THE GRAND CATHEDRAL DOORS OF EUROPE

CATHEDRAL DE VALENCIA, SPAIN

Europe is home to hundreds of cathedrals, most built between the 12th and 16th centuries—astonishingly, many still stand in their original form. These grand structures rise above their cities with stone towers, stained glass, and some of the most magnificent doors ever crafted. Unlike many historic buildings, cathedral doors are often open, inviting anyone to step inside.

Building a cathedral was a generational effort. Most required 50 to 100 years, and some took far longer. The Cologne Cathedral in Germany, for example, was begun in 1248 and not fully completed until 1880—a span of more than 600 years.

The doors themselves were their own masterpieces. Months or even years were devoted to designing and constructing a single portal. Carpenters shaped massive oak planks; sculptors carved biblical stories into the wood; blacksmiths forged iron hinges, locks, and knockers that were both functional and ornamental. These doors echoed the architectural style of the cathedral—Romanesque, Gothic, or Renaissance. I like to think of them as labors of love, created by artisans who knew their work would outlive them by centuries.

“As you walk in, the door gently closes behind you. Keeping the world out for a moment so you can breathe and have some quiet time to reflect."    -author unknown

ST. MARK'S CATHEDRAL, VENICE, ITALY

PORTO, PORTUGAL

PULA, CROATIA

CLOTHESLINE ART and LAUNDRY ON THE LINE

ITALY

 

 Some time ago, a friend mentioned how much she missed hanging her laundry outside to dry. She talked about the fresh-air scent that only sunshine and a breeze can create. I had to admit that clothes probably do smell better that way, though it’s still not something I personally long for.

After our conversation, I began noticing clotheslines more intentionally and even started photographing them during my travels. Something is charming about laundry swaying in the open air, and it reveals a bit about everyday life in the place. I’ve spotted clotheslines draped across balconies, stretched over front porches, strung above crowded streets, tucked along narrow medieval alleys, and brightening quiet country landscapes.

One can not romanticize clotheslines too much without remembering that not all days are warm and sunny. Growing up in Minneapolis, we had to use the basement clothesline for much of the year. 

For more clothesline art, I recommend: Category:Drying laundry in paintings - Wikimedia Commons. And the article “A Fine Line: TheArt of the Clothesline” - City Museum of New York website.

Thanks for reading my blog. Happy Spring—and I wish you all perfect, warm, and sunny clothesline weather ahead. 

TRENTO, ITALY

HONARRIBIA, SPAIN -- ON THE WAY OF ST. JAMES

 As I walked along the water in Hendaye, France, last October,  I noticed a small ferry in the harbor, offering rides to Spain. On a whim, I decided to board and enjoy the short 15-minute trip across the River Bidasoa to Hondarribia. I soon learned that I was crossing the river on a wooden boat—just as the medieval pilgrims did more than 1,000 years ago. In their time, this was considered one of the safest crossings between France and Spain.

Hondarribia (pop. 16,500) is one of the best-preserved fortress cities in the Basque Country of Spain, with gates, ramparts, and narrow stone streets that travelers, soldiers, and merchants have frequented for centuries. The town also sits near the beginning of the Camino del Norte, one of the earliest and most scenic pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela that began shortly after the reported discovery of the tomb of St. James in the 9th century.

As I wandered through the small medieval city, I noticed the fascinating old wooden homes painted in reds, blues, and greens. The story behind the colorful homes in this old fishing village is that they were painted to match the color of the boats of their loved ones.

I stopped for coffee in the Plaza de Armas and enjoyed a view of the former castle of Emperor Charles V, now a luxury hotel. Then I continued my stroll through this beautifully preserved walled city, with coastal paths, an old castle, and cathedrals. I noticed an ancient shell sign with an arrow, which assured me that I was once again walking on the Way of St. James, the same trail followed by 9th-century pilgrims on their way to see the burial site of Saint James. Back then, the ancient paths were rudimentary, and the pilgrims were faced with bandits, wolves, harsh weather, treacherous river crossings, and much more.

As I boarded the boat for my return trip to Hendaye, I thought about the pilgrims who also rode on small wooden boats to begin their 500-mile pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The Bidasoa River, separating Hendaye and Hondarribia, was believed to have a guardian spirit, and the pilgrims were known to whisper a short blessing to the river to ensure safe passage. The ancient Basque belief that rivers, caves, and mountains are alive with spirits is still believed by many in this part of Spain.

Related Posts: Road to Santiago--the vintage way, June 2016

                        Guimaraes-The Birthplace of Portugal, November 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SUNSET IN APOLLO BEACH

Christmas Door, Malta

Ron and I are in Apollo Beach, Florida, this Christmas and plan to stay here until spring calls us back to Wisconsin. For now, we have settled into a 55+ community, enjoying the sunshine, warm weather, and our daily swims. One of the best parts of being here is living close to Anna and John—and, of course, our three wonderful granddaughters: Mila (11), Sienna (7), and Etta (4).

Red Door, Senglea, Malta

Our son, Ben, is still living in Wisconsin, but he's visiting for the holidays, and we're grateful to have everyone together.

I've included some of my favorite Photos—hope they bring a smile. 

PAINTING BY MY BROTHER, FRED 
HE PASSED AWAY ON SEPT 6, 2025
AT THE AGE OF 88.

The Wonderful 3 Sisters

Christmas Door, Malta

Doors of Malta

                                                             

Work in Progress

…”..Living in the world is an adventure. One day can be up, and the next can be down. But we learn and grow, that's what the world is about.” -author unknown

THE FOOD HALL OF BIARRITZ - "Les Halles de Biarritz"

 

Food halls can be found across the world, yet few are as uniquely situated as Les Halles de Biarritz—nestled in the heart of a city surrounded by grand old mansions. Built at the end of the 19^th century, the market rose at a time when Biarritz was a famous destination for kings, queens, and Europe's elite. Les Halles remains a vibrant hub where locals and visitors mingle, shop, and savor the timeless spirit of Biarritz. 

Wishing everyone a harvest of Happiness and a Joyful  Thanksgiving.

THE ROMAN AMPHITHEATER IN PULA, CROATIA

 

  

The Pula Arena in Croatia is a spectacular sight--something to remember forever. Passing by it each day during a week-long stay in Pula became a familiar part of each day. There were quiet pauses to look through its massive rectangular windows, catching glimpses of the Adriatic Sea shimmering in the distance. The limestone always carried a bit of surprise, its shades changing with the time of day. 

    This amazing Roman amphitheater, also known as the Arena, was built between 27 BC and 68 AD, about the time the Colosseum was built in Rome. It lies along Via Flavia, the old road leading to Rome. The well-preserved oval-shaped structure is considered Croatia's best-preserved ancient monument. Ranked among the world's six largest surviving Roman arenas, it is the only one to still have all four side towers intact.

    The Arena, with a seating capacity of 23,000, was enlarged to accommodate gladiatorial fights in 79AD. These brutal contests of gladiators (often prisoners) fighting with wild animals continued until they were banned in the 5th century. This was followed by a long period of neglect and devastation

    Later in the Middle Ages, cattle could be seen grazing in the Arena along with occasional tournaments and medieval fairs. Restoration of the amphitheater began in the 19th century, and it was restored to its present state in 1932 with a seating capacity of 7,000

Today, this spectacular setting serves as a venue for numerous concerts, operas, ballets, sporting events, and the Pula Film Festival, one of the oldest film festivals in Europe. In addition, the tradition of gladiator fighting lives on in Pula when the Spectacvia Antiqua comes to town every summer and fall.

 This picturesque setting ranks among the most beautiful and distinctive venues in the world. May the harmony between history and modernity continue to prevail in this charming ancient town by the sea.