TravelswithCharie

Pamilya (Family) With the completion of their new headquarters in Manila in 1961, PhilAm Life (a life insurance company) commissioned Vicente Silva Manansala to do a series of paintings for their cafeteria. (Lucky employees!) Before long these seven large-scale paintings about Philippine village life were moved to the front lobby which was deemed a more appropriate setting for the canvases. They remained there until the building was sold in 2012. Mindful of the cultural significance of the paintings and the need for its preservation and conservation, the management of PhilAm Life decided to loan these treasures to the National Museum in 2014.
“Pamilya reflects Filipino values of family solidarity and solemnity showing a common scenario of praying before sharing a meal with one’s family.” National Museum of the Philippines
Pagkain (Food) One of the Thirteen Moderns and Neo Realists, Vicente Silva Manansala had the good fortune to study art in Canada, the United States, France and Switzerla…

Supper at Emmaus,  Michaelangelo Meresi Da Caravaggio, 1606 One of two paintings created by Caravaggio, this painting from 1606 was completed around the time the artist fled from Rome after he killed Ranuccio Tomassoni, a pimp, in a dispute over a tennis match. Other reports suggest that the rivalry between the two over a prostitute, Fellide Melandroni, was the underlying reason for the brawl.
This painting is far more somber than an earlier (1601) work now hanging in the National Gallery in London. Notice the dark background and how light floods the scene to illuminate the faces of Jesus and his companions. This stark contrast between light and dark is called chiaroscuro and the application of a dark background or shadow is referred to as tenebrism. Chiaroscuroadds depth to the composition and creates a dramatic effect. Feel how the painting pulls the viewer to the open space in front of Jesus and to that moment when He blesses the food on the table.
Crucifixion, Gentile da Fabriano, 14…

The history of Toulouse is deeply entwined with the martyrdom of its patron saint, Saturnin (Sernin), who was martyred in the third century. According to the legend, Saturnin, the first bishop of Toulouse, was chained to a taur or bull that dragged him down Rue du Taur. The Church of Notre Dame du Taur is standing on the exact spot where the corpse of Saint Saturnin was detached from the bull as it rampaged down the street.
Façade of Notre Dame du Taur The Church of Saint Saturnin was renamed Notre Dame du Taur after the Basilica of Saint Sernin was built to accommodate the vast numbers of pilgrims who stopped by Toulouse on their way to the Church of St. James in Santiago de Compostela in Spain. 
The genealogy of Jacob, Notre Dame du Taur This 14th century fresco of the genealogy of Jacob was one of the highlights of my visit to Toulouse. Jacob was the son of Isaac and Sarah and the grandson of Abraham. The 12 Tribes of Israel traces its lineage to Jacob. Joseph, the foster father of J…

The enchanting coastline of Ivisan, Capiz I was nominated to share 5 Things I love about Capiz, Philippines for 5 days. #CaptureCapizToday is a photo challenge initiated by the Provincial Government of #Capiz through the Provincial Tourism Cultural Affairs office to promote tourism destinations and attractions in Capiz. (My problem with this challenge was I had so many favorite things about Capiz it was difficult to choose just 5). Please check the links below to learn more about Capiz. https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2018/12/the-season-for-sea-and-seafood.html https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2016/10/10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-capiz.html https://waytogo.cebupacificair.com/things-to-do-capiz/
The stunning sunset on Baybay Beach, Roxas City
The boldly pink Church of Our Lady of Snows in Dumarao, Capiz
How to engage in a boodle fight at Bitoy’s on Baybay Beach, Roxas City
The picturesque Gugma Beach in Sapian, Capiz is off the beaten path. For more information about tourism sites, attrac…

I was recently challenged by a friend on Facebook to post 10 travel photos for 10 days. I’d like to share with you the images I selected for this challenge.
1. Saint Malo, France
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
3. Ronda, Spain 4. The Sphinx, Giza, Egypt 5. Igreja de Saõ Roque, Lisbon, Portugal 6. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
7. Bayon, Angkor Thom, Siem Reap, Cambodia
8. Hallstatt, Austria
9. Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
10. Adare, Ireland
“One advantage of photography is that it is visual and can transcend language.” —Lisa Kristine
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Images by TravelswithCharie

Week 10 into this pandemic and we’re nowhere close to seeing the end of it. While some countries have reopened, they have stringent requirements for entry. It won’t be easy to travel again. But we can still plan with the help of these travel blogs and websites. 
Here are some of the blogs I’ve perused to help me prepare for my trips.

Matador Network Matador Network’s mission is to inspire you to travel and find your #travelstoke. https://matadornetwork.com/
Solo travelers Solo Sophie A Francophile and a resident of Paris, Sophie Nadeau knows the ins and outs of Paris. https://www.solosophie.com/about-sophie-nadeau/
Solo Traveler World This website has plenty of valuable travel tips from a community of solo travelers. https://solotravelerworld.com/
Budget travelers The Poor Traveler These “poor travelers” know how to travel well on a tight budget. I like their straightforward expense sheets for the places they visit. https://www.thepoortraveler.net/blog/
Tokyo Cheapo/Japan Cheapo Tokyo Cheapo has a com…

While most states in the United States have relaxed the restrictions for the gradual reopening of businesses, we’re still not safe without a vaccine against Covid19 nor medication to alleviate the symptoms. We don’t have the “all clear” yet and normal travel is still a few months away. For now, let’s watch travel videos while we plan our next adventure. It’s is the next best thing to being there.
I’ve compiled a list of travel videos to take you to places from the comfort of your couch. Some are classics like No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain or Lonely Planet’s Globe Trekker. Others like Amazing Places on Our Planet and Jacob and Katie Schwartz’s YouTube videos offer spectacular views of some of the most desired destinations in the world. Lastly, Khan Academy, Google Arts and Culture and Take Walks give us inside information about the art, architecture, history and cuisine of the places you’ve dreamed about.
Iceland by TravelswithCharie
Amazing Places on our Planet Here’s one of many …