Mali and Modena

Thinking about Chris Huemer today based on two place-related articles in today's New York Times. She was on her way to Timbuktu for Christmas one year when I visited: she had always wanted to see it, she didn't have other Christmas plans, she did it. Now it would be difficult (read: impossible) to go to Timbuktu because Islamist rebels and Tuaregs are in power in Northern Mali and have instituted Shariah. Chris may have wanted to visit Timbuktu but her favorite cathedral was that of Modena in Emilia-Romagna. Recent quakes have caused significant damage in Emilia-Romagna. Many treasures from smaller towns and the countryside are being taken to the ducal palace in Sassuolo for safe-keeping (fingers crossed). That palace is where Tim Litzmann had an installation when Christie and I were in Emilia-Romagna in 2001. The palace was closed but I've peeked through the window.

Info:
"Quakes deal irreparable blow to an Italian region's cultural heritage"

"In Timbuktu, harsh change under Islamists"

(image from Art in Embassies page of the U.S. Department of State:
Carrie Mae Weems, House from Africa Series, 1993, Silver print)