Wet and Rainy Day in Budapest

On May 15, 2019May 14, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Hungary1 Comment

Despite some cold and rainy weather, we managed to have a wonderful second day in Budapest yesterday. The highlight of the day was the Dohany Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue since it is the largest synagogue in Europe. It is fascinating and beautiful, but the history of the holocaust that accompanies it is equally tragic. Afterwards, we went to one of the ruin bars in Budapest, which are bars built in dilapidated buildings with an artistic and colorful flair. Many more places to visit tomorrow, but here is a taste of our day today.

Museum Depicting the Jewish Ghetto of World War II

Walking the Streets of the Jewish Quarter in the Rain

Emotion Captured in Stone Statues Around the World

On May 3, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Photo Challenge4 Comments

You don’t have to be an art critic to appreciate how lifelike statues that are carved in stone and marble can be. Not only do they somehow seem to capture the actual movement of their subjects, but often their eyes express an intense emotion. It is hard to imagine that these incredible works of art were once just blocks of stone with no semblance of the shapes that they would eventually become. Some of the facial expressions are truly amazing, whether showing fear, pain, or even passion. Here are some of our favorite statues that we have seen during our travels.

Abu Serga Church in Cairo, Egypt

On April 30, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Egypt7 Comments

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as the Abu Serga Church as well as the Cavern Church, is an important historical and religious landmark in Cairo, Egypt. The church is supposed to be built on the spot where Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus who were soldiers in the 4th century that were killed by the Roman Emperor Maximian and achieved martyrdom and sainthood.

The church is one of the oldest in Egypt and dates back to sometime in the 4th or 5th century. It is located near the Babylon Fortress in Cairo and it was believed that Joseph may have been one of the people to work on the construction of the fortress. We visited the Abu Serga Church as part of a tour of the section of Cairo known as Coptic Cairo where there are a variety of historical sites.

The interior of the church is quite fascinating and contains a variety of ancient relics. It is a popular location for tourists to visit and you will find yourself in a line of people as you make your way through the actual cavern inside of the church. There is also a well within the church that is believed that the Holy Family drank from. With such historical, religious, and cultural significance, visiting the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is definitely worth doing while you are in Cairo.