Japanese Kimono-Metropolitan Museum of Art

It was the day I took my goddaughter out to lunch to celebrate her new job. We met at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I used to take her as a little girl. It's a great place to go in the dead of winter, check your coat and walk around the galleries, getting lost down the long corridors in the vastness of the massive building.

I was there a little early and I decided to swing by the new Kimono exhibit in the serenely elegant Japanese wing of the Museum.

 I was greeted by these Japanese sculptures guarding the entrance of the wing.

 Then I had the pleasure of perusing the resplendent kimono on display.

 Lacquer implements that are a set with the kimono.

Kimono have a lot of hidden meanings and symbolism. They are very ceremonial garments and it takes careful observation and knowledge to understand the function and origin of each kimono.

 Panels painted with kimono clad ladies.

 Kimono inspired robes.

 The fountain in the Japanese wing.

 A photo of a Japanese couple on their wedding day.

Japanese culture and art always capture my attention. There's a certain understated elegance that appeals to me. The kimono's exhibit, as you can see, did not disappoint. I was happy I had a few minutes to spare to enjoy such a rich heritage.
Enjoy!

Maria

A Winter's Meal at Afidnes, Greece

Stelios with his brother Charalambos

Greeks celebrate name days more than birthdays. I find that it makes sense, one can know the name day because it's a Saint's Day, but remembering a birthday can be harder. And so it was my brother in law's nameday, Charalambos, for Saint Charalambos.

He invited us with the rest of the family for a winter's day lunch about an hour's drive outside of Athens, at a town named Afidnes.

 We were served the wild greens, bread toasted on the grill with olive oil.

 A salad of greens, the best french fries ever,

 A frybread topped with cheese

Kokoretsi, a dish made of innards wrapped in intestine, tastes better than it sounds, trust me!

 Tzatziki, the greek yogurt dip

 An awesome grilled sausage

 The Clan

There were mountains of Greek lamb chops, beer and lots of family cheer! The two fireplaces were going strong and it was an amazing meal.

Happy Name Day Charalambe! Thank you for a great meal!
Enjoy!

Maria

Cyprus Book Tour

Archangels were everywhere  during my visit to Cyprus.

My friend, Rina Katselli's painting of a sad angel.

Signing books at the Asty Hotel, in Nicosia, Cyprus after my book presentation on February 7,2015.

My good friend, Myria Antoniadou, hosting the Archangel book presentation at her family's Asty Hotel.

The audience at the Asty Hotel Book Presentation while I read a passage from Archangel.

Stelios selling books at the presentation.

People in the audience had lots of questions and we had a lively discussion.

We had a lovely reception afterwards

My good friend, Petros Petrides, presenting my book, Archangel, at the Kyrenia Municipality event on February 4, 2015.

Presenting at the Municipality of Kyrenia event on February 4, in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Selling Archangel

With the Mayor of Kerynia, Glafkos Kariolou, at my book presentation.

The book tour in Cyprus in February was a very emotional, spectacular experience. The people of Cyprus are incredibly warm and generous and I was moved by their hospitality.The winter landscape brought me back to my childhood in Cyprus, the food, the language but most of all, the people. Thank you Cyprus!
Enjoy!
Maria