Archive for the Religion category.
This last December, I was working at my computer when I looked up to see on television Pope Benedict XVI delivering the Christmas mass inside the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter, which immediately brought back memories of attending an exhibit in San Diego a few years ago (in 2004) at the museum complex known as Balboa Park: “St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes.” It was a fascinating look at over 353 objects taken from the Vatican collections and other objects; at least two thirds of which were objects of history, rare documents, altar items, art works, and so on, that haven’t ever been displayed for visitors to the Vatican. In the exhibit over a half decade ago, I saw works I would never see if I traveled to a Rome hotel and visited Vatican City for myself; however, there was one thing in Rome that I would never be able to see in a traveling exhibit in San Diego, and that’s St. Peter’s Basilica itself, perhaps the most impressive building in the world.
While I’ve seen my share of cathedrals, including St. Paul’s in London, I’ve yet to set eyes on St. Peter’s (although technically, this isn’t a cathedral because it’s not a seat of bishop; technically, it’s a papal basilica), and it’s perhaps the one place I’d most like to see in person, just for the architecture and the art work alone, and to feel the true size of the place: The basilica is capable of holding within it sixty thousand people. Traditionally, St. Peter is buried here, and in that sense is one of the grandest tombs ever built for a person (unless, perhaps, you consider the Pyramids; however, in a comparison, while impressive, they’re still pretty plain).
While a church has been on this site since the fourth century, the present basilica began construction in April of 1506 and took one hundred and twenty years to complete, on November 18th, 1626. The dome is prominent on Rome’s skyline, although its contained in one of the three city-states remaining in the world (the other two are Singapore and Monaco), rising to height of 448 feet from the floor to top of the external cross, and is the tallest dome in the world. The internal diameter is about 136 feet and is a little smaller than two of the other three domes that came before it: the domes from the Pantheon of Ancient Rome, from the Florence Cathedral from the Early Renaissance, and from Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia church from the 6th Century.
Perhaps next Christmas, finances permitting, I will have had a chance to see the basilica myself, and to witness the awe-inspiring architecture that architects and artists (and a century’s worth of work) are capable of creating.
Winchester is located in southeast England in the county of Hampshire. As with most cities and areas in the country, there are many historical elements that contribute to the contemporary atmosphere and social orientation. Historically, Winchester has been something of a cathedral town, and the architecture is incredible and testifies its incredible history. Many of the Winchester hotels are situated in historic buildings and this contributes to their guests sense of the city’s time transcendence and past.
The Winchester Cathedral is one of its central landmarks and major attractions for tourists. This incredible building complex is the longest Gothic cathedral in Europe. Incredibly, it was built in 1079 and has stood strong through many wars and social transitions. It houses the remains of some of England’s most significant figures including that of many of the Anglo Saxon Monarchs and a number of Bishops of Winchester. One of the more mainstream persons whose remains rest here are that of writer Jane Austen. In addition, the cathedral has served as a major pilgrimage destination and was the home of the shrine to Saint Swithun. There is an historical pilgrims way that begins in Winchester and ends in Canterbury.
The sacred designation of this site dates back prior to the cathedral’s official construction beginnings. It was officially founded in the middle of the 7th century, though this actual site was adjacent to it current location. This early version was known as the Old Minister and in 971 it was included as part of a monastic settlement. The Old Minister was demolished with the construction of this Norman complex. William II is one of the early monarchs to be buried in the cathedral’s mortuary, along with his brother Richard, the Duke of Bernay. Tourists are amazed with its size and grandeur and flock to this historic wonder every year.
Throughout the summer months, the Singapore hotels are filled with international tourists venturing onto the island to partake in an number of the many festivals that run through the months of July through September. The great Singapore food Festival will occur in just about a month, which draws those looking for culinary adventure to the city year after year. Travelers have the opportunity to sample flavors from not just the city of Singapore, but from around the world, as food is celebrated and relished. Another huge event is on now, and will continue through the end of July and that is the Great Singapore Sale. This is a shoppers paradise, where various items, large ticket and small, can be found at prices with up to a 70 percent discount off retail prices. Everything from designer clothing, to fine jewelry to home decor can be found at ridiculously low cost, in an atmosphere that is a celebration in an of itself. This is a marathon shopping event.
Three other important festivals occur beginning in August with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. This continues through September. And then beginning in September and continuing into October are the festivals Mid-Autumn and Deepavali. Each of these take place in the various neighborhoods of Singapore, Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India respectively. Each of these festivals illustrates the diversity contained on the island and the rich cultural heritage of all those that immigrated to Singapore over the many years.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the final Muslim celebration that ends Ramadan. This is a special occasion, celebrated by spending time with loved ones, a time of contemplation. The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, is a festival that has roots in a Chinese myth. This is also a festival that surrounds the family and friends. In Singapore it has become a colorful festival, wherein the streets are lit by many lanterns and the market places are filled with the works of the artisans and artists of the city. The Deepavali festival is important for those of the Hindu religion. It is a festival of lights, signifying the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil. These are months when Singapore is alive with the various traditions of all those living and visiting the city.
When it comes to five-star hotels, Mauritius has plenty to offer. With sumptuous amenities to make any traveler feel like home, these fine lodgings are luxurious and still maintain a distinctive island charm. Mauritius is one of the most heavenly places on earth, after all, with ocean and beaches and a warm and lively atmosphere. Your days and nights could be spent hiding away in pure decadence, and your stay here will certainly rejuvenate your spirit and body. But if you decide to venture out, there is a lot to see here.
The night life in Mauritius is famous and truly fabulous. Fantastic discos, restaurants, and clubs offer exciting adventures in another world. Food and fun are to be had everywhere. Mauritius is also one of the most truly cosmopolitan places on earth. With a long and complicated history of indigenous, African, and French cultures here, the Creole that is most widely used reflects these histories. There are lots of other cultures, too, like on any island with a history of contact with the world at large. The Jewish cemetery here in Mauritius, however, often strikes visitors by surprise. There is a small Jewish community here, and their origins came from the time of the Holocaust. A boat that was leaving Europe with Jews who were fleeing from Gdansk, Czechoslovakia, and Vienna, was sailing down the African coast toward Palestine, and capsized. The tragedy left some 200 dead, and the others were put on other ships. The British would not allow them into Palestine, so a small community was sent here, where they were first put into a prison, then later allowed some freedom. Some 145 died before they were released in 1945.
Some of these families were brought to South Africa, where communities there took them in. This history is documented in a book, “The Mauritian Shekel,” and is a fascinating read for those looking for Jewish history in Mauritius. More recently, Mauritius commemorated its Jewish community with the opening of a community center, the Amicale Maurice Israel Center in Curepipe, in 2005. It is built with a small synagogue, the first on the island, and a meeting hall.
The Mahabharata is one of two essential sacred Hindu texts. It was originally written as a Sanskrit text and dates back to the first millennium BC. At that time it consisted of popular stories of gods and kings that were told and then retold by wise sages and seers. It was also incorporated into many performances and dance themes, which would continue throughout the centuries. It was around 350 CE that it was consolidated into the sacred Sanskrit text. Tourists who visit India and stay in one of the Delhi five star hotels will be able to recognize elements of the Mahabharata in some of their cultural experiences.
One of the fundamental story lines of the text depicts two sets of cousins, one of them consisting of the five sons of the deceased King Pandu, and the other group consisting of the one hundred sons of King Dhritarashtra. These two sets of cousins become bitter enemies and engage in war and conflict over gaining the rightful procession of the ancient kingdom of Bharata. The capital city of the kingdom was called the City of the Elephant. There are many ethical puzzles, character conflicts and philosophical encounters that occur throughout the complicated and dynamic plot.
The Mahabharata is commonly considered to be the second largest text in the world and one of the largest epic poems ever written. There is a total of approximately 1.8 million words, one hundred thousand verses and long sections of prose. Throughout this great work, the conflict of the cousins is used to demonstrate the four goals of life through various in-depth philosophical discussions. On a simple or basic level, the four goals can be described as Dharma, meaning the right action, artha, intentions, kama, meaning pleasure and moksha, liberation. These profound messages and lessons are as relevant today as they were centuries ago when they were created.