Monte's Water Lilies

The first time I saw these water lilies I was 16 and stood in awe as I watched the paintings transform with the changing of the natural light. Today, I got to see them again. For me their presence is like a sort of calming medication. There are few places I find truly peaceful in the world, but the museum de Orangerie that holds Claude Monet's water lilies is one of them.

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Montemartre Neighborhood

Paris at 9pm on a Tuesday. The walk to dinner.

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D' Orsay in Paris

View of Paris from the impressionist floor in d'Orsay.

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Mausoleum of Galla Placidia - Oldest Mosaics in the world

Inside the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are some of the oldest best preserved mosaics in the world dating back to 5th century. On the right you see the starry sky and the left you see the mosaic called "Garden of Eden". For me, it had the "wow" factor of being in the ancient Egyptian tombs. It has been my favorite on the trip so far.

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Byzantine Church in Ravenna

The Marble in this old Byzantine church in Ravenna, Italy reminded me of the marble at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. I wondered how far the marble had to travel.

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Pantheon in Rome

Saw the Pantheon. The weather in Rome is unreal. It's been above 95 degrees everyday. Retreating back to the apartment to get out of the heat...

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Modern Acropolis

When I was in the 5th grade I did a project on Greece! I built a scale model of the Parthenon (8x18 pillars... Still remembered). I thought it was hilarious to find all the modern scaffolding and machines laying around. It looked like it was their first time trying to build it! Funny how with the machines today we don't seem to create many buildings of elegance like the ancient Greeks used to.

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Acropolis on top of Athens

On top of the Acropolis in Athens.

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Πορτάρα Νάξος

Entrances and Exits. Europe watches Greece.

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Χαλκί, Νάξος

A short walk through Byzantine country on a path less traveled. Exploring the island of Naxos near the mountains.

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Island of Naxos

Made it to the island of Naxos! We drove along the northern edge of the island finding this old tower as sun was setting.

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Coming into Port from Sailing

Coming into port. The city of Oia above.

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Santorini at Sunset

Santorini just after sunset.

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Ferry to Santorini

Ferry boat to Santorini, Greece.

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The Vasa

Today I got to see the Vasa ship!!!! My wind orchestra in college was named after this famous ship. I was super excited to finally see it!!!

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