Paola Pasino’s Post

Dubrovnik, the port of Dalmatia is situated on the southern Adriatic Sea coast; it is commonly regarded as the most attractive city on the Dalmatian coast, and is referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” ================================= (in southeastern Croatia) A sense of awe will descend when you see the beauty of Dubrovnik's Old Town, with its ancient city walls, baroque buildings and the shimmer of the Adriatic. The stunning Croatian city of stone and light, Dubrovnik is filled with limestone streets, baroque buildings, and big sea-facing walls representing the story of resilience and liberty. No wonder it attracts tourists worldwide to experience the rich history preserved in monuments and ancient buildings of the city. Medieval history meets breezy Mediterranean vibes here in Dubrovnik, where towering stone fortresses rise from the sparkling Adriatic. Visitors love to walk along the ancient walls surrounding the Old Town to enjoy a sweeping view of the city, which is dotted with monasteries, palaces, and terracotta rooftops. Many also like to hit the beach. although most are pebbly and rugged -- but if they are looking for a stretch of sand, they can hop on a ferry and head to Lopud, a car-free island where they can kick back on Šunj beach, grab a bite in the village, or check out Lopud 1483 (a restored 15th-century Franciscan monastery.) + Direct rail lines connect Dubrovnik to surrounding countries, but there are only indirect links with other Croatian cities. From its harbor at nearby Gruž, ships ply to other Dalmatian ports and to Italy. The port and tourism are the leading factors in the city’s economy, and there are some light industries. There is an airport in nearby Čilipi with service to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and several major European cities. + Dubrovnik is also home to many fine museums. The Museum of Dubrovnik is sited in the Rector’s Palace, and contains extensive collections of furniture and uniforms. The inventory of Dubrovnik’s old pharmacy (founded in the 14th century), jewelry, embroideries, and paintings, are displayed in the Franciscan monastery. The Maritime Museum, established in 1941 and located in a former fortress, chronicles the city’s seafaring past. The Dubrovnik State Archives, with manuscripts in numerous languages and some dating to 800 years ago, are located in the Sponza Palace (formerly a mint). There are also archaeological, ethnographic, and theatrical museums. A summer arts festival featuring theater and music and other annual festivals attract many tourists to the scenic city.

Tuscany has no shortage of incredible places to visit, but oddly enough Volterra doesn't usually make it to the top of the list. It might be because of its remote location, the difficulty to arrive there by public transportation, or just the fact that it is surrounded by a few must see historic cities that rank higher on most people's bucket list. When the chance presented itself for me to spend a day or two in this ancient Etruscan city, I didn't expect much in the way of contemporary culture, but I was obviously wrong. Here is my Substack overview on Volterra. 

In this article, I've highlighted some of the most iconic and historically significant structures that make Italy a must-visit destination. From the majestic Colosseum in Rome to the intricate beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice,

Map of Nicaragua Augusto Silva 2022 This map is made on acrylic on tuno. This is a work that, in addition to being aesthetic, is didactic, illustrating the geography of Nicaragua in a simple and yet playful way, from its geographical features, hydrography and flora and fauna. As this artkwork was initially commissioned for the kid's bedroom, one can imagine the family playing with the children, taking pieces of the map and doing trivias or riddles. -The tunu or tuno is a kind of vegetal fabric obtained by extracting part of the bark of the tunu or rubber tree (Castilla tunu). This kind of tree grows in the rainforest of the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast, where natives have been using tuno for clothing and more, since ancient times.- Discover the allure of Nicaragua right from the comfort of Villa Cielo G-10. Our prized Map of Nicaragua isn't just a decoration; it's a passage through the vibrant heart and soul of our land. Experience more than a stay, immerse yourself in a world where luxury meets cultural richness. #LIR #LuxuryInternationalRentals #luxuryVacationRentals #LuxuryVillaRental #VillaCieloG10 #CulturalEscape #TravelInStyle #ArtfulLiving

THE CASE OF THE 93+ YEAR OLD COLONIAL ROYAL PALACE AT ANEGBETTE, ETSAKO CENTRAL LGA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA. The depletion of Nigerian heritage palaces poses a significant threat to the country's cultural future. These palaces are not only physical structures but also repositories of history, culture, and traditional values. Their loss could have FAR-REACHING CONSEQUENCES, including: 1. ERASURE OF CULTURAL IDENTITY: Palaces serve as tangible connections to Nigeria's past, showcasing its rich cultural diversity. Their destruction would sever this link, threatening the nation's cultural identity. 2. LOSS OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Palaces are often the last remaining testaments to Nigeria's complex history, including its royal dynasties, colonial past, and struggle for independence. Their depletion would erase valuable historical records. 3. DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL PRACTICES: Palaces are often centres of traditional practices, such as craftsmanship, artistry, and spiritual rituals. Their loss could lead to the decline or extinction of these practices. 4. DIMINISHING TOURISM POTENTIAL: Palaces are significant tourist attractions, GENERATING REVENUE and PROMOTING CULTURAL EXCHANGE. Their depletion would reduce Nigeria's tourism potential. 5. DISCONNECTION FROM ANCESTRAL HERITAGE: Palaces serve as physical connections to ancestors and heritage, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. Their loss would disconnect future generations from their ancestral roots. 6. VULNERABILITY TO CULTURAL APPROPRIATION: Without preserved palaces, Nigeria's cultural heritage becomes vulnerable to appropriation and misrepresentation by external forces. 7. NEGATION OF CULTURAL RESILIENCE: Palaces embody the resilience and adaptability of Nigerian cultures. Their depletion would undermine this resilience, making it challenging for future generations to cope with adversity. 8. LOSS OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTS: Palaces often serve as community hubs, fostering social cohesion and cultural engagement. Their depletion would disrupt community dynamics. To mitigate these consequences, it is essential to prioritise the preservation and protection of Nigerian heritage palaces through: 1. Conservation efforts, 2. Community engagement and education, 3. Sustainable tourism practices, 4. Documentation and digital preservation, 5. Government support and policy implementation, 6. Collaboration with international organisations, 7. Empowering local communities to take ownership of their heritage. By taking PROACTIVE STEPS, Nigeria can safeguard its palace heritage, ensuring the continuation of its rich cultural legacy for future generations. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) UNESCO ICOMOS EPWG Africa ICCROM International Council of Museums (ICOM) Okpakhalu, ALD (Arc).

'The Whistling Whales' at Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai with PETA India Inspires a New Generation of Marine Stewards Phoenix Palladium, known for its sophistication and refinement, is more than a shopping destination; it's a cultural hub where art meets luxury. With over 300 luxury and premium brands, the mall offers a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Each season, visitors eagerly await the unveiling of artistic installations that enhance the mall's enchanting atmosphere. This monsoon season, Phoenix Palladium presents "The Whistling Whales," an artistic collaboration with PETA India to raise awareness about marine conservation. The life-sized whale sculptures, meticulously crafted with intricate details, pay tribute to the ocean's gentle giants, showcasing their beauty, playfulness, and vulnerability. This installation aims to inspire visitors to protect marine life and our oceans. Whales play a crucial role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere, with the average great whale sequestering 30 tonnes of CO2-far more than trees. Their carbon storage and phytoplankton-fertilizing feces contribute significantly to atmospheric oxygen. However, whale populations have dwindled to about 1.3 million from historical numbers of 4-5 million, making their protection vital.

🗺️ DESTINATION BLOG 📍Paris: Beyond the Eiffel Tower From medieval landmarks to mouthwatering pastries and vibrant art scenes, this city has so much to offer beyond the Eiffel Tower. Dive into our latest blog to explore unique spots and savor the essence of the city. 🇫🇷🥖 #Paris #TravelBlog #Destinationblog #TheTourismLab #TravelTuesday #TravelTips

Curious to know the #World #Heritage of #Portugal better? Start in Alentejo, in the city of #Elvas and its fortifications. Considered as the largest star-shaped fortification in the world, its perimeter measures about 10 km and the area os of 300 hectares. Impressive, huh? #Portugal #visitportugal #Alentejo

Found throughout Portugal, calçada portuguesa is a unique, frequently slick pavement featuring black and white cobblestones arranged in squares and other patterns. The tradition was initiated in 1842 in Lisbon by Eusébio Pinheiro Furtado, who had prisoners from São Jorge Castle lay limestone and basalt in a zigzag pattern. Following this success, Furtado was commissioned to pave Rossio Square, where the zigzag evolved into an intricate, wave-like design. Calceteiros, the trained artisans who lay the pavement, were in charge of designing a wide range of patterns and symbols, such as coats of arms, wind roses, caravels, fish, and regal figures. Portugal's historical centers are synonymous with this distinctive pavement art, but the traditional craft of calceteiros is on the verge of extinction. The Portuguese government has set up a commission to propose ways of preserving this cultural landmark. It will make recommendations to municipalities and construction companies on how to protect the pavement and calceteiros as well. The goal is to have the calçada recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO by March 2025. Portuguese black-and-white mosaics turn pavements into art, sparking reflections on their significance today. While they showcase Portugal's rich history, they also hint at a past of human exploitation and slavery, prompting questions about current connections to these symbols. Read the article by Sofia Guimarães here: https://buff.ly/3XbL59V

The Salton Sea: The Salton Sea, nestled within California's Coachella Valley, holds a fascinating history and intriguing anecdotes that add depth to its allure. Initially formed in the early 20th century by an engineering mishap, the Salton Sea was created when the Colorado River breached its banks and flooded the desert basin. Despite its accidental origins, the Salton Sea quickly became a popular tourist destination in the 1950s and 1960s, attracting visitors with its recreational opportunities and abundant wildlife. However, over time, environmental issues such as agricultural runoff and diminishing water levels led to ecological challenges for the Salton Sea. As a result, many of the once-thriving resorts and communities around the lake fell into decline, giving the area an eerie, post-apocalyptic ambiance. Despite its ecological struggles, the Salton Sea has experienced a recent resurgence in tourism, particularly among artists drawn to its surreal landscapes and abandoned structures. These eclectic artists have transformed the area into a hub for avant-garde art installations and offbeat cultural events, injecting new life into the region. One notable anecdote involves the Bombay Beach Ruins, a collection of decaying buildings and rusting artifacts that serve as a haunting reminder of the area's past glory. These ruins have become a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers, adding to the Salton Sea's mystique and charm. In recent years, the Salton Sea's eclectic art scene has attracted attention from visitors seeking unconventional experiences and unique photo opportunities. From whimsical sculptures to thought-provoking installations, the Salton Sea has become a canvas for artistic expression, offering visitors a glimpse into its complex history and uncertain future. In summary, the Salton Sea's rich history, environmental challenges, and burgeoning art scene make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and creative inspiration.