Posted by Elena del Valle on January 24, 2025
This article was written without artificial intelligence assisted technologies.
Saint Michael the Archangel Triumphant Over Satan by Mexican Luis Juárez
Photos: Gary Cox
I would not have been surprised to find Splendor and Passion: Baroque Spain and Its Empire, a 57-piece Spanish Baroque exhibition in Spain of course; and in the United States New York City and Miami would readily spring to mind as likely host cities. It was a pleasant surprise to come across it somewhat hidden as a visiting exhibit at the Boca Raton Museum of Art (Boca Raton Museum of Art, 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, https://bocamuseum.org/) in Palm Beach County, Florida.
Virgin of the Immaculate Conception by Spanish painter Fray Alonso López de Herrera
Boca Raton is an easy drive from Miami-Dade and Broward counties, where, according to one of the staff the day of my visit, many attendees drove to see the exhibition and have lunch at Mizner Park, the high end shopping and residential development where the museum is located. It is a tempting idea as the exhibit opens at 11 a.m. most days, except Mondays and Tuesdays when it is closed.
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, anonymous
Saint Cecilia by Spanish painter Pedro Núñez
I appreciated the availability of metered parking within easy reach of the museum entrance as well as complimentary parking a bit further in a covered garage. I liked the serenity within the well lit museum and intimate experience. Each painting was accompanied by signage in English and Spanish listing the painter’s name and biography, the title of the artwork and medium.
Described as the world premiere of Spain’s Golden Age exhibit, part of the Renaissance and Baroque collection of The Hispanic Society Museum & Library (Broadway between 155th and 156th Streets New York, New York 10032, https://hispanicsociety.org/) in promotional materials the exhibition is scheduled to remain open until March 30, 2025. According to Spainculture.us it is due to be displayed at two additional venues. El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos), Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Diego Velázquez are some of the 16th and 17th century artists represented in the exhibition.
Posted by Elena del Valle on March 4, 2020
The scenery was breathtaking.
One my most vivid memories from a 2019 trip to the South Island of New Zealand was a private helicopter ride over the popular Tasman National Park. A little after breakfast, my pilot landed a 2008 Eurocopter EC120 helicopter on the property lawn at the intimate lodge where I was staying. I quickly bid fellow guests and the property owners good-bye.
Logan Moore, pilot, Tasman Helicopters in front of the Eurocopter EC120 before our departure
Minutes later Logan Moore, chief executive officer and pilot of Tasman Helicopters (Tangmere place, Nelson Airport, South Island, New Zealand www.tasmanhelicopters.co.nz, info@tasmanhelicopters.co.nz, +64 03 528 8075), and I were airborne. Although the vessel could accommodate four passengers I was the sole one that morning.
At Wharariki Beach
At the Mount Olympus Lord of the Rings film site
On our way to Motueka Airport to meet my guide we flew over the expansive and unspoiled property where I had stayed, the nearby pristine coast and the popular Tasman National Park. We also stopped twice, at Wharariki Beach and at the Mount Olympus Lord of the Rings film site. The scenery was beautiful, the flight smooth and pleasant. With the exception of the park we saw no people. Because of the beautiful scenery and comfort the flight was one of the highlights of the trip. It was a heady experience I would enjoy repeating and recommend to friends.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 25, 2018
First of occasional travel notes
A section of the Seminole-Wekiva Trail, a 14-mile rail trail in Seminole County, Florida (click on the photo to enlarge)
Photos: Seminole County Parks & Recreation
One of the discoveries I most enjoyed during a recent trip to Lake Mary, Florida was the Seminole-Wekiva Trail, a 14-mile rail trail, which includes Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Lake Mary and Sanford in the central part of the Sunshine State. It runs alongside the abandoned tracks of Florida’s old Orange Beltway Railway, at one time the longest railroad in the country. Although I don’t recall seeing the tracks I noticed a small metal sign with the name of the trail.
It couldn’t have been more convenient as it passed by the front of my hotel (Westin Lake Mary Orlando North), curving through busy suburban streets, past water features and at times weaving beneath shady tall trees dressed with Spanish moss. My favorite part, I didn’t see the entire trail, was the canopied section that traversed a nearby residential area, offering views into the grassy backyards of some of the homes.
The Seminole-Wekiva Trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The Seminole-Wekiva Trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a federally designated, non-motorized, recreation trail that spans approximately 1,300 miles across some of the state landscapes. According to the trail website, the trail end points are: Markham Road near CR 46A (Wekiva River Protection Area) (Longwood) and FL 436 near Laurel St. (Altamonte Springs). I wish we had a similar trail in my neighborhood.
Along its paved path I saw many locals walking their dogs, riding their bicycles (sometimes a bit aggressively), walking and jogging. In the greenest sections, where it was cool and shady, I heard birds calling and nature sounds. Exploring the trail was one of the most pleasant activities during my brief visit to Orlando North.
