Amsterdam by small boat

        There are many cities that are dependent on water for transportation. Most of them have canals which change with the tides. Venice actually floods with some high tides. We were in St. Mark's Square and had to walk on the moveable platforms in order to get into the cathedral. 

        Bruges is one, but Paris also has some canals. The most famous is likely Amsterdam. You can see the city by bicycle or by large tour boat, but the best way is to hire a small boat as you can go where larger boats cannot go. We took one with two other couples and really enjoyed it. However, I was not sure about the couple in the stern that smoked weed all the way. By the way, Cape Coral, Florida is the city with most canals - over 400 miles of them.

 

Saint Peter's, The Vatican

Saint Peter's is a huge church which is not in Rome. When in Rome you cannot visit the Sistine Chapel because it is not there. 

The Vatican is its own nation-state which happens to be surrounded by Rome.

It is true that a visitor may have trouble figuring out the boundaries.

You can count this as another country you have visited. 

 

Saint Giles, Edinburgh Scotland

Saint Giles is a major landmark on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

It is symbolically about half way between the castle (military might).

and Holyrood (The Royal residence).

It is the home church of Presbyterianism and The Rev. John Knox.

We have been there twice. Worship is a tad dry. 

 

The Helpful Hints of Mike

   

 When you are in Florence do NOT go to restaurants and cafes that advertise in English. Look for the places where Italians eat. You are in Europe for a reason. Learn at least three words in the local language "Yes", Thank you", "Please". Our experience is that almost everywhere people speak English or know someone who does. Try their language and you will find the English speakers. It took me several days to say "thank you" in Czechoslovak. Stop when entering at the airport and buy a fast pass for places of interest. When you go immediately to the front of the line you will thank me. If going to Africa or Costa Rica bring at least one hundred dollars in one dollar bills. They welcome American money. We like Bed and Breakfast inns over huge American style hotels. You go to Scotland to meet a Scot or two. Plan ahead and still be flexible. More to come.

 

Street Market Food: Prague

    There is a street market across from the Municipal Building in Prague. It was only a block or so from our hotel and at the beginning of the Old City walls. They sold flowers, fruit, and leather goods. Of course they also sold food and beer. It was Prague after all. I saw this young woman with a sandwich consisting of sausage, kraut, and cheese. It look too good to pass up. And while I have a strong desire never to post pictures of food, this was not food. It was an adventure. This photo is of it as it had been placed on a picnic table. I had to work fast because it did not last long. Prague is wonderful and this has to be included in the trip.

 

Long Lost Relatives

        This is the loch at Fort Augustus Scotland. It is the last control on the Caledonian Canal before it meets Loch Ness. We have been there more than once as it is worth revisiting. Our first road trip brought us to the town and, as most always, we headed for the Visitor's Center to get a suggestion for a place to stay.

            The person at the center looked at our name on the registration and seemed to go sky high. She said, "You must go to the Caledonian Hotel up the hill. It  is owned by the McLellans."  Actually, both the owners and I spell our names MacLellan, but in America the "a" gets lost.

           Chris MacLellan owns the hotel and it is fairly large and well kept. The family took us under their wing and got out all of their genealogy and we had a lesson on our heritage.  We were treated like visiting cousins and we are.

            If you are ever in central Scotland stay the night at the Caledonian and tell them I recommended them.

 

The Statue of David by M... Donatello

There are a variety of statues of David in Italy.

There is one in Rome and two in Florence (not counting the copies).

This is my favorite. About six feet tall by Donatello.

David the young boy with Goliath.