posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 13
Photo of keyhole window and arch at a Paris mosque by Jordana Shalhoub.
In much of the world, today marks the beginning of Ramadan, a 30-day period for fasting, reflection, prayer and charity. The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, also began this week. I am neither Muslim nor Jewish, but my hope is that each religion - including Christianity - shuns the politics of division and looks to the true meaning of their faiths, to forge a path of reconciliation and peace. This is particularly important in Jerusalem and in the West Bank and Gaza, where Arabs and Israelis share a long and troubled history. I’ve written this previously, but it bears repeating: the late King Hussein of Jordan and Yitzhak Rabin of Israel ultimately came to the same conclusion - either the Arabs and Israelis learn to live together, or they will die together. This philosophy applies to us all.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 9
By: John Simmons
“Maui No Ka Oi”, translates quite simply to Maui is the Best! And if you’ve ever traveled to the Hawaiian Islands, you know exactly why this catch phrase is so popular- because Maui, also known as the “Magic Isle”, is filled to the brim with art, culture, and enough history to sink a whaling boat.
The island of Maui is the second most popular tourist destination in this south pacific island chain. Nearly 120,000 people call this 727 sq. mile isle their home, while pineapple and sugarcane are still their key exports. 2.5 million visitors each year travel to the golden-white sand beaches, mile-high mountain peaks and scores of breathtaking, natural waterfalls, all creating an ideal backdrop to the most relaxing vacation of your life.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 8
OK, I will spare your valuable time and will not evoke again the history of the Tatin Sisters (well, if you
posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 23
By Cassie Davis
If you need a true break and are looking for a getaway that is both serene and interesting, Saugatuck, Michigan is definitely the ideal destination. With the water lapping at your feet and a perfect balance of man-made and natural beauty, this town definitely offers all that you could ask for. Located on the bank of Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is a perfect location to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Activities at Saugatuck
While the option of having a lazy holiday is always open, Saugatuck also offers a lot of different activities that can keep you busy through your vacation. If you are a water lover, you could consider sailing boats, yachts, pontoon boats or opt for a peaceful boat ride. If you want an adrenaline rush, you may want to look into the racing boats. Of course, Saugatuck is one of the world’s best destinations for perch fishing, so fishing enthusiasts alike should have no problem keeping themselves busy.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 21
People have been drawn to the rugged coast of Maine throughout history. Awed by its beauty and diversity, early 20th-century visionaries donated the land that became Acadia National Park. The park is home to a number of plants and animals, and the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Today visitors come to Acadia to hike granite peaks, bike historic carriage roads, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 21
Mother England.
There’s no place like home.
I am always at a loss for an answer when people ask me where I am from. In 30+ years I have moved house 30+ times, so you can appreciate my confusion. I have lived in Cardiff, capital of Wales, for the past few years, but I am (very) English.
I thank Wales daily for her hospitality. She provides a kind of safe comfort, like that of an over-stuffed chintz armchair in the parlour of an affectionate great-auntie; the sort of great-auntie who pinches your cheeks and plies you with cake. However, despite England’s dubious history, England is my mother and therefore has my heart.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 10
Well, it all started when I visited Manchester Cathedral. On one of the announcements, I read that the choir was taught at Chetham Music School, situated in an old building practically across the street.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 29
I have been privileged and honoured to be nominated for a Blogger Reflection Award by Autrice of The Bemused Muse. In return, I am to nominate five bloggers for the award:
1. Sherrie of Happytiler who pulls no punches in her art, posts and poetry about some of life’s rockier situations and tough challenges. Never a dull moment around Sherrie, who doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind, loudly and often!
2. Maddie of My Little India whose lovely poetic posts and mystical, ethereal photographs sometimes feel like some parallel, more peaceful universe, where you can drink chai tea and indulge your creative side as much as you like.
posted by Charles H. Russo on Jul 28
Well this had to be certainly the most interesting temple I visited in Malaysia. The Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas is a temple full of Crotalinae snakes aka Pit Vipers. These snakes have long hollow fangs which will inject you with a proteotoxic venom, this type of venom wont paralyse you but will eat away at you from the inside out. The venom is basically a highly-evolved digestive fluid which will start destroying your cells, blood and muscle tissues… so I tried hard not to scare them too much with the flash.
The only other thing you will notice in Snake Temple is the stink of all the burning incense. It is the sacred smoke from the incense which is supposed to render the snakes harmless, considering I saw an old man milking one of the snakes I consider this very doubtful.