Across Andalucia: The Jewish Quarter Part II – The Director’s Cut

The first home I visited in the Jewish Quarter taught me about Golden Threads. The second was all about papermaking.

Across Andalucia: The Jewish Quarter Part I – The Director’s Cut

The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba is one of the largest and best preserved in Europe.

Across Andalucia: The Mezquita – The Director’s Cut

The Mezquita was the largest mosque in the Western world, measuring almost 24,000 square meters. It was built in stages between 785 and 987 and would be considered the most important sanctuary of Western Islam.

Across Andalucia: Cordoba – The Director’s Cut

Cordoba was a scholastic center from the 8th century. Under Muslim rule, it celebrated a golden age of cultural revival and was among the most diverse and religiously tolerant cities of its time.

Across Andalucia: Buildings of Faith – The Director’s Cut

I will always remember Toledo as the city where churches, synagogues and mosques have such similar architecture that you might not realize which house of faith you are in without a guidebook.

Across Andalucia: Toledo Transit – The Director’s Cut

Toledo is rugged, but compact, and in spite of its hills it is a fairly easy walk

Crossroads Tour: A Palace Museum – The Director’s Cut

I spent my last day at the Ibrahim Pasa Palace, an Ottoman palace that houses the Islamic Art and Ethnology Museum.

Crossroads Tour: A Final Day in Istanbul – The Director’s Cut

I fill to the gills every moment of my final hours in Istanbul ...

Crossroads Tour: A Jade Sea and a Surrey – The Director’s Cut

I'm off to the Kabatas Ferry, the Sea of Marmara and a day at the Princes Islands.

Crossroads Tour: Ayasofya – The Director’s Cut

This Ayasofya is among the oldest religious sites in the world, dating to 537 AD. It is also among the most important examples of Byzantine architecture still standing.