An Interesting Installation

Over our travels, we have visited a number of churches and cathedrals all over Europe, even some in other foreign lands but we found a treasure right here in our back yard.  Last fall, Elaine Ruffalo, who does weekly presentations on art throughout Italy, did a presentation on artist, Angel Ramiro Sanchez and his work.  Sanchez was born in Venezuela and came to Florence in 1993 where he enrolled in the “Accademia di Belle Arti” and the “Florence Academy of Art” and has made a home for himself in Florence.  

The presentation included his work on a major installation happening about 8 miles from our house at Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg VA entitled “Saints of the Americas in Worship Around the Altar”.  

The artist working on the first panel in the series

Two members of the church, both with deep roots into the Italian art world, John and Michele Spike, were quite aware of Ramiro’s work and with their involvement and understanding of what the project might entail, recommended him to the pastor at the time Monsignor Timothy Keeney.  This is a massive project with the intention of creating 34 mosaics that will be installed in the circular nave of Saint Bede Catholic Church. Comprised of 34 separate panels (each 5 feet x 8 feet) but comprising one piece of art the installation was part of the original plan for the church.  


The Central theme, Saints of the Americas in Worship Around the Altar, gave some basis for the individuals that would be represented. With input from a group of parishioners, who were interested in the project, suggestions were made and general themes presented.   This masterpiece will eventually depict 116 Saints, Venerables, and Blesseds from across the Americas—spanning Canada to Argentina—alongside 50 additional Saints, weaving a rich tapestry of devotion and history.  Angel Ramiro Sanchez, who also serves as the Director of Advanced Painting at the Florence Academy of Art, is collaborating with master mosaicist Manrico Bertellotti from Barsanti Marble Bronze Mosaic in Pietrasanta Italy to bring this vision to life.  With both the artist and the mosaic craftsmen living in Italy, it makes coordination of the overall project quite a challenge.  

Panels 1 – Revered Parish Saints, : St. Stephen, St Lucy of Syracuse, St. Dominic, St. Sebastian, St. Cecilia, Panel 2 – The North American Martyrs: Set Jean de Lalande, St Isaac Joques, St Rene Goupil Panel 3 – Saints & A Blessed of the USA; St. Mother Theodore Guerin, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St Katharine Drexel, St Rose Philippine Duchesne, Bl. Father Solanus Casey and Panel 4 – Saints of the USA:St Elizabeth Ann Seton, St Frances Xavier Cabrini, St Father Junipero Serra

Panels 5 – Saints of the USA; St John Neumann, St Damien de Veuster of Molokai, St Marianne Cope , Panel 6 – Patron Saints of Students & A Servant of God: St Stanislaw Kostka, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.D. Francis J. Parater, St John Berchmans, Panel 7 – Venerables of the USA; Ven. Father Nelson Baker, Ven, Mother Mary Magdalen Bentivoglio, Ven. Cornelia Connelly, Ven. Bishop Frederic Baraga and Panel 8 – Ven. Mother Mary Angeline Teresa McCory, Ven. Henriette Delille, Ven. Bishop Alphonse Gallegos

The timeline from idea to installation is dependent on the funds raised by the Church and the mosaicist schedule. Once Ramiro has completed the painting reflecting the specific portion of the work, it then falls back to the parish to ensure funds are available for completion of the mosaic and installation.  Once funds have been confirmed, the artist makes a full-size cartoon that will be used by the mosaicists to create the work.  Once the cartoon has been delivered to the mosaicist, it takes about 2 months to complete each panel.

This reflects the number of pieces that were needed to create panel 22 – Revered Parish Saints. It is a complicated jig saw puzzle.

Once all the pieces have been placed on the backing board, it is ready to be installed.

Once the panel has been completed, it is shipped to the Church in sections and the mosaicist are come from Italy to do the actual installation of the panel and get it placed along the wall in the Church.  Currently there are 8 panels remaining to be designed and fabricated.  It is anticipated the entire installation will be completed July of 2026.

John and Michele Spike along with Janeen

Sam Samorian (key player at the Church) John, Janeen, Michele and David

Viewing the current installation is just amazing.  From a distance the panels look like paintings.  It is only as you get closer to them you realize there made of thousands of individually placed pieces of mosaic tile.

This is a section of panel 2 – the image is Saint Isaac Jogues

This gives some idea of the range of colors used to create the panels

It is noteworthy that the orientation of the panels flows beginning with panel 1, to the right of the organ as you face it, and continuing through panel 34, left of the organ.

A close up of panel 23 -Saints of Ecuador – St. Miguel Febres Cordero, St. Maria Bernarda Butler, St Mariana Jesus de Paredes, St. Narcisa de Jesus

Also, as you look closely at the panels, you see that the background changes from dawn, to daylight, to dusk, to night, and back to dawn following the actual path of the sun with the orientation of the church.

Should you find. Yourself in the area, and have a desire to see this fantastic installation, check out the Church Website to see their opening times and other activities that might be happening.  At the welcome Center, in the church Commons, there is a brochure available that will help navigate the individuals depicted including a QR code you can scan to view the biographies and additional images and vides of the process.

It is well worth the time to discover this wonderful installation of work being done.
 

It’s a Wrap!

The number of activities and places to go on the QM2 is staggering.  Each evening we would get a copy of the Daily Program which highlighted what was happening the next day.  Additionally, there was a theme during the cruise – Film Festival at Sea in partnership with BFI (British Film Institute).  There were lots of activities in support of this special event including workshops, special screenings, discussions and lots more.  Additionally, there were classic movies on the stateroom television, so lots of movie entertainment available.  

Of course, there were lounges to relax, various board games set up, entertainment (piano in the bar lounge, nightly shows in the main show room) and lots of other activities to keep you busy.  If you ever got hungry, there were 5 different restaurants and food and beverage in 6 different lounge areas. We took advantage of the excellent Spa services for a manicure and pedicure. Shopping?  Did I mention there were a number of high-end shops on the ship?  And, of course, a casino.  Fortunately, we weren’t into shopping or losing our money so we didn’t spend a lot of time in those areas. 

Janeen had an opportunity to get to know the Medical Clinic staff – and they were all wonderful and very caring group of people.  Much thanks for all of their care and attention during her visit.

On the whole, it was a very relaxed crossing the seas were relatively gentle: there were a couple of nights of rock and roll but even that wasn’t significant really.  Would I do it again?  Absolutely!  It was a very relaxing way to come across the Atlantic.

Once we arrived in NYC on QM2, we took a train from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Williamsburg.  A train ride of 7 hours and multiple stops, but we didn’t have to change at any point which was wonderful.

As mentioned in the previous blog, we had been in Europe for the better part of almost 6 months.  During that time, we visited 14 countries (France, Malta, Croatia, Montenegro, Italy, Greece, Tunisia, Monaco, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Egypt, Belgium and the United Kingdom).  During this time, we took 13 different flights, travelled on planes, ships, river boats, buses, cars and trains and covered a lot of miles as a result.

In looking back, over the last year, in addition to the 14 countries visited on this time in Europe we also visited 7 countries last year (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, The Caribbean, Saint VincentBarbados and Antigua) when we were in South America!  It seems we like to travel as we have been away from our home in Williamsburg over 60% over the last 12 months.  What does the future hold you might ask?  Well, we have a trip on Oceania from Boston to Montreal and going to Los Angeles after this cruise in October, a Jazz Cruise in the Caribbeanin in January and a round trip cruise from Los Angeles to Australia planned for Mid-March to the first part of April next year.  There is always the possibility of additional travel opportunities for sure.  

Stay tuned, leave a comment, let us know what your travel plans are maybe we can connect somewhere in the wonderful world.

Queen Mary 2 – Our Journey Home

For the better part of 6 months, we have been traveling in Europe.  It’s now time to figure out how to get home and rather than fly we have booked passage on The RMS Queen Mary 2 (RMS means Royal Mail Ship).  The QM2 has served as the flagship of the Cunard Line since April 2004, and as of 2025, is the only active, purpose-built ocean liner still in service. Queen Mary 2 sails regular transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York City, in addition to short cruises and an annual world voyage.  

The original RMS Queen Mary had been active doing the same route from 1936 to 1967 when she was retired and eventually found her was to Long Beach California where she is a floating hotel, museum, and convention space.  We had been on board this ship a couple of times over the years so it was fun to schedule our passage on the QM2.

Ryan coordinated our passage via ferry from Caen France to Portsmouth UK where we took a taxi to our hotel the night before sailing.  The Ferry was easy – large ocean-going ship with lots of lounge space and various restaurants.  The lower decks carried cars, semi-trucks and other vehicles while the upper decks were all for passengers.  Our seats were in the forward lounge with large seating overlooking the bow.  Fortunately, the two or three school groups that boarded with us were all in separate areas.  There were also several duty-free shops on the ship offering various products including a fairly nice selection of wines.  The entire trip took about 5 hours but we had smooth sailing throughout the trip.

Our first look at the QM2 was from our hotel room – looking out across the harbor in Southampton.  

Once through the check in process, which went surprisingly quickly, we started to explore the common areas of the ship and found a place for a bite to eat.  

At the time of her construction, QM2 was the longest, at 1,131.99 ft, and largest passenger ship ever built.  Queen Mary 2 has a maximum speed of just over 30 knots (35 mph) and a cruising speed of 26 knots (30 mph). Instead of the common diesel-electric configuration, Queen Mary 2 uses integrated electric propulsion to achieve her top speed. Diesel engines, augmented by gas turbines, are used to generate electricity for electric motors for propulsion and for on-board use.  The ship can take as many as 2,695 passengers supported by 1,253 crew – about a 2 to 1 ration (smaller than the crew ration on Oceania…)

Our cabin was on the top deck – 13 – all the way forward.  It’s a nice cabin with generally good amenities.  Being at the top of the ship has some disadvantages, however, as we get more motion as a result.  

Our first day was focused on getting situated into our cabin and getting a general ‘feel’ for the ship.  There are clearly a lot of areas to explore!  Queen Mary 2’s facilities include fifteen restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a casino, a ballroom, a theatre, and the first planetarium at sea.  Of course, there is the shopping area with some very expensive shops ready to take our cash any time!

A large library with lots of books, computer stations and a nice space to just sit and read

Each afternoon there is a High Tea.  A wonderful experience with lots of tea and finger food.  

Way to much to report in only one blog…more to come!

Pairi Daiza Resort

Over the years, we have been to any number of zoos around the country.  Most recently, we visited the Pairi Daiza Resort – a very different kind of place near Brugelette in Belgium. Yes, there are a variety of animals, but we stayed in an apartment with windows directly out to the enclosures.  The first night we stayed next to the Sea Lion area while the second night we had a window into the Tiger enclosure.  Both locations were fantastic!

Pairi Daiza is organized representing five continents to reflect the origins of the animals in those areas.  It is a very large place with more than 7,500 animals in spacious habitats including Giant pandas, elephants, polar bears, orangutans, rare birds, gorillas, walruses; more than 800 species are protected in the Park.  Awarded “Best Zoo in Europe” it is also certified “Three Stars” in the Michelin Green Guide.  

We arrived late in the evening and arrived just prior to their closing of the dining room (room reservations include both breakfast and dinner) which was fortunate.  The first night, staying next to the Sea Lions we didn’t really appreciate what we could see.  In the morning, it was clear the Sea Lions were active, as they kept barking!

Our second night was overlooking the tiger enclosure and we had some nice close encounters.

After buffet breakfast we toured around and one area in particular was quite fun.  They have put in world where dinosaurs dominated the Earth.  This unique exhibition had a bunch of them animatronically moving around, roaring and generally showing off.  Our 5-year old grand girl really enjoyed this area for sure.

At one point, my grands and their mother went over the suspension bridge – this bridge was quite long and went over several different animal enclosures.  They were all very brave!

Janeen particularly liked the entrance to the Chinese Garden – very similar to that at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino (CA) where she u volunteered in the Herb Garden.  Called the Middle Kingdom, it’s filled with magnificent gardens and architecture.

 The Chinese Garden, the largest in Europe, is home to Giant Pandas (not on display due to the weather) Asiatic Black Bears, Red Pandas, Snow Leopards and many others.

Polar Bears have a wonderful space – and you get to see them up close as they swim by!

Turns out that during our visit several areas have been a transformed into a festive and colorful atmosphere with 9 giant masks creations, as well as the enchanting decorations.  This all to celebrate Carnaval.

The following morning was clear and beautiful and we wandered around some more and enjoyed the exhibits and scenery.  

There is a large building with a walk through aquarium with an abundance of different tanks filled with fish!

Just before lunch, our youngest son Ryan, joined us and we all celebrated his birthday.  

Once that was done, we transferred all our stuff from into his car and continued our Adventure in France.  Stay tuned, more to come!

Pyramids, finally.

What is the first thought you have when you think Egypt?  Well, for me, it is always pyramids.  Yes, over the last couple of weeks we have seen and earned a lot about Egypt and seen a bunch of different temples and learned about the gods they worshiped and how pharaohs and kings lived in ancient times but have yet to see or visit a pyramid.  OK, I saw a pyramid when we flew back from Luxor, I believe it was the Step Pyramid – which is to be our first stop today. It made perfect sense to save the three pyramids for the last day as they align with the new GEM building and are iconic symbols of the ancients seven wonders of the world.

All Giza Pyramids including smaller ones for the children of the Kings

Pyramids were built as tombs for ancient Egyptian pharaohs, serving as a place to house their mummified bodies and treasures, with the belief that they would need these items to live comfortably in the afterlife; essentially, they were constructed to ensure the pharaoh’s eternal life and were considered a monument to their power and status. There are at least 118 known pyramids in Egypt, though many are smaller private pyramids. The most famous of these pyramids, of course are the Great Pyramid of Giza which will be our second stop on today’s journey.

Step Pyramid of Djoser

The pyramid of Djoser, sometimes called the Step Pyramid of Djoser was the first Egyptian pyramid to be built and is a 6-tier, 4-sided structure and was the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. It was built in the 27th century BCE during the Third Dynasty for the burial of Pharaoh Djoser.

Entrance into the complex of the Step Pyramid

Originally there was a wall surrounding Djoser’s Step Pyramid complex and it was some 10.5 meters (34 feet) high with recessed panels decorate the entirety of its wall. The Step Pyramid Complex was thus thought of as more than a tomb, it was Djoser’s royal residence for eternity.

Janeen in the colonnade

We entered Step Pyramid Complex via a colonnade entrance near its south eastern corner. This long hall is flanked by stone columns in the shape of bundles of papyrus or palm branches.  These are engaged columns: instead of being free standing, each column is supported by a wall that is connected with the wall of the colonnade. At either end of the colonnade entrance is a nonfunctional imitation door that is made of stone. Their immovable leaves are built to be open, forever inviting visitors to enter and admire the king’s eternal palace.  After passing through the colonnade, we approached the actual pyramid.

The stairs down into the Step Pyramid

The pathway to the tomb was without adornment

Janeen pointing out some wood that was used during the original construction.

The pyramid went though some restoration which was completed in 2019.  This included filling in some gaps on the exterior with blocks similar to the originals.  We entered through the south opening that accesses the tomb.  There was not a lot of decoration but we went to where you can see down into the actual tomb.  Once we finished our tour of the Step Pyramid we got back on the couch and head to The Pyramids of Giza.

The actual tomb for the king as at the bottom of this shaft.

It is clear that a whole lot of words have been used to describe the Pyramids of Giza, some of which I have clearly used to help paint a picture of what we saw on our visit.  The city has clearly grown towards the pyramids over time as evident by the industry, fast food and other structures you see on the way.

First, there are 3 pyramids – each designated by the corresponding kings for whom they were built — Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.  

The northernmost, and oldest pyramid of the group, was built for Khufu, the second king of the 4th dynasty. Called the Great Pyramid, it is the largest of the three, its length on each side at the base averaging 755.75 feet (230 meters) and its original height would have been 481.4 feet (147 meters). The middle pyramid, which actually looks the biggest, was built for Khafre, the fourth of the eight kings of the 4th dynasty; the structure measures 707.75 feet (216 meters) on each side and was originally 471 feet (143 meters) high. The placement of the pyramid was on a higher level of the area thus making it ‘appear’ to be taller.  The southernmost, and last pyramid to be built, was that of Menkaure, the fifth king of the 4th dynasty; each side measures 356.5 feet (109 meters), and the structure’s completed height was 218 feet (66 meters). 

Another gauntlet of Vultures

People in line to get into the pyramid

Here we are again!

All three pyramids were plundered both internally and externally in ancient and medieval times. Thus, the grave goods originally deposited in the burial chambers are missing, and the pyramids no longer reach their original heights because they have been almost entirely stripped of their outer casings of smooth white limestone. A portion of the limestone casing still remains at the top of Khafre pyramid giving some idea of how it might have looked when it was completed.

It was a lovely day to visit.

We choose NOT to take a camel ride.

   
Khufu’s pyramid is perhaps the most colossal single building ever erected on the planet. Its sides rise at an angle of 51° and the sides are accurately oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass. Approximately 2.3 million blocks of stone were cut, transported, and assembled to create the 5.75-million-ton structure, which is a masterpiece of technical skill and engineering ability. How the pyramids were built is still very much up for debate.  The most plausible one is that the Egyptians employed a sloping and encircling embankment of brick, earth, and sand, which was increased in height and in length as the pyramid rose; stone blocks were hauled up the ramp by means of sledges, rollers, and levers.

Janeen going into the pyramid. Note the smooth wall of stone. The entire pyramid would have been dressed with this but the King died before it was completed.

Not only was the ceiling low, there really wasn’t anything to see at the end of the trip!

Janeen made it back to the sunshine

To the south of the Great Pyramid near Khafre’s valley temple lies the Great Sphinx. Carved out of limestone, the Sphinx has the facial features of a man but the body of a recumbent lion; it is approximately 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high.  This was made during the reign of King Khafre (4th king of 4th dynasty, c. 2575–c. 2465 BCE).  

The Great Sphinx is among the world’s largest sculptures, measuring some 240 feet (73 meters) long and 66 feet (20 meters) high. It features a lion’s body and a human head adorned with a royal headdress. The statue was carved from a single piece of limestone, and pigment residue suggests that the entire Great Sphinx was painted. According to some estimates, it would have taken about three years for 100 workers, using stone hammers and copper chisels, to finish the statue. 

Our Egyptologist noted that the Sphinx (or “Stinks” as our granddaughter calls it) was carved from a hill which obscured the view of the pyramid, therefore requiring artisans to come up with an appropriate guardian in the view.  It was so popular that subsequent pharaohs built their own crouching lions; like the one at the temple of Hatshepsut which we visited several days ago.

Assem, our Egyptologist, was amazing and we loved all the information he shared and the places he took us to. As this was clearly a bucket list item, it could not have been cleared any better then with our amazing trip with UniWorld.

All in all, a visit to Egypt should include coming to the Great Pyramid complex.  Our visit was no exception and it was a lovely day with fantastic views.  This was to be our last day for this adventure, our flight back to Germany was scheduled for 1:30 AM the next morning so we arrived at the airport several hours early and tried to continue to absorb all that we had seen and learned over the last 10 or so days.

Once back to Germany, where we are staying with our son and his family, we were able to get caught up with all our chores, do some laundry and get ready for the final month of this Grand Adventure.  Stay tuned for more travel as we still have to get back to Williamsburg and that too will be a different adventure.