Article by Bill Enslen

Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let me show you how.

Tesserae are the pieces arranged and adhered to the base material to create your mosaic design. They can be of any material and shape. Don’t limit yourself to the common tessera types. Use your imagination. Try buttons and other fun or unusual material. For example, I once saw a family picture collage with a mosaic frame that included one baby tooth from each grandchild. Be creative!

“Tesserae” is the plural of tessera (Latin). In the context of mosaics, tessera means, “a cube; a piece of mosaic paving.” “Tesserae” is pronounced TESS-uh-ree, and “tessera” is pronounced TESS-er-uh.

Plan your mosaic before jumping in. Don’t go off willy-nilly getting a bunch of tessera material without considering the basics. Where will you display the mosaic (e.g., indoors or outdoors, which will determine if you need weatherproof tesserae)? Are you making wall art or a stepping stone (which will determine if you can use sharp or pointy tesserae)? Think about how much tessera material you need to complete the job. Plan your work. Know what you need before buying, collecting, or making your material.

The various types of vitreous glass, stained glass, and smalti are probably the most common tessera materials, especially for mosaic wall art. However, artists have managed to create beautiful mosaic works using just about anything. The following list should give you ideas on what you can use to create your mosaic masterpieces. Have fun and let your imagination run wild. Here are some tessera materials to consider using for your next project: millefiori, ceramic tile (use intact or broken pieces), crockery (use broken pieces), marbles and glass gems, buttons, shells (intact or broken pieces), keys, beads, coins, stones and pebbles, plastic doodads, metal shapes, costume jewelry, and hardware (screws, nails, nuts, bolts).

Some of these materials may seem odd, but you never know what a creative artist can do with them. For example, I suspect that someone somewhere can turn a pile of rusty nails into a beautiful mosaic that would be a great gift for a building contractor. Don’t let anything inhibit your imagination. Nothing is too crazy. Sometimes the best ideas are the craziest.

Remember, making mosaic art is easy. You can do it. Yes, you can!

Еverything is turn. Macrocosm, microcosm, our thoughts turn. Why not turn their images ? With this insight in1990 was born my art..This mosaics was made in 1990-1995.Only natural stone , no paint !
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Article by Bill Enslen

Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let me show you how.

Andamento (Italian for “flow”) is the visual movement of your mosaic created by placing tesserae in specific patterns to achieve the desired image (a.k.a. “coursing” your tesserae).

Opus (Latin for “work of art or literary work”) is any work in any creative field, such as literature, architecture, music, and fine art. In our world of mosaic art, opus refers to how we arrange our tesserae. Different opera (the plural of opus) result in different flows. Understanding the various opera allows you to properly plan your work to ensure you achieve the desired look.

The following opera terms are based on Latin. Few people I know, including me, remember two minutes after rading about them what each term means. It doesn’t matter what you call each style. For example, instead of saying “Opus Regulatum,” you can call it “squares aligned like a brick wall.” The point is to be aware of the types of opera, then plan which types give the results you want, and then create your masterpiece accordingly.

This articles merely describes the basic andamento types; whereas, the eBook provides visual examples. Don’t get hung up on the names; simply be aware of the various styles and how your eyes react to each. Plan your work to give the desired flow and effect. I won’t try to describe in art-speak the effect that the eyes see in each opus because your eyes may interpret something completely different than mine. Besides, I never understand so called connoisseurs when they use words like energy, strong, sharp, dynamic movement, and dynamic power to describe a particular opus. I remember a pretentious guy who once told me, “Your lines are crisp and intense, and give the piece a provocative personality.” I confidently responded, “That’s exactly what I was going for,” although I had no idea what he was talking about. I felt I had to acknowledge what sounded like a compliment by pretending to understand his art-speak.

Surf the Internet for mosaic artists, study their work, and note the flow of their tesserae. Pay attention to how each type of flow makes you feel. Associate the flows with the feelings they stimulate in you. Then, plan your own work using the flows for the feelings you hope to evoke in others. Try mixing several types of opera into your work. For example, try using Opus Regulatum for the border, Opus Palladianum for the background, and Opus Sectile for the focal point.

Opus Tesselatum is a square or rectangle pattern with grout lines aligned, such as a checkerboard.

Opus Regulatum is also a square or rectangle pattern but with grout lines staggered like a brick wall. I sometimes use a variation of this opus as a background by enhancing the effect using light tesserae in the center and gradually darkening the tone to the border.

You’ll find inconsistencies with the definitions of tesselatum and regulatum in that some believe they’re reversed. Those who believe as I do have sound justification. For example, the Latin “tessella” means “small square piece of stone.” The Latin “tessellatim” means “in a checkered or tessellated form.” The modern “tessellate” means “arrange in a checkered pattern.” Therefore, I’m comfortable being in the group that defines the two terms as noted above. However, there’s another discrepancy, which is with the spelling of “tesselatum.” Does it have one “l” or two? I use one “l” to stay consistent with the other “…latum” opera described below. Again, it doesn’t matter what you call them or how you spell them as long as you understand that the two styles exist and they each can arouse different feelings when used in mosaics.

Opus Reticulatum is similar to opus regulatum or tesselatum but with slanted lines.

Opus Sectile is either a piece of tessera cut to one specific shape or several tesserae of varying sizes cut to shapes that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Opus Vermiculatum is typically a single row of tesserae following the outline of a focal point or main feature of the mosaic. Some artists use several rows to create the halo effect and add emphasis to the focal point. The background is usually done with a contrasting opus, such as opus regulatum. “Vermis” is Latin for worm, so think of opus vermiculatum as a worm surrounding your focal point.

Opus Musivum is opus vermiculatum extended out to fill the background, either all the way to the borders or to secondary focal points.

Opus Classicum combines opus vermiculatum with opus regulatum or opus tesselatum.

Opus Palladianum uses similar shapes laid in an irregular pattern. In my opinion, triangle like shapes with relatively equal grout spacing works best for this opus.

Opus Circumtactum uses interlocking fan like patterns for the background.

Remember, the eBook gives visual examples of each type of andamento described above, making it so much easier to understand its associated flow.

Making mosaic art is easy. You can do it. Yes, you can! Let me show you how.

Article by Bill Enslen

Making wonderful glass mosaic tile art is easy! Let me show you how.

I’ve found that tesserae size is nearly as important as andamento in creating the desired look and feel of a mosaic. For example, a background done in 1/4-inch opus regulatum looks and feels entirely different than the same pattern done with 3/4-inch tesserae. Typical tesserae sizes are: 3/4-inch x 3/4-inch (e.g., square vitreous glass tile); 3/4-inch x 3/8-inch (e.g., rectangular smalti); 3/8-inch x 3/8-inch (e.g., manufactured 3/8-inch square vitreous glass tile or 3/4-inch vitreous squares hand cut into four equal sized squares); 3/16-inch x 3/16-inch or less (i.e., for projects known as “micro mosaic”); free-form shapes in varying sizes cut from sheets of stained glass.

When using squares less than 3/4-inch, I prefer to hand cut them. The resulting irregular sides enhance the feel of the grout lines. Because the hand-cut tesserae have irregular lines, the grout lines are also irregular instead of the precise lines you get when using manufactured vitreous tiles.

Try using stained glass for large pieces of tessera when creating your focal points. For example, suppose your primary focal point is a sunflower 6-inches diameter (including the petals). You could make the 4-inch diameter head using a single piece of stained glass, the individual petals using 1-inch oblong pieces, and individual leaves using 3-inch pieces. Then, when all focal points are in place, complete the mosaic with a background done in vitreous tiles hand cut to 3/8-inch squares in opus regulatum.

As with many things in life, size matters, so put some thought into the tesserae size for focal points, backgrounds, and borders.

Different tessera thicknesses catch and reflect light producing beautiful effects. Create texture and depth by combining different types of tesserae, such as smalti, vitreous glass, marbles, and stones. However, ensure texture works for your piece. For example, if you’re doing a mosaic tabletop, the surface must be flat so tesserae of varying thicknesses won’t work.

Be careful, because it’s not easy getting the right combination of tessera types and thicknesses. In the wrong light, varying thicknesses cast shadows that can ruin the mosaic’s look. Planning is important. Before choosing your tessera types and thicknesses, think about where you’ll display your mosaic and the ambient light conditions. Will it be displayed in direct sunlight or in a dark hallway? Will the light source be directly overhead or from the side or bottom?

The main reason I’m not keen on incorporating texture into my mosaics is that grouting is a challenge. Grout spacing is critical when creating texture with tesserae. The grout must have enough room to naturally slope from the higher tesserae to the lower tesserae. Otherwise, the grout job can look dreadfully sloppy.

With proper planning, patience, and attention to detail when grouting, results from incorporating texture can be wonderful. Without them, results can be disastrous.

Remember, making mosaic art is easy. You can do it. Yes, you can!

Enjoy my portfolio of mosaics created over the years! If you are looking for something original, it would be my pleasure to create it for you! I ship all over the states and Canada.

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The Loire Valley is a spectacular destination for a family holiday. There are many historical chateaux to visit, so many that it can be difficult to decide on which ones to visit before it becomes too much for the children to bare. Each of the Loire Valley chateaux listed below have their own special attraction.

We would highly recommend Chateau Close Luc and its gorgeous park and working models of over forty of Leonardo Da Vinci’s amazing inventions. Chateau Chaumont is worth a visit in the summer months for the garden festival alone. Many of the gardens are highly interactive and highly sensory designed to capture the imaginations of children and adults

Chateau Chateau Chenonceau is classically breathtaking and a must see. There is a maize for children to get lost in for a little while. Chateau Cheverney has spectacular furniture and a working pack of hounds. Chateau Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley chateau and you can hire bicycles or pedal boats to make it more child appealing.

Chateau Blois is interesting architecturally because it is like 4 chateaux rolled into one. It has the added benefit of being located opposite the Maison de la Magie which is a magic museum in honour of Robert Houdin who was Houdini’s inspiration. Children delight at the exhibits and simulations and the magic show is very impressive.

Chateau Amboise (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $7.00 includes an English pamphlet

The chateau towers over the town and offers a mix of architectural styles including 16th century gothic and 17th century classical. Six Kings of France lived here including Francois the 1st, who had an underground tunnel built to the home of Leonardo da Vinci, located nearby. Using this passage they could visit each other without mingling with commoners. In the 15th century this castle was 4 times its current size, but it has been reduced by neglect and war.

It is worth combining a trip to Chateau Amboise with a visit to Chateau Clos Luce as they are nearby.

Chateau Azay-le-Rideau (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:30-6:00 Cost- $6.00 for entrance and $4.00 for an audio guide

This chateau is less grand in size than many of the others listed here , but is all the more beautiful for it. Built in 1515, this is a fine example of early Renaissance. In summer there are often evening light shows at the chateau. It is best to visit this chateau late in the afternoon in summer so you can enjoy the son et lumiere show in the evening.

Chateau Blois (minimum visit 2-3 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:00 Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet . You can book a free guided tour even available in English.

This chateau dominates the town of Blois and was the home of royalty for over 400 years, including Charles the VIII and Francois I. Parts of the building, composed of 4 wings each of a different architectural style joined by a large central courtyard, date back to the 10th century.

Interiors include luxurious period design and floors stamped with fleur-de-lis motifs. One of the highlights is a Renaissance exterior spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. In summer they have a son et lumiere show at night and on Wednesdays it is in English.

Chateau Chambord (minimum visit 2.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-5:45 Cost- $7.00 for entrance and $4.00 for an audio guide

Chambord was commissioned by the young (then 25) King Francois in 1519 to help establish his power. The building we see today was not completed until 1685, and by far it is the largest chateau in the Loire. The style is a combination of traditional French and Renaissance Italian with a variety of towers and turrets.

The facade alone is 470 feet wide and over 168 feet high (18 stories), with 440 rooms and 365 chimneys. The highlight inside the chateau is the double helix staircase which serves as the axis for the entire building, and is thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.

Originally built as a meeting place for hunting and later used for royal celebrations, today it is surrounded by a 19 mile wall that encloses the largest forest park in Europe. During its 500 year history, it was only used as a residence for 20 of those years. If you have time to spare, you can rent bikes or boats to explore the park. There is a 2 hour evening light and sound show at dusk on weekends from mid-April to June and September, and nightly in July and August.

Chateau Chaumont (minimum visit 1 hour and another 2 hours for the garden festival)

Hours- 9:30-5:30, plan on 1 hour for your visit

Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet

Located between Amboise and Blois, this chateau is set high above the Loire and commands lovely views. Its placement was for strategic reasons, since it was built as a fortress stronghold in 1465. Later it became a home for royalty and then the merely rich. The most famous resident was Diane de Poitiers, the former mistress of King Henri II who lived in exile here, after Catherine de Medici demanded Chateau Chenonceau when King Henri II.

Today the interiors represent the lavishness of the rich people living here until the 1930′s when the stock market crash caused the last owner to sell the property to the government. Of particular interest are the elaborate horse stables.

Chenonceau (minimum visit 2.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-7:00 Cost- $8.00 includes an English pamphlet

This chateau is one of the most striking of the Loire Valley chateaux. It was built for Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II. In 1559 when the King died his wife, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane into exile (to the smaller chateau of Chaumont). After Catherine moved in she had the beautiful gallery added, which is 180 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 18 windows and set on arches over the Cher River. It was originally used as a ballroom, and in WWI it became a hospital and the wounded soldiers used to fish out the windows. During WWII it was a means of escape as the chateau sat in occupied territory but the door at the end of the gallery opened to the Free Zone.

The kitchen is very popular with children. Today the gallery holds art exhibits. Also worth a note are the Marques Tower, the two formal gardens (each named for the two ladies who ruled the house), the 16th century working farm and the flower shop.

Cheverny (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:15-6:45 Cost- $6.00, includes English pamphlet

This chateau was built in 1634 and has been owned and occupied by the same family ever since. Today family members occupy the third floor. This chateau has the best furniture of the Loire Valley Chateaux open to the public because the family that owned Cheverny was very popular with the local villagers and as a result the chateau was not stripped of it’s treasures during the French Revolution.

The current interior is the most lavish and complete in the Loire. This chateau was built as a hunting palace and today hunts still take place on the grounds. You can visit the 70 hounds in their kennel, or watch the daily feed at 5:00 PM. The trophy room proudly displays the antlers from more than 2000 animals.

Usse (minimum 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $8.00 includes English pamphlet

This fairytale castle with lots of turrets was the inspiration for the castle in Sleeping Beauty. Construction began in 1455 on the foundation of an 11th century castle, and subsequent remodels took place in the 16th and 17th centuries. The chateau has been owned by the Blacas family since the 18th century and the family still occupies one of the wings. The grounds include several centuries old trees and a cedar that was given to the family in 1808.

There is a chapel from 1528 with a sparkling white interior made from local stones, and a garage with antique vehicles and a wicker carriage. The castle interior is filled with 18th century antiques. Finally you can climb the round tower to see wax figures depicting characters in Sleeping Beauty. If you are traveling with young children they will probably love the fairy tale scenes in the round tower depicted by wax mannequins.

Villandry (minimum 1 hour for each of chateau and 1 hour for the garden)

Hours- 9:00-7:30

Cost- $7.50 for chateau and gardens, $5.00 for only gardens

This privately owned chateau was built in the 16th century on the former site of a 12th century castle. Today the tower of the original castle still remains.

The chateau is most famous for its wonderful gardens, and is considered a must see for gardeners. There are 3 different gardens in all: a Louis the XIV style vegetable garden, an ornamental mosaic flower garden, and a water garden with pools and waterfalls. Many people skip the interior of the chateau and come for the gardens alone. There is a slide show that features photographs of the gardens during all four seasons.

Beware because most chateaux have shorter hours in off season and may even be closed for lunch during that time. Conversely in late July and August there are usually extended hours.

The Tuscan look evokes pastoral simplicity and an inviting atmosphere that recreates a country retreat inspired by nature. Pick pure, simple colors that remind you of Tuscany at sunset, the inspiration for this popular country style. Cool blues and greens provide contrast against earthy terra cotta, brick and yellow tones.

The more rustic your flooring, the better. Terra-cotta and clay tiles are a phenomenal addition to any Tuscan room, as are distressed wooden plank and stone flooring. Mosaic patterns or pictures made of glass, marble or ceramic inlay can spruce up your tile floor if you want a more elegantly dazzling touch. If you want the luxury of carpet but the Tuscan style, purchase a Persian rug to get the best of both worlds.

For lighting, keep an eye out for wrought-iron fixtures with candelabra shapes or metallic leaves that bring to mind Italian vineyards and the bounty of Nature. These fixtures are ideal for creating your Tuscan getaway.

Think of simple country pleasures, including comfort, family and food when it comes to outfitting your room with furniture. Avoid furniture with formal profiles or that are too fussy-looking. Keep lines simple and clean, and look for pieces bearing the artful distressed finishes common in today’s furniture market. It makes even new furniture look older and more charming. Armoires and cupboards, with doors open to stylishly display beautiful linens or tableware, are a key design component and can be placed along walls and keep the room’s tone open and inviting.

Like the French Provencal style, Tuscan-inspired rooms rely on plastered walls and exposed wooden beams to highlight architectural lines and convey the idyllic beauty of a country home. Soft-hued murals on select textured walls can transport an admirer to vineyards, an enchanting hillside or make the wall look weathered for a quainter look. Use your copper pots for decorative purposes throughout the kitchen, and highlight counter space and bare areas with jars of distinct Italian ingredients like pasta, olives or garlic. Flowers work well throughout any room and bring to mind the Italian countryside.

The Loire Valley is a spectacular destination for a family holiday. There are many historical castles to see, so many that it can be difficult to decide on which ones to see before it becomes too much for the children to bare. Each of the Loire Valley castles listed below have their own special attraction.

We would highly recommend Chateau Close Luc and its gorgeous park and working models of over forty of Leonardo Da Vinci’s amazing inventions. Chateau Chaumont is worth a visit in the summer months for the garden festival alone. Many of the gardens are incredibly interactive and highly sensory designed to capture the imaginations of children and adults.

Chateau Chenonceau is classically breathtaking and a must see. There is a maize for children to get lost in for a little while. Chateau Cheverney has spectacular furniture and a working pack of dogs. Chateau Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles and you can hire bicycles or pedal boats to make it more child appealing. Chateau Blois is interesting architecturally because it is like four castles rolled into one. It has the added benefit of being located opposite the Maison de la Magie which is a magic museum in honour of Robert Houdin who was Houdini’s inspiration. Children delight at the exhibits and simulations and the magic show is very impressive.

Chateau Azay-le-Rideau (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:30-6:00 Cost- $6.00 for entrance and $4.00 for an audio guide

This chateau is less grand in size than many of the others listed here, but is all the more beautiful for it. Built in 1515, this is a wonderful example of early Renaissance. In the high season there are often evening son et lumiere spectacles at the castle. It is best to visit this chateau late in the afternoon in summer so you can enjoy the sound and light show in the evening.

Chateau Chaumont (minimum visit 1 hour and another 2 hours for the garden festival)

Hours- 9:30-5:30, plan on 1 hour for your visit Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet

Located between Amboise and Blois, this chateau is set high above the Loire River and commands spectacular views. Its placement was for strategic reasons, since it was built as a fortress stronghold in 1465. Later it became a home for royalty and then the merely rich. The most famous resident was Diane de Poitiers, the former mistress of King Henri II who lived in exile here, after Catherine de Medici demanded Chateau Chenonceau when King Henri II died.

Today the interiors represent the lavishness of the wealthy people living here until the 1930′s when the stock market crash caused the last owner to sell the property to the government. Of particular interest are the elaborate horse stables.

Chateau Amboise (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $7.00 includes an English pamphlet. The chateau towers over the town and offers a mix of architectural styles including 17th century classical and 16th century gothic. Six Kings of France lived here including Francois the 1st, who had an underground tunnel built to the home of Leonardo da Vinci, located nearby. Using this passage they could visit each other without mingling with the locals. In the 15th century this castle was four times its current size, but it has been reduced by neglect and war.

It is worth combining a trip to Chateau Amboise with a visit to Chateau Clos Luce as they are nearby.

Chateau Usse (minimum 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $8.00 includes English pamphlet. This fairytale chateau with lots of turrets was the inspiration for the chateau in Sleeping Beauty. Construction began in 1455 on the foundation of an 11th century chateau, and subsequent remodels took place in the 16th and 17th centuries. The chateau has been owned by the Blacas family since the 18th century and the family still occupies one of the wings. The grounds include several centuries old trees and a cedar that was given to the family in 1808.

There is a chapel from 1528 with a white sparkling interior made from local stones, and a garage with antique vehicles and a wicker carriage. The castle interior is filled with 18th century antiques. Finally you can climb the round tower to see wax figures depicting characters in Sleeping Beauty. If you are travelling with young children they will probably love the fairy tale scenes in the round tower depicted by wax mannequins.

Chateau Villandry (minimum 1 hour for each of chateau and 1 hour for the garden)

Hours- 9:00-7:30 Cost- $7.50 for chateau and gardens, $5.00 for only gardens

This privately owned castle was built in the 16th century on the former site of a 12th century chateau. Today the tower of the original castle still remains.

The castle is most famous for its wonderful gardens, and is considered a must see for gardeners. There are 3 different gardens in all: a Louis the XIV style vegetable garden, an ornamental mosaic flower garden, and a water garden with pools and waterfalls. Many people skip the interior of the castle and come for the gardens alone. There is a slide show that features photographs of the gardens during all four seasons.

Chateau Blois (minimum visit 2-3 hours)

Hours- 9:00-6:00 Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet . You can book a free guided tour even available in English. This castle dominates the town of Blois and was the home of royalty for over 400 years, including Francois I and Charles the VIII. Parts of the building, composed of four wings each of a different architectural style joined by a large central courtyard, date back to the 10th century.

Interiors include luxurious period design and floors stamped with fleur-de-lis motifs. One of the highlights is a Renaissance exterior spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. In summer they have a sound and light show at night and on Wednesdays it is in English.

Chateau Chenonceau (minimum visit 2.5 hours)

Hours- 9:00-7:00 Cost- $8.00 includes an English pamphlet. This castle is one of the most striking of the Loire Valley castles. It was built for Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II. In 1559 when the King died his wife, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane into exile (to the smaller chateau of Chaumont).

After Catherine moved in she had the beautiful gallery added, which is 180 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 18 windows and set on arches over the Cher River. It was originally used as a ballroom, and in WWI it became a hospital and the wounded soldiers used to fish out the windows. During WWII it was a means of escape as the castle sat in occupied territory but the door at the end of the gallery opened to the Free Zone.

The kitchen is very popular with children. Today the gallery holds art exhibits. Also worth a note are the Marques Tower, the 2 formal gardens (each named for the two ladies who ruled the house), the sixteenth century working farm and the flower shop.

Chateau Cheverny (minimum visit 1.5 hours)

Hours- 9:15-6:45 Cost- $6.00, includes English pamphlet. This chateau was built in 1634 and has been owned and occupied by the same family ever since. Today family members occupy the third floor. This castle has the best furniture of the Loire Valley Chateaux open to the public because the family that owned Cheverny was very popular with the local villagers and as a result the castle was not stripped of it’s treasures during the French Revolution.

The current interior is the most complete and lavish in the Loire Valley. This castle was built as a hunting palace and today hunts still take place on the grounds. You can visit the 70 dogs in their kennel, or watch the daily feed at 5:00 PM. The trophy room proudly displays the antlers from more than 2000 animals.

Beware because most chateaux have shorter hours in low and shoulder seasons and may even be closed for lunch during that time. Conversely in late July and August there are usually extended hours.

By Roy Witman

With its long and regal past, St. Petersburg, Russia has seen and survived many of the world’s tragedies. Through it all, this majestic city has retained her elegant appearance as well as her vibrant spirit. Today, St. Petersburg offers some of the most dramatic architecture in the world. Here are just a few of the amazing sites you’ll encounter upon visiting this stately city.

The Hermitage/The Palace Square/Winter Palace

All parts of the same complex, The Palace Square is the main gathering place for most official performances and city-sponsored festivals. The primary architectural masterpiece within The Palace Square is Winter Palace. This wonder was commissioned by Empress Elizabeth from 1754-1762 who wanted to show off her court. Grand in nature, this structure is graced with decorative columns, gold tracery and huge bronze figures that keep lookout from their positions on the roof. Unfortunately, the death of Elizabeth occurred before Winter Palace was completed.

The Palace has seen its share of discord through the years. It was used as a hospital during World War I. It has been occupied by the Provisional Government and the Bolsheviks and suffered damage courtesy of Nazi air strikes in World War II.

Several rooms within the complex were set aside to house unique and historical objects. These rooms have been titled as the Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, Hermitage Theater, New Hermitage and other names over time. Today, they are collectively referred to as the State Hermitage.

The other “point” of interest in Palace Square is the Alexander Column. This bronze figure commemorates the victory of Russia over Napoleon in 1812. The angel atop the column is said to be Emperor Alexander and the snake trampled under his foot, Napoleon. At almost 156 feet tall, this is the biggest one-piece monolith in the world. It stands, amazingly, without support clamps.

Although tours are conducted year round, the Palace Square and its accompanying buildings are especially popular during warmer months.

The Admiralty

One of the first buildings built in St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), The Admiralty was originally constructed to be a dockyard. Evolving through two renovations after its initial construction, this “H” shaped building was designed in Russian Empire style with rows of white columns and plenty of statues. The gilded spire and weather vane are St. Petersburg landmarks in their own rights. Today, The Admiralty houses the Higher Naval Engineering School.

Saint Isaac’s Cathedral

Built in honor of the Romanov family in 1710, St. Isaac’s Cathedral is an honorarium to their patron saint. Forty years in the making, massive solid marble monoliths each weighing 114 tons were used in the design of this structure. However, history has not been kind to this beauty.

Sustaining destruction by fire, floods and the incompetence of architects, sections of the Cathedral had to be rebuilt as many as four times. In the end, St. Isaac’s is a luxurious accomplishment that is truly grand in nature. It is reported that nearly 88 pounds of pure gold and 1,000 tons of bronze were used in its construction as well as semi-precious stones, granite, marble and other exceptional materials.

There’s little wonder as to why it took 16 years to decorate the interior. With reportedly over 380 works of art, sculptures, paintings and mosaics, this cathedral is a masterpiece all to itself.

St. Petersburg is home to dozens of cathedrals and palaces just waiting to be explored. When planning your next cruise vacation, consider an itinerary that includes a stop in this majestic city!

Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com offering the best deals including

European cruises.

I Love Touring Paris – the Latin Quarter (fifth Arrondissement)

Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 9:46 am  

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The 5th arrondissement is on the Left Bank of the Seine River in central Paris. It is often known as the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) even though it’s been a long time since many people have spoken Latin there. The population is slightly under sixty thousand and the district provides almost fifty thousand jobs. It is fairly small; less than a square mile (about two and a half square kilometers). This is one of the oldest districts in all Paris and offers some attractions dating back to the time of the Romans who never called it the Latin Quarter. The Roman town Lutetia was built in the First Century BC.

The Arenes de Lutece (Lutetia Arena) once held at least fifteen thousand spectators and considerably fewer gladiators. It was built in the First Century AD and included the longest Roman amphitheater. The 135 foot (over 40 meter) long stage hosted both plays and gladiator fights. There were probably animal cages as well, surely not for the plays. The upper level held the poor, the slaves, and women while the lower level was reserved for the big shots. In case the spectators got bored they had a great view of the Seine River.

The city was sacked by barbarians in the year 280 and some of its stone was removed to build up the defenses. The arena was subsequently transformed into a cemetery, and then filled with the construction of city walls in the early Thirteenth Century. The arena was more or less forgotten; nobody knew where it was but neighborhood kept its name. The arena was accidentally rediscovered in the 1860s during the construction of a streetcar depot on the site. The famous Nineteenth Century writer Victor Hugo played a major role in preserving these ruins. The area became a public square in 1896 and is open to the public daily and evenings in the summer.

The Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) was established in 1980 by eighteen Arab countries and France. This Institute provides extensive information about the Arab world and promotes its cultural and spiritual values. The Institute also supports cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab world, especially in science and technology. In 1989 it won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The Jardin des Plantes is France’s main botanical garden. It includes an aquarium, and a small zoo founded with animals from the royal menagerie at Versailles (not the two-legged variety). Its gardens include a rose garden, an alpine garden, an Art Deco winter garden, Australian and Mexican hothouses, and a maze.

The Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (National Museum of Natural History) was founded during the French Revolution. It was quite a center of scientific research. One of the winners of the 1903 Nobel Prize for Physics, Henri Becquerel, held its chair for Applied Physics when he accidentally discovered uranium’s radioactivity. Four generations of Becquerels held this chair from 1838 until 1948, which must be some sort of record.

The Musee de Cluny, officially known as Musee National du Moyen Age (National Museum of the Middle Ages) is perhaps the most outstanding medieval building in Paris. It was the town house of the Abbots of Cluny, dating back to 1334 but was rebuilt in both Gothic and Renaissance style starting near the end of the Fifteenth Century. The Musee de Cluny has a fine collection of important medieval artifacts, in particular tapestries, Gothic sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts. Herman Melville mentioned this museum in his famous novel Moby Dick.

The Thermes de Cluny are what remains of Third Century Gallo-Roman baths. Its best-preserved section is the frigidarium, the cold-water pool in which bathers dipped to close their pores after enjoyed the hot-water sections. Some of the original decorative wall painting and mosaics remain intact. These baths were not well defended and probably destroyed by barbarians, those dirty barbarians, towards the end of the Third Century.

The Pantheon (from a Greek word meaning all the Gods) was originally built as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. It sits on top of Montagne Sainte-Genevieve and overlooks all Paris. While it is a great-looking building its architect died before completion, and not all his plans were followed. It had been meant as a church to honor the recovery of King Louis XV, but the French Revolution intervened and the Pantheon was transformed into a mausoleum. In alphabetical order, some of the great buried here include Braille, Dumas, Hugo, Marat (French Revolution leader disinterred after little more than a year), Moulin (French Resistance leader), Sklodowska-Curie, Soufflot (Pantheon’s architect), Voltaire, and Zola.

The Latin Quarter is home to many universities and other centers of higher education, and naturally scads of bars, bistros, restaurants, and nightclubs. Some schools have relocated to more spacious quarters in other parts of the city or region, surely to the regret of their student population.

Of course you don’t want to tour Paris without sampling fine French wine and food. My article I Love French Wine and Food – A Maconnais (Burgundy) Chardonnay reviewed such a wine and suggested a sample menu: Start with Pate en Croute de Grenouilles au Bleu de Bresse (Frog and Bresse Blue-Cheese Pie). For your second course savor Poulet de Bresse a la Creme-Trompettes de la Mort (Free-Range Bresse Chicken in Creamy Sauce with Horns of Plenty Mushrooms). And as dessert indulge yourself with Ile Flottante (Floating Island, a Meringue Island in a Custard Sea.) Your Parisian sommelier (wine steward) will be happy to suggest appropriate wines to accompany each course.

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten computer and Internet books, but between you and me, he prefers fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and good company. He knows what dieting is, and is glad that for the time being he can eat and drink what he wants, in moderation. He loves teaching computer classes at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his Italian travel, wine, and food website www.travelitalytravel.com and his global wine website www.theworldwidewine.com.

Making the Most of Your Vacation in Marbella

Friday, January 8th, 2010 at 6:31 am  

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Marbella is the best known resort of Andalucia’s Costa del Sol, the Sunshine Coast, and is sometimes called “the St Tropez of Spain” because of its popularity with the rich and famous. The resort has been tastefully redeveloped, unlike Torremolinos, has a beautiful old town area, the “casco antiguo” and many sights to see and tourist attractions to visit when you are renting villas in Marbella.

The Old Town

The old town area of Marbella is largely unspoilt and is made up of narrow white streets and alleyways, historical churches and pretty squares surrounded by the ruins of Moorish walls. The prettiest square, the Orange Square, Plaza de los Naranjos is located right in the middle of the Old Town and dates back to the 15th century. From this square you can see the 16th century Town Hall, the Hermitage of Santiago, the old governor’s house and a 16th century stone fountain at the end of Nueva Street. The nearby Plaza de la Iglesia, Church Square, is the location of the 16th century church of Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion with its Baroque features, tower and famous organ.

Museo del Bonsai

The Bonsai Museum is situated in the Arroyo de la Represa park. It is an incredible display of bonsai trees and is said to be the largest collection of bonsais in Europe. Unwind after shopping or sightseeing by strolling through the shaded park of bonsais, weeping willows and lily ponds.

Rio Verde Roman Villa

This Roman villa can be found 4km east of Marbella and is from the second century. The villa is known for its unusual black and white mosaics which depict kitchen utensils as well as more classic themes like Medusa’s head. The detailed representations of kitchen equipment helped archaeologists to date the villa.

Roman Baths of Las Bovedas

These Roman baths can be found on the edge of the beach of the Guadalmina urbanization. These baths are from the third century and you will see a well-preserved bath in the centre surrounded by seven chambers which would have been steam rooms. It is also possible to see remains of the hydrocaust system. To visit the baths you need to visit the tourist office at San Pedro de Alcantera to arrange a guided tour or to collect a key.

The Municipal Art Gallery

Visit this gallery, when you are renting villas in Marbella, to see beautiful works by local artists. It can be found in the Jose Palomo Square.

The Museo del Grabado Espanol Contemporaneo

The Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings is said to be one of the world’s best collections of engravings. Make time to visit this museum to see works by Picasso, Miro, Dali and Tapies. The museum itself is a 16th century building, the old Bazan hospital.

The White Villages

Not far from Marbella, just off the coastal strip, built on the side of the mountains are the famous ‘White Villages’ (pueblos blancos), which have barely changed in the last hundred years.

Perhaps the nicest of these is Casares, which can be found if you drive inland for approximately 15km from the main highway near Estepona. Keep going past groves of olive and cork trees and, as you round the corner, you will experience your first dramatic view of the beautiful and unspolit village of Casares.

In this real working village, life continues much as it has done for decades, with locals gathering together in the village square every evening for conversation, drinks and tapas. For many people, this is the ‘real’ Spain that they came looking for, and hopefully, it will be for you as well.

Gerrard Cholmondeley is an author and publisher who writes content for Villa Retreats (http://www.villaretreats.com), a luxury villa rental specialist offering a range of luxury apartments and villas in Marbella, the Balearics, and the Algarve. If you want a relaxing holiday in the sun, then Villa Retreats can even arrange a chauffeur, chefs or babysitter.