The Javanese Kris Jan 2020
On my recent trip to Central Java, I had the privilege of visiting the most famous kris maker in Yogyakarta, Empu Jeno Harumbrojo. The Keris or Kris is an asymmetrical dagger made by pounding iron and meteorite nickel together layer by layer over 250 times. After which it is meticulously polished and designed. The alternating … Continue reading The Javanese Kris Jan 2020
Borobudur, Central Java Jan 2020
I vaguely remember coming to Yogyakarta and Borobudur as a child with my family. Sometimes memory is a strange thing, you remember the most random things. I actually don’t remember much of this mesmerizingly beautiful temple that is the Borobudur Temple. What I do remember from that trip was seeing ladies in sarongs without their … Continue reading Borobudur, Central Java Jan 2020
Monserrate Palace, Sintra Dec 2019
A less visited but still beautiful palace in Sintra is the Monserrate Palace. This palace surrounded by beautiful gardens is a blend of Arabic, Gothic, and Indian architectural styles. The actual palace was imagined by an Englishman, Sir Francis Cook, who decided to build a summer residence from the ruins of a pre-existent neo-gothic palace … Continue reading Monserrate Palace, Sintra Dec 2019
Pena Palace, Sintra Dec 2019
Sintra in Portugal became one of the first places to exemplify a new architectural style during the period of Romanticism in the 18th and 19th centuries. Sintra became a canvas where the wealthy and artistically-minded built whimsical buildings in bright colors and embellishments that previously only existed in fairy tales. This mix of decorative art, … Continue reading Pena Palace, Sintra Dec 2019
Quinta de Regaleira Dec 2019
Happy 2020 everyone! The first post of the year will be on one of my favorite places in Portugal 😃 Not far from Sintra Village on the Portuguese Riviera is the 19th century Quinta de Regaleira which its owner Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro transformed into a unique palace with symbols of Masonry, the Knights Templar, … Continue reading Quinta de Regaleira Dec 2019
National Palace of Sintra Dec 2019
Bright and early today, I head out to Sintra on the Portuguese Riviera about half an hour west of Lisbon. Sintra is the epitome of Romanticist architecture and I think it really belongs in a fairy tale. I’m not surprised it was once the summer retreat for the Kings and Queens of Portugal. It is … Continue reading National Palace of Sintra Dec 2019
Belem, Lisbon Dec 2019
To the west of central Lisbon is Belem, home to the rich seafaring Portuguese heritage. This is where the great voyageurs of the 15th century departed for their journeys to India, Africa, and South America and returned with all kinds of treasures. There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites here: Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) … Continue reading Belem, Lisbon Dec 2019
