Meanwhile at the Vatican

St. Pete's

Some remodeling.

A little old, but the guys call it home.

Please note high security. This is Vatican police car.

Waiting to be called up to receive a pointed hat.

Bullet Train Rome to Florence

It looks like a bullet and goes like one too. While California is fighting about adding high speed rail, the folks in Europe have it and love it. A short trip from Rome to Florence and they serve snacks and wine. You get off relaxed and ready to go. No trouble parking and it is not expensive when compared to gasoline in the US or even Italy. What is there not to like?

The Rising Sun Pub

London, near the British Museum

...cooler at night

One of Marietta McLellan's Favorites

THE TOWER OF LONDON

(note bottom photo of jet over cell tower over Tower)

Back room at the Victoria and Albert

Hey, I thought David was in Florence, but there he is in London.

Irish Harbours

 

Cobh ("cove") Harbor

Kinsale

Kenmare

Dingle



Ireland is an island and you are never far from the ocean. It has some lovely rivers too that run into the Atlantic Ocean. These are four harbors along the southwest coast of Ireland. Each is lovely in its own right. Cobh (pronounced "cove") is the last port of call for the Titanic and the place were rescuers brought the survivors of the Lusitania.

Kinsale, Ireland manhole cover

Double click for detail



Rumors untrue

People once would talk about the sad condition of the canals in Venice.  The rumors that they are polluted are correct no more. The canals are clean and clear.

FAVORITE PLACES

One of my favorite places is Balmoral Castle, the Scotland Home of Elizabeth II. The building and grounds are beautiful and it sits along a river. Across the river is the parish church. To be able to live there would almost make being king acceptable.

Newgrange Megalythic Site Ireland

Older than Stonehenge

ireland's pointedly things

 

Pointing to the sky: Italy

Portadella Street Market, London

I walked up to an stall full of antiques and collectibles and picked up a toy "Dinky" car. The seller smiled and asked if I was a collector. I was as a kid and still have most of them. We had a nice talk and then I went along to look at the vegetables. Thousands of miles spanned by a common interest. I choose one thing to look for on a trip --hoping not to find it-- so I can meet people.

Not a boring picture

OK, this does not appear exciting, but then you may not find conversation with a Beefeater at the Tower of London special. I, however, like to talk to locals. I learned that this Beefeater was in his last years of military service and lives in the Tower with his family. He loves this service and is very proud of his position. It is a fun place to work and he thinks it has been a great experience for his children.

Winter Train Ride

Along the Willamette River at Portland - Christmas Train ride.