Colors of My Heart

My daughter studied the Holocaust in WWII at her local school in the UK. Following that, we visited Anne Frank’s secret annex in the Netherlands. It struck me as deeply ironic that Anne’s dream was to become a novelist, and yet her words only reached the world after her death—thanks to the efforts of her father, Otto Frank, who published her diary, which later became a global bestseller. I sincerely hope that such a tragedy will never happen again. As many of you already know, Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who went into hiding in Amsterdam during World War II to escape Nazi persecution. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1929, she moved to the Netherlands with her family after the rise of the Nazis. When the Netherlands was occupied in 1940, the persecution of Jews intensified, and from 1942 for about two years, Anne lived in a “secret annex” behind her father Otto Frank’s company. During this time, Anne wrote in her diary about daily life, her hopes for the future, her fears, and her relat...

Disneyland Paris, located in Marne-la-Vallée, France, is the only Disney resort in Europe. Opened in 1992, it has grown into a major entertainment destination featuring two theme parks—Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park—as well as hotels and shopping areas.​​ ​​​​Disneyland Park consists of five themed lands, similar to Disneyland in the United States. One of its most iconic features is Sleeping Beauty Castle, unique to Paris, with a massive dragon animatronic slumbering in its underground lair. Phantom Manor, a darker and more gothic take on the Haunted Mansion, offers a uniquely eerie storyline. Meanwhile, Space Mountain in Paris is an even more intense roller coaster, perfect for thrill-seekers. Additionally, Main Street, U.S.A. is designed with covered arcades, allowing visitors to move around comfortably even in cold weather.​​​​ ​​Walt Disney Studios Park is dedicated to the world of film and animation. One of its most popular attractions is Ratatouille: The Adventure, ...

Sainte-Chapelle is a stunning Gothic-style chapel located on Île de la Cité in Paris, France. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX (Saint Louis) to house sacred relics, including the "Crown of Thorns" of Christ. Originally serving as a royal chapel, it is now world-famous for its breathtaking stained-glass windows. ​​​​​The chapel's most remarkable feature, as you can see in photographs, is its fifteen towering stained glass panels, each reaching a height of 15 meters. These windows depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments, with dominant shades of red, blue, and gold that create a mesmerizing play of light throughout the day. The morning sunlight, in particular, enhances their brilliance, making early visits highly recommended. The effect of the light filtering through the stained glass at this time is truly magical, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors. ​​​​​Architecturally, Sainte-Chapelle is divided into two levels. The Upper Chapel, ...

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in Paris, France, is a world-renowned masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a symbol of French history and culture. Construction began in 1163 and took approximately 180 years to complete, finally reaching completion in 1345. The cathedral is adorned with striking features that exemplify Gothic architecture, such as its magnificent façade, vibrant stained-glass rose windows, and flying buttresses.​​​ ​​​​​For centuries, the cathedral has served as a religious and political center of France. In 1804, it was the site of Napoleon Bonaparte’s coronation, and following both World War I and World War II, victory thanksgiving ceremonies were held there. However, during the French Revolution in the 18th century, many of its statues and sculptures were destroyed, and the cathedral fell into neglect. In the 19th century, Victor Hugo's novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dame revived public interest in the cathedral, leading the French governm...