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...

  Jame’Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque One of the most picturesque mosques I’ve visited. It’s even more attractive to view at sunset when the gold domes reflect the sunlight. And it is surrounded by beautiful gardens with fountains that cool and calm the senses. Language and Literature Bureau The history of Brunei spread out across a 30 meter wall. Created from mosaic tiles after a painting by a local artist, it was completed in 1965 and portrays the people of Brunei performing everyday tasks related to its economy. Though Brunei is a small country with less than half a million inhabitants, it has a robust economy driven by oil and natural gas. Its citizens enjoy free education and health care. Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Mosque The SOAS mosque is one of two masjid negara or national mosques in Brunei. It is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei hence it is sometimes called SOAS 28 Mosque. The large central dome is made of real gold. The mosque is also known as the Taj Mahal of ...