Barbara Angelakis

Prague cityscape. Photo by Barbara Angelakis. The history of the Jews of Prague began in the 1st century, a time when Jews traveled as merchants in caravans throughout middle Europe, trading in both goods and slaves. By universal decree, Jews were prohibited from owning property, which severely limited their career choices. The few options that were open to them were the less desirable but profitable business of selling human beings, which was big business in the early centuries.

I fell in love with Flamenco in the late 1980s when I was introduced to the robust artistry of Maria Benitez and her company, Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco. It was with great excitement that I looked forward to her annual performance at the Joyce Theater in New York City. Maria Benitez’s performance was raw with energy and passion, and after many of her complex rhythmic cycles, I realized I was holding my breath. That is how spellbound her performances left me.

The Sphinx in Egypt. Photo by Barbara Angelakis. Egypt … a land of mystique and enigma … with one foot firmly anchored in the past and the other seeking a secure footing in the future. Egypt is home to a treasure trove of monumental structures. The construction techniques for some are known, but to this day, many others remain shrouded in mystery.