Structurally an architectural wonder and aesthetically an incredible monument for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Hagia Sophia is a former Greek Orthodox cathedral that later became an Ottoman imperial mosque, and is now a museum in the Turkish Republic.
Built in 537 as a cathedral in Constantinople with two floors centered on a nave that holds the great domed ceiling measuring 180 feet above the floor, along with smaller domes that extend upward. An engineering marvel for its time of great architectural beauty.
During the Byzantine period the apse was decorated with mosaics of a representation of the Virgin Mary with a young Jesus Christ on her lap. Most mosaics are made of pieces of stone or glass of different colors known tesserae.
The music scene and great food is reason enough to visit Austin, but as you wander throughout the town you notice the boost of creativity within the city limits. From musicians on every other street corner; galleries tucked into unassuming spots and the architectural history, well the uniqueness becomes most endearing after the first day. Listed are a few of my favorites spots!!
Rodney McMillian, The White House Painting, 2018. Vinyl and thread. 13 feet x 42 feet 4 inches. Commissioned by The Contemporary Austin, with funds provided by the Suzanne Deal Booth Art Prize and was chosen by an independent advisory committee of renowned curators and art historians.
Sixth String by Randy Rudman
Me standing next to the 10’ Gibson Les Paul which is permanently on display at the corner of 6th and Congress, and the connection between performing and visual arts is astounding as you notice on the guitar the intersection of Sixth & Brazos.
TACOS DE VERDURAS AL CHINTEXTLE SAUTÉED SEASONAL VEGETABLES IN A SMOKY CHILE PASILLA OAXAQUEÑO PASTE
This Oaxacan cuisine is absolutely the best within the city limits. To start the meal was this fabulous Margarita with sea salt!!! The flavors of the meal were so fresh and bold, like the Guacamole con Chicharron that was served with corn tortillas and a salsa-verde that I want to attempt to remake at home. Then tacos de verduras al chintextle were the seasonal vegetables in a smoky chile pasilla oaxaqueno paste.Irene’s
The retro vibe that emanates from Irene’s was half the fun of visiting this quaint restaurant and former auto body repair shop. It took me back to the days of the 29 Diner off of Route 50 & 123, when food was as delicious as mom’s!!! Our group started the meal with the French Dip & chips, which was really tasty, like when we were kids. The burgers were from handmade patties and dessert was a gorgeous strawberry cake.
Structurally an architectural wonder and aesthetically an incredible monument for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Hagia Sophia is a former Greek Orthodox cathedral that later became an Ottoman imperial mosque, and is now a museum in the Turkish Republic.
Stylish Heath 