What is Medina in Islam?

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Medina is a city in western Saudi Arabia. In the city center, the vast Prophet's Mosque is a major Islamic pilgrimage site.

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Pure Joy

Pigeons at the entrance of Prophet's Mosque.

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The Prophet's Mosque

Shading umbrellas at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

One of the most breathtaking views in Medina Haram Piazza is of the Shading Umbrellas. These gigantic convertible umbrellas erected at the piazza spread all four corners of the vast mosque. They're there to protect worshipers from the heat of the sun or rain during prayers.

A little more about the umbrellas, a German architectural company built them. The fabric is used to provide full protection from ultraviolet. The highly durable fabric was developed specifically for the project. For an added bonus, look for videos on YouTube of the opening and closing of the umbrellas.

But the shade is not for everyone. Some seek out the sun between the shade.

How old is Bastakiya?

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A neighborhood bursting with history in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The name Bastakiya is from "Bastak" which was a town part of the Arab-dominated province of Lars in south-central Iran. The construction of this neighborhood dates back to the 1890s.

Harvard Art Museums Renovation and Expansion

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The glass-and-steel architecture of Harvard Art Museums is art.

Seeing so much great work in one place is inspiring because it reminds you that the human mind is capable of great creativity and problem-solving.

Italian architect Renzo Piano upgraded the facilities, by adding a new gallery wing and transforming a former courtyard into a top-lit atrium.

What is the best way to get around Bangkok?

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You're in Bangkok. You want to go out and take in the city but don't want to deal with traffic. What are your options? Well, you have many.

I find walking easiest for short distances if not raining (rainy season from July to October). You can walk around but you won't be able to cover much ground. The main reason people don't walk much is the heat and humidity (hot season from March to June). You could get on the road by taking a: 

  • Taxi (cheap)

  • Tuk-tuk (haggling required)

  • Motorbike taxi
    Locals on short journeys to and from work are the primary clientele, but they're not adverse to tourists using their services.

  • Buses
    You can go practically anywhere in the greater Bangkok metropolitan region by bus. It takes time to familiarize with the lines of buses in Bangkok and it is not always easy to get information in English.

But all of the above will have you stuck in the notorious Bangkok traffic. Bangkok traffic jams among world's worst. Drivers can spend an average of 64 hours a year stuck in traffic.

The best option to get around Bangkok inner city is to take the Skytrain (BTS), which is my favorite. You don't have to worry about traffic. It's a cheap, smooth, clean, fast way to get around Bangkok. One day pass is the way to go. It will save you a LOT of time in rush-hour.  If you have the option, AVOID rush hours (7-9 am and 5-7 pm). It’s hell. 

You can also use MRT subway. It's designed more for the residential/commuter passenger.

I later found out that there is no photography on the Skytrain (oops). How do you like to get around in Bangkok? Let me know in the comments. 

Traditional Thai Boat Dinner Cruise

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During one of my trips to Bangkok, I booked a river cruise for my mother and I. I knew she'd be into it. We chose the more traditional boat trip which included dinner, Thai music, and Thai dancing. 

Souper Bowl at Haley House Bakery Café

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On February 11, 2018, I had the opportunity to shoot the 10th Annual Souper Bowl, a fundraiser for Haley House Soup Kitchen. The organization provides made-from-scratch breakfast for the homeless and food insecure.

It was in Haley House Bakery Café in Roxbury's Dudley Square, more than a dozen chefs served soups made from locally sourced ingredients to benefit Haley House's Soup Kitchen in the South End.

Attendees selected a handcrafted ceramic bowl, courtesy of MassArt's Clay for Change student group. Moving from station to station, guests were treated to delicious soups. At the end of the event, attendees got to take their handmade bowls home.

Ingredients for the Souper Bowl are sourced from a selection of local farms and purveyors and Iggy's Bread generously donates bread. Chefs for this event included JJ Gonson of Cuisine en Locale, Irene Li of Mei Mei, Barry Maiden of Future Chefs, Jackson Renshaw and Cassandria Campbell of Fresh Food Generation, in addition to staff from Haley House Bakery Café.

Ottoman Palaces on the Banks of the Bosphorus

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The Ottoman Empire was a vast and powerful state that spanned much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa from the late 13th century to the early 20th century. As the center of this vast empire, the city of Istanbul was home to some of the most magnificent palaces in the world.

Located on the banks of the Bosphorus, the Ottoman palaces were a testament to the wealth and power of the Ottoman sultans. These palaces were not only the residences of the sultans and their families but also served as the center of government and the hub of cultural and artistic life in the empire.

One of the most famous of these palaces is the Topkapi Palace, which was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Built in the 15th century, the Topkapi Palace is a sprawling complex that includes four main courtyards, several smaller palaces, and a harem where the sultan's concubines and children lived. The palace is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and is filled with ornate decorations, intricate mosaics, and beautifully carved marble.

Another iconic Ottoman palace on the banks of the Bosphorus is the Dolmabahce Palace. Built in the 19th century, the Dolmabahce Palace was the last major palace to be constructed by the Ottoman Empire. It is a grand, neoclassical structure that was designed to rival the palaces of Europe's monarchs. The palace is filled with opulent furnishings, including a staircase made of marble and crystal, and a massive chandelier that weighs nearly four tons.

In addition to these two palaces, there are several other Ottoman palaces on the banks of the Bosphorus, including the Yildiz Palace, the Ciragan Palace, and the Beylerbeyi Palace. Each of these palaces is a unique and breathtaking example of Ottoman architecture and design, and they offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans.

Today, these palaces are popular tourist attractions, and they attract millions of visitors each year. Visitors can tour the palaces and marvel at their grandeur, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the palace grounds. Whether you're interested in history, or architecture, or just want to see some of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Ottoman palaces on the banks of the Bosphorus are definitely worth a visit. So, these palaces are great examples of Ottoman architecture and the symbol of the Ottoman's power and wealth.

What is inside Topkapi Palace?

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Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans for a period of nearly four centuries. What's magnificent about the palace isn't its architecture (though very ornate), It's the view from its grounds. So one snowy day I took a walk around. 

The Topkapı Palace gradually lost its importance as the Sultans preferred to spend more time in their new dwellings along the Bosphorus. More about that in a different post.