Savior-Transfiguration Monastery

#Savior_Transfiguration_Monastery

The Cathedral was founded in 1198 and has been rebuilt many times due to age/erosion and many wars in the area
The Monastery was established in 1213 as the first school of religion, then in 1747 the first logical seminary was established within the building

Cannot really say how i gained access to the bell tower (my secret) as its usually restricted to the monks or members of the religious order who maintains it......so i feel blessed 🙏

Visitors can typically only go to the designated areas such as chapels, guests houses and gardens
This was designed for visitors to experience the monastic lifestyle without disrupting the religious community

As i make my way up to the top i am reminded the Monastery was devasted by the Great Fires of 1500s
but it was rebuilt and restored plus evolved from the wooden structures into stone cathedral fortifications
Thus reflecting in the changing architecture styles and needs of the different eras

As you can see with this narrow opening the Monastery had to protect itself from attacks, for example like the one in 1238 by the Khan Baty and his troops
He was the Mongolian ruler (who was the grandson of Genghis Khan) and founder of the Golden Horde which would control Eastern Europe for about 250 years

Monks History
It comes from the Greek word "monos" meaning alone or solitary
In the beginnings, they were responsible for the coping / preservation of texts which made them important scholars and scribes

Some Fun Facts;
A) Monks in medieval England were involved in the creation of the first public clocks
B) Trappist Monks have a long history of brewing beer which was a source of income for the Monasteries ( today....13 designated locations worldwide)
C) Buddhist Monks are associated with the practice of the Chinese martial art of King-Fu 
They also have a vegetarian diet to follow their beliefs in non-violence and minimizing harm to all living things

The bell tower was to serve as a call to prayer as a reminder of Gods presence plus for the Monks to practice their vows
But beyond the monastic community the bells were used to alert the surrounding villages of important events, of  incoming danger, plus a symbolic message to ward off evil or natures storms 

From the bell tower i am overlooking the Volga River and Yaroslavl
Its a city located 250 kms (155 miles) northeast of Moscow and is the part of what they call the Russia Golden Ring
That is a tourist route connecting ancient and historically significant Russian cities north of Moscow which some include Kostroma, Ivanovo, Vladimir and Suzdal

Not sure it was my time to leave jajajja.....but the bells were chiming and it was loud
So as John Donne wrote "the bell tolls for thee" and i remember the meaning of that; its a common bond of humanity that no one is truly isolated

Great Words for All to Live By

After being the center of education for centuries the monastery was closed in 1787 and converted into a residence for archbishops
Then during the Soviet era it again changed and became the home to the Yaroslavl Historical / Architectural Museum-Reserve

Seville Spain

#Seville_Spain
 
Because it was under control by both the Roman and Moors. you have many structures from the Golden Age of the Spanish Empire to look for within the city
 The Italica Amphitheater, Aqueducts & Columns in the Alameda de Hercules, City Walls, La Giralda, The Courtyard of the Orange Trees etc.

KeyTip;

Ways to Tour Seville;
A) Free Walking Tours; which you can "Tip" you guide whatever you deem 
B) Hop-On Hop-Off Bus; it has fourteen stops plus some providers offer packages that combine hop-on bus & panoramic river cruise
C) Bicycle; either a guided tour or rental on the 180 kms (110 miles) of bike lanes available  
D) Horse-Drawn Carriage;  45 minute tour through the historic center
E) Paddle Surfing or Kayaking; not sure how much you would see of the city from the river, but thank goodness we are all different 😅

To understand any city i always go back in its history
So for Seville it started with the Romans (birthplace of Emperors Trajan & Hadrian) then the Moors who introduced crops like oranges ( that still today line most of the streets plus the city squares) lemons, peaches, apricots, figs, sugarcane, dates and saffron

Also under the Moors education was universal in Spain thus available to everyone, meanwhile in all of Christian Europe 99% of the population were illiterate, even the Kings could not read or write
To put this is context; Europe had two Universities, Spain (under the Moors) had seventeen including a location in Seville
During their 800 year rein they also introduced many scientific techniques to measure the positions of the stars & planets plus advancement in chemistry, physics, mathematics, geography and philosophy

So as i go out to enjoy a few glasses of Sherry Wine i learn the name originated from the Jerez Region of Spain which was known as Sherish under the Moorish Rule
The wine making started in this area in 1100BC with the Phoenicians onto the Romans finally the Moors
How good was the wine with all this experience you ask, well when Sir Francis Drake raided the area in 1587 he brought back a very large quantity of the product (3000 barrels) which became known as "sack" in England

Tapas (lid or cover to keep the flies off the food)
So its tradition here in Seville to have your wine with a small plate of food which history claims that King Alfonso X ordered the pubs to serve food with the drinks to reduce the drunkenness 

Some Examples;
A) Pringa Pork; stew served on bread
B) Tortilla Espanola; potato and onion omelet
C) Gambas al Ajillo; shrimp cooked in olive oil with garlic and chilli peppers
D) Bacalao; salt cod stewed in tomato sauce
E) Berenjena con Miel; fried eggplant with honey
F) Choco Fritos; fried calamari

On my way to Santa Cruz (which is the Jewish Quarter of the city) as you feel the history of area as you walk the streets

From the 13th Century under King Ferdinand who established the Juderia area up to the Spanish Inquisition in 1481 (which targeted Jews who had converted to Christianity but secretly continued to practice Judaism)
 To the Final Expulsion in 1492 under the Alhambra Decree

#AlcazarPalace_GameofThrones

It is the oldest Royal Palace in Europe which is still used by the Spanish Monarch

But also know for its film location in the Game of Thrones and the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne
A) Mercurys Pool; Doran Martell watching Myrcella & Trystane in the Dance Garden
B) Baths of Dona Maria Padilla; location where Ellaria Sand met with her daughters to plot revenge
C) Halls of Ambassadors; Where Jame Lannister negotiated with Doran Martell to return Myrcella
D) Carlos V Pavillion; the skirmish between Jamie & Bronn with the Sand Snakes

Torre Del Oro (Tower of Gold)

Built in 1220 the twelve-sided watchtower was to control the access on the Guadalquivir River thus protecting the city
The early defense mechanism was to stretch a large chain across the river to block any enemy ships before ongoing renovations which added two more levels
 Thus in time it became many things; a chapel, prison, gunpowder store and finally a port authority office

KeyTip;
 It costs 3 Euro to enter; but visitors can get a great view from the panoramic rooftop plus it houses the naval museum that has nautical instruments, models of ships & historical documents

Much history with the parks of Seville
Some were private gardens that was gifted to the city, another was the film location in 1962 for Lawrence of Arabia, one was a former zoo that the animals that were relocated and some were designed with an asymmetrical layout to symbolize romance 

In Closing;
 
Did a charcoal drawing of one of many amazing buildings of Seville as i have a glass of wine and say Gracias mi buen amigo  

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Vancouver

#Capilano_SuspensionBridge_Park

It was initially built in 1889 with hemp rope and cedar planks onto now with its steel cables anchored into concrete

KeyTip; There is a free shuttle all year round from Canada Place Convention Centre or Hyatt Regency Hotel in Vancouver
If you decide to drive, parking is $8.00 for three hours plus admission that is Adults $78.00, Students $64.00 & Youth $49.00

Tree Top Adventures

There are seven suspension bridges plus platforms attached to 250 year old Douglas Fir Trees as you are trekking 33 meters (110 feet) above the forest floor
But not too worry as the park uses an adjustable non-invasive collars (that exerts less pressure) which does not penetrate the bark
Finally in the theme of the nature and reuse.....what you are walking on is reclaimed wood from a closed grain elevator once run by the Hudsons Bay Company that was located nearby

Cliffwalk

This adventure is 30 stories high as you walk the 213 meter bridge / viewing platforms (700 feet) along the granite cliffside with sights of the regions rainforest and canyon.
The structure uses a cantilever design for support and is engineered to hold 45 tons or 100,000 lbs

Totem Poles

Throughout the park they are significant to the culture of the First Nations People which tells stories of their history and connection to the land here in Kiapalano

Raptors Ridge

Look for the educational facility to teach you the public about the Raptors and other birds of prey in the park such as owls, hawks & falcons
The birds visit this area of the ridge every evening plus during the day they enjoy an open, free-flight environment

Festivals

Canyon Frights
 (October to November) for all the Halloween Fans on the Cliffwalk 
Love Lights
Millions of lights to celebrate the month (February) of romance
Christmas Lights
To celebrate the festive season 

Bermuda & Halifax Canada Links

#Bermuda_HalifaxCanada_Links

One of my favorite places to visit (via a 2 hour direct flight) is Bermuda

Located off the coast near the American Carolinas, its still a British Overseas Territory
So with Canada a member of the Commonwealth (its now a voluntary association of 56 independent countries which were formerly part of the British Empire)
the organization works to promote shared values, international cooperation and development among its members like Canada / Bermuda
As you will read our two areas have many connections

You cannot rent a car here on the island
Yes a scooter is an option, but with Right Hand Drive, dealing with Roundabouts and Narrow Streets plus the fact other tourists are on the roads after a 15 minute driving lesson, it does not add up for a positive outcome 😏

KeyTip;
The bus and ferry passes are for an unlimited use,  day costs $19.00 / one week $62.00
It can be bought at the Main Ferry Terminal, Central Bus Depot or Visitors Services Centres 

All the roofs are white so the Islanders can collect the rainwater as there is no freshwater sources like springs, rivers or lakes located on the island
The stepped roofs channel the water into the gutters that lead into underground cisterns which provides a reserve that can last for months
Bermuda also uses desalination of the seawater using reverse osmosis technology to supplement the supply

So as a visitor; take shorter showers, reuse your towels, do not waste ice from the hotel machines etc.
You know common sense stuff
In closing just be mindful to conserve this precious resource and do not be that person who is wasteful

A nickname for the locals is Onions, probably coming from the times of  the early settlers who cultivated that as a major crop
To modern times you will find some great Portuguese food choices (who have influenced the area after migrating from the Azores) also a mixture from the Caribbean, Africa and England

Some good picks;
1) Fish Chowder; the national dish of Bermuda
2) Fish Sandwich; served on raisin bread
3) Codfish & Potatoes; breakfast meal that comes with a banana or tomato onion sauce
4) Codfish Cakes; on a hot cross bun
5) Pawpaw Casserole; made with sweet papaya
6) Hoppin John; black-eyed peas and rice


Also a refreshing fact; there is no McDonalds on the island

Halifax and Bermuda again share a history as both locations were strategically important British Fortresses during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812
Both areas served as key naval bases to protect the British interests in the Atlantic Ocean plus the North American coast
These citadels were designated as Imperial Fortresses (same as the structures in Gibraltar and Malta) highlighting their importance in maintaining the British power and influence

Butterfield Bank
Its global headquarters is located in the capital City of Hamilton but also
 has operations in Halifax
 We are on the same time zone so good for the banking industry, six universities to get brain power for their IT and finance divisions located here,
 also favorable tax breaks from my government and the good exchange rate as the Bermuda Dollar is pegged on the US Currency

Other Bermuda based financial companies located in Halifax for the skilled workforce and lower operating costs than their island nation
1) Citco Fund Services
2) Olympia Capital International Inc.
3) West End Capital Management
4) BF&M Insurance 
5) Paragon Advanced Development Ltd. IT Company

It seems i can always find a British style pub wherever i visit and thus came upon the famous Swizzle Inn
So once inside i am told that it is the oldest pub (1932) on the island and its the birthplace of the Rum Swizzle

So after a couple of the signature drinks i learn why the motto is
Swizzle Inn & Swagger Out 😄

The grottoes were formed millions of years ago through the rainwater seeping into the limestone caves carving them out
The survivors of the Sea Venture shipwreck in 1609 discovered the area which now is Grotto Bay Beach Resort that began attracting visitors in the 1970s

Then in the early 2000s the group of Bermudian investors put in renovations to create a more British colonial feel through the furnishings, architectural designs and pastel colors
Prospero and Cathedral Caves are located at the resort grounds with the latter open to the public to swim at no entrance fee

Accommodations are expensive here, as an average night will cost you between $500-$1000

KeyTip;
Take a cruise which then you would stay in port for multiple days, so your floating hotel

Both areas are considered the Shipwreck Gravesites of the Atlantic, so another connection

Bermuda Triangle numbers say around 50 ships and 20 planes disappeared, with many cases are likely due to human error not supernatural causes as the myth would want you to believe

Sable Island has been the site of over 350 lost ships (with many more unaccounted for as they were lost with a trace) mostly because of a long narrow sandbar that constantly shifts and changes shape so making it a navigational hazard plus lets add in heavy fog

The famous pink sand beaches of Bermuda are very unique and not that commonly found anywhere else in the world
 It is created by the erosion of the coral and from family of shells called Foraminifers (of which is the tiny red organism) that live in the reefs

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves New Zealand

#Waitomo_GlowWorms_NewZealand

After finishing up my time on the R. Tucker Thompson Tall Ship (read my story on terrykeystravel.blogspot.com) i was told about an inland body of water i should explore by boat

Always intrigued and looking for the odd (funny when you think different....the different finds you 😂)
I thus ended up at the Waitomo Caves

The caves had been known to the local Maori people for sometime but they did not realize the full extent of its system

In 1887 the local Maori Chief  Tane Tinorau and British surveyor Fred Mace ventured into the grotto with a handmade raft plus candles for light
After this, the caves were opened to the public in 1889 and became a very popular destination

The site was run by the Government from 1904 until 1989 when rightfully it was returned to the descendants of Tane Tinorau
Thus highlighting the importance of respecting the cultural heritage of the area

As you enter the caves you have options; take a boat tour, walk the grotto system or even try blackwater rafting (which is the navigating of the subterranean river)

The name Waitomo comes from the Maori words Wai (water) and Tomo (hole or shaft)
Some other interesting facts;

1) The glowworms are not worms, but the larval stage of a fungus gnat which is a type of fly
2) The glow is produced through a chemical reaction in the tail using an enzyme called luciferase
3) Unlike most fungus gnats these glowworms are carnivorous and trap their food by using a sticky silk thread
4) The caves are made of limestone formed millions of years ago from ancient seashells, coral and fish skeletons
5) Rainwater (which is slightly acidic) dissolved the limestone over the years creating the grotto plus its stalactites and stalagmites

These glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is a species only found in New Zealand.

They attract their prey with the bioluminescent light and are also known to engage in cannibalism adding another level to its life cycle
During the larval stage (during the glowing) the lifespan is up to one year, after that step during the adult phase time is short, females have 76 hours and males a bit longer at 96 hours

Besides the beauty, the Glowworms are extremely useful in the New Zealand ecosystem as they help control the insect populations

The caves are divided into two levels; the upper which is dry for the walking tours
 then as you see the lower section that is filled with water

Some parts of the cave is considered sacred as it was a space used for burials, plus with a tradition of washing your hands in the water to cleanse oneself internally before leaving

After taking on the mighty Pacific Ocean on a Tall Ship (via Bay of Islands) then the waters of Waitomo my job is done here jajajaja

Time to move onto the next adventure

Tuscany Wine Experience

#Tuscany_Wine_Experience

Winemaking in Tuscany dates back to the Etruscan era (550BC) with the Romans later adopting the regions name and played a significant role improving the technologies plus infrastructure ( roads / aqueducts) also by expanding upon the practices of the Etruscans

 With its Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and mild winters) the area is ideal for grape growing which all adds up to a world renowned region for its iconic wine
 (plus stunning landscapes and ancient cities)

As i get to Siena my goal was to have some of its famous Chianti Superiore wine served from a fiasco (squat bottle in a straw basket)
Then of course bought a loaf of crusty bread, olive oil and Pecorino Toscano cheese

La Vita e Bella  
(Life is Indeed Beautiful)

 

Tuscany is made up of ten provinces (Florence, Pisa, Arezzo to name a few) with Siena being where  my travels has taken me 
The city is famous for its cuisine, art, museums, medieval cityscape and of course the wine

Because of the fertile land and Mediterranean climate the fruits here taste amazing.
 Everything from cherries, peaches, figs, grapes (of course) pears, apples, apricots and strawberries

I am no doctor but why is life expectancy in Italy so high (84 years on average)
It must have a lot to do with fresh whole foods, drive less / walk more, spend time connecting with family and friends plus maybe a little wine once a day 

Tuscany is home to the famous Chianti Wine Region ( established in 1716) with eight subzones in the area that each produce its own unique style
One of the most famous is the Black Rooster Seal (Gallo Nero) that is the symbol of the Chianti Classico Wine Consortium established in 1924

There are many wine tours, but these are the ones i would recommend
Etruscan Coast, Via Francigena or Montepulciano

 But for myself i wanted to explore the ancient cellars, learn the wine making traditions plus the skill of pairings; with cheeses, bruschetta and other regional foods

The countryside here has been the site for numerous films; earning it the nickname 
The European answer to Hollywood
Gladiator, The English Patient, Under the Tuscan Sun, A Room with a View

Also the area was the first to pave its streets (which set a trend for other cities)
Plus its known for its marble, which was used in famous artworks like Michelangelo David

Finally its the homeland of Pinocchio; the wooden puppet who wanted to become a real boy

Local History;
During the Renaissance Period; the modern Italian language that is spoken today was based on the Toscano (Tuscan) dialect from this area
In 1497 when Florence and Pisa were at war with each other, the Pisans thought if they blocked the salt shipments that would cause a surrender
 Florentines just adapted and made bread without sodium chloride 

Geography;
Tuscany has 65% hills plus another 25% are mountains......so bring good footwear
There are seven islands here (Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona
and the myth behind the making of the archipelago is that the Goddess Aphrodite lost seven beads from her necklace into the Tyrrhenian Sea
You can snow ski in Tuscany in the areas of Abetone and Monte Amiata (2 hours from the beaches)

Here in my Province of Nova Scotia we have our own Wine Region
Because of our cool climate it contributes to the natural acidity in the grapes but the area is gaining recognition for the crisp, aromatic and refreshing qualities

While its no way near the beginnings like Tuscany, the French Settlers here planted the first vineyards  (1611) in the Bay of Fundy area
The modern development started in the 1980s with Grand Pre Winery and Jost Vineyards, now in the 2000s we have experienced growth to 25 grape and fruit wineries