Holiday in Beautiful Erfurt: heart of Thuringia

Erfurt is one of the most beautiful and historic cities that I have ever visited. It was almost my second home!  I am surprised that very few people are familiar with the rich history of this city.  Whenever I mention it to friends, they typically draw a blank, not having the faintest idea of its location in Germany.  "Furt --what?  Frankfurt, did you say?"  Erfurt is currently among the many cities in the running to be named the next UNESCO world heritage site. Here are several reasons why I feel this international recognition is long over-due: 

~ Original gate of the medieval university ~
where the Reformer Martin Luther went to school!

~ perfectly preserved medieval town ~

~ The Mikwe ~
(the Ritual Bath belonging to a once thriving medieval Jewish community;
a significant restoration project is on-going)

~ Half-timber houses throughout the city ~
(evoking the medieval past)

~ Old Synagogue ~
(which dates back to the Middle Ages ~ extraordinary testimony of
the Jewish community that thrived in medieval Erfurt) 

~ Parable of the Ten Virgins ~
(Detail on the portal of the "Dom" or Gothic Cathedral ~
evoking the apocalyptic mentality & urban piety of late medieval Erfurt)

~ Fish Market ~
Remarkably well-preserved artwork on buildings in this area 

~ Merchant's Bridge ~
(which dates back to the Middle Ages - Erfurt made its money from woad production)

~ Stunning Renaissance Architecture! ~

Ten Days in Paris!

Paris was definitely one of the highlights of our study abroad program!  We had an incredible line-up of museums, art galleries, restaurants and outdoor excursions put together for us by Dr. Honigsblum (Gerry).  My only regret is that I fell sick with a bad case of bronchitis after only two days in the city, and was not able to attend all of the events.  Without a doubt, however, the highlight of the trip for me was having an opportunity to meet some of Paris's finest artists in the intimate surrounding of their studios.  On the days that I was able to attend, I had the pleasure of meeting the sculptor Shlomo Selinger, and the painter Jean Serolle and his very gracious wife ~ whose warmth, generosity, and humanity left a very deep impression upon me.  It is a very rare thing, at least for me, to be invited into an artist's studio, to see their work close up, and to learn firsthand about their sources of inspiration, ideas, techniques, and investment of labour.  These shall be some of my fondest memories.

~ ~ ~

Below are some images of my Paris visit ~ photos that I took before the 'plague' hit me!            

Feeding the birds outside Notre Dame Cathedral

Detail on Notre Dame Cathedral

On our way to a couscous lunch at a Moroccan restaurant
(definitely one of the best meals we've had this semester!)

Art in the city (one of many examples)

Shlomo Selinger in his studio

One of several beautiful sculptures by Shlomo Selinger

Students laying a wreath under the Arc de Triomphe

Two Days in Toulouse

All photos courtesy of Annett Kruspe.

Cordes Sur Ciel

Though Cordes sur Ciel is only a short distance from Albi, I would not have known to go there unless Marie (who works at the Priory) had recommended it to me.  It is renown for its arts & crafts, having some of the best artisan shops in the region.  It is also a remarkably well-preserved medieval village with a fascinating history! 

Following the Albigensian Crusades in the early 13th century, Inquisitors were sent into the region to hunt down heretics.  Many Cathars who fled from Albi took refuge nearby, in the hill-top village of Cordes sur Ciel, where they apparently received both the sympathy and protection of villagers. Not long after, however, Inquisitors reached the village, and began hunting down heretics there, too.  At least two people were identified as Cathars, and ordered to be burned for the crime of heretical depravity.

Legend has it that the villagers vigorously protested this death sentence, took hold of the two Inquisitors by the scruff of their necks, and threw them down a deep well where they plummeted to their death. Although this story has never been corroborated with historical evidence (!), a memorial cross was later constructed in the 16th century to commemorate the spot on which the Inquisitors were murdered (see left).  The well, which still exists today, is found in the central market -- a covered square or pavilion where merchants used to sell their wares.

Cordes sur Ciel prospered economically in the Late Middle Ages, and many of the buildings evoke the modest wealth of many of the people who once inhabited this village.   
     

Market square.

Surrounding countryside that lies below Cordes sur Ciel.

Visit to an artisan's studio

The Cosmetic Dentist Myth

Here is a little video I put together.

Its called, "The Myth of the Cosmetic Dentist"

Enjoy

WWW.DRELLISONLINE.COM

Makeup Product Review

Studio Gear Flawless foundation gives a sheer to medium coverage. It is a buildable formula so you can definitely add more product to cover blemishes or redness. SG Flawless foundation will moisturize the skin without creating a cakey or overdone look. No one wants that look. Remember, the key to flawless makeup is to put in the work without looking over worked. This foundation works really well

Makeup Product Review

Studio Gear Flawless foundation gives a sheer to medium coverage. It is a buildable formula so you can definitely add more product to cover blemishes or redness. SG Flawless foundation will moisturize the skin without creating a cakey or overdone look. No one wants that look. Remember, the key to flawless makeup is to put in the work without looking over worked. This foundation works really well