TRAVEL
I have an incurable curiosity for places and people. Travel has been a way to satiate my draw to the unknown. These experiences have a large impact on my work, and when the opportunity for adventure is there, I jump head first.
Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. James, SPAIN
The Camino is a Christian pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela that became popular in the Middle Ages. Thousands of people walk the pilgrimage each year for a variety of reasons; some of which are, but not limited to, spiritual insight, emotional healing, and personal reflection.
I found the pace of the walk, at times, became a meditative experience, challenging me both mentally and physically. My boyfriend, now husband, and I began the walk in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the South of France. Our first two days walking over the Pyrenees Mountains brought torrential rainfall, thunder and lightning, and gusts of wind that ripped the hood right off my poncho. We were drenched by the rain then blown dry by the wind like a carwash over and over again. As we reached the peak of the mountain it was as if the whole sky opened up with thunder roaring and lightning striking through the sky. I wondered if it was some ominous warning for me to turn around. Maybe I wasn't worthy of the path I was on. Then I thought, it’s just the weather, I’m going to keep walking. Those first two days, though challenging, took us to some of the most beautiful overlooks. The days and weeks following brought hotter and hotter, cloudless weather reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At times it was grueling and unpleasant, but we kept walking . . . and walking. We walked over hills and mountains, through nearly abandoned historic villages, through cities, along roadways and farms finding our way to the Atlantic Ocean on the opposite side of Spain ending in Cape Finisterre, once thought of as the end of the world. Along the way we met people from across the globe, each with a different story. This was a challenging experience, but one I wouldn’t change.
I found the pace of the walk, at times, became a meditative experience, challenging me both mentally and physically. My boyfriend, now husband, and I began the walk in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the South of France. Our first two days walking over the Pyrenees Mountains brought torrential rainfall, thunder and lightning, and gusts of wind that ripped the hood right off my poncho. We were drenched by the rain then blown dry by the wind like a carwash over and over again. As we reached the peak of the mountain it was as if the whole sky opened up with thunder roaring and lightning striking through the sky. I wondered if it was some ominous warning for me to turn around. Maybe I wasn't worthy of the path I was on. Then I thought, it’s just the weather, I’m going to keep walking. Those first two days, though challenging, took us to some of the most beautiful overlooks. The days and weeks following brought hotter and hotter, cloudless weather reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. At times it was grueling and unpleasant, but we kept walking . . . and walking. We walked over hills and mountains, through nearly abandoned historic villages, through cities, along roadways and farms finding our way to the Atlantic Ocean on the opposite side of Spain ending in Cape Finisterre, once thought of as the end of the world. Along the way we met people from across the globe, each with a different story. This was a challenging experience, but one I wouldn’t change.
The walk
Crosses of the camino |
Doors on the Camino |
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY
The photographs I took in Istanbul show the rich history and color of the city. Markets lined with spices, artisans selling handmade pottery, and delicious architecture over a thousand years old, and breath taking mosques lined with brilliantly colored ceramic tile. The people here were kind and generous overall, and it's a place I hope someday to be able to return to.
BRUGES, BELGIUM
Bruges is a stunning city, filled with architecture straight out of a fairytale. Stone houses overlook swan filled canals, and horse drawn carriages clatter by on cobblestone streets. It's one of the most romantic cities I've visited. There's even a street off the main square called the Chocolate Street--and yes, it's lined with chocolate shops selling beautiful handmade chocolates, which are divine.
BOLZANO, ITALY
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RAVENNA, ITALY
Ravenna was an interesting little Italian city. We visited Dante's tomb, which was flooded with water. I remember little fish swimming around, and a slot where we had to give coins in order to turn the lights on to see anything. We also visited the famous Basilica di San Vitale, a rare example of early Christian Byzantine architecture. The interior is covered in intense mosaic imagery. It's one thing see it in a history book, and entirely different to actually walk under and over these impressive mosaics.
Next to San Vitale is a neat little 5th century building we visited, called the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Many believe it was built as an oratory before becoming a mausoleum. The building still has thin alabaster windows that allow gold light to illuminate the interior space. The ceiling and walls are covered in intense stars and Christian imagery.
Next to San Vitale is a neat little 5th century building we visited, called the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Many believe it was built as an oratory before becoming a mausoleum. The building still has thin alabaster windows that allow gold light to illuminate the interior space. The ceiling and walls are covered in intense stars and Christian imagery.
FLORENCE, ITALY
Florence has a special place in my heart. In my early twenties I had the opportunity to spend part of a summer there, studying the history of Florentine architecture. It was such a rich experience, and it took me a decade to get back to visit again. As a student, I stayed in a really beautiful apartment behind the Palazzo Vecchio. Street performers are just part of the city vibe, but I remember walking back one evening to find the Piazza della Signora in front of the Palazzo Vecchio completely packed with people. It was already dark out, and there was a vertical stage set up with dancers in beautiful costumes. They were dangling and dancing from ropes.. In the days leading up to this event, we had noticed people hanging and practicing dance routines from the top of the Palazzo Vecchio building, but weren't sure what it was for. The night of the event, as the dancers were performing, two groups of people made their way through the thick crowd, each hanging onto ropes that were holding down two small hot air balloons. The balloons were lit up, one representing the moon, and the second the sun. Hanging from each balloon was a dancer swaying and dancing with long flowing costumes. I had never experienced anything quite like that. It was nothing short of magical. In any case, a decade later, walking through that same spot, there were the dancers hanging on the side of the building, practicing their routine.
POMPEII, ITALY
Walking through Pompeii really is like walking right into history.