Monumental Checkbox

Sacre Coeur in Paris is an iconic landmark in the city. ‘I climbed the steps to Sacre Coeur’ is a check on the life’s to do list (or at least the ‘visit to Paris to-do list’). Europe is packed with one massive church after another - all full of opulent history and high church yet seemingly devoid of Christ. As in Costa Rica, at the center of every French town was the church building…yet the French people seem predominately agnostic.

I asked a few random people about faith, the buildings, Christ, the universal church, etc…almost unanimously, the church is a relic of the past. How sad! True the buildings themselves represent so much that was wrong with the organization of the church over the centuries, and that actually hasn’t changed much over time, but how grievous that a people group once rooted in Christ now sees faith as historic and irrelevant to today.

What was once a place for the people of God to gather and worship Him is now a monumental checkbox.

And so...

Climb the steps to Sacre Coeur....Check.

Places of Worship

In 2002 we took a few weeks to explore Costa Rica and there began my photo diary of ‘places of worship’. No matter the size of the town in Costa Rica, at the absolute center was the soccer field flanked by the church. Interestingly, this order directly reflects the priorities of the people too...But we WERE there during the World Cup, so everything was all about soccer.

Anyway, I was so intrigued by these churches – they were all very different architecturally and usually very colorful. Since 2002, my diary of pictures has grown and spans the globe.

The whole process has been encouraging...discouraging... interesting...perplexing and ongoing.

Some places of worship are really monuments – empty, ornate, massive, costly. While others are sincere....regardless of size or appointment.

As time allows, I hope to start sharing some of my collection here.

In The Press

If you don’t already have the May issue of Condé Nast, then read this article about Hawaii online.

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/12198?pageNumber=1

When you get to the very very end, you will find little me.... A very small mention, but very thrilling for me to see my name in my favorite magazine.

The article is great, Debi did a fantastic job of leading us to a different, more authentic Hawaii.

Enjoy!

The BEST Dog Ever!

The thought of a hot dog doesn’t really thrill me…what exactly is in it anyway?

Despite the mystery, a great dog is to be savored and thanks to a friend from Kansas City, I think I have found the BEST. Or at least my choice for best…

Poipu is where we find this unlikely champion. Tucked back in a tourist shopping center on the South end of Kauai is the Puka Dog stand. The sweet buns are lightly toasted from the inside (too much to explain here..), you can choose from a Polish or Veggie dog, choose your level of heat, choose your fruity island relish and finally the mustard ( I liked the Lilikoi the best, maybe because it is the most Hawaiian) and voila ! Bliss ! The combination of flavors is perfect. I hope you get to enjoy one soon.

www.pukadog.com

Istanbul

Of all the cities I have visited recently, Istanbul captivates me the most. It is a contrast of time and cultures where the 'Clash of Civilizations' is epitomized. As you cross the straight between Europe and Asia or cross the street from Jewish to Muslim to Christian places of worship, you can not help but to feel the history.

Hagia Sophia is not to be missed. Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia to read all about it. (Isn't wikipedia great!) The thing that makes you pause is the plaster falling off the walls. When the Ottomon Turks converted it to a mosque, they plastered over all of the Christian mosaics. That plaster is now falling away and can not be repaired because it is a protected site. The mosaics are typical Byzantine. The message...

As we walked the social district at night, there were literally thousands of people in the streets. Small, make shift tea cafes along the alleyways, restaurants, street musicians, book stores, and even nightclubs. Taking it all in. What a treat!

With friends Natalie and Andrew, we had to experience one of the cafes and enjoyed an apple huka with apple tea. I really wanted to jump in on the chess game going on next to us, but maybe next time. Wonderful way to watch the night go by.

The Dream Team

What is it about the French?! They just really understand hospitality…maybe it is genetic.

I recently enjoyed time at four hotels across France – and visited at least 20 more. They were all wonderful and each offers something unique for each person. From Le Meurice in Paris, to Chateau Eza in the village of Eze, France offers a plethora fairytale hotel experiences. The one that I would return to tomorrow if I could would be La Villa Gallici in Aix-en-Provence.

We arrived late – around 8:30 in the evening - the welcome was overwhelmingly warm and generous. Flowers, fresh fruit and water were in our room to refresh us from the day. Nicholas (pictured on the left), is the delightful person responsible for guest relations - though he is more like your personal attaché while at Villa Gallici. He is quintessentially French and unbelievably vivacious. Dominique (pictured on the right), the charming General Manager, works tirelessly to insure every guest has a picture perfect and truly Provincial experience. Anette, the beautiful front desk clerk went far above and beyond with discretion and joy. The waiter, the night clerk, the day clerk, all were flawless and clearly love being a part of such a delightful hotel.

The commitment at La Villa Gallici is to making you feel as if you are at home (a grand home…) in Provence. This ‘Dream Team’ is truly doing it very well!

Definately a MUST DO while in France!

http://www.villagallici.com/

A Moment of Peace

In finding the perfect shell, my normally bickering children found something to appreciate together and a moment of peace. Combing the beaches for what we can find can be a very cuious thing. Bits of bottles, string, lost shoes, sunglasses...everything has a story. Don't you ever wonder where those bits have been?