A few years ago I traveled to Taiwan. I was working towards an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and found a free summer program in Taiwan aimed at learning about Buddhism. Never having traveled to Asia before, it was a bit of culture shock. Definitely worth the experience– and it made for some great stories, anyways.
This photo was taken in Jerusalem, in December. I love all the fruit trees in Israel, especially pomegranate trees. I had never been in the winter before, however, and it was kind of surprising to see plant life out of bloom. It’s still so beautiful, though, and the power of symbols is incredible.
And this photo was taken in Rhode Island, during a bright winter day that I thought was like spring in disguise. All the robins were out.
I’m lucky enough to have been to Israel a few times, now. This winter, I went with my grad. school program. I find that each time I go, part of the connection I feel has to do with the land– and I really enjoy exploring more in depth, and paying attention to details that I might otherwise overlook. I also love that even during the winter in Israel flowers bloom (far less dreary weather-wise than the snow and sludge here!).
The day before the program started, I made my own walking tour of Jerusalem. It’s such an interesting city– I find the juxtaposition of very old and very new to be so fascinating (the fact that all the buildings there are made of Jerusalem stone really makes it look even older). The windmill is a mark of Yemin Moshe, the first Jewish neighborhood in Jerusalem outside of the old city. It’s so interesting to think of the changed landscape (socially as well as physically).
Montefiori's Windmill
dead weed
It’s a tough time to be in Israel right now. I just returned from a two week trip– even though Israel is in the midst of a terrible war and a political quagmire, it is still such a beautiful country. The next few posts will be photos from Israel in the winter.
Sunset in Acco (Acre)
View of Beit Lechem (Bethlehem)
Beans in the Ben Yehuda Market (Jerusalem)
After having spent the last few years away from New England, I feel like a bit of a tourist, walking around staring at the beautiful fall foliage. It’s just that it’s so… striking and vibrant.
I’ve been to Quebec City twice, each time for Carnival. Think: February. Think: extreme negative temperatures (try -60 with windchill). Think: ice hotel, drinking rum from a weird candy-cane tube, bonhomme, sledding/tubing, maple syrup, and horse drawn sleigh rides. It is basically a winter wonderland. Maybe I should go back in the summer– when you don’t risk freezing your face off! A lot of Quebec City has a very old feel to it, with churches and stone-work buildings.
Everything in Maine is prettier, I’m convinced. I love the way light from both the sun and moon reflect on the rippling ocean. The reflection makes such a pretty streak long the water. I love that in this picture you can see the silhouette of a boat.
And this is a photo of the ocean in day light, where the sun leaves a glimmering trail on the water, as well.
most of us need the eggs 