Spring Break Anyone?

I’m not sure which creates more spring fever – the teasing warm days we just experienced in February, while walking in sunshine with bare arms, our faces turned to the warmth, or the recent backlash of snow and ice reminding us that it is still winter in the northern hemisphere.

But I am thinking of the daffodils and tulips poised for celebration, upcoming horseback gallops through verdant fields, and the tossing aside of gloves and scarves.  And spring is a great time to travel – beating the crowds and heat of summer.  There is a sweet spot in the next few months to venture forth – the weeks after Easter and spring breaks but before the release of school children and the intro into family vacations.

Where to go?  There are so many choices, but I am reminded of my spring adventure in Italy just a few years ago, traveling from north to south, rewarded with warming days enjoyed in long sleeves, bolstered by a fleece or jacket at night.

I started in Venice, exploring the cathedrals, art museums, and random twisting streets learning that even the locals admitted to getting lost when they wandered outside of their neighborhood.

Venice

I then boarded a train to Florence, joining hundreds to circle the Duomo and explore the shops and museums.

Duomo

Florence

I felt brave enough to take on the challenge of renting a car and driving down to Siena,

Duomo, Siena

then continued on to enjoy the countryside, driving among the wineries and hills as the tulips bloomed,

Tuscany Tulips, Montalcino

stopping to sip the regional Rosso, Brunello, and Chianti wines.

Chianti sign in Tuscany

I didn’t forget to linger in Rome and say “Ciao” to Pope Francis,

Palm Sunday, Rome

before confirming that the Leaning Tower of Pisa lives up to its name.

Leaning Tower of Pisa

After time spent in museums, cathedrals, and shops, I headed to Cinque Terre to walk the trails and breath in the air along the Italian Riviera.

Cinque Terre

A final stop in Milan completed my tour of the upper half of Italy.  There is so much to see and do, I found it hard to select a few sights but have every intention of returning to enjoy it even more.  For more information on my travels, visit my website: www.wanderlynn.com.

Milan

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The Power of Prayer

Monks at Angkor Wat, Cambodia

When visiting the sites of the world, the “must-dos”, the places that capture the culture and passion of the people, I find myself in many temples, mosques, and cathedrals. Although the religions are different, the places of worship, prayer, and meditation have much in common. There is the reverence for tradition, the quiet, respectful attitude, and the art. I find it fascinating that these symbols of faith and community present a dichotomy of engaging the many, often poor, while the opulence they display conveys a wealth not always shared with the followers.

I’ve walked through the cool quiet cathedrals of Europe amazed at the masterful art that adorns the walls. I’ve stood absorbing the oils, still vibrant after hundreds of years, the characters caught in mid-step in the glories or anguishes of life. This is how the masters sold and displayed their craft, focusing on religious themes to ornament the churches.

Duomo, Milan, Italy

I’ve visited mosques in Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, and Abu Dhabi, wandering through with the crowds, a scarf respectfully covering my hair, absorbed in discovering the beauty of colorful tiles, carved wood, and ornate marbled flowers growing along the floor and up the walls. The meticulous detail speaks of craftsmanship and dedication.

Sheik Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi

And there are the temples of Buddhist Asia, the insides displaying scenic depictions of old stories passed down through the generations, somewhat faded but still illuminating stories of men and women and the struggles of their lives, a common theme in religious focused art. The silent Buddhas stand, sit, or recline, their guarded smiles revealing little.

Pindaya Cave of Buddhas, Myanmar

I often reflect on one common theme across all of these religions – the role of women is never equal to the men. And in that detail, I continue to cautiously observe hoping that one day women and men will be equal in how they live and how they worship.

For more travel information, check my site:  www.wanderlynn.com

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