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Almáchar Spain My Joyful Discoveries in a White Village of Andalusia

Elena Sullivan — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:09:57 +0000

There is something quiet and authentically harmonious about this village, just as there is in many other white villages of Andalusia. Slowly passing all the steep turns of the winding road to Almáchar, you arrive in an oasis of peaceful hills, where getting to the central square means climbing up the sloping streets (which is quite a workout, so be ready!). From the very first minutes, this physically demanding walk makes you think about everyday life in the village, where these steep climbs and descents are simply part of the routine. What looks romantic and peaceful to a traveller can actually be an exhausting part of everyday life for the people who live here. As a traveller, photographer and seeker of stories, I found this difference attractive and curious.

It was a hot August day when we visited, and there were very few people on the streets. As we slowly made way uphill, stopping now and then to catch our breath and look around, I started imagining what it must be like to make these same climbs and descents every day. I realised a long time ago that differences in lifestyle easily awaken my curiosity and often stay with me long after the trip. There is a kind of remote happiness here, a peacefulness that you somehow have to earn by climbing into the hills.

At some point, while taking a break during my walk through the streets of Almáchar and looking around, it almost feels like time has stopped. Then you turn another corner and suddenly see the central square, filled with lively conversations coming from the tapas bars, and you realise that life is very much happening here. It just doesn’t look like the kind of active life we, travellers from the noisy world of big cities and capitalism, are used to seeing. Our idea of an active life is often connected with financial growth, earning more, having more opportunities, new technologies and new discoveries. We are always running towards something new and modern, trying to move faster than the flow of life itself.

In Almáchar, I felt another direction. Life seemed to move more naturally, and people seemed to live with this flow rather than trying to get ahead of it. While we were there, we tried to join it too, although my backpack full of photography equipment was constantly trying to slow me down.

Maybe this is what I find so interesting about the white villages in Spain. They are beautiful, of course, but there is more to them than whitewashed houses and picturesque streets. The villages of Spain that are tucked away in the Andalusian hills can give you a small glimpse into a completely different way of living. Almáchar probably isn’t the first place people think about when looking for the best small towns in Spain.

There is something nice about walking through a village where you don’t feel that every street and every corner exists for tourists.

Among the white villages of Andalucia, Almáchar has its own character. It is small, steep, quiet and closely connected to the landscape around it (like in my photo print “Tree of Connection”). You are also seeing how the houses, the hills, the streets and the everyday life of the people somehow fit together. This is what makes travelling through the Andalusian white villages so interesting to me.

A Note about History of Almáchar white village in Spain

Almáchar is one of the white villages in Spain, located in the hills of the Axarquía region of Málaga. Like many of the Andalusian white villages, it is surrounded by hills, vineyards and traditional agricultural landscapes, with whitewashed houses climbing up the slopes. The village has Arabic origins, which can still be felt in the narrow, winding streets and in the way the houses follow the shape of the hills. Even the name Almáchar comes from Arabic, from Maysar or Machar, meaning something like “the meadows” or “land of meadows”. Almáchar was also one of the so-called Four Villages, together with Cútar, El Borge and Moclinejo, which lived under the protection of the castle of Comares.

The history of the village is also very closely connected with grapes and raisins. The surrounding landscape is full of vineyards and traditional paseros, the structures where Moscatel grapes are laid out to dry in the sun and become raisins. This tradition has shaped the agriculture of the area and the way people lived and worked here for generations. By the 19th century, Málaga raisins had become an important export product and were even considered a luxury in some European markets. Today, the traditional production of uva pasa is recognised as part of the important agricultural heritage of the Axarquía.

There have also been some difficult moments in the village’s history. In 1755, a series of earthquakes forced people to leave their homes and take refuge in the countryside. Somehow, when you walk through Almáchar today, with its steep streets and houses built into the hills, these layers of history make the village feel even more interesting. It is not simply one of the white villages of Andalucia that looks beautiful in photos. There is a long agricultural and cultural history behind those white walls and the Museo de la Pasa is probably one of the best places to understand it. Located in an old house, the museum preserves traditional tools and objects connected with raisin production and rural life, giving you a much more tangible idea of how people here lived and worked.

Things to Do in Almáchar, Andalucia

There are several interesting things to see and do in Almáchar, especially if you enjoy small villages where the experience is more about walking, looking around and noticing the little details than following a long list of tourist attractions. After learning a little about the history of the village, the first place I would recommend visiting is the Museo de la Pasa.

Visit the Museo de la Pasa

The Museo de la Pasa is probably the best place to start if you want to understand Almáchar and the landscape around it. The history of the village is closely connected with grape growing and the traditional production of raisins, and the museum gives you a glimpse into this part of local life. It is a small family museum and that is actually part of its charm. You can see the traditional tools and objects connected with raisin production and get a better idea of how this work was once part of everyday life in the village. After visiting the museum, it is much easier to look at the vineyards and paseros around Almáchar and understand that they are important part of the lifestyle in this area. The opening hours: Saturday 11an -2 pm, 6pm-8pm Sunday 11-2pm

Walk Around the Casco Antiguo

The Casco Antiguo, or old town, is probably where you will spend most of your time anyway. The streets are narrow, steep and sometimes surprisingly quiet, with white houses, little corners and views appearing when you least expect them. One of the streets worth looking for is Calle de Mártires, one of the characteristic streets of the old part of Almáchar and a good place for a little photographic walk. I found that simply wandering without a specific destination was one of the nicest things to do here.

Look for the Traditional Paseros

The landscape around Almáchar is closely connected with vineyards and the traditional paseros, where grapes are laid out to dry in the sun and eventually become raisins. Once you know the story behind them, you start noticing these structures and the vineyards around the village differently. This is also one of the reasons I think Almáchar is interesting for anyone exploring the white villages of Andalusia.

See the Iglesia de San Mateo

The Iglesia de San Mateo is another historical place to add to your walk around Almáchar. The parish was established in 1505, and the church itself was built in the 16th century. It has three naves separated by columns and pointed arches.

Look for the Little Corners of Almáchar

One of my favourite things about walking through white villages in Spain is finding small details that may not even appear on a typical list of attractions. Almáchar has several of these little corners, including a historic white tunnel covered with trees, small shaded spaces decorated with crochet work, and unexpected views between the houses. There are also places such as the Cueva del Moro and the Jardines de El Forfe to look for if you have more time. None of these places needs to take hours to visit. They are more about slowing down, walking around and seeing what you find – which, honestly, is probably the best way to experience one of the quieter Andalusian white villages.

How to Get to Almáchar

Almáchar is around 32 km from Málaga by road, and the easiest way to reach the village is by car. The drive takes roughly 40 minutes, depending on traffic, and the road becomes increasingly winding as you get closer to the hills of the Axarquía. The journey itself is part of the experience, with views over the surrounding countryside and vineyards along the way.

If you are travelling without a car, it is also possible to reach Almáchar by bus from Málaga, although you will usually need to change buses. Current routes connect Málaga with Almáchar via Rincón de la Victoria, with the total journey taking around two hours or more depending on the connection. It is worth checking the latest timetable before setting off, as services are limited.

Once you arrive, the best way to explore Almáchar is on foot. The village is small, but be prepared for plenty of steep streets and stairs, comfortable shoes are definitely a good idea!

All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!

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Best Budget-Friendly Way to Enjoy Paris in 4 Days

Elena Sullivan — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:53:13 +0000

Perhaps I am getting slightly ahead of myself, but yes, it is absolutely possible to enjoy Paris without spending a fortune, and there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy Paris. I realised this after our summer trip to the city (first impression you can find in this article “Things to do in Paris France on your first trip while learning about joie de vivre”), when we spent four days in Paris and, unfortunately, arrived right in the middle of a heatwave. The sun that Parisian residents spend much of the winter dreaming about had suddenly become our biggest enemy, and we found ourselves looking for any possible way to escape it.

In the end, we understood that the best places to hide from the heat were pharmacies and chocolate shops (Yesss! there is some inrony in this!). It still makes me laugh, two places with completely different purposes: one sells things designed to make us feel better, while the other sells things designed to make us happy. Yet during that particular summer, they offered exactly the same precious luxury: air conditioning.

Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and its historic buildings are an essential part of its grandeur and charm; but those beautiful old buildings can be surprisingly difficult to adapt to a changing climate, which means that air conditioning is still relatively uncommon in many apartments and smaller hotels. Keep this in mind when planning a budget trip to Paris and searching online for cheap hotels in Paris, cheap hotels in Paris, France, or more generally economical hotels in Paris. The price may look attractive, but during a summer heatwave, the presence or absence of air conditioning can make a surprisingly big difference to your experience.

So, based on our four days in Paris, I want to share some practical ideas for keeping your trip affordable without feeling as though you have to compromise on the pleasure of being in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Here are some of my favourite things to do on a budget trip to Paris, France

Stay in an Airbnb or Hostel

When Airbnb and the modern hostel concept first became popular, they offered travellers something hotels often could not – a much more affordable way to stay. Over time, both concepts have evolved considerably. Today, some hostels in major cities offer private rooms with hotel-style facilities, while Airbnb has grown into a huge part of the short-term rental market, ranging from simple rooms to beautifully designed apartments.

During my first solo trip around Spain, I stayed exclusively in hostels, and it turned out to be such a fun experience that I still look back on it with a smile. Over the past few years, while travelling around the US, Mexico, where I lived for nine years, and Europe, including Paris, my husband and I have mostly booked our accommodation through Airbnb. Paris was no exception.

We had a specific budget in mind, and since our trip to Paris was in June, right in the middle of the high tourist season, we started looking for accommodation through Airbnb and hostels from the very beginning. Eventually, we found a wonderful apartment through Airbnb and it turned out to be one of the nicest surprises of our budget trip to Paris.

Despite being a budget-friendly option, the location was fantastic, and our two Parisian hosts, Claude and Paul, were simply wonderful! We will remember the breakfasts Paul prepared for us for a very long time. When we booked our room in their apartment, we somehow overlooked the fact that breakfast was included, so discovering this was a particularly lovely surprise. Check out their Airbnb here.

Our experience reminded me that looking beyond traditional hotels can make a huge difference when travelling to an expensive city like Paris. If you are searching for affordable places to stay in Paris, it is worth comparing Airbnb apartments and hostels with traditional hotels rather than automatically choosing a hotel. In particular, when looking for cheap hotels in Paris, France, or economical hotels in Paris, I would always check several accommodation platforms and compare not only the nightly price, but also the location, included extras, air conditioning and reviews.

Here are a few hostels worth checking when planning a budget trip to Paris:

The People – Paris Marais
Generator Paris
St Christopher’s Inn Paris – Canal
Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels
JO&JOE Paris – Gentilly
Auberge Internationale des Jeunes
Oops! Hostel

Stay Near the Airport & Close to the Metro

This is actually what we have decided to do on our next trip to Paris, which will hopefully happen in autumn or winter. We would love to explore more of the city’s museums and galleries, and somehow the colder, rainy weather feels much more appropriate for spending hours indoors surrounded by art. There is something particularly appealing about walking through Paris in the rain and then escaping into a warm museum for a few hours.

When we were planning our summer trip, we started looking at hotels and apartments in different parts of Paris and noticed something quite interesting: many well-known hotel chains have properties near the airports, and their prices can be considerably more affordable than staying in the centre. So, for our next budget trip to Paris, we are planning to consider one of these hotels, with one important condition: it must be within easy walking distance of a metro station.

This can potentially save a significant amount on airport transfers. By staying near the airport and using the metro for the rest of the journey, you can avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides to and from a centrally located hotel. In our case, our Uber trips from the airport to our Airbnb in central Paris and back cost us €180 in total. Of course, this was our experience, and the cost can be quite different for other travellers depending on the airport, time of travel and location of their hotel or apartment. That is a considerable part of a travel budget that could easily be spent on something much more enjoyable.

Once you are in Paris, the metro makes it relatively easy to reach the neighbourhoods where you want to spend your day, whether your plans involve museums, galleries, shops, restaurants or the city’s famous landmarks. After congested traffic we experienced during our trip to Paris, I have to admit that I am not particularly enthusiastic about spending future visits sitting in buses or other road traffic simply to get from one part of the city to another. The metro is faster, predictable and, most importantly, saves precious time.

So this is the plan we are taking with us for our next visit: find one of the cheap hotels in Paris, France or other economical hotels in Paris near the airport, make sure there is a convenient metro connection, and use public transport to explore the city. It may not sound as romantic as waking up in the centre of Paris, but for a budget trip to Paris, it could be a surprisingly practical compromise.

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus for Three Days

On our first day in Paris, near the Eiffel Tower, we bought a ticket for one of the hop-on hop-off buses. The ticket was valid for the following three days, which made it feel almost like having pre-paid transport for the duration of our stay. The buses follow a circular route, with around 12–14 stops covering some of the city’s main tourist areas and attractions.

I found this particularly convenient for a first trip to Paris, when you want to see as many of the famous sights as possible without spending time figuring out how to get from one area to another. You pay once and can then hop off whenever you want, explore a neighbourhood on foot, and simply wait for the next bus to continue your journey. For example, you can spend part of the day exploring one area, then hop back on and continue to another without paying for each individual journey.

It is not necessarily the fastest way to move around Paris, especially when traffic is heavy, but as a sightseeing option it can be a practical and enjoyable way to get an overview of the city – particularly during a short budget trip to Paris.

Popular hop-on hop-off companies in Paris:

Tootbus Paris
Big Bus Tours Paris
Open Tour Paris

Visit Small Galleries Instead of the Big Museums

I have always felt that some art galleries are like little art worlds of their own. They can be intimate, cosy and full of unexpected discoveries. You want to stand in front of a painting for a while, look at the details, hear the story behind its creation and simply take your time without feeling that you need to move on to make room for the next visitor.

Paris may be a city of big museums and world-famous art collections but there is still plenty of room for smaller private galleries. If you want to experience a different side of Paris beyond its major attractions, I would definitely recommend taking some time to wander into one of these smaller spaces simply because something catches your eye.

There is something wonderfully unpredictable about it. You might discover an artist you have never heard of, fall in love with a particular painting, or perhaps stand there wondering what exactly you are looking at, and that is part of the fun. Smaller galleries can also help you save both money on entrance tickets and time spent waiting in queues, leaving you with more of both to enjoy the city.

Here is a list of some Paris art galleries worth discovering, even during a short budget trip to Paris:

Galerie Perrotin
Galerie Templon
Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
Polka Galerie
Semiose
Galerie Continua
Galerie Lelong & Co.
Galerie Marian Goodman
Galerie David Zwirner
Galerie Almine Rech
Galerie d’art Carré d’artistes Marais

Avoid Instagram-Popular Cafés, Restaurants and Bars Near the Main Sights

Instagram is undoubtedly a popular platform for discovering restaurants, cafés and bars, but that does not mean you should automatically trust every “Top 10 Restaurants”, “Best Bars” or “Best Hotels” list that appears at the top of your search. In my experience, particularly in large cities like Paris, these highly recommended places are often much more expensive than you might expect and do not always live up to the hype.

While walking around central Paris, particularly in the area around the Eiffel Tower, we noticed several bars and restaurants with huge queues outside. Looking at the people waiting, I could not help but wonder how many of them were influencers or simply visitors hoping to get that perfect Instagram photo. Yet, just a few minutes’ walk away, in either direction, we found cafés without any queues at all but filled with local residents.

I usually take it as a very good sign. Locals know where to eat, and they are far less likely to choose a place simply because it looks good in a social media post. The food is often better, the atmosphere feels more authentic, and the prices can be much more reasonable. I always try to avoid tourist traps, especially those that have become popular on Instagram, and this simple habit can make a surprisingly big difference during a budget trip to Paris.

Enjoy Paris from the Viewpoints

One of the easy things to do to enjoy Paris without spending much money is to find a good viewpoint and simply take in the city from above. From this perspective, you can really appreciate the scale and depth of Paris, the rooftops stretching into the distance, the Seine winding through the city and the famous landmarks appearing almost like small details within a much larger landscape. For me, this is one of the simplest pleasures of a budget trip to Paris.

If you are a photographer like me, definitely bring a zoom lens. It allows you to pick out interesting details from that enormous view and create more intimate, almost compressed compositions. Instead of trying to capture the entire city in one frame, you can isolate a distant building, a rooftop or a familiar landmark and create a much more atmospheric photo.

If you are taking photos with your phone, do not forget about the panoramic mode, called Pano on an iPhone. Paris is one of those cities where a panoramic photograph can really help convey just how vast and layered the city feels.

Some of the most popular viewpoints in Paris include:

Eiffel Tower – one of the most iconic places to enjoy panoramic views over the city.
Arc de Triomphe – a fantastic viewpoint for seeing the grand avenues of Paris stretching out in all directions.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica – offers beautiful views over the rooftops of Paris from Montmartre.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop – a great option if you want a central view of the city without paying for an observation deck.
Montparnasse Tower – one of the best places to see the Paris skyline with the Eiffel Tower included in the view.
Parc de Belleville – a quieter alternative with lovely views across the city.

Have a Picnic

This was actually one of the things I most wanted to do during our trip to Paris, but the heatwave that had settled over France in those days forced us to change our plans. Sitting on the grass, even in the shade, felt unbearably hot, and the heavy, scorching air seemed to push us towards interesting places where we could at least escape indoors and have a little hope of finding some relief from the heat.

Picnics are a very popular pastime in Paris, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy a simple meal outdoors. If you want to make your picnic part of a budget trip to Paris, it can also be a great way to save money on eating out. Pick up some bread, cheese, fruit, pastries and a bottle of wine from a local market or shop, find a pleasant spot and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Naturally, parks located close to markets and food shops tend to be more popular and can get quite crowded, especially on warm days; but that is also part of the Parisian picnic experience. Here are a few places you could consider:

Champ de Mars – with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Canal Saint-Martin – a lively area popular with locals, particularly on warm evenings.
Jardin du Luxembourg – one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – a more spacious option with lovely views and plenty of greenery.
Place des Vosges – a beautiful historic square in the Marais where you can relax on the grass.

Rent a Bike to Get Around

This option will probably be most appealing to people who genuinely enjoy cycling and feel comfortable riding on roads filled with traffic. Cycling is a very popular way to get around Paris, and as a traveller, I found it fascinating to watch. These two- and three-wheeled vehicles add another layer of movement and energy to an already lively Parisian street scene.

If you feel confident enough to join them, renting a bike can be an interesting way to explore the city while also saving time on some journeys. You can rent bikes at various locations across Paris using Vélib’, the city’s public bike-sharing system, or apps such as Lime and Dott for electric bikes. Bonjour RATP can also be useful when planning journeys around the city.

Visit Museums on the First Sunday of the Month

If your trip happens to coincide with the first Sunday of the month, it is worth checking which museums and monuments are offering free admission. A number of Paris museums open their permanent collections to visitors free of charge on the first Sunday, although the exact arrangements can vary from one museum to another.

Among the museums that may offer free admission are Musée d’Orsay, Musée National Picasso-Paris and Centre Pompidou for their permanent collections. At Musée Rodin, free first-Sunday admission is generally limited to the low season, from October to March.

It is worth checking the official website of each museum before your visit, as free-admission policies, opening hours and reservation requirements can change. Even when admission is free, you may still need to reserve a time slot in advance, and the number of free tickets can be limited. For a budget trip to Paris, though, this is a great opportunity to experience some of the city’s world-famous art without paying the usual entrance fee.

Visit One of Paris’s Free Museums

Paris also has plenty of lesser-known museums that offer free permanent collections or free admission throughout the year. These can be a wonderful alternative to the city’s biggest and busiest museums, particularly if you have already spent several days surrounded by crowds and queues.

Some free museums worth discovering include:

Musée Carnavalet – the history of Paris
Musée Cognacq-Jay – 18th-century art
Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris – modern and contemporary art
Maison de Victor Hugo – the former home of the famous French novelist
Fragonard Perfume Museum – the history of perfume
Musée Curie – the history of radiological research
Musée de la Préfecture de Police – the history of the Paris police
Petit Palais – fine arts, with a free permanent collection

I think these smaller museums are a great option for a budget trip to Paris. You do not have to spend a lot of money or visit all the famous places to have an interesting day. Sometimes it is much more fun to find a museum you have never heard of, walk in without any particular expectations and see what you find. For me, these unexpected little discoveries are often what I remember most from a trip.

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The Olive Oil Museum A Quiet Hidden Gem in Marbella

Elena Sullivan — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 19:39:18 +0000

Like many interesting and adventurous stories, this one began with a single intention and unfolded into something much richer.

On a cloudy day, I walked into downtown Marbella with one clear plan – to visit the Archivo Histórico Municipal de Marbella. According to the information I found online, it was located inside the Centro Cultural Cortijo Miraflores. I working on an article about one of Marbella’s old buildings and hoped to find books, documents, or photographs that might be available for public use.

While I didn’t get to view archival materials that day, I did gather enough information to continue my research later. My visit had already served its purpose, and I was almost ready to leave.

Almost.

As I walked toward the exit, a small table tucked into the corner of the hallway caught my eye. Beneath a glass cover lay a few books and objects, quietly waiting to be noticed. Curious, I asked the kind woman at the reception desk, who had already patiently answered several of my questions, what it was.

I had arrived expecting to spend no more than ten minutes in the building.

Her answer changed that completely.

What followed was nearly an hour of unexpected exploration and warm conversation with the people who work there. Instead of leaving, I found myself drawn into a small but thoughtful exhibition dedicated to olive oil production and archaeological finds from the Marbella area, some dating back to BC times.

It felt less like a formal museum (like High Museum of Art in Atlanta) and more like a place for a quite discovery, modest in size, but rich in meaning.

Olive Oil, Archaeology, and Everyday History

The exhibition offers a quiet glimpse into the agricultural and cultural history of the region. Tools, objects, and machinery from the past century or two reveal how olive oil production shaped everyday life over generations. The artifacts are presented with care and simplicity, inviting visitors to slow down and take a closer look. What makes this place special is its intimacy. It doesn’t announce itself loudly, and perhaps that’s why it feels so genuine.

Standing in this single, modest hall, it becomes clear that the exhibition holds more than one story at once.

Long before olive groves shaped the landscape, traces of human presence were already here. Stone tools found at Coto Correa point to the Lower Paleolithic period, reminding us that life in this area began hundreds of thousands of years ago. Later, during the Neolithic period, people lived and buried their dead in nearby caves and rock shelters, leaving behind quiet marks of daily life. Centuries passed, and with the arrival of Arab rule in 711, Marbella became a network of farmsteads and fortifications before evolving into a walled city centered around its castle. The modern town began to take shape after the Christian conquest in 1485, expanding beyond its walls and filling with new buildings that still echo through Marbella today. Inside this small exhibition, all these layers of time felt softly folded together in one space.

The History of Cortijo Miraflores

The Centro Cultural Cortijo Miraflores is housed in a building with deep historical roots. Originally constructed in 1704 by Francisco Domínguez, the structure functioned as both a sugar cane mill and an olive oil mill. Two family crests still visible on the balcony at the entrance quietly confirm its origins.

Before becoming what it is today, the site was known as Miraflores Country House. It once belonged to the monks of the Monastery of San Francisco and later passed through generations of the Domínguez family. Over time, the estate expanded, incorporating oil mills powered by horses and agricultural facilities that supported rural life in the area.

Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the mill remained active, surviving ownership changes, legal disputes, and periods of decline. Eventually, the estate fell into abandonment and suffered damage, even facing the risk of demolition.

In 1990, the Town of Marbella acquired the property and undertook a full restoration. Today, Cortijo Miraflores has been carefully preserved and transformed into a cultural center that houses the municipal archive, reading rooms, exhibition spaces, and an archaeological and ethnological collection. Many original machines and grinders from its days as an oil mill are still visible, offering a tangible connection to its past.

Exploration Always Leads to Discovery

What I love most about exploring towns on foot, and speaking with the people who live and work there, is how often it leads to the unexpected. These moments feel like small gifts, especially for creative explorers.

I try to follow my intuition, which often begins with a simple thought: That looks interesting. I wonder what’s there.

When traveling, it’s natural to visit famous landmarks and well-documented attractions. I enjoy those too. But I always leave space for wandering without a plan. Getting a little lost often leads to places that never make it into guidebooks, the kind later described as hidden gems.

Even on my very first solo trip to Spain, I spent hours walking, observing, taking photos, and letting places reveal themselves slowly. This small olive oil museum inside Cortijo Miraflores felt like one of those moments, a reminder that curiosity is often rewarded.

How to Get to the Olive Oil Museum at Cortijo Miraflores

Centro Cultural Cortijo Miraflores is located just outside Marbella’s historic center, within walking distance from the old town. From Plaza de los Naranjos, the walk takes approximately fifteen minutes through residential streets.

Address: Avda. José Luis Morales y Marín, s/n 29601 Marbella

If you are arriving by car, there is street parking available nearby, though availability can vary depending on the time of day. Public buses serving the area also stop within a short walk of the cultural center.

Once inside don’t hesitate to ask questions at the reception desk. The staff are welcoming and happy to guide you, and who knows, they might lead you to a discovery you didn’t expect.

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Gaudí and the Magic of Architecture in Barcelona

Elena Sullivan — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:08:01 +0000

When people talk about architecture in Barcelona, it’s impossible not to think of Gaudí Barcelona — the colorful mosaics, dreamy curves, and soaring spires that make the city so iconic. From the famous architecture in Barcelona like La Sagrada Família and Park Güell to hidden modernist gems tucked into quiet streets, the city feels like an open-air museum.

Traveling to Barcelona back in 2013 was a dream come true. I had been saving and planning for months, and when I finally boarded the plane to El Prat Airport, I was buzzing with excitement. Like so many travelers, I had my checklist of must-sees — La Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló but what I secretly looked forward to most was wandering. I wanted to sit at cafés, sip sangria, watch people pass by, and let the city unfold around me.

At first, I thought I’d approach the trip like a former art student, methodically studying the architecture in Barcelona, dissecting the details, memorizing the history. But the city had other plans. Instead, I let myself flow with the rhythm of the streets. I wandered without rushing, camera in hand, soaking in the mix of Gothic, Modernist, and whimsical facades. I didn’t keep track of every fact or date, and yet, even years later, what stays with me is that feeling: joy, awe, and the sense of being very present in a place that feels alive with creativity.

Gaudí and His Creative World

When people think of famous architecture in Barcelona, one name always rises to the top: Antoni Gaudí. He’s everywhere, in the twisting spires of La Sagrada Família, the colorful mosaics of Park Güell, and the wave-like curves of Casa Milà. Depending on the source, Gaudí architecture in Barcelona includes between 12 and 20 works, and seven of them have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Gaudí wasn’t just an architect; he was a visionary. Born in 1852 in Catalonia, he pushed the boundaries of design at a time when most buildings still looked traditional. His work blended Gothic drama, Art Nouveau elegance, and his own organic imagination: think trees turned into columns, mosaics made of broken ceramic shards, and facades that look like living creatures.

One of his most fascinating techniques was using weighted chains and mirrors to model arches and columns, flipping them upside down to see how gravity could shape beauty (like my photo print World in Miniature). It’s part engineering, part poetry. And what makes Gaudí Barcelona landmarks so enduring is that his creations still feel fresh, surprising, almost otherworldly, like stepping into a dream where buildings breathe and ripple.

La Sagrada Família, of course, is his crown jewel. A cathedral that has been under construction for over 140 years and is still evolving. Walking inside, you feel like you’ve entered a stone forest, sunlight filtering through kaleidoscopic stained glass. Park Güell, on the other hand, feels playful and lighthearted (like the Daisy Echo print), a park of dragons, mosaics, and fairytale shapes overlooking the city.

Even today, Gaudí architecture Barcelona isn’t just about the buildings themselves, it’s about the spirit they bring to the city. His work invites admiration and imagination, reminding us that architecture doesn’t have to be rigid or predictable. It can be alive, joyful, and deeply human. (like in this European Street City Life Collection)

As I wandered, I often felt like I was peering through a giant kaleidoscope, every street corner revealed something vibrant, intricate, or unexpected (like Fountain of Cibeles). The city is rooted in reality, of course, but there’s always a twist, a detail that makes you pause and smile. Perhaps that’s Gaudí’s magic: his touch is everywhere, inspiring his contemporaries and generations of architects after him.

My Nikon camera was my constant companion on that trip. Looking back, I wish I had taken even more photos, because Barcelona architecture is endlessly photogenic, the kind of city where every snapshot feels like a postcard. Instead of overanalyzing, I let myself play the role of flâneur: walking, noticing, photographing, simply being there.

So here are a few of my favorite postcard-moments from famous architecture in Barcelona, glimpses of a city that is both ancient and modern, serious and playful, structured and whimsical. A city where architecture doesn’t just shelter life, it is life.

If you enjoyed reading this article you might also like “What I Learned About Love Traveling Solo in Barcelona” and “Seduce me with your Spanish words my Valencia solo trip

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How to have an everlasting romance and passion for life?

Elena Sullivan — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 22:19:27 +0000

I woke up in the middle of the night, breathing heavily. My long hair stuck to my shoulders and back; my face was covered with tiny drops of sweat; I turned and lay down on my back, trying to calm down my breath. It was hot in the room; even an open window and a little ceiling fan didn’t help to cool down the temperature.

It was my eight’s year living in Cancun. I should have gotten used to this tropical heat, extreme humidity, and my body’s inability to tolerate an air conditioner, but I didn’t. I was lying and staring at the dark, pink sheets crumpled in the left corner of my queen size bed. Thoughts were rushing into my mind, and I was trying to understand if it was a nightmare that woke me up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t remember and instead concentrated on a confusing feeling of uneasiness.

I put my hands on my belly and started inhaling and exhaling deeply, trying to relax. After a while, this breathing exercise brought me a soothing feeling of clarity.

“I want to write,” – I mumbled. “I can’t even think of anything else.” I felt a physical need to open a laptop and type all the thoughts ready to burst out of my head. Those were the ones that woke me up. They wanted to be understood, conceptualized, and imprinted.

A week after the Global Pandemic was announced, I started writing and was utterly engaged in this creative process for three months. Every day I spent five-six hours doing that, and at the end of May 2020, I had two hundred thirty pages in my memoir. It wasn’t about passion for life but how to find it when you don’t know where to look.

That day, at 3.34 AM, after I calmed down my breath, I knew I wanted to write. It felt like some instinct had awakened in me, and the words were given to me by some invisible source. Was it magic? As much as I love the concept of magic and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my favorite books, what I experienced can be better described as a reemerging passion for writing.

That early morning, the chapter I wrote was about love and my dear friend Alma Gonzalez who taught me how to say the words “Te Quiero” (in English, “I love you”) with grace and sincerity. Alma is a life coach with a beautiful spirit; her web project is called “Ama tu cuerpo con Alma.”

Love and passion are in the same group of feelings, so it doesn’t surprise me that I remembered this chapter while writing the article. You can read it following the this link, “Love is for everyone” (Spanish version “Tu tienes amor para todos”).

Do you have a passion for life?

Some dictionaries explain passion as a strong feeling of excitement for something or doing something. I understand passion for life as a concept described with simple words: I WANT and I WILL (to experience, to learn, to expand my own consciousness, to live through).

In everyday life, we use the word “I want” to explain our basic needs and desires. That’s when we say: “I want a cappuccino,” “I want a vanilla ice cream with Oreo,” “I want to watch Netflix,” “I want orange juice,” “I want to see what’s new on my Instagram” In a context of a passion for life we need to extend and elevate the meaning of “I want.”

My passion for life keeps growing every time I extend my list of “I want….” As of this date, it includes things like:

- visit all seven continents

- go on a Safari tour

- organize an exhibition to show my photography art

- wear a Dior dress (I love the story of the founder Christian Dior and his timeless, classy and elegant designs)

- do a TED talk

- have my photo studio

visit as many museums in the world as possible

It will be a big challenge to make all that happen, and that’s part of my passion for life. And such graceful challenges leave a delicious aftertaste once you set on a journey to make them happen.

My first deliberate passion for life was my desire to become a photographer, and I started learning every aspect of photo art. In 2007 I admitted to myself that I wanted to be a photographer.

The next period of my life filled with special passion was in 2013 when I discovered that “I want” to travel alone. I trusted that passion, allowed it to guide me, and in return, made the impossible possible in eight months. I went half-across the world with a one-way ticket, one suitcase, and a backpack to a country where I didn’t know anyone and didn’t speak the language. I describe this adventure in the article “How traveling solo with a one-way ticket changed my life?”

Passion for life has an individual character and goes hand in hand with the words “interest” and “curiosity.” It’s when you explore and ask questions about topics outside the comfort zone of your work and habitual hobbies.

How about:

trying some new cuisine or adding healthy snacks to the everyday diet
finding a new route to the office
adding some bright colors to the wardrobe
listening to a new music
taking cooking classes

Did you try something new recently? Share your experience in the comments section; I would love to hear from you.

Passion for life can manifest in simple, everyday actions. For example, when you walk along a street and notice fancy stores and some cute details that add character to the overall image of the place. The first time I walked around Avalon, located in Alpharetta Georgia’s downtown, I noticed a little squirrel peeking into the window of an Orvis store. At first, I thought it was alive, but coming closer, I realized it was a decorative statue.

Later on, I found out that there are several others squirrels statues randomly spread around Avalon. The mere process of discovering these squirrels infused me with joy and curiosity:

Why are they here?
Who is the artist who made them?
How did they come up with the idea?
Where did they make it (home or studio)?
How long did it take to produce them?”

There are many things to do in Avalon Alpharetta, most of which require spending money. However, just walking around, paying attention to little details, and wondering about the story behind them doesn’t cost money. The only investment is time and attention.

Feeling enthusiastic after will be your personal ROI. It’s not what investors expect, but it might energize your mind and spirit, thus attracting a creative influx in your life. And that is a necessary element in the overall success in life and business, which research has proven.

In general, observing and making Art offers so much to be curious and ponder about, and I’ll discuss it in the other article.

Every passion starts with a flirt and a romance

Now, I know I have a passion for life, but it wasn’t always that way. The journey to finding it was full of ups and downs.

As a teenager in the late 1990s, I believed that having various interests and hobbies was a sign of indecisiveness and wouldn’t benefit me in the future. One of these interests was writing. I enjoyed it, but I never considered becoming a writer or blogger, especially since this was before the widespread expansion of the Internet. I also loved theater and took several classes at a local art school. At 17, I became fascinated with the history and art of Egypt, spending several months visiting the local library to read everything I could find on the subject.

When I received an Olympus camera from my grandmother on my 15th birthday, I was thrilled. From then on, I always saved some pocket money to buy rolls of film. I took my camera everywhere and captured photos whenever I had the chance.

My parents, focused on their jobs and making ends meet, encouraged me to pursue an education in something more stable, like marketing, management, or foreign languages. Since I never had a strong affinity for mathematics, a degree in economics was out of the question. In 2005, I graduated from Saint Petersburg University of Culture and Art with a Master’s Degree in Art.

In my early 40s, I realized that it was perfectly fine to explore different hobbies and activities early in life. It was one of the best ways to discover what I truly enjoyed. Looking back, I now understand that it was normal for a young person starting out in life to try different things while figuring out her passions.

Flirting with life – trying out different creative activities as a way of finding a special one. That later can transform into a Romance (something more profound than flirt) and eventually into a Passion for life.

Aesthetics, Art, style, traveling, writing, and photography are my greatest passions. And all that started with a flirt. I learned to trust myself and follow my curiosity, like the main heroine in the book “Alice in Wonderland,” who followed the White Rabbit and had a fantastic adventure. I love being curious; it fuels my passion for life.

How to find a passion for life?

I found my passion for life by exploring life’s colorful palette of possibilities and expanding my own set of skills necessary to achieve my goals.

In 2013, when I arrived in Cancun, I didn’t know anything about WordPress and SEO optimization. Step-by-step, I learned how to build a website by doing it; trials-errors-wins were my way of expanding my set of skills. Later, my international website became a platform for my growing photography business in Cancun.

Passion for life is also a process of discovering what you like and later enjoying it. It’s less about complaining and more about encouraging; it’s not about looking for shortcuts but rather about unfolding your potential by inventing every next step on your way.

I am passionate about writing articles for my blog and photography website. And I do that because playing with my imagination in search of the right words excites me and gives me a sense of fulfillment and balance. It’s nice to scroll through my published articles, but I admit that my passion for writing comes first. Sometimes it takes hours to finish one paragraph, and other days minutes. But those moments of creative struggle make the whole process more delicious.

So, how to find a passion for life?

The short answer is to be more curious, ask more questions, try new experiences and trust yourself in that process.

Have you ever thought of learning a new language? Just for fun and not for any other reason. There are 7100 languages worldwide, so many of which are easy to learn and pleasant to listen to. Let’s take the phrase “have a romance with life” as an example and translate it into different languages:

Spanish – “tener un romance con la vida ”

Italian – “avere una storia d’amore con la vita”

French – “avoir une romance avec la vie”

Czech – “mít románek se životem”

German – “habe eine Romanze mit dem Leben”

Japanese “人生とのロマンスを持っています” (Jinsei to no romansu o motte imasu)

Okey! I know it looks and sounds different, but maybe it can help you bring passion to life. “Details matter!” and sometimes the answer is in the least expected place and/or experience.

If you feel stuck and are looking for a passion for life, I would highly recommend reading a book by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi “Finding flow.” The psychology of engagement with everyday life”. I found it very helpful when rebuilding my passion for life.

Savor the little things, and may creative energy always surround you!

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The visual power of aesthetics at Biltmore house Asheville NC

Elena Sullivan — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:40:58 +0000

I stood in front of the window, gazing outside as the first soft sunbeams slowly emerged behind the mountain. The sunrise was inspiring and mesmerizing, making it easy to lose track of time. Despite my desire to keep admiring the awakening light, I needed to start getting ready and think about my outfit for the day.

It was Saturday, the second day of our honeymoon in Asheville, North Carolina. The weather forecast promised another beautiful day, which we hoped for since we planned to visit the Biltmore House later.

Some call the Biltmore House a mansion or an estate, but when you see it in person, you might start calling it the Biltmore Castle. Its dimensions, spanning over 175,000 square feet, easily fit that description.

Visiting a castle calls for a nice outfit; after all, it’s not every day you get the chance. Since I found out we were going on a tour of the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, I knew I would wear a dress. Those of you who are subscribed to my Art blog and are familiar with my fine art photography know I am a strong advocate for the “Power of the Dress,” offering a “Flying Dress” experience. I believe in the power of aesthetics, art, creativity, and personal style to enrich and elevate your life. I have experienced this myself and shared the results on my blog.

I try to avoid creating expectations, especially when traveling or visiting a museum, gallery, or fine art photography exhibiton. It never works out; I usually end up viewing the real moment through the lens of my expectations instead of enjoying it as it is. After a tour of El Cielo in Cozumel, Mexico, I made a promise: “Never create expectations.” This is why I avoid looking at highly advertised pictures that make you want to say, “OMG! Amazing!” or “This is perfect!”

Visiting the Biltmore Estate is not about experiencing perfection; it’s about having an enriching experience. It’s about practicing curiosity, expanding your view of the world, and nourishing your senses, all of which together provide aesthetic pleasure without the need for exclamation marks and high emotions.

My husband secretly organized our honeymoon trip to Asheville, so I didn’t have time to form any expectations. He revealed our destination just twenty minutes before we arrived in this artistic town. Later that day, he announced he had booked a tour of the Biltmore Mansion directly from their website. You can also book tickets by clicking the following link. They offer several ticket options based on the number of activities and the time of year. General admission to the Biltmore House starts at $69, and during Christmas, it’s $99.

A historical note about Biltmore house in Asheville.

The Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum built for George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895. The main residence, Biltmore House, features a Châteauesque style inspired by French Renaissance architecture. Although it is a museum open to all visitors, the Biltmore House remains privately owned by George Vanderbilt’s descendants and is the largest privately-owned house in the United States.

In the 1880s, after traveling to Asheville with his mother, George Vanderbilt fell in love with the local scenery and climate, deciding to build a summer house in the area. The name “Biltmore” originated from a combination of two words: “De Bilt” (a place of his ancestor’s origin in the Netherlands) and “more” (Anglo-Saxon “moor” – an open land).

To facilitate the estate’s construction, a woodworking factory and brick kiln were built on-site. About 1,000 workers and 60 stonemasons were hired to work on the main Biltmore House. George Vanderbilt II made numerous trips overseas to purchase decor for his mansion, including furniture, linens, tapestries, paintings, prints, and many other decorative details dating back to the 15th century. The construction of the mansion reportedly cost 5 million dollars, equivalent to 150 million US dollars today.

The Biltmore House opened on Christmas Eve in 1895 to family and friends. Over the years, many famous people have stayed at Biltmore, including novelist Henry James, Edith Wharton, ambassador Joseph Hodges Choate, and several U.S. presidents.

The Biltmore House is surrounded by 75 acres of formal and informal gardens designed by the renowned American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

In 1963 the Biltmore estate was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is still family-owned, and with over 1,4 million visitors per year, it remains a major tourist attraction in North Carolina.

Inside of Biltmore estate.

When I was a kid, I loved listening to Carmen Suite and looking through the pages of a book about European paintings. Later in life, I earned a Master’s degree in Art and became a professional photographer. At 30, I pivoted my life in a completely different direction, moving halfway across the world to Mexico with just one suitcase and a camera. I didn’t know anyone there or speak the language, but I was captivated by the idea of living in a “tropical paradise,” thinking that a beach and sun were all I needed to be happy.

After nine years of living in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I realized that wasn’t enough. My childhood love for art resurfaced, and I felt a strong need to experience art more often and from different perspectives. While I love nature and the sea, in my version of the “balance of life,” art and aesthetics play a significant role. Visiting museums (like the Metropolitan Museum in New York), galleries (like Vinings in Roswell, GA), and theaters, along with painting and writing, gently nourish my spirit and mind. So, when I stepped inside the Biltmore Estate, I felt an incredible surge of energy and revitalization.

Even if I used all the superlative adjectives, it wouldn’t be enough to describe the aesthetic pleasure I experienced from spending five hours inside the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. I would have gladly spent more time there, but as a visitor, you can only get a fleeting glimpse of that masterpiece.

Prominent New York architect Richard Morris Hunt was commissioned to design the Biltmore House. Having previously worked for several members of the Vanderbilt family, he drew inspiration from French Renaissance châteaux. In 1889, Hunt and George Vanderbilt visited several of these châteaux in France, as well as Waddesdon Manor in England, to gather design ideas.

The Biltmore House features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms for family and guests, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and three kitchens. The main rooms are situated on the ground floor.

The Entrance Hall is made of marble, and to the right is the Winter Garden, which is surrounded by stone archways.

The Biltmore House was equipped with several innovations of its time, including an electric elevator, forced-air heating, centrally controlled clocks, and a fire alarm system.

The Banquet Hall is the largest room in the house, featuring a 70-foot high barrel-vaulted ceiling. On one side of the hall is an organ gallery that contains a 1916 Skinner Pipe Organ.

The Grand Staircase, with 107 steps spiraling around a four-story structure and a wrought-iron chandelier, is the main access to the second floor. As you walk through the Living Hall, you’ll pass by George Vanderbilt’s gilded bedroom and his wife’s oval-shaped bedroom in the Louis XV style.

The basement level of the Biltmore House features various activity rooms, including an indoor heated swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a gym. It also houses a service hub with the main, pastry, and rotisserie kitchens, laundry rooms, a servant’s dining hall, and walk-in refrigerators.

My top three favorite rooms in the Biltmore House are:

The Library
The Louis Suite, which includes four rooms: the Damask Room, the Claude Room, the Tyrolean Chimney Room, and the Louis XV Room. These rooms are located on the second floor.
Mrs. Edith Vanderbilt’s bedroom

The architecture and interiors of the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, are so exquisite and rich in detail that the moment I stepped inside, I was instantly transported to the 19th century. The details are so compelling that they evoke the character of the people who envisioned this magnificent estate, as well as the architects and designers who worked tirelessly to bring it to life. To fully appreciate every detail, multiple visits to the Biltmore Estate are necessary.

In our hi-tech era, we often believe that to appreciate life and feel happy, we must fully engage with the present moment, which typically means avoiding distractions like phones and other devices. However, this can be nearly impossible in a place like the Biltmore House, where every room, wall, and ceiling is irresistibly captivating to a curious visitor.

As a photographer with fifteen years of experience, I couldn’t resist taking numerous photos and recording videos. It’s my instinct to capture and share beauty, which I later post on my blog and social media. Given the overwhelming negativity in the news and similar sources, I created the “Fine Art Lifestyle” project to promote beauty, aesthetics, and creativity, which can uplift the spirit and positively impact one’s life.

I was thrilled to find two paintings by my favorite artist, Claude Monet, in one of the rooms on the first floor. I wished I had more time at the Biltmore to study each painting in detail, but that felt like an idealistic plan for the future. For now, my visit offered only a glimpse of these absolute masterpieces.

Dress up to elevate your experience in the Biltmore mansion.

The developing theory of “Enclothed Cognition” explores how clothing can influence our behavior and attitude toward everything we do. I support this theory based on my personal experience during my transformation after a divorce. As I embraced personal style, swapped pants for skirts, and filled my wardrobe with colorful dresses, started practicing public speaking, these changes became a silent supporter in my journey to restore my femininity and nurture my self-love.

On tour at the Biltmore house, I was wearing a flowy dress with a flower pattern, which was appropriate for that gorgeous place. The dress elevated my perception of the whole experience. Walking through the halls at the Biltmore House in a dress was like dancing between a past and a present, and on every twirl, feeling a soft touch of graceful heirlooms trying to get your attention.

There is no dress code for visiting the Biltmore house. Still, I noticed that many visitors were dressed elegantly and stylishly, which added a lot to their enriching experience of visiting the Biltmore estate.

How to arrive to Biltmore House.

We stayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn. On the day of our scheduled tour, we left the hotel around 7:40 AM and arrived at the Biltmore Estate in just 12 minutes. At the main entrance, security welcomed us, scanned our tickets, and gave us a map of the estate. Following the signs, which were placed at short intervals, we easily drove to Parking Lot A. Since it was early morning, finding a spot was quick and easy.

We then walked through a small park that led to the Observation Area of the Biltmore House. We left around 2 PM and headed to the exhibition “Leonardo Da Vinci: 500 Years of Genius,” hosted at Biltmore’s Amherst Deerpark venue.

On our way back, still within the estate, I noticed small buses stopping by the main entrance of the Biltmore House. These were for private tours, so if you book one, you won’t need to worry about parking—these buses will drop you off right at the main entrance.

Returning to the hotel, I was pleasantly tired from a full day of walking in heels that felt fitting for the grand ambiance of the Biltmore Mansion. The estate is an extravagant example of human potential driven by pride, wealth, and creative vision. I was thrilled by the architecture, interior designs, and the historical aspects, but most of all, by the genuine joy of experiencing a masterpiece.

Address for the Biltmore Estate entrance: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM

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The inspiring triumph of art in the Metropolitan Art Museum New York

Elena Sullivan — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 16:19:11 +0000

There is something sincerely special when you make your dream come true, despite all the hardships that might have flooded the road to a destination. The new philosophy teaches us that to be happy and enjoy the triumph of achievements, first of all, we must love the journey, the road, every step along the way, and occasional bumps.

So, to visit the Metropolitan Art Museum, I had to apply that idea in action.

From the Caribbean beach to the largest museum in the United States - Metropolitan Art Museum

Being an art student 18 years ago, I read about the MET. Yet growing up in a restrained society (former USSR), I never allowed myself to dream of visiting it. It wasn’t until I moved to Cancun in 2013, where I established my photography business and was exposed to international tourism, that I started dreaming big. And though living in a tropical destination might sound alluring to those of you who live in a cold climate, with many rainy days and no direct access to the beach, there are some pitfalls. And one of them is the limited number of museums, galleries, and other places that represent different art, including classical.

At some point living in Cancun, I clearly realized I have a visual hunger! I needed more art and all it encompasses – beauty, diversity, inspiration, variety of texture and forms, creative communication, and the hidden message that tickles my curious mind. And I started actively dreaming, which was interrupted by a Global Pandemic.

However, I am a true believer in the power of thoughts and the magic formula “dream+act=victory” So, despite all the circumstances that were against me traveling to New York, I made it happen. I patiently waited for my visa appointment for a year, working, doing “Empowering Flying Dress photoshoots,” and staying true to my dream. And it worked out, as always it works out when you combine dreams with actions.

I imagined myself visiting the Metropolitan Art Museum for many years. So, when it finally happened, I was super excited, and it became a gently nourishing experience for me. And I didn’t expect less than that. After all, going to the MET symbolized my first solo trip to New York and the United States, the country I had been so curious about since I was a teenager.

New York, New York – a city that never sleeps, with skyscrapers reaching high to the sky, yellow taxis creating a colorful puzzle mood, and infinite geometric patterns formed by a city skyline.

In March 2022, I visited New York for the first time, coming from Cancun. I wasn’t prepared for the cold weather. My friend, a long-time New Yorker, explained, “It’s because a cold front is passing by, but don’t worry, it will be gone in a couple of days.” I replied, “That sounds good, but I’ll be leaving by then.” Since I couldn’t postpone my visit to the MET, I went the next day, which was the day after its day off.

On vacation, I allow myself to sleep in, but on that magical day, I woke up around 6.30 AM. I wanted to arrive at MET at least thirty minutes before opening to ensure I didn’t have to stand in a long line. So I took a hot shower, did my makeup, and put on a dress and several casual blouses underneath to keep me warm because my spring coat was just not enough. Living in Cancun for nine years, I almost forgot why one needs a warm coat and how cold weather feels. But I realized I should have prepared better for this trip when I stepped outside the JFK airport and saw little snowflakes dancing in the air. But anyway, even this minor weather-type misunderstanding couldn’t stop me from enjoying the Big Apple and visiting the MET NYC.

The West Side YMCA hostel New York where I stayed, is located at 1.3. miles away from the Metropolitan Museum and on a warm day, I would easily walk there, even wearing heels. However, the cold and terrifyingly strong wind made it impossible.

So, after having breakfast, I took an Uber, and in fifteen minutes, I was at the MET’s main entrance.

I didn’t expect a long line entering a museum, but I was glad it was there because it gave me just enough time to purchase a ticket online. That was the best option. Otherwise, I would have spent more time outside in the cold waiting in line at a ticket office. I added detailed information about the MET hours and tickets at the end of the article.

When I entered the Metropolitan museum, I thought – hello, her Majesty, The palace of art. It’s one thing when you read about a museum (for example The High Museum of Art in Atlanta) and different when you visit it. “It’s real,” I thought, “I am real, and my experience traveling in New York is real.” I was 100% present in the moment, and it was magical.

Art and history are romantically connected, so in writing about the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s, it’s important to mention how it was established.

The MET Museum was founded in 1870 by a group of American citizens that included businessman John Taylor Johnston, painter Jonathan Eastman and art collector William Tilden Blodgett. Their main objective was to establish, encourage and promote the knowledge and study of Fine Art in the city.

The first collection was purchased in 1872 and consisted of 174 paintings. It’s estimated that the current MET collection includes almost 2 million works of art covering 5000 years of world culture. The museum was first housed in the building at 681 Fifth Avenue, but smart leadership and management led to its fast expansion, and in 1880, it moved into its current building located at 1000 Park Avenue, New York City. By the 20th century, the Metropolitan Art Museum has become one of the world’s prominent art centers.

In 1967 a grand plan for expansion of the major building was approved, and the architect Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates was in charge of the MET’s renovation. It took them 26 years of continuous work to complete the project. The result was the construction of the Robert Lehman Wing, The Sackler Wing, The American Wing, The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing, the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing, and the Henry R. Kravis Wing. The new space allowed the MET museum to refine and reorganize its collection.

The Metropolitan Art Museum recorded 2.11 million visitors in 2021, compared to 2019 when it received around 7 million visitors.

MET major collections

The MET’s primary permanent collection is curated by seventeen departments, each with its own group of scholars.

African Art in The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
The American Wing
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Arms and Armor
Ancient American Art in The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
Asian Art
The Costume Institute
Drawings and Prints
Egyptian Art
European Paintings
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Greek and Roman Art
Islamic Art
The Robert Lehman Collection
Medieval Art and The Cloisters
Modern and Contemporary Art
Musical Instruments
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Period Rooms in MET

What can be a better representation of a period in time other than a room?! And in the Metropolitan Art Museum, there are 29 “period” and historic rooms of different sizes. The decoration of each of them reflects a particular epoch and artistic style. They are curated by scholars and partly inspired by museological trends and MET’s collections. In most “period rooms,” the furnishings are not original but have been selected to give visitors an idea of what it might look like.

Here are photos of some of the rooms that I visited. As a kind reminder, note that a video recording is not allowed.

I spent all day in the Metropolitan Art Museum and still didn’t get to see it all. The statistics say that, on average, a person spends 3-4 hours in MET, and with that schedule, you probably need at least a week to walk around every hall. If I lived in New York, I am sure I would have a membership as I did in the High Museum of Art Atlanta.

I needed more time to see all the famous paintings and take a detailed look at Egyptian art, as those are of special interest to me.

Egyptian art at the Metropolitan museum

A relatively small initial collection of Egyptian collections in MET museum was represented by seals and scarabs acquired in 1874 by its first director – Luigi Palma di Cesnola. Later, in 1884 the Egyptian art collection extended when the museum bought important items directly from the Egyptian Government. By 1905 there were 4400 objects in the Egyptian art collection at the Metropolitan museum. It’s important to note that the Egyptian department was one of the earliest in MET.

The modern-day collection consists of 26000 items dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman period. And most parts of it were acquired through the museum’s thirty-five-year archeological work in Egypt that started in 1906 and was interrupted in 1936 by the problems that resulted from the Depression. It took fifty years for MET to reinitiate its archeological explorations in Egypt.

MET costume exhibit - In America: An Anthology of Fashion

Do you remember that feeling when you visit a beautiful and alluring place for the first time? For me visiting the MET Museum was one such experience. And I didn’t have time to get ready: to map out what I wanted to see and where it was located within the museum’s building, what are the temporary exhibitions (like Joseph Stella “Visionary Nature” in Atlanta), or how much time I needed to allocate for every collection. I just went there and was exploring it step by step, hall by hall, feeling like an art traveler lost in the space of a magnifying charm. And at some point, I entered a gallery with a temporary exhibition – In America an Anthology of Fashion. It was a must-see for me, now that I am interested in and passionate about personal style. I am not a fashionista and don’t spend days looking through fashion magazines. However, allocating a certain time of my life to dress nice has become an importantly-nourishing habit after a divorce. It helps me to generate more enthusiasm for life. So, I was happy to look at distinctive dresses and other clothes for thirty minutes. Let me share with you my favorites.

14 most famous paintings at the MET

While writing this article, I realized that you probably need a week to see just the paintings in the MET museum. With every new room you step into, the number of paintings seems to double. And that’s so tempting and confusing at the same time. I remember thinking: “I want to see them all, but I also want to see other pieces of art.” So, again it’s all about balance and allocating an equal amount of time to see some of the paintings at MET.

Washington Crossing Delaware, Emanuel Leutze 1851

The Death of Socrates – Jacques-Louis David. This Neoclassical work is one of the most famous paintings at The Met. It portrays the moments just before the death of the great philosopher Socrates, based on his student Plato’s record of the event.
Gertrude Stein – Pablo Picasso 1905-06
The Dancing Class – Edgar Degas
Autumn Rhythm – Jackson Pollock 1950
Madonna and Child Enthroned with Saints – Raphael
Olive Trees at Collioure – Henri Matisse 1906
Two Young Girls at the Piano – Auguste Renoir 1892
The Musicians – Caravaggio 1595
Venus and the Lute Player – Titian – 1565
Vincent Van Gogh | 1887 – Self-portrait with a straw hat.
Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies – Claude Monet 1899
No. 13 (White, Red on Yellow) – Mark Rothko 1958
View of Toledo, El Greco 1596-1600

Following are some of my favorite paintings in the MET:

Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets

Multiple webs offer online tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Usually, they appear on the right side of a Google search and might offer a discount. However, I prefer to buy tickets directly, so I booked my visit to MET online while waiting in line next to the main entrance. Follow this link to get your Metropolitan Museum of Art ticket.

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10 AM – 5 PM

Wednesday – Day off

Friday- Sunday 10 AM -9 PM

It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.

Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street

New York, NY 10028

At the end of my first visit to MET, I clearly felt that going to a museum can revive my creative spirit like nothing else.

No matter how many speculations are going around the founders and finances of the museum, I was there to look at art, inhale the tangible past, and exhale enthusiasm for the future. And I would love to go there again. I love going to museums as a random visitor and admirer of art and all things beautifully creative. It’s a visual food for my spirit and allows me to grow and explore all the kaleidoscopic angles of life.

And besides that, you can’t travel to New York and not visit the Metropolitan Art Museum; it’s like going on a beach vacation and never touching the sea. It would be confusing, do you agree?!

The power of art can’t be overestimated. It inspires you to dream and fantasize beyond the ordinary. And a museum is a place that unites and attracts those of us who need that magical touch of the muse.

After visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I started brimming with a renewed passion for exploring art. And I confirmed my thought that the beach, the Caribbean Sea, the palm trees, theaters, and museums are nice in moderation. All that has to be in life. And merged together, like pieces of a puzzle, create a balance in life.

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Discover Inspiration and Creativity at the High Museum of Art Atlanta

Elena Sullivan — Sun, 19 May 2024 15:38:55 +0000

What was the first museum you have ever visited? I wish I knew, but it was a long time ago, so no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t remember. But I recall where I saw one of the most fascinating in its naturalism sculptures – “The Veiled Rebekah” (1864) by Italian sculptor Giovanni Maria Benzoni. Three weeks ago in the evening, during one of the High-Frequency Fridays held on the first Friday of the month in the High Museum of Art Atlanta, GA.

Somehow I missed seeing this masterpiece during my first visit to the museum. But now I know where it is, and the next time I will make sure to allocate some time to admire “The Veiled Rebekah” again.

This statue represents a scene from a Hebrew Bible when Rebecca first meets her future husband, Issac. There are four copies of “The Veiled Rebekah,” and the original is in Salar Jung Museum in India.

The first time this statue has to be viewed from far away (9-13 feet) to understand better the level of craftsmanship a sculptor applied to make a veil. When I saw it, I had an impression that the veil was real and almost moving around her face. It felt so realistic, almost invisible, that I wanted to stretch my hand and touch it to ensure my vision was not playing a trick on me. Standing near the statue, I was amazed even more because I could almost see the thin structure of the veil. Unbelievable! Superior level of work!

Did you know that the word museum is of Greek origin, “mouseion” and means “Seat of the Muses”? It was designated as a place of contemplation and a philosophical institution.

The High Museum of Art Atlanta. Who, what and when?

The High Museum of Art was established in 1905 as part of the Atlanta Arts Association. In 1926 Harriet “Hattie” Harwell Wilson High donated her family’s mansion on a Peachtree to house several exhibitions. Since then, some pieces of art were added to a permanent exhibition in what is now known as the High Museum of Art, which is named in her honor.

Her portrait (Oil on Canvas) is displayed in Stent Family Wing, Robinson Atrium.

The High Museum is a division of Woodruff Arts center and is one of the most prominent museums in the Southeast United States. Its permanent collection has more than 18000 objects of art made by nineteenth- and twentieth-century American artists, folk and self-taught artists, African and European artists, modern and contemporary artists, and photographers.

In 1983 a new building of the High Museum of Art was presented to the public, which soon became one of Atlanta’s landmarks. It was designed by famous abstract artist and architect Richard Meier, who won a Pritzker Prize for completing this building. That project was partly funded by former Coca-Cola president Robert W.Woodruff followed by $20 million raised by the museum.

In 2005 the museum went through another expansion. Italian architect Renzo Piano designed three new buildings that enhanced the overall view of the Woodruff Arts Center.

The High Museum of Art Collections include:

Photography
Decorative arts and design
African art
European art
American art
Modern and Contemporary Art
Folk and Self-taught art

Located in downtown Atlanta, the High Museum of Art strives to represent the diversity of its community. In addition, it helps in communicating the values and stories of artists, thus adding to the comprehension of the importance of art.

The museum offers various educational programs for kids, teens, and adults. Learn more by clicking this link.

Going to a city museum is a delicately personal experience. I go there to get inspired and become a step-more-forward open-minded. I often find the diversity of unexpected expressions and visual representations of something uniquely personal in museums.

My impression after visiting the High Museum of Art.

Going to a city museum (like the Getty Museum in Los Angeles) is a delicately personal experience. I go there to get inspired and become a step-more-forward open-minded. I often find the diversity of unexpected expressions and visual representations of something uniquely personal in museums.

Expectations don’t work there, at least for me, because I want to be surprised, stop, ask questions, wonder, and then come back again.

I can’t say that I was a perfect museum goer always, but I learned so much since my first student-must-do-visit. I now know the importance of patience and silencing my creative voice once I enter the museum because it’s a space for other artists to speak and present. In some ways, art teaches us to be less selfish and more compassionate. And going to a gallery or museum – be attentive to others’ points of view and vision of the future.

My first visit to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta was visually intense, and I promised to return. And since I bought a membership, I definitely will. In October there will be an exhibition of Rodin’s sculptures, will you be there?

What must you know before visiting the High Museum of Art Atlanta, GA?

The museum is open from 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday 12 – 5 PM.

Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

The general mission is 19 USD; children under 6 – Free.

The High Museum of Art offers several membership plans:

Individual – $83

Dual/Family – $125

Contributing – $182

Patron – $365

Donor Patron – $600

Sustaining patron – $1000

Free parking (subject to availability until 5 PM) is included in every Membership plan.

Don’t forget to subscribe to their newsletter for updates about new exhibitions and events.

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Celebrate life in the Color Factory museum in New York

Elena Sullivan — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 20:32:52 +0000

It was evening and my fourth day of a solo female trip in New York City. After many hours of walking and exploring this buzzing megapolis, I returned to the West YMCA hostel near Central Park. I had a cup of warm camomile tea with an Italian pistachio Doughnut from Angelina Bakery. After my gustatory sense got fascinated with the delicious aftertaste, I crawled into bed and took my iPhone. Then, it was time to enjoy some silence and research online what more New York has to offer. I’ve already been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and (Moma) Museum of Modern Art, so I wanted to visit someplace less formal and more fun. Thirty minutes of Googling gave me multiple options, including SUMMIT One Vanderbilt and the Color Factory Museum.

Choosing between two was easy because I love vibrant colors; I recently got my certificate in Color Therapy Foundations, and the reviews and photos of the Color Factory were outstanding. So, without further hesitation, I booked my tickets online, opted for the 10.30 AM entry timeline, and I was there the next day by this time. At the end of the article, you will find detailed information about booking tickets to the Color Factory Museum NYC.

The Color Factory Museum NYC

The Color Factory is an interactive art exhibition founded in 2017 by event planner Jordan Ferney, artist Leah Rosenberg, and designer Erin Jang. Its first exhibition was in San Francisco, and due to its immediate popularity, it was extended to the last eight months. In August 2018, it opened in the SoHo neighborhood of NYC and became one of New York’s most colorful attractions.

When visiting the Color Factory in New York, be ready to be amused and color-energized.

Behind every door, there is something that will raise your wow-excitement level. Everything in this museum plays with your five senses. In one room, you touch a bright button; in the other, eat a colorful candy, then follow the Q&A map painted on the floor; then walk through a room where colors are changing the imagery displayed on the walls, then play on a musical instrument, listen to music and dance. And finally, slide down to a pool filled with light blue balls.

There are several rooms in the Color Factory Museum, each designed in a distinct way and offering an enriching experience. If you asked me to choose my favorite, I wouldn’t be able to because I like all of them, and each has something creatively special.

There was one room where I needed a partner to have a full experience. The way it works is both partners enter the room using different doors and then sit down at the table separated by glass. You can see each other but can’t hear. Then you put on the headphones and follow the instructions. I won’t tell you details, not to spoil your experience, which is worth the money and time getting there.

I didn’t have a partner because I was traveling alone, but thanks to the friendly staff at Color Factory Museum, who helped me and assisted me in this room, I got the full experience.

Visiting the Color Factory museum in NYC was my Alice-in-Wonderland experience. It reaffirmed my belief in the positive power of colors and showed me a different type of museum experience.

I was used to visiting classic museums like the Getty Museum in LA, High Museum of Art and galleries like Vinings, so I was happy to spend an hour and a half wandering in the Museum of Color NYC. I plan to visit the one in Chicago.

I’ve never had so much fun in a museum, and I highly recommend you visit the Color Factory Museum in New York and celebrate life in colors.

Cameras are all around the museum, and you can scan your ticket to have them take photos of you in the best spots. Then, the next day, they will email you the pictures you used when purchasing a ticket.

Color factory NYC tickets

Book your tickets online using Color Factory Museum’s official website The price is $37- $45, depending on the date.

The museum is located at 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013

It’s opened Monday-Sunday 9 AM – 7 PM

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Joseph Stella’s Visionary Nature exhibition in Atlanta

Elena Sullivan — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:08:15 +0000

Welcome to an extraordinary journey through the captivating world of Joseph Stella, a visionary artist whose work has left an enduring mark on the art world. I hope you enjoy this article and video I recorded while visiting Joseph Stella’s exhibition “Visionary Nature” at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. The exhibition begins with an introduction to Stella’s early industrial works, showcasing selections from his famous Brooklyn Bridge series.

Joseph Stella "Visionary Nature".

Joseph Stella’s journey as an artist was as remarkable as his art itself. Born in Italy, he immigrated to America in search of new horizons. The vibrant energy of New York City would go on to shape his iconic art works, such as ‘Brooklyn Bridge’ and ‘The Voice of the City of New York Interpreted.

Another section in the exhibition, “Italy: Origins,” features artworks from Stella’s frequent return visits to his homeland. Stella returned to Italy in 1909, beginning a lifetime of travel back and forth from his native country, as well as frequent visits to Paris—where he would absorb the influences of Fauvism, Cubism and Futurism—and to North Africa and Barbados.

From the moment I entered the exhibition, I felt like I was transported to a realm where colors dance and shapes come alive, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Joseph Stella’s art is a symphony of the senses, a visual delight that beckons you to explore. As you navigate through this mesmerizing exhibition, you’ll witness the evolution of Stella’s style, from his early fascination with futurism to his later embrace of spiritualism. Each canvas tells a unique story, inviting you to decipher the mysteries hidden within.

Stella’s masterpieces are a fusion of modernism and surrealism, a testament to his unique artistic vision. His bold use of color and intricate compositions are nothing short of breathtaking, inviting you to lose yourself in the intricate web of his creativity.

Joseph Stella’s influence extends far beyond his own creations. His work continues to inspire generations of artists to push the boundaries of their own creativity.

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The inspiring triumph of art in the Metropolitan Art Museum New York

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Metropolitan Museum of Art tickets

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Discover Inspiration and Creativity at the High Museum of Art Atlanta

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The Color Factory Museum NYC

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Joseph Stella’s Visionary Nature exhibition in Atlanta

Joseph Stella "Visionary Nature".