, Syracusehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/syralley.jpgsyralleyAlley, Ortigya, Syracusehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_3228.jpgduomodetailDetail, north side of duomohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/duomosyr.jpgduomosyrFront of duomo, Syracusehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/teahouseback.jpgteahousebackKengo Kuma, Mobile Teahouse (back view), polycarbonate sheets and zip ties 2013-09-17T16:20:43+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/11/syncretism-and-context/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/excavcircusmax.jpgexcavcircusmaxCircus Maximus with the Palatine Hill ruins behindhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/aureliuscolumn.jpgaureliuscolumnhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/marcellus1.jpgmarcellus1Theatre of Marcellushttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/facefountain.jpgfacefountainBocca della Verita outside Santa Sabinahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sansabina1.jpgsansabina1Santa Sabinahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/oculus.jpgoculusInterior of Pantheon with view of oculushttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/pan1.jpgpan1Entering the Pantheonhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sidepan.jpgsidepanPortico of the Pantheonhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/approachpan.jpgapproachpanApproaching the Pantheon from behindhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1109.jpgObelisk of Santa Maria sopra MinervaObelisk of Santa Maria sopra Minerva2013-09-16T14:20:26+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/16/jeff-is-concerned/2013-09-16T15:04:36+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/16/commerce-pleasure-and-the-unexpected/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/figure.jpgfigureMarisa Albanese, mixed media, "Preparing for Combat" (one of 4 figures), 2000-2013, white bronze and steelhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/longo4.jpglongo4Nino Longobardi, "Athlete" (one of 4 vitrines), plaster figure, life-size, 2013https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/colin1.jpgcolin1Gianluigi Colin, "Age of Gods" detail of one panel, 2013, prints with natural pigment on newspaperhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/pal7.jpgpal7Exedra, adjacent to the stadium, 86 CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/colin2.jpgcolin2Gianluigi Colin, "Age of Gods", 2013, prints with natural pigment on newspaperhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/longo2.jpglongo2Nino Longobardi, "Untitled" (one of 4 vitrines), gesso and clay, 2013https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/forum3.jpgforum3Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius, Forumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/athena.jpgathenaMichelangelo Pistoletto, "Venere Degli Stacci," 1967-2013, rags, polystyrene, acrylic, cement coatinghttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/numb.jpgnumbMimmo Paladino, Untitled (one of 6 spheres), 2005, terracotta and ironhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/figures.jpgfiguresMarisa Albanese, mixed media, "Preparing for Combat" (all 4 figures), white bronze and steel2013-09-16T18:44:13+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/11/searching-and-finding/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/trompe-loeil-celing.jpgtrompe loeil celingTrompe l'eoil ceiling in St. Ingatius Loyola Churchhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/trastaverearch.jpgtrastaverearchArch in Trastaverehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/tiber-island.jpgtiber islandTiber Islandhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/lookingforfornarina.jpglookingforfornarinaTrastavere at La Fornarina's househttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/la-fornarinahouse1.jpgla fornarinahouse1Plaque identifying La Fornarina's househttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1128.jpgrandom columnCorninthian column in a courtyardhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1119.jpgAndrea Pozzo's ceilingPozzo's ceiling in St. Ignatius Loyola's Churchhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1117.jpgDetail, Pozzo ceiling frescoDetail Pozzo ceilinghttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fornarinahouse2.jpgfornarinahouse2La Fornarina's house in Trastavere2013-09-16T06:50:33+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/14/underground-tour/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/unknown.jpegAltarAltar room of Mithras, San Clemente Church, 1st century CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/apt.jpgaptEntrance to apartments from ancient Roman timeshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/aptwall.jpgaptwallFresco detail inside apartmenthttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/col.jpgcolColosseum, 72 CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/excav1.jpgexcav1Excavations at Palatinehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/aptfres.jpgaptfresWall frescoes in Insulaehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/porto.jpgportoPorticus Aemilia, 3rd century BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/excav2.jpgexcav2Porticus Aemilia excavationshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/palatine.jpgpalatineA view toward the Palatine Hillhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/sanclemfront.jpgsanclemfrontFacade of San Clemente Church, 12th century2013-09-16T05:59:07+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/14/tourist-anecdotes/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/downtown.jpgdowntownTraffic downtown near the Palazzo Barberinihttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/max.jpgmaxCircus Maximus in use for some athletic eventhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/holo11.jpgholo1Holocaust Memorial, Piazza Ostiensehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/holo2.jpgholo2Back side of Holocaust monument2013-09-16T05:57:01+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/14/etruscans-and-romans/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/marcusdetail.jpgmarcusdetailClose up of original Marcus Aurelius equestrian state, Capitoline Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/returned.jpgreturnedOne of two vases returned to Italy from Metropolitan Museum in New Yorkhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/realmarcus.jpgrealmarcusEquestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, 4.2 meters tall, 175 CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/wolf.jpgwolfEtruscan bronze of Romulus and Remus with the She Wolf, previously believed to be 5th century BCE (wolf)now probably 13th century/Middle Ages, 15th century (babies)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/campidoglio.jpgcampidoglioPiazza del Campidoglio (Capitol) designed by Michelangelo, started 1546https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/conhand.jpgconhand"Hand of Constantine", bronze, Capitoline Museum, 4th century CEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/conhead.jpgconheadBronze head of Constantine, 4th century, 2.5 meters highhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/giulia.jpggiuliaVilla Giulia, built 1551 for Pope Julius IIIhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/confoot.jpgconfootFoot of Constantine, 4th century, 2 meters long, bronze2013-09-14T15:20:59+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/13/bernini-caravaggio-and-borromini/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo1.jpgphotoBorromini, Ceiling, San Carlo alle Quattro Fontanehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/borghese.jpgborgheseBorghese Gardenshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/borghesefount.jpgborghesefountBorghese Gardens fountainhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/statue.jpgstatueAncient Roman statue (?) in front of Borghese Galleryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/byron.jpgbyronStatue of Byron, Borghese Gardenshttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/navonariverfountain.jpgnavonariverfountainFountain of the Rivers (Fontana Fiumi), Piazza Navona2013-09-16T06:01:58+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/13/vatican-museum/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/raphael_panel3_lg.jpgraphael_panel3_lgRaphael, Earth, corner of ceiling in the Stanza della Signaturahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/rebuiltpot1.jpgrebuiltpotAttic red figure storage jar, "Zeus and Hera Seated with Nike Serving", 480 BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/trompe1.jpgtrompeCorner of Borgia Apartment room, Raphael Stanzas, early 16th centuryhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/scraper1.jpgscraperThe "Scraper" (Apoxyomenos), lifesize, marble, 4th century BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/laocoon1.jpglaocoon"Laocoon and His Sons," lifesize, marble, 40 BCEhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/raphdisputation.jpgraphdisputationDetail, "Disputation", Raphaelhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/mapceiling2.jpgmapceiling2Gallery of Maps, wall frescoes, painted ceiling, 1580https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/urn.jpgurnUrn, 40 ft. long, Sala Rotundahttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/hallbusts.jpghallbustsHall of busts, Vatican Museumhttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/apollo.jpgapollo"Apollo Belvedere", 7' tall, marble, 120 CE2013-09-13T07:12:26+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/09/a-funny-thing-happened/2013-09-09T21:09:24+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/2013/09/09/rome-first-impressions/https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1108.jpgButtressesThe unexpected architecture of Romehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1096.jpgRome panorama towards Victor Emmanuelle MonumentPanorama looking towards Victor Emmanueul monumenthttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1095.jpgRome panorama from Santa SabinaOverlooking the city from the top of the Aventine hill from the east side of the Tiber River.https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1093.jpgRoman archesRoman arches in Testacciohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1091.jpgSan Giorgio in VelabroSan Giorgio in Velabrohttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1090.jpgArch of JanusArch of Janus, Romehttps://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1087.jpgTemple of PortunusTemple of Portunus: temples of the Forum Boarium (round one to the right)https://crmcohen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_1085.jpgGreat SynagogueGreat Synagogue, Rome2013-09-09T17:45:31+00:00monthlyhttps://crmcohen.com/about/2013-08-31T17:46:23+00:00weekly0.6https://crmcohen.comdaily1.02017-10-28T17:10:09+00:00