TravelswithCharie

Casapueblo, Punta Ballena Just a few minutes from the popular beach destination of Punta del Este is Casapueblo which sits on the edge of a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re staying at the hotel, then you’re in for a big treat. Imagine the view of the blue ocean made more dazzling by the sun. But that’s not all. There’s also an art gallery and museum next door which displays the artistic works of Carlos Páez Vilaró who also designed Casapueblo, his permanent home and studio. Casapueblo reminds one of the Greek isles at first glimpse. But it isn’t that simple. Look closely and you’ll find the influence of Gaudi in the architecture which Vilaró himself built with no plans. There are no straight lines. The interior has many passages and narrow stairs leading to enchanting rooms, everyone of which is different from the other. Notice the curving lines and the rooftops with its pointed concrete posts. Vilaró likened his house to a hornero’s (ovenbird) nest. He slowly expanded th

  Vondel Park The Netherlands is open to US travelers and flights to Amsterdam from the US have been full. But despite the new arrivals, Amsterdam is still a sleepy town compared to past summers. You can really enjoy the city without crowds jostling for space and attention. It’s the best time to take it slow and appreciate the many attractions Amsterdam has to offer.  Tourists from green listed countries including the U.S. may enter the Netherlands if they have proof of full vaccination or a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of their flight. The vaccine must be one of approved vaccines by the European Medicine Agency (EMA) and the last dose must have been administered 14 days prior to arrival. There is also a health declaration form to be submitted to Immigration Control at the airport but the officer who handled my documents at Schiphol International Airport didn't bother to check my form. Face masks are required in public transportation, at airports, in the aircraft,

Reclining Figure: Arched Leg 4/6, Henry Moore, 1969-1970 “Sculpture is an art of the open air. Daylight, sunlight is necessary to it and for me, its best setting and complement is nature.” -  Henry Moore One of the most impressive museums in Portugal is the Berardo Collection Museum in Belém, a short train or tram ride from the center of Lisbon. The permanent exhibition at the museum is the private collection of one man, José Manuel Rodrigues Berardo. It includes works by the likes of Picasso, Mondrian, Magritte, Warhol among others. An afternoon at this museum is merely an introduction to the Berardo Collection. You’ll want to return and appreciate the works on display at a leisurely pace. Entrance is free on Saturdays. This is a late post . These few images of the artworks presented here were taken during my visit to Portugal in April 2016. I’ve arranged them in chronological order except for the Henry Moore outdoor sculpture because this image gives a perspective of t