What is Frankincense? Fabulous frankincense, what is it and where does it come from? It was one of the precious gifts the Three Wise Men took to Bethlehem along with gold and myrrh. The Queen of Sheba is said to have taken frankincense to King Solomon, and Emperor Nero burned a year's supply when his beloved Poppea died, legend tells … [Read more...]
Louvre Abu Dhabi Breaks Boundaries Bridges Civilizations
Louvre Abu Dhabi, an Emirates Highlight The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in November, is visually magnificent, and yes, I thought it awesome. The structure's immense dome is a lacework of grey stainless steel honeycomb patterns. It seems to float over white-walled flat roofed clusters of museum buildings, courtyards and reflecting … [Read more...]
The Sensational Tulip
From the Kremlin to Windsor Castle, the sensational tulip takes center stage in spring gardens around the world. In Holland, they are a 2 billion dollar business and bulb fields resemble gigantic Piet Mondrian color-block paintings. Tulips have traveled far from their natural home in Central Asia. In the process they aroused passions and drove … [Read more...]
Katmandu Quake Triggers Memories
As soon as I heard the shocking new news of the 7.8 Katmandu quake my first reaction was to look at photographs taken so many years ago. Memories of time spent in Nepal and Katmandu are some of my most treasured. I felt I had found my pot of gold, for this Katmandu Valley was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. Today 3rd … [Read more...]
An Ancient Way of Life is Almost Gone
For thousands of years nomads lived freely in Central Asia and the Steppes. Their lifestyle was surprisingly ordered. They would move with their flocks as conditions dictated, when pastures became overgrazed or seasons changed. Now their centuries-old way of life is almost gone, devastated by years of war and conflict. In the mid-seventies I … [Read more...]
