Photo by Carlos Aristizabal
The slight Israeli customs agent eyed the massive box suspiciously.
“Ma ze?” she asked curtly, inquiring on the heavy object my husband and I had brought back from our honeymoon in Thailand.
We explained that it was a bronze sculpture of a dancer purchased to decorate our home, but she seemed unfazed, insisting we open the box and lug out our acquisition for her to inspect. We complied, and after much back and forth as to whether it was truly a dancer or merely an idol (I’ll save that story for another day) the three of us — my husband, myself and our dancer — went on our merry way.
Over 25 years later, the dancer welcomes those who pass her in the foyer. She’s one of the many pieces of art that both tell a story and decorate my home. Twin emerald-colored clay balghas (slippers) hold my cookbooks in place, reminding me of that fabulous trip to Morocco brimming with adventure, exquisite cuisine and one of the most star-studded night skies I’ve ever seen. A beaded giraffe and elephant stand guard over the living room — tributes to an unforgettable South Africa safari trip and a delicate, handwoven table runner in shades of burgundy and gold instantly transports me to Peru and the workshop of women weavers I purchased it from.
To me, the happiness these objects bring are as important as how they beautify the space. They often serve as conversation starters (the wooden bench from Venezuela carved out to look like an Amazonian tapir is a big hit as is the spinning prayer wheel from Nepal), and are constant reminders that, no matter where my travels may take me, I’ll always have a special spot to hang my hat. After all, what better place to rejoice on the past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future, than in the comfort of home?
Happy Reading!
Alona Abbady Martinez
alona@bocaratonobserver.com