The enchanting Croatian island of Vis has had many identities over the last few thousand years. For a time, it was an ancient Greek colony known as Issa. Then, from the 1950s until the 1980s, Vis was a secretive Yugoslavian naval base that was off-limits to foreigners. From there, tourists — and filmmakers — startedContinue reading “Komiža, Vis: Savoring the Off-Season Charms of One of Croatia’s Most Remote Islands”
Tag Archives: Europe
The Art of Florentine Marquetry: Watching Italian Mosaicists “Painting with Stones”
The arts have long flourished in Florence — the so-called “cradle of the Renaissance.” Hundreds of years ago, there were tens of thousands of artisans in the city, each dedicated to everything from leather goods and hand-decorated paper to jewelry making. Over time, the number of workshops has declined. Nevertheless, Florence still has a sizableContinue reading “The Art of Florentine Marquetry: Watching Italian Mosaicists “Painting with Stones””
Portugal’s Alluring Azulejos
Portugal is a feast for both the stomach and the eyes. It’s a land of irresistible port wine, trayfuls of crispy and creamy pasteis de nata (custard tarts), and buildings adorned with colorful ceramic tiles called azulejos. When you visit Portugal, you’ll spot azulejos on the outsides and insides of many different types of buildings,Continue reading “Portugal’s Alluring Azulejos”
Photo du Jour: A “Stunt Squirrel” Takes on a Croatian Forest
A red squirrel pauses after doing some death-defying moves in the evergreen treetops of Makarska, Croatia. This “stunt squirrel” — with impressive nails and fabulously furry ears, I might add — lives on the Sveti Petar Peninsula, a forested area that overlooks the Adriatic Sea. When I took this picture earlier this year, I wasContinue reading “Photo du Jour: A “Stunt Squirrel” Takes on a Croatian Forest”
The Windows of Porto, Portugal
The northwestern Portuguese city of Porto is characterized by hilly streets, buildings covered in multicolored azulejos, and a long history of port wine production. Polished townhouses decked out with flower boxes stand proudly beside dilapidated structures covered in graffiti, making Porto just as pretty as it is rough around the edges.
Shades of Blue: Capturing the Island of Malta in Azure & Indigo
The Mediterranean island of Malta is awash in color. But its blue details might be the most captivating of them all.
The Windows of Heidelberg, Germany
Paying homage to Heidelberg, Germany, my home for a decade.
Sculpting Tomorrow’s Artisans: The Stonemason School in Pučišća, Croatia
Aspiring stonemasons on the Croatian island of Brač learn the ropes of an Old World art.
Travels With Tricia 