Pope Francis' thoughts about Ukraine-Russia war

Last week we saw Turkey's diplomatic engaged both with the United States and Russia. The next step will be made by the US president, as he is going to hold separate phone calls with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts.

As mentioned by Pope Francis in a 2022 interview, "NATO barking at Russia's door" caused the Kremlin to "react badly and unleash the conflict". 

The interview was published by the Italian newpaper "Corriere della Sera" and other International news agencies.

                             Photo courtesy by the lebanese website https://nna-leb.gov.lb/en/

It's easy to understand what was the reaction of the so-called Western world, considering that from that day on Pope Francis has never again expressed his point of view on the reasons that triggered Moscow's reaction.

On a sunny Monday I wrote down this post today, which is not related to tourist destinations or beautiful corners of the world. I know that some topics, such as Ukraine-Russia ceasefire or Palestine genocide, are boring. Sorry for that. It was just to share my thoughts, as it seems that those who barked at the Kremlin's gates (according to 2022 Pope Francis' interview) are now trying to make a negotiation.

Have a nice new week. 

Pigeons on a sunny morning.

On a sunny morning last month I saw a group of pigeons gathering in Budapest's urban environment. 

I thought that flocking helps them to evade predators. 

I took the picture of the pigeons in Ferencvaros, a Budapest neighborhood located close to the Danube river. 

Cute small birds

 

There were many small cute birds inside the terminal building of Budapest international airport.

Some trees were placed inside the passengers hall at the Budapest international airport, thanks to a strock of genius of Zoltán Tima, the architect who designed the SkyCourt (that's the name of that steel, glass and concrete building).  

I noticed those trees were giving shelter to small birds, which were fed by the crumbs left by travellers. 

I have never seen before small birds living indoor with human beings.

Have a nice 2° weekend of May ☀

Szechenyi baths

 

As request by our blogging friend Andrea, I show two pictures of Budapest Szecheny thermal baths, which I visited from the 25th to the 30th of April. Unfortunately, the main part of the outdoor pools was closed for maintenance (right side of the above photo). 

I spent four days in Budapest. Public Transport is perfect in the Hungarian capital and people are kind. Many of them speak English well.

Hungary is one of the European countries which has not yet lost its sovereignity, despite being member of both NATO and EU. 

               

I have been to the Danube river five times in five different countries. I firstly saw the Danube river in Vienna and Bratislava (Austria and Slovakia). A few years later I saw the same river in Vidin and Calafat (Bulgaria and Romania), as I went there for job. And last month I saw the Danube in Budapest (Hungary). 

I recommend to visit this country and its pleasant capital located on the Danube river. 

Dutch-Italian street-artist Jorit Agoch

 

The above photo shows the mural made by the Dutch-Italian street-artist Jorit Agoch. The mural is dedicated to Ilaria Cucchi, who lost her brother Stefano under terrible circumstances. Her brother suffered a violent beating by Italian police officers (Carabinieri) in Rome. In Naples, Jorit Agoch dedicated a Mural to Ilaria Cucchi

I am going to visit thermal bath complexes in Budapest in the next days. That's why I will be out of blogging for a while. 

Kiss statue

A copy of the colossal sculpture known as Kiss statue (kiss of a sailor and a young nurse) will be soon removed from Cvitavecchia's seafornt. The Mayor and the majority of the local administration say there is no connection between the statue and the history of the town. Actually they are right.

The sculptor Johnny Seward was inspired by a photograph taken in 1945 by Alfred Eisenstaedt when Japan surrendered to the US. That's why that artwork has nothing to do with Italian culture. 

Meanwhile prices for good necessary for basic survival and well-being continue to rise slightly, because of the lack of negotiations about Trumps' trade war. 

The main problem for our country is that Italy's wine sales to the United States represent 25% of its wine exports. I hope our Prime Minister, who is visiting the White House right now, will be able to seek more lasting tariff relief. 

The above picture shows fishermen's boats stalled as they will not work during the two days leading up to Easter. 

HAPPY EASTER  ☀

One of the new seven wonders

Some years ago Rome's Colosseum was listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world. Located in the hearth of Rome, this important Rome's landmark is a popular tourist destination. 

The selection was made through a global vote by New7Wonders Foundation . 

This ancient amphiteather is the main symbol of Imperial Rome.

 

Yesterday I went to Rome for a visit to the ENT specialist. While I was walking on the way back home I saw that some old residential buildings were built close to the ancient Roman aqueduct dating back over 2000 years  😠

Unfortunately, in early 1900s, local administrators were not aware of the importance of achaelogical sites. Therefore, tourists see residential houses near ancient Roman ruins in some corners of Rome 🤬

Have a nice weekend ☀