Explore the epic voyages of discovery that defined Cook’s legacy. These include his expeditions to the Pacific Ocean, Australia, New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands. Discover his meticulous mapping of coastlines. Learn about his encounters with indigenous peoples. Explore his contributions to scientific knowledge in areas like astronomy, botany, and ethnography. Dr. Bryan Babcock
Explore the life and legacy of Paul Gauguin focusing on his work while living in Tahiti with Dr. Bryan Babcock. Gauguin took his inspiration from Maori mythology and culture leading to a new primitive artistic style. Then discuss how our travel and new surroundings inspire each of us.
Resident Historian Challenge
Each cruise I give the passengers a challenge to identify some important location. This cruise, the Viking Resident Historian challenge had two tasks. Find something with the name or image of Sir Thomas Raffles (for a great book on Raffles click the link). Then, take a selfie. Several teams were up to the challenge and submitted pictures. Julie and her team were the most creative – well done!
Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles is synonymous with the founding of Singapore. He is also associated with the broader history of British colonialism in Southeast Asia. Raffles remains a significant figure in both historical and contemporary discussions. His life and legacy reflect his role as a colonial administrator. They also highlight his contributions to natural history. He made significant impacts on education and cultural preservation. This blog post delves into the multifaceted importance of Raffles. It explores his achievements and the controversies surrounding his legacy. The post also examines the lasting impact he has had on Singapore and the region.
Continue reading “Sir Thomas Raffles: Founding Father of Modern Singapore”
Explore Matisse’s encounter with Polynesian art and culture with Dr Bryan Babcock. He traveled to Tahiti and other Pacific destinations. This experience ignited a creative revolution in his artistic expression. Explore the vibrant colors, rhythmic patterns, and expressive forms in his paintings. His drawings and sculptures were inspired by the lush landscapes and indigenous artistry of the region.
Learn about the remarkable achievements of the ancient Greeks and their legacy for later centuries.
Follow France’s trajectory from her early history through nationhood to today’s role as a global leader.
Discover the political and economic factors that led to Venice’s great wealth and artistic riches.
Each cruise I give the passengers a challenge to identify some important historical location. For the Empires of the Mediterranean Cruse I challenged the guests to find the 2,400 year old Piraeus Lion. Barbara and Bernard G from New Orleans submitted the most creative pics – well done!
Here are the surprising secrets behind the history of this beautiful lion…
Venice, the City of Canals, is renowned for its splendid architecture, rich history, and remarkable art collections. However, amidst the intricate maze of canals and elegant palazzos, there’s an unexpected treasure: the Piraeus Lion, an ancient Greek sculpture that has found an unlikely home in this unique city. With a history as enigmatic as its origins, the presence of the Piraeus Lion in Venice adds another layer of intrigue to the Venice’s cultural tapestry. The real surprise is that the lion hosts two Runic writings from Vikings that visited Athens!
Continue reading “Viking Resident Historian Challenge: The Secret Writings on the Piraeus Lion of Venice by Bryan Babcock, PhD”
