Illustration inspired by Bali
My entry for Illustration Friday's theme this week : CRAVING
I created this illustration based on a Balinese mythology, inspired by my travels to the island of Bali. I was in Bali last April and I rented a small bungalow which resembles the one in my illustration below. This is an illustration of a Balinese witch who likes to devour children. In the myth, the Balinese children saved themselves from being eaten by dancing.
by: © Maria Madonna Davidoff
I created this illustration based on a Balinese mythology, inspired by my travels to the island of Bali. I was in Bali last April and I rented a small bungalow which resembles the one in my illustration below. This is an illustration of a Balinese witch who likes to devour children. In the myth, the Balinese children saved themselves from being eaten by dancing.
by: © Maria Madonna Davidoff
After my Asian Trip, Events in New York
I'm Back!
It took me awhile to update my blog since I got back from my Asian trip.
For one whole month, I traveled solo to Singapore, Bali, and The Philippines, except in Vietnam, where I joined Bart, my hubby,who was already there to meet me.
During my trip I had a wonderful time sketching, sight-seeing, meditating and meeting old as well as new friends in Bali, Cruising in a romantic small ship through Ha Long Bay in Vietnam with Bart, taking a nostalgic visit to the city of Singapore where we used to live for a year from 2006 -2007, and then finally, re-uniting with my family in The Philippines.
When I arrived in the States It took me almost 2 weeks to recuperate from my jetlag.
But..... I had artwork to do, new projects to start on and several Books and
Art events to attend to in New York City.
The Book Expo America 2009:
The first event I attended was the Book Expo America held at the Javitz Center in New York.
One of the books I've illustrated " From Our Mother's Hearth " published by Africa World Press
was exhibited at the previous Book Expo.
Inside The Book Expo America at Javitz:
Madonna Davidoff in front of the Book Expo at Javitz Center NYC: 
I joined some of my fellow CBIG (Children's Book Illustrators Group) inside the Book Expo:
Below, I am behind a lot of wonderful Childrens Books:
Some things I got from the Book Expo when I got back to my studio:
Bookmaks:
Childrens Books Publishers Catalogs!
My BEA badge and some Children's Book with authors signatures:
Some Totes to carry the tons of Publishers catalogs and books: 
MOCCA Museum of Comic and Cartoon Festival
Another Event I attended was the MoCCA (Museum of Comic and Cartoon) Art Festival 2009 held last weekend from June 6th and 7th at the Regiment Armory at Lexington Avenue and 25th Street in New York City.
It was in this same building where the first major exhibition of contemporary art in America was held and where for the first time many Americans saw the works of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
Chris Margeson is an illustrator from Baltimore who took these 2 photos inside the Cartoon Festival:
THANKS CHRIS!
Madonna Davidoff at the MoCCA cartoon festival 2009, Photo credit:Chris Margeson
Note: The Rest of the photos below where taken by myself:
I bought a graphic novel by Keenan Rubenstein-His graphic novel was done in a calendar format and I've never seen anything like it before: It has no text, just visuals using the different months to depict the development of his story. It's really cool and his line art were fantastic.
The MOCCA Festival in New York City was a great weekend of comic and cartoon art exhibitors, panels, lectures, sketches, autographs, and more! Some of the world's best cartoonists, animators, and graphic novelists were exhibited there. For anyone interested in the art of making cartoon and comics, I highly recommend it. I'll be back again next year!
It was in this same building where the first major exhibition of contemporary art in America was held and where for the first time many Americans saw the works of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso.
Here I am with some Illustrator friends in front of the Regiment Armory Building:
Chris Margeson, Marilyn Pappas and (myself-Madonna Davidoff)
Chris Margeson, Marilyn Pappas and (myself-Madonna Davidoff)
Chris Margeson is an illustrator from Baltimore who took these 2 photos inside the Cartoon Festival:
THANKS CHRIS!
Madonna Davidoff at the MoCCA cartoon festival 2009, Photo credit:Chris Margeson
Note: The Rest of the photos below where taken by myself:
Here is Keenan's Booth with his Calendar/Graphic Novel which he signed for me:
Also met some of Chris Margeson cartoonist friends at their Twin Comics booth:
Cartoonists are fun people don't you think?
Cartoonists are fun people don't you think?
Fellow CBIG member Stephanie Ruble, author of " Sheila, The Zombie Cheerleader"
below signing her book for me:
below signing her book for me:
Another amazing cartoonist is Ken Wong who does Origami Cartoon.
He taught me how to construct one below:
He taught me how to construct one below:
The MOCCA Festival in New York City was a great weekend of comic and cartoon art exhibitors, panels, lectures, sketches, autographs, and more! Some of the world's best cartoonists, animators, and graphic novelists were exhibited there. For anyone interested in the art of making cartoon and comics, I highly recommend it. I'll be back again next year!
Philippines: Last Destination to be with my Family again
One of the reasons for going back to the Philippines was to
visit my father, Jose L. Angeles, who is now 90 years old:
visit my father, Jose L. Angeles, who is now 90 years old:
Below, Papa and myself in front of the pool. As you can see, Papa is wearing
the Obama hat and t-shirt I sent him: He is now an Obama fan:
the Obama hat and t-shirt I sent him: He is now an Obama fan:
Enjoying the pool with my father:
I also visited and stayed with my brother's family
in Pampanga, in front of the house:
in Pampanga, in front of the house:
The newest addition to the family:
Lazlo Patajo -Angeles
Lazlo is my brother Jolan's first grandson
Madonna Davidoff, Lazlo Patajo Angeles and my brother Jolan AngelesLazlo's parents, my niece Anna Patajo and her hubby Paolo:
My niece Anna with her son Lazlo:
My niece Anna's Blog
Myself with my sister in law Tonette Palma Angeles, wife of my brother Jolan:
Below with my other niece, Amanda Angeles:
We visited the former Clark airbase in Pampanga Manila andwe visited
A traditional Filipino restaurant in Pampanga:
A bakery in Manila where you can buy the famous filipino Pan de sal:
I bought a quilted toy for Lazlo:
where we visited a quilting workshop below,
A Filipino Quilt artist with his design:
At Korea Town in Pampangga, Philippines
Finally, with the rest of the Angeles Clan below:
Last Day Vietnam: Water Puppet
Our Last Day in Vietnam, we made sure we watch the Vietnamese Water Puppet in the Old Town, Hanoi. We booked for an evening performance. Below, in the lobby of the theatre, are some puppets for sale. I bought one.
Vietnamese Water Puppets on stage:
Vietnamese Water Puppets on stage:The Puppeteers:
The Vietnamese Water Puppet Musicians:
I am waiting for the show to begin:
We had dinner the same night at this fabulous restaurant called
The Green Tangerine which was featured in the book " 100 Things to do before you Die"
Food was Asian Fusion ( Vietnamese/ French) They also have a good selection of wines.
The Green Tangerine :
One of the appetizers we ordered: soft shell crab with mango sauce:
Bart and I love Vietnamese Food:
Our last day in Hanoi, Vietnam, we also just relaxed during the day by the pool:
The Vietnamese Water Puppet Musicians:
I am waiting for the show to begin:
We had dinner the same night at this fabulous restaurant called
The Green Tangerine which was featured in the book " 100 Things to do before you Die"
Food was Asian Fusion ( Vietnamese/ French) They also have a good selection of wines.
The Green Tangerine :
One of the appetizers we ordered: soft shell crab with mango sauce:
Bart and I love Vietnamese Food: Our last day in Hanoi, Vietnam, we also just relaxed during the day by the pool:Ha Long Bay Cruise, Vietnam
Our Cruise to Ha Long Bay, From Start to Finish
Bart & I waiting for our car service to take us to our crusie ship to Ha Long Bay,
A three hour drive from our Intercon Hotel Hanoi. Ha Long Bay is a world Heritage site
and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The traffic in Vietnam--filled with motorcycles, some carrying stuffs you cannot imagine:The drive is an experience in itself.
More Motorcycles:
Stopping at a ceramic workshop where you can buy souveniers done by the disabled:
Some rural scene on the way to Ha Long Bay:
Beautiful sculptures:
The ceramic workshop:
Madonna Davidoff in the middle of two buddhas:
Finally, we reached the port to board our ship to Ha Long Bay:
Our ship the Ha Long Ginger has only 10 cabins plus an interior made up of all wood .
It resembles an old Asian sail ship. Really beautiful and cozy, plus romantic:
Having my first Vietnamese beer while waiting to board:
The captain of our ship The Ha Long Ginger
Our ship The Ha Long Ginger:
The Ship's bar:
Our Ship Guide named SON
My lifesaver--I made sure I know where it is...
Our cabin:
Our cabin bathroom:all marble
The ship dining area:
More views of Ha Long Bay( lime stone islands, lots of them)
Bart getting his coffee:
Stopping at a beach at Ha long Bay:
Another cruise ship The Indochine: a view from the beach
Madonna Davidoff at the beach in Ha Long Bay:
Bart swimming at Ha Long Bay beach:
Again, yours truly after a swim in the water:
Back again in our ship:
Bart enjoying the breeze at the top deck of the ship:
Madonna Davidoff on the top deck of Ha Long Ginger:
Approaching the Fisherman's Village: some of the fisherman's kids selling shells:
Fisherman's Village homes: All of them have TV and electrical power:
After seeing the Fisherman's village, we are now visiting the Ha Long Bay National Park:
Waiting for dinner at sunset:
Our dinner at the ship: giant prawn, Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, crab soup, grilled fish, calamari and of course dessert
The Morning after: before breakfast in the ship, more vendors -I bought a sea shell from one of them:
Bart & I before breakfast:
This is a typical Mini Mart vendor in the sea:
After breakfast, we are now visiting one of the famous caves in Ha Long Bay:
Madonna & Bart inside the caves:
Going back to our ship after the caves:
Madonna Davidoff in a tradti0nal Vietnamese dress:
Our last lunch buffet at the ship:
An unforgetable cruise of the Ha Long Bay:
Bart and Madonna Davidoff 2009, Vietnam
Museum Tours, Hanoi. Vietnam Part 1
The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is located in 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street of Hanoi.
It houses a lot of paintings, sculptures and Ceramics from traditional to contemporary.
It houses a lot of paintings, sculptures and Ceramics from traditional to contemporary.
The Contemporay Art building:
I enjoyed the wood block prints and scrolls as well as the lacquered etchings and paintings:
Lacqered etchings:
After visiting the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum,
Bart and I went to see the Lenin Statue at Lenin Square :
Below, at the Lenin Park in Hanoi, one of the fruit vendors lent me her traditional hat and I tried to carry her pole with the fruits she is selling which was really very, very heavy. A lot of vendors carry their products this way:
Below: Bart infront of Lenin Statue:
Below: Bart infront of Lenin Statue: 
And of course, yours truly in front of Lenin:
The Vietnamse Flag in the background:
The Military History Museum
The Military History Museum is situated in Central Hanoi near the Lenin Park. It was built in 1956 and it reflects the history of founding and defending the nation against foreign invaders of the Vietnamese people, including the Ho Chi Minh age Resistance Wars.
Statue of Ho Chi Minh:
Museum Tours Hanoi, Vietnam Part2
The Museum of Ethnology has an outstanding collection of the different ethnographic spectrum that makes up the Vietnamese nation. Displays include clothes, cultural implements, social rites and full-size model ethnic houses in the grounds. It is located in the Cau Giay District of Hanoi.
Bart and I inside a Tay House from Dinh Hoa district, Thai Nguyen province.
At the Indoor exhibits: A representation of silk and cotton garments
made and worn by Thai Thanh women in Nghe An province.
Inside the Ede Long House in Ky village, Dak Lak province.It is 42 meters long and would have accomodated the families of daughters
and granddaughters of an extended matrilineal family.
and granddaughters of an extended matrilineal family.
A cartoon from the Childrens Ceramic workshop of the Museum:
Madonna infront of a group of Vietnamese school children:
Bart resting inside one of the ethnic houses:
The exterior of the Ede long House:
The Bahnar Communal House:
The Bahnar Communal House has a height of 19 meters and
it is from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Acording to the Bahnar,
communal house is a symbol of skill and strength of the villagers.
Madonna Davidoff Resting infront of one of the houses:
The exterior of the Bahnar Communal House:
After the Ethnology Museum, Bart and I went to see the Temple of Literature Below:
Temple of Literature: Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam
Built in 1805, the The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam was established and dedicated to learning. Stone sculptures record the names of scholars who passed its exacting examinations:
Below is the statue of Confucius, a great politician, philosopher who founded the doctrine of Confusianism which had a great impact on the culture, phsychology and ethics of the Chinese people and other neighboring countries including Vietnam:
Madonna Davidoff enjoying the flowers and scenery of Temple of Literature:
The telephone booth:
The rooftop of the Temple of Literature:
Vietnamese Water Puppets:
Bart with one of the Vietnamese musical performers:
We bought two CDs of Vietnamese instrumental music.
Hello Hanoi, Vietnam
April 21, 2009
Landed in Hanoi, Vietnam and meeting my hubby Bart,
we checked in at The Intercontinental Hotel Westlake, Hanoi:
These are the rooms at the Intercontinental above the Westlake:
Our Bedroom at the hotel:
Below , infront of the rooms:
Bart:
Our first breakfast Breakfast in Hanoi, Vietnam: Great Buffet,
a selection of Vietnamese, French and other international dishes.
Touring the Old City , Hanoi:
The Old Twon of Hanoi, is very colorful, lots of motorbikes,
peddlers, vendors, little shops and markets:
Bart looking for directions:
I am in one of the traditional shops in the old town:
Below, I bought a custom made stamp with my signature in it:
Inside one of the small temples in the old city:
School children in the Old town:
In the French Town, Hanoi ( Influence of French Colonial time)
We had to take the motorbike: what an experience: whew! they go very fast .
Goodbye Bali
April 20, 2009
Before leaving Bali for Hanoi, Vietnam I made sure I went to some spas in Bali.
All tanned from swimming, I am realxing after a massage at one of my favorite Spas in UBud: The Sangrila Spa and Verona Spa:
Maritel and I after our full body massage and Lulur Balinese scrub finished off with a soak in petal flower bath at the Verona Spa in Mokey Forest Road, Ubud. Bali:
The facility at Verona SPA:
Madonna Davidoff in a Typical Balinese costume
Madonna Davidoff in a Kebaya:
I am wearing the traditional balinese temple dress called kebaya.April 18
My last walk to the rice field with friends from Holland, Yvonne , an Occupational Therapist and Parham, a Physchologist from India.
Yvonne and Parham carrying a coconut seedling that will grow into a big coconut tree:
Yvonne and Parham carrying a coconut seedling that will grow into a big coconut tree:
We stopped at a warung-balinese local store in the middle of the rice fields, for drinks:
Madonna,(left) Yvonne(middle) Parham(right)
on the way we stopped again at artist Nyomans studio and gallery.
Nyoman also teaches traditional Balinese painting technique:
Nyomans Paintings:
A tree house in Bali:
After the morning walk, a dip in the pool at Ubud Bungalow:
Tour of Gianyar Regency, Bali
April 17, 2009
On the way to Gianyar Regency, outside of Ubud, Maritel & I hired a private van with driver to take us around. This is my Maritel's last day in Bali before she goes home to Australia.
Below two landmarks entering Gianyar, Sculpture of Arguna
and Sculpture of Visnu:
More Balinese landscape:
We stopped to buy some Sarongs and souveniers at Sukawati Market:
I bought a kebaya (temple outfit) and a Balinese headress which I tried on myself below:
We proceeded to a Balinese Temple and wearing our sarongs and sash:
Below, Madonna in the Temple:
Maritel ,my friend, in the Temple below:
We had lunch at MAHAGIRI a restaurant that serves buffet overlooking the panaromic view of Mt. Agung, the biggest sacred volcano in Bali
Madonna with the view from Mahagiri Resort & Restaurant:
The view with Madonna & Maritel below:
The view with Mt. Agung:
After lunch we went to see one of bali's waterfall:
And on the way to the water fall, we saw some Balinese preparing for the ceremony for the Besakih temple carrying their offerings:
Then we stopped at a weavers workshop:
At the workshop was a balinese instrument called the Gamelan.
With myself and Maritel trying to play the gamelan:
Then, back in Ubud, Maritel and I getting ready for a nice dinner in town :
April16, sketching outdoors in Bali
Today, I decided to do some sketching outdoors in Ubud:
On my way to the rice fields during my sketching session, I passed by a Balinese coconut seller:
And a Balinese artist who has a studio and painting school in the middle of the Rice fields:
One of my sketches of a Balinese:
April 15, reconnecting with Friends in, Bali
Chantal from Belgium
One of the things I like about traveling are meeting people and making friends from different parts of the world. On one of my trip to Bali two years ago, I met Chantal from Belgium who is now living in Ubud.
Below, Chantal (to the right) and I having lunch at Lotus Pond,
a beautiful restraurant in Ubud overlooking a Balinese Temple:
a beautiful restraurant in Ubud overlooking a Balinese Temple:
We are having Reistafel for lunch: Bon Appetit!
Chantal worked for a book company in Belgium until deciding to give t all up and move to Bali. She is an astrologer and also designs some handicrafts. She just moved into a very cute balinese house with her dog and cat.Chantal’s cute home in Bali:
I am relaxing at Chantals front garden:
Jasmine from South Africa:
I made a new friend in Bali. Her name is Jasmine and we met in the plane from my flight from Singapore to Bali. We were seatmates and found out that we were staying near each other in Ubud. It is Jasmine's first trip to Bali and she is here to participate in a Yoga retreat.
Here we are( Jasmine and Madonna) in this fantastic restaurant in Ubud called Bebek Bengil where they serve a delicious meal of Crispy Duck, a Balinese delicacy.
More of Madonna and Jasmine in Ubud, Bali:
Our Dessert:Sinfull Balinese chocolate cake and Balinese Rose wine:
Maritel , a childhood friend from Australia:
I am happy to see my friend Maritel again. Maritel and I went to the same private all-girls school in Manila called Maryknoll College. She came to Bali for a couple of days to hang out with me. Yours truly with Maritel overlooking one of the Rice Terraces :
More of Madonna & Maritel by the rice terraces:
Madonna & Maritel With a Balinese Farmer:
Below, with a Balinese lady vendor wearing her traditional Balinese costume called Kebaya:
Madonna and Maritel Having a meal in a restaurant by the Rice terraces:
Hanging out in cafes and restaurants in Ubud, Bali, both located in Monkey Forest Road :
Bali Palm Reader
As I have planned, I went to visit Ketut Liyer the Palm Reader of Ubud, Bali.
I am glad that I went to his home early since I was the second person there and more people were coming from all over the world:
Ketut Liyer's home and gallery with some of his mystical paintings:
Ketut Liyer reading my palm: He says I will live to be 103 years old and that I will have good Karma when I get reborn and that I should persue a carreer in publishing ( I'm already an illustrator) I wonder if he says this to everybody...
Anyway, wether I believe his predictions or not--at least it was fun to see him.
He is now 90 years old.
Below, Liyer reading my Palm:
Liyers hand and mine:
I sketched him while reading other people's palm and I let him sign my skctch:
After my visit to Liyer, Yvonne from Holland whom I met at the reading, decided to eat lunch together at a Warung ,a local balinese foodstand:
A typical Warung Balinses Food: Nasi Campur:
After lunch, I took a walk to Monkey Forest:
More street scenes of Ubud:
When I reached Ubud Inn, I tried playing with the ANGKLUNG or balinese xylophone:
In the evening, I met up with my good friend Maritel foran aperitif at Cafe Wayan:Good chilled Mojitos:
Then for dinner at another restaurant:
Here we are ending the evening by listening to live music at the Jazz Cafe:
Bali ,Rice Terrace Walk in Ubud
One of my daily routine in Bali is taking a meditative walk through out
the rice field terraces of Ubud.
In Ubud, the air is cool and crisp at this time of the day.
the rice field terraces of Ubud.
In Ubud, the air is cool and crisp at this time of the day.
I start my walk from here:
I continue my walk by passing by some farmers working on their rice fields:
They are very friendly. Behind the rice fields are some balinese villages:
A small balinese house in the middle of the rice field. I wonder who lives there:
Come follow me for more Rice Terraces and fields.
A farmers resting hut:
A temple dedicated to to Dewi Sri the Rice godess:
Another Balinese house in the middle of rice field:
During my walk I go back to Saris Oganic Cafe to have tea.
Sometimes I even have breakfast there.
A view from Saris Organic Cafe:
The Entrance to Saris Organic Cafe:
First Destination : BALI
I am staying again at Ubud Inn (where the author Elizabeth Gilbert of the book "Eat Pray Love" mentioned meeting one of the Staff of Ubud Inn named Mario or I Nengah Urip -his Balinese name) at Monkey Forest Road, in Ubud Bali.
Below is Mario and I in front of the water pond Garden in Ubud Inn: Mario Speaks several languages and I was able to converse with him in English and French since I also speak French , so I was very much impressed with him. He also speaks a little bit of German, having studied it in school here in Bali. He plans to take me to the famous healer/palm reader named Ketut Liyer ( also mentioned in Gilbert's book) in Ubud. I am looking forward to have my palm read. I recommend Mario as a guide/driver to anyone coming to Ubud. His email is mariourip@yahoo.com.
This is my second time here in Ubud Inn and myseventh time in Bali. Yes, I love the island so much i keep coming back. Below is my little "Bungalow with my own walkway leading to the front porch.
I enjoy staying at this place , the staff is very nice:
and it has a beautiful garden landscape with salt water pool.
It also has wireless connection from the front restaurant where I am blogging this.
My front door, beautiful Balinese architectural design :
My simple Balinese bed : In some of the other places that I had stayed, in Bali ,
the furnishings are more intricate then the one I have below, but this bed is one of the most comfortable I've ever slept in--like a baby. I like firm matresses it's better for the back.
This is where I eat my breakfast: Normally I order typical balinese Banana pancake topped with coconut and a bowl of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineappla and banana. I also enjoy a cup of rich Balinese coffee which is a lot stronger than American coffee.
Stop-Over : Singapore
April 11, 2009
Landed in Singapore on time. I have a whole day stop-over before
my flight to Denpasar, Bali. So, I decided to stay in the Transit Hotel
at Changi Airport, so I can freshen up, take a nap and use the pool:
Landed in Singapore on time. I have a whole day stop-over before
my flight to Denpasar, Bali. So, I decided to stay in the Transit Hotel
at Changi Airport, so I can freshen up, take a nap and use the pool:
My Transit Hotel room at Changi Airport, Singapore:
Transit Hotel Rooftop pool:
A view of the planes by the pool:
After a dip in the pool, I went to visit the city of Singapore. Since I only have a couple of hours to spare, I decided to visit Bugis where my hubby, Bart & I used to live two years ago. Here I am taking the Singapore subway from the airport. The Singapore trains are very efficient and clean.
In Bugis, there are lots of shops and restaurants:
These are typical Singapore style Shophouses:
The entrance to our home in Singapore The Bencoolen:
offerings of flowers and insence:
A Hindu Temple in Singapore:
A Buddhist temple in Singapore:
Directions to the temples:
A Kopitiam ( Singapore traditional Coffee shop)
Singapore Open Market:
Asian Trip 2009 First Destination: Bali
APRIL 9, 2009:
Here I am waiting to board the plane at JFK airport:
I'm now waiting for my flight to Singapore with stop over in Frankfurt, Germany. I'm writing this at the gate, waiting to board my plane. I've been lucky so far. I was able to get a window exit seat from my flight from NYC to Singapore. Although I checked in only one luggage, I'm glad that the lady in the Singapore Air counter was able to let my luggage go directly to Bali so that I didn't have to haul it the whole time I am in Singapore Changi Airport. Hopefully, if my plane is on time, I expect to land in Singapore very early in the morning and my flight for Bali won't be until night at 7:30 pm.
I got a window seat:
A Stop-over in Frankfurt, Germany. It will be an 11 hour flight from Germany to Singapore, where I will take another plane for my first destination -- Bali.
Arrived in Germany watching the screen for my connecting flight to Singapore:
My plane in Frankfurt:
Waiting in the boarding gate: I changed into my capri pants since
I know that when I in land in Singapore, it will be very hot and humid.
How I amuse myself during the long flight,
I did a drawing of a girl I saw traveling with her parents:
Below is my miniature art studio which I used inside the plane: The size of the sketch pad is 2x 3 inches, the colored pencil set is the size of a business card and the mechanical pencil is only 3 inches long. I also have a portable brush pen where I can put water inside: no used dipping it in water.
An aerial view of Europe:
