Babylon Fortress in Old Cairo, Egypt

On May 4, 2020May 4, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Egypt2 Comments

There are many reasons to visit the section of Cairo known as Coptic Cairo and seeing the ancient Babylon Fortress is certainly one of them. The fortress originally sat on the banks of the Nile, long before the dams in Aswan were built to control the water levels of the river. At the time that it was constructed, some time around 500 BC, it served as the boundary between Lower and Middle Egypt and was the location where boats paid tolls to either ascend or descend the Nile.

The entire Babylon Fortress Complex includes many historic sites, including the Church of St. George, Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church (officially known as Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church as well as the Cavern Church), and the Hanging Church (St. Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church). Coptic Cairo is part of the area known as Old Cairo and has many historic sites to see as well as one of the best markets (bazaars) in Cairo called Khan el-Khalili. There is very little left of the fortress itself, but what is there is quite fascinating to see.

We took a tour of Coptic Cairo and we’d definitely recommend visiting the area with a knowledgeable guide that can explain the history of the area. From being the location where baby Moses was reported to have been found, the location where Joseph, Mary, and Jesus stayed toward the end of their time in Egypt, and Roman occupation, the history is as old as civilization itself.

Wat That Luang Neua in Vientiane, Laos

On April 24, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Laos1 Comment

Of the many temples that we visited during our time in Vientiane, Wat That Luang Neua was one of the most interesting. From the reclining Buddha statue to the colorful images depicting the life of Buddha, it is truly a beautiful temple. Located near the famous Pha That Luang, it is certainly worth taking the time to visit during a walking tour of Vientiane.

The golden statues are all quite interesting as you walk around the temple grounds. The temple itself is very open and has paintings depicting the life of Buddha all over the ceiling. The colors are so vibrant and the paintings are so interesting that one could spend hours looking at them. Local residents were setting up tables to provide food to the monks who worship there. It was certainly fascinating for us to see them going through their daily rituals.

There are so many wats, or temples, to see in Vientiane, but Wat That Luang Neua is definitely a highlight. Considering how hot it was during our time in Vientiane, any time in the shade or inside of building was certainly a welcome relief. Going to several of the temples to see how they vary is something that we would definitely recommend.

Depiction of a Statue that Was Under Construction

St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam

On April 23, 2020 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Vietnam4 Comments

Although the majority of religious sites that we visited in Vietnam were temples and pagodas, we did enjoy seeing the St. Joseph’s Cathedral when we were in Hanoi. It is a classic, Gothic-style cathedral with a large courtyard in front of the church. During our visit to the cathedral, there were many people enjoying the open space in front of the church and many different vendors selling flowers, fruit, and other items around the courtyard. There are also several cafés, bistros, and restaurants around the church and we enjoyed a cup of egg coffee at one of them and sat and did some people watching.

We visited Vietnam in the month of November, so workers were busy setting up a nativity scene during our visit to the St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The cathedral was built in the late 1800’s and was designed to resemble the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. The inside of the cathedral is quite stunning with tall, narrow stained-glass windows and understated ceilings. The artwork, altar, and memorials are very beautiful and quite colorful in contrast to the white walls.

Roof and the Large, Round Stained Glass Window

As you walk behind the cathedral, you will come across a wall with a golden relief depicting key moments in the life of Jesus. Next you will find a cave that has a painting inside representing the birth of Jesus. Finally, there is a large mural on the wall that shows the three wise men as they follow the Star of David to Jerusalem. It is not something that we have seen at the cathedrals that we have seen in other parts of the world.

Located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, it is certainly worth taking the hour or so to visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral. We would also recommend visiting one of the bistros and sitting outside to watch the bustling area. Considering how busy Hanoi is in general, spending time in this tranquil setting is quite relaxing.