TravelswithCharie

The wayside shrines in Moldova have fascinated me since my first visit in 2023. I wanted to take photos then of the simple crosses I saw along the way to Chișinău but woefully didn’t  take any.  I was lucky to have been given a second chance this year to take a few images of these unique sanctuaries that dot the bucolic landscape. These shrines often consist of a simple  Troiță  (cross) found at intersections or entrances to a village and along country roads. Often it is just a simple wooden crucifix. These shrines can be seen not only in Moldova but also in neighboring countries. They mark a sacred place or a memorial. The cross is also a manifestation of gratitude and devotion. ( The troiță above is actually inside the Ciuflea Monastery in Chișinău. I show it here for reference purposes.) These shrines I’m posting here are more elaborate miniature chapel shrines with gilded domes and frescoes. The domes are reminiscent of the architecture of Christian Orthodox chur...

  Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, 1799-1837 Alexander Pushkin was born in Moscow to an old noble family. His maternal great grandfather, Abram Petrovich Gannibal, was of African origin and was kidnapped by the Ottomans in what is today, Cameroon. The Ottomans later offered Gannibal to Peter the Great who raised the child in his own household as his godson. Gannibal studied in France for several years and upon his return to Russia in 1723, he was banished to Siberia by Prince Menshikov who was suspicious of him. It wasn’t until the reign of Elizabeth of Russia that he ascended to Chief Military Engineer in 1756 and General in Chief in 1759.  Gannibal’s second wife and Pushkin’s great grandmother, Christina Regina Sioberg, descended from noble families in Scandinavia and Germany. Pushkin is considered the father of Russian literature and its greatest poet. His most famous works include the play, Boris Godunov and the verse novel, Eugene Onegin , both of which were adapted into o...

Pierre Bergé Museum for Berber Arts Long before my trip to Marrakech, I had decided that one of the top places I would visit in the city would be the Jardin Majorelle. And I nearly missed it. I took too long to make the online reservation that the only available spot left was the day before my flight back home. I got caught in sightseeing around the city and taking a day trip to Essaouira. Lesson learned but it exacted a toll! I missed both the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts and the YSL Museum because the timed visit to the garden was at 2 p.m. and the museum closes at 6:30 p.m. If you’re planning to visit all three places, plan well ahead and get a time slot in the morning so you have enough time to enjoy the garden and museums. You can pay for entrance fees to all three or pay for just one or two of the three. Since I was starting at 2 p.m., I got just the ticket for the garden. I hope I’ll be able to visit Marrakech again so I can see the extensive collections of the museums....

La Casita Resort, Pawa I recently spent a few months in Capiz and found these lovely places which have one thing in common: ambiance. Whether its the style, the light, the cozy vibe, or the relaxed mood, these places offer a je ne sais quoi  charm that will make you smile. If you’re looking to disconnect from the humdrum of daily life or to get away from the incessant noise of modern day living, look no farther than La Casita in Pawa. Less than an hour from Roxas City yet miles away from the madding crowd, you’ll find peace and relaxation by the sea. With its enchanting thatched roof cottages and Hobbit style circular doors, you’re immediately transported to a different world. They also have tents if you prefer glamping on the seashore. Check out this link for more information about La Casita:  https://www.lacasitabeachresort.com/# La Casita Restaurant and Bar This temple of bamboo definitely gives tropical vibes as well as views of the casitas and koi pond. The restaurant ser...