The Creation of Man – A Moment Under the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Standing inside the Sistine Chapel during my visit to the Vatican Museums in Rome was one of those rare moments when time itself seemed to pause.
Looking up at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The Creation of Adam—often called The Creation of Man—I felt overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and emotional power of the painting. Created more than five hundred years ago, the fresco still radiates life, energy, and mystery.
The nearly touching hands of God and Adam have become one of the most recognizable images in the history of art. In that tiny space between their fingertips lives an entire universe of meaning: creation, humanity, longing, connection, and the spark of life itself.
What struck me most was not only the artistic genius of Michelangelo, but the feeling inside the chapel. Surrounded by centuries of history, breathtaking frescoes, and visitors from all over the world standing in silent admiration, I felt deeply connected to something timeless and universal.
The Sistine Chapel ceiling is far more than a famous work of art. It is a reminder of humanity’s endless search for meaning, beauty, faith, and inspiration.
For me, standing beneath that ceiling in Rome was unforgettable—a moment of wonder that will stay with me forever.
The last time we traveled in Rome, Italy, was in May of 2024.
The Majesty of Abu Simbel Temples.
The Abu Simbel Temples are among the most breathtaking ancient monuments in Egypt. Located near the southern border of the country, close to Aswan, these magnificent rock temples were built more than 3,000 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II.
The larger temple was dedicated to Ramesses II himself, as well as to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. Its grand entrance is guarded by four colossal statues of the pharaoh, each standing about 66 feet tall, carved directly into the mountainside. Nearby stands the smaller temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, honoring one of the most beloved royal women of ancient Egypt.
One of the most remarkable features of Abu Simbel is its precise architectural design. Twice a year, sunlight reaches deep into the inner sanctuary and illuminates the statues inside—a phenomenon that still amazes visitors today.
In the 1960s, the temples faced destruction because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam. In an extraordinary international effort led by UNESCO, the entire complex was carefully cut into massive blocks and moved to higher ground, preserving this priceless treasure for future generations.
Today, Abu Simbel remains a symbol of ancient Egyptian power, artistry, and engineering brilliance. For travelers, historians, and dreamers alike, visiting these temples is an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
We traveled to Egypt in November of 2022.
The Beauty of Corfu Island.
Corfu is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, known for its crystal clear waters, lush green landscapes, and rich history. Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu has long been a favorite destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and culture.
The island is famous for its charming old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with narrow cobblestone streets, elegant Venetian architecture, and lively squares filled with cafés and local shops. Visitors can explore historic fortresses, beautiful churches, and picturesque villages surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees.
The eccentric British family lived in Corfu in the late 1930s. Naturalist Gerald Durrell immortalized their time there in his famous book My Family and Other Animals, while his brother Lawrence wrote his own account, Prospero’s Cell. Their old home, The White House in Kalami, is a major tourist landmark, we saw it from a distance.
The Durrells in Corfu is an acclaimed British comedy-drama television series that aired from 2016 to 2019 and based on Gerald Durrell’s autobiographical books. Set between 1935 and 1939, the show chronicles the family’s comedic struggles to adapt to an island without electricity, navigate unexpected romances, and integrate into the local Greek community. We watched this comedy-drama in our home with great pleasure.
Corfu also offers stunning beaches with turquoise waters, from quiet hidden coves to lively seaside resorts. Its warm Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal place for swimming, sailing, and enjoying the sun for much of the year.
Beyond its natural beauty, Corfu has a unique cultural blend shaped by Greek, Venetian, French, and British influences. This can be seen in its architecture, traditions, and delicious local cuisine.
Whether for history, nature, or peaceful seaside escapes, Corfu Island remains one of Greece’s most unforgettable treasures.
We traveled there in May of 2024.
Walking The Great Wall of China.
Visiting the Great Wall of China was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my travels. Standing on a structure that stretches across mountains and valleys for thousands of miles, I felt both humbled and inspired by the scale of human history and determination.
The iconic, grand stone structure visited by tourists today, was built by the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE). They replaced the ancient mud walls with strong granite blocks and bricks, adding the famous watchtowers and fortresses.
The wall was built using a massive conscripted workforce. The majority of those were peasants and commoners, soldiers, convicts and rebels. Many of them died from sheer exhaustion, starvation, extreme weather exposure, and fatal construction accidents along steep, dangerous mountain ridges. The staggering human toll earned the structure the grim nickname “the longest cemetery on Earth”.
We walked through a section where the paths were wide enough to accommodate five or six people side by side. The ancient stone steps were often steep and uneven, with waist-high barrier walls on both sides for safety. Tackling those steep ancient steps was not easy at all.
What surprised me most was not only the enormity of the Great Wall, but its beauty. The surrounding mountain scenery was breathtaking, with endless views fading into the horizon. The combination of nature and human achievement created a feeling that was almost surreal.
Walking along the ancient pathways, touching the weathered stones, and looking out across the vast landscape made me think about endurance, resilience, and the incredible ability of humanity to create something lasting through time.
The Great Wall is far more than a monument or tourist attraction. It is a symbol of national pride, unity, and resilience for China, while historically representing isolation and the division between civilizations.
For me, visiting China’s Great Wall in September of 2012 was not just a journey to a famous landmark—it was a moment of deep reflection and wonder that I will always remember.
The Desert Rose in my garden, May 2026.
Strong, beautiful, and impossible to ignore—the Desert Rose thrives where little else can.
With its striking blooms and sculptural trunk, it is a reminder that even in the harshest conditions, beauty can flourish.
A true symbol of resilience, survival, and unexpected grace.
Hoʻokipa Beach Park on Maui Island of Hawaii, May 2025.
Golden sand, powerful waves, sea turtles resting on the shore, and the endless blue of the Pacific—Hoʻokipa Beach Park is one of the most breathtaking places in Hawaii.
Famous for its dramatic coastline, world-class windsurfing, and unforgettable sunsets, it feels like nature showing off at its finest.
A place where the ocean reminds you how beautiful and wild the world can be.
Traditional fire knife dancing at the Kaanapali Beach Resort, Maui Island in Hawaii, May 2025.
The breeze comes first — soft, warm, carrying the salt of the ocean as if it has crossed centuries to reach you. You don’t notice it at first, not really. It just wraps around your shoulders like a quiet invitation.
Then the sky begins to change.
Gold slips into orange, orange deepens into pink, and for a suspended moment everything feels painted — the water, the faces, even time itself. Conversations soften. Glasses pause mid-air. Something is about to happen.
You hear it before you see it.
A drum.
Then another.
Slow at first — like a heartbeat finding its rhythm.
The sound builds, steady and insistent, pulling your attention toward the darkness gathering beyond the last line of light. The air tightens. You lean forward without realizing it.
And then—
Fire.
It bursts into motion, spinning, slicing through the night in bright, impossible arcs. Flames twist and circle, faster and faster, as if they have a will of their own. The dancer moves with them, not controlling, not resisting — becoming part of something older, something untamed.
You feel it in your chest. Not fear exactly. Not excitement alone.
Something sharper. Alive.
The drums quicken. The fire answers. The darkness pulses with light.
For a moment, everything else disappears — the world you came from, the worries you carried, the version of yourself that existed before this.
There is only rhythm.
Only heat.
Only the fragile, thrilling edge where beauty meets danger.
And when it ends, it doesn’t feel like applause is enough — because what you witnessed wasn’t just a dance.
It was a story told in flames.
Le-Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy, France.
Rising out of the sea like something from a dream, Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most magical places in the world.
Located off the coast of Normandy, this medieval island has been a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years. At its heart stands the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, towering above narrow winding streets and stone houses that seem frozen in time.
What makes it even more extraordinary are the tides—among the highest in Europe. At high tide, the island is completely surrounded by water. At low tide, you can walk across vast stretches of sand to reach it.
It feels less like a destination… and more like stepping into another world.
We traveled there in May of 2023.
Nokomis Drum Circle.
Every Wednesday and Saturday evening, as the sun dips toward the Gulf, a crowd gathers at Nokomis Public Beach in Florida for one of the area’s most beloved traditions—the Nokomis Beach Drum Circle.
What begins as a few steady beats soon grows into a powerful rhythm that draws people of all ages together. Drummers form a circle near the shoreline, creating hypnotic music that blends with the sound of the waves and the colors of the sunset. Spectators join in by dancing barefoot in the sand, shaking maracas, clapping, or simply swaying to the beat.
The drum circle is more than entertainment—it is a celebration of community, freedom, and connection. Families bring children, visitors stop to watch, and strangers quickly become part of the shared experience. There is no stage, no tickets, and no formal performance—just music, energy, and joy.
The event is especially family-friendly, welcoming everyone from young children to grandparents. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and full of positive energy. For many, it becomes a weekly ritual and a reminder of how simple moments can create lasting memories.
As the sun disappears below the horizon, the rhythm continues, turning an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
The Nokomis Beach Drum Circle is not just an event—it is a living tradition where music brings people together under the open sky.
And it is one of my favorite places to visit.
A Gondola Ride on the Grand Canal in Venice.
A gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice is one of the most iconic experiences in Italy. Known as the main waterway of the city, the Grand Canal winds through Venice like a giant blue ribbon, lined with historic palaces, elegant bridges, and centuries-old buildings.
As the gondola gently glides through the water, visitors can admire the beauty of Venetian architecture and the unique charm of a city built entirely on canals. The soft sound of water, the narrow side canals, and the peaceful rhythm of the gondolier’s rowing create a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Passing under famous bridges such as the Rialto Bridge and seeing the bustling life along the canal makes the ride feel like stepping into a painting. Whether during the bright afternoon or at sunset, when golden light reflects on the water, the experience feels unforgettable.
A gondola ride is more than a tourist activity—it is a journey into the heart of Venice’s history, romance, and timeless beauty.
We traveled to Venice in April of 2024.