Loch Ness, Northern Scotland

     There are many famous lakes in the world. We are attracted to them as they are a source of water and thus a symbol of life. The Great Lakes, Lake Tahoe, Lake Pontchartrain, Crater Lake, and the Great Salt Lake in the U.S. draw visitors. In Italy we can attest to the beauty of Como and Largo. The are so many that charm us. Then, in the northern most part of Scotland their largest lake, Loch Ness is not only beautiful, it is filled with mystery. There just has to be a monster there. Several other bodies of water have their monsters but Ness has Nessie. We have been there a couple of times, but the last time we did not just look from the castle or the shore. We boarded a research vessel equipped with Sonar and sounding gear and went to explore. You have not read about us in the newspaper so you know we did not discover a strange creature. We did, however, discover a very pretty place nestled between green hills. You can charter the boat from the visitor's center next to the museum on the west shore. 

 

la Sagrada Familia, Barcelona

 

Many people know about the Church  of the Holy Family which has been in the process of being built for decades. It is interesting, if not beautiful. The stained glass is worth a visit. It can be crowded as it is one the most visited places in Barcelona, Spain.

I admit mixed emotions about spending that amount of money on a church building,

but it is amazing. For me, the highlight is the canopy over the altar as seen here.

You can also see some windows and the pipe organ in my photo.

PORTAL/GATE TO OLD CITY, PRAGUE CZ

Beyond this portal is pedestrians only. It leads to the old town square. There are several nice hotels on just a block or two from the gate. To the right is the Municipal Building hosting two good places to eat.

Beyond the gate you will find the famous astronomical clock and plenty more restaurants. Behind  the Municipal Building is a large church which hosts concerts which are good to experience. 

Amble around and feel the ambiance. 

 

Portobello Street Fair -London

Bucket List - Check

After seeing a Julia Roberts - Hugh Grant Movie "Notting Hill" we set out to see what the area is really like and found it fun. We also set up to visit the Portobella Street Fair. It was well worth it. Fortunately we had the time to see the major and "minor" sites in London. On the way to the fair we saw which has to be one of the best store names in London.