Santa Barbara, California USA

The story of Santa Barbara, known as the American Riviera, begins with the iconic Old Mission Santa Barbara. Founded in 1786 by Spanish Franciscans, this “Queen of the Missions” stands as a testament to the area’s rich cultural heritage. Its twin bell towers and stunning architecture have become synonymous with the city’s character.

The city’s tumultuous history includes Zorro, the 1969 oil spill, the California Oil Spill and the burning of a Bank of America branch in Isla Vista in 1970, a reflection of the era’s social unrest and anti-establishment sentiments.

The Ring Cycle Operas

In Seattle’s halls, where Wagner once did reign, Frank and Lisa yearned for Ring’s refrain. From Rheingold’s depths to Walküre’s might,
Siegfried’s tale and Götterdämmerung’s light.

To Neuschwanstein they journeyed far, Where Ludwig’s dream touched every star. Wotan’s wisdom, Fricka’s grace, In stone and paint, each found its place.

Donner’s thunder, Freia’s youth, Loge’s cunning, Erda’s truth. Through arches round and towers high, Wagner’s world did touch the sky. In halls where Parsifal once sung, And Lohengrin’s sweet tale was spun, Our couple walked, their hearts aflame, With Ring’s grand vision all the same.

Now back in Seattle, hope burns bright, That opera’s stage will soon ignite. With sets as grand
as Ludwig’s dream, May Wagner’s Ring once more gleam. In this decade, let it be, The cycle whole for all to see. From Neuschwanstein’s lofty height,
To Seattle’s stage, Ring’s pure delight.

Seville, Spain

From Roman roots to Moorish spires, Seville’s skyline tells tales of empires. Gothic arches reach for the sky, While Mudéjar patterns catch the eye.

Visigoths ruled, then Moors held sway, Their minarets still stand today. Reconquista brought Christian might, Baroque splendor, a dazzling sight.

Renaissance forms with classical grace, In plazas and palaces find their place. Modern structures dare to soar, Las Setas, a sight to explore.

Through centuries, faiths intertwined, In flamenco’s soul, their echoes we find. Gypsy passion, Jewish lament, Moorish rhythms, divinely blent.

Christian fervor, Andalusian heart, In dance and song, cultures impart. From persecution rose expression, Flamenco, born of this fusion.

In Triana’s streets, the art took flight, A testament to Seville’s cultural might. Architecture and music entwined, In Seville’s spirit, forever enshrined.