church – Notes from the Cape

Published November 23, 2024

A visit to Mother’s house

Mother’s House, (the full name is “Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata), is a humble yet profound place. It’s where Mother Teresa lived and worked, dedicating her life to the poor. The building itself is modest, with simple rooms and a peaceful atmosphere, reflecting the simplicity and compassion that defined her mission. It’s a very quiet and peaceful break from the noise of the city.

You can visit Mother Teresa’s tomb and bedroom, and there is a small museum about her life. We had a wonderful conversation with this lovely sister at Mother’s house, and she graciously allowed us to take a photo with her.

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Published September 21, 2024

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a tiny Island off the Normandy coast, but it feels like something out of a fairy tale. This tiny island is home to a beautiful abbey that seems to float above the sea, especially during high tide when the waters surround it completely.

The streets are steep, narrow and winding, but the view from the abbey is breathtaking, offering a panorama of the surrounding bay.

The history dates back to the 8th century, and over the years the abbey has grown into a massive cathedral. It has survived wars and sieges. During the French revolution, it was even converted into a prision.

At high tide, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island fortress, making it a truly magical and historically significant destination to explore.

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Published September 7, 2024

Sainte-Mère-Église

If you’ve seen the movie ‘The Longest Day’, you will remember the scene where John Steele’s parachute gets caught on the church steeple of Sainte-Mère-Église. Well this is where it happened. He lay there for over 2 hours pretending to be dead until he was captured by the Germans (he later escaped).

A minor correction to the figure hanging with the parachute – he was actually hanging on the other side, but I guess it looks more impressive from the town square.

Have a close look at the stained glass window from inside.

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Published April 20, 2024

Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle is tucked right next door to the Conciergerie on Île de la Cité. It has magnificent stained glass windows, through which the light pours. It was built in the 13th century, and is reputed to have once the Crown of Thorn. The crown (whether it is real or not) was presented to Louis IX in the 12’th century, is now housed just around the corner in Notre Damme (it was saved in the fire).

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Published January 13, 2024

Budapest Castle complex

There is no cost to visit the castle complex, and you can wonder around most of the complex. The view of the river and the city from the castle is spectacular.

Budavári Palota – Buda Castle

Matthias Church dates back to the 13th-century, with the Fisherman’s bastion in the front.

The beautiful quad inside the castle, its also used as a live music venue.

Fisherman’s bastion, supposedly it was the inspiration for the Disney castle. Its a long flight of stairs up from the river (or you can cheat and take the elevator at the back of the castle complex).

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Published November 11, 2023

Some churches in Greece

The churches in Greece all seem to have a similar style, a large dome in the middle with four sides pushed tightly up against it.

Roadside church

Church in the middle of Athens

The Holy Church of Saint Demetrio on Philopappos Hill dates back to the 9th century. Its about a 5 minute walk from the main entrance to the Acropolis.

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Published October 21, 2023

Monastiraki, Athens

Monastiraki is a great part of Athens for people watching. It is full of little shops and restaurants, and has a lovely market area where you can buy anything from cheap food, home-made leather goods and knock-off clothing. A great place for a bargain, and possibly its certainly cheaper than the nearby Plaka area.

The church in the top photo is very typical of the older churches you’ll find all over Greece.

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Published August 5, 2023

Bratislava Old Town

Bratislava old town hall from the quadrangle, a lovely and cool respite from the warmth of the city.

This is the church belonging to the wonderful convent where we stayed. I was not expecting to stay at a convent, but the apartment was lovely, and the sister that looked after us was delightful.

Bratislava market square and old town hall.

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Published November 15, 2019

The little wooden church (Our Lady of Czestochowa)

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This little church was built entirely of wood in 1847. Not much information is available about this church (well not that I can find), but it is dedicated to Saint Klemens, and is often known as the “old church”. It is a lovely place to spend a few minutes in quiet contemplation, and to get away from the business of the shops and markets in Zakopane.

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Published October 25, 2019

Church of Agios Demetrios Loumbardiaris

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This church is easy to miss. You have to walk up the road towards the Acropolis and pass directly past the entrance and walk into the woods of Filopappou Hill. Just on your right you’ll find this wonderful church.

And if you are energetic, walk to the top of the hill. You’ll find the best view of the Acropolis in Athens, and you’ll be completely alone (so maybe take somebody with you – just in case).

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