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Showing posts from March, 2022

Costa Rican Art at The MAC

 Que Clavo! (What a nail!) Luis Tenorio Rosales, 2010, acrylic on canvas As I indicated in a previous post, this painting of the crucifixion is one of the most evocative works of art I’ve seen. The intense face of a T-shirt clad man as he nails the feet of Jesus Christ to the cross leaves no illusions that this a contemporary work of art of an age old religious subject that has roots in Christian history. Is this man just a carpenter doing his work or is he a symbol of the sins we commit everyday that lodge the nails deeper with every transgression? What a nail! Aguila (Eagle), Javier Calvo Sandi, 2017, stone The Eagle is a monument representing both the former president, Leon Cortés, and the Nazi eagle. According to Calvo Sandi, President Cortés had an affinity with the Nazi Party of Costa Rica having appointed Max Effiger, the president of the local Nazi party, as his adviser on immigration matters. 

Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas

Only 20 minutes from your favorite casino on Las Vegas Boulevard, Red Rock Canyon can’t be missed especially when you need a breather . The natural scenery and wide open spaces are spectacular and if Instagram is your photo album, there are lots of photo ops here to impress your followers.   The one way, 13-mile scenic drive is a paved road with lots of overlooks to get up close to the rock formations formed millions of years ago. The Park has 26 numbered trails if you like to hike. You can also go horseback riding or mountain biking as well as rock climbing. The Visitor Center has a lot of information about the evolution of Red Rock Canyon and the flora and wildlife that inhabit its terrain. Pick up your scenic map and trail guide there before you start your scenic drive. Don’t forget to look for desert tortoises in the canyon. Turtlehead Peak in the background There’s a trail here that goes to Turtlehead Peak and Calico Tanks Calico Hills Calico Hills Overlook The reddish color of

The Eye of the Tiger

The Bellagio Las Vegas celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year with a floral display of thousand of plants and flowers showcasing the “eye of the tiger” (2022 is the year of the tiger). An 8000 pound bronze tiger is at the center of the display amidst an explosion of colors. A golden money tree symbolizing good fortune dazzles to the right of the tiger.  In the Chinese zodiac calendar, the tiger represents strength, wisdom and bravery. Bromeliads add a touch of the tropics to the garden. This vignette represents a knickknack peddler. Notice the pomegranate fruits above the umbrella. The lotus is a symbol of rebirth and regeneration just as the new year brings renewed energy for a fresh start. Children fishing beside a pagoda. What an inviting tea house with a koi pond and carefully selected flora! This enormous flower is a mosaic made from crushed petals and pink roses. The “Eye of the Tiger” will be on display until March 5, 2022. The Spring display follows a week later on March 12th. The f

The Road to 193 with Bernadith Barrientos

Bernadith Barrientos in Geiranger, Norway Where and when was your first trip outside of your home country?  Taipei was my first destination outside the Philippines. It was in 2018, a year full of blessings for me. I can say it was the best year I’ve had. I got the chance to travel with friends in Taipei. I feel very lucky and blessed to be able to see, explore and enjoy some of the tourist attractions in Taipei like Shifen waterfalls, Taipei National Palace Museum, Taipei 101 and their famous Sky Lantern.  What is it about traveling that appeals to you the most? Beautiful scenery, immersing myself in a country’s culture, experiencing new things and gaining new friends while traveling appeals to me the most. Whenever I am in a new place, I take it as an opportunity to explore an entirely different side of myself. Blending with locals is one of the most satisfying feelings.  How has working in the cruise industry helped you achieve your travel goals? Working in the cruise industry was re