Ireland's Castles

     We were driving a big circle around Ireland from Dublin to Dublin and found many castles and manor houses. The history of California, where I live, begins with the missions and then with 1849 and the Gold Rush. Ireland's history is far older. 

     The castles often come as a surprise as you turn a corner.  Some we planned on seeing. Some just happened upon us. I realize that many folks are not interested in too many huge stone buildings, but I am. Of note are Kilkenny, Cahir, and Trim.

 

Small African Village in Botswana

We were a long way from anything remotely European and visited a local village in Botswana.

It was a special visit where we got to talk with local tribe's people

and watch crafts being made.

I met a young man named Peter and we talked for an extended period

about his culture (and mine) and about his future plans as 

an African Tour Guide. Impressive.

 

Budapest in the sunlight

View of "Budda" from the "Pest" side

 

Astronomical Clock, Prague

 

"The Orloj is mounted on the southern wall of Old Town Hall in the Old Town Square. The clock mechanism has three main components — the astronomical dial, representing the position of the Sun and Moon in the sky and displaying various astronomical details; statues of various Catholic saints stand on either side of the clock; "The Walk of the Apostles", an hourly show of moving Apostle figures and other sculptures, notably a figure of a skeleton that represents Death, striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months." From Wikipedia. Photo by Mike McLellan
 

Neuschwanstein Castle Plus One

Neuschwanstein Castle

Across the valley is this castle built by the creator of Neuschwanstein Castle (King Ludwig)

for his relatives. Still not bad.

 

The Alhambra, Granada Spain

Situated on a high hill overlooking Granada is the Alhambra. I was introduced to it by my in-laws who visited years ago and brought me "Tales Of The Alhambra" by Washington Irving. It became a goal then. We planned a road trip out of Madrid with this in mind. You have to book ahead - likely with a guide - and travel up the hill by bus. It is crowded because it is interesting and beautiful, so don't let crowds scare you away. Every place there is a photo opportunity. 
 

Interesting Bridge In Amsterdam

     Lots of interesting bridges in Amsterdam. We chartered a small tour boat and spent the good part of a day exploring the canals. The photo is of a double draw bridge with a regular tour boat going under. The bridges also, because of the railings, are often crowded with bicycles locked up.
 

South African Safari

One of my favorite photos which I use as screen wallpaper on my tablet.

Photo by my then 12 year old grandson, Lucas

 

Cortina d' Ampezzo. Italy

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a city in the Italian Alps (Dolomites) which was host to the Winter Olympics. It is lovely and well worth a visit. The center city is a great place to walk (after parking in the provided lots outside) and you may see sculpture like this one. I do not remember the name and must admit it looks like something from Spain. Take my word for it, it is in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Brussels Belgium - sleeper

Brussels does not jump into mind when thinking of European cities to visit. It should. It is a great city with lots of places to see. It is the home of the European Union and a center of economic activity.  It has a long history of being a city that provides leadership.

Because Belgium does not have a prominent airline, to visit you will likely go through Paris, London or a German city. I suggest Paris. At CDG you only need to go downstairs from arrivals and catch a train to Brussels. Not expensive and very convenient. 

While in Brussels you must have Belgium waffles and Belgium fries (French fries were invented in Belgium.) You will eat your fries with mayonnaise if authentic.
 

Spending Money

     When we were on safari in Africa, the native villages sold wonderful crafts but asked for American dollars. We carried stacks of very crisp one dollar bills for trading. They did not want worn bills. They would accept fives if crisp. Not hard to do.

     When we first went to Europe twenty years ago, the Euro was worth $1.56. The exchange rate was a little tough. As I write this the Euro is only worth $1.05 and may be equal (1 to 1) when our planned trip to Europe happens this summer.
 

American Café In The Heart Of Prague

No secret, but I really like Prague. It is urbane and lively. It is a liberal city and filled with people from around the world. Lots of folks speak English and forgave me my struggles with Czech. Most also speak German too. 

 

Places that I have visited so you don't have to.

 Temple Bar is both an actual bar and an area of Dublin along the river. You can skip the beer bar and just take in the area around it. Make sure to conclude your walk by crossing the Half Penny Bridge.

 At the Louvre, skip the Mona Lisa - you already saw it on the internet and it is better there. Skip too Venus and Winged Victory although it is hard to skip Winged Victory as you have to walk by it. Look for art treasures were no one else is in the way.

 In Florence, wait until the Rialto Bridge is closed and then walk crossed it. You do not need more jewelry anyway. At 11 o'clock at night, the pig in the market does not have a line, by the way, 

 The London Eye is interesting, but the time spent in Westminster Abbey is more worth it. We also encourage religious folks to worship on Sunday at  St. Martin In The Fields. (Trafalgar Square)

 If you can trade one day in Vienna (a nice place) for Budapest, do.

  

The Seine From Paris to the Normandy Coast By Long Boat

Looking along the port side of the boat as we travel down the Seine to the

Normandy Beaches.

I have no desire to take an ocean cruise, but these small long boats

on a European River are wonderful.

Stopping during the day to see a community and no packing and unpacking.

Plus, they have great staffs and excellent meals.

The ones we went on had always open included bars.

We did the Danube too.

 

California USA coastline

Looking out from Pigeon Point Lighthouse 

about an hour and a half from our California home. 

We visit here regularly to go whale watching and to have lunch near the beach.

It is a big change from the warm weather of the San Joaquin Valley.

 

Not a graveyard

This is not a series of graves and monuments.

These are copies and models of famous crypts stored in the

Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Honestly, one of my favorite museums.

I we have been to many.

 

Ireland by auto

Just one place you would miss if going by train or plane.

St Ciarán founded his monastery on the banks of the River Shannon in the 6^th Century.  

The monastery flourished and became a great seat of learning,

 

Piazza Navona. Rome Italy

                             Fontana di Nettuno, (Neptune) built in 1576 by Giacomo della Porta.
 The Piazza Navona was constructed hundreds of years ago as an arena or athletic venue. Today it is a lovely oblong "square" featuring remarkable fountains and pretty buildings. As a gathering spot, it also has a variety of vendors on sunny days. 

In the photo above I want you to notice two men in windows who are watching us as we are looking around the piazza. I like to take photos of windows and doors, but this photo disclosed these men as a surprise once I opened this in my computer. I had not seen them before that.

Rome is full of surprises. 

Tower on the quay in Cobh Ireland

Cobh is an historic and  pretty town on the south coast of Ireland. It is well worth a visit on the way around the island.  We visited there on a three week long drive around Ireland and found it charming. The historical museum is especially interesting with its displays about the Titanic and Lusitania, both of which either stopped or lifeboats sent from there before sinking. 

Tips for Paris Two

View of Montmartre from The Galleries Lafayette Roof

Tip six: if you want to experience Paris, do not stay less than a week. You need to see the famous sites, but also need to spend time in the cafes and parks. Paris is best seen slowly. Tip seven: you can take baking or art classes by the half-day or full-day in English. Check them out. I was in a baking class and posted a photo on Facebook. Immediately I got a text from a friend back in California saying that his family had taken the same class. So, tip eight: make sure your smart phone has an international Sim card. Tip nine: there are pick pockets in Paris as there are everywhere. Walk like you know where you are going. If you have a purse or camera bag, use a cross body strap and hold it close. Do not be fooled by people who get too close to you. Tip ten: for the Louvre, go in the Carousel Entrance the line is quicker, shorter and air conditioned. 

 

Tips and tales for Paris

View of Paris from the roof of Galleries Lafayette

     The picture above is a good example of a tip regarding Paris. The views from the roof of this department store are wonderful and free. Second tip: go across the street to Printempts Department Store and have lunch upstairs under the stained glass ceiling. Third tip: while in the neighborhood go visit the Paris Opera House, The Palais Garnier, which is beautiful.

    Tip four: if you are new to Paris, take the Hop On Hop Off Bus to see what you will want to see. You can also do what we do to introduce new people and that is to hire a vintage car with driver for a two hour tour, Tip five: you will want to visit Montmartre and the fun way is to take a cab to the base and then ride the tram up. Spend a few hours, take in the view, watch artists at work, enter the cathedral, and have lunch. More tips to come.

The Pantheon, Rome Italy

In a continuing desire to get people to look up, I post this photo of the ceiling of the Pantheon in Rome. It has an open circle in the center to allow smoke out and fresh air in. It also lets rain in and thus there are drain holes in the middle of the floor.  This is an amazing building and is often filled with a wide variety of tourists and pilgrims. It is central to things and a good stop. (Photo by Marietta McLellan)
 

Church Yard in Kilkenny Ireland

St Canice's Cathedral is a Church of Ireland congregation in Kilkenny. It is a lovely large building with several areas which detail local history. The is also a tower in the churchyard. Of the many things of interest to me, was the grave (inside) of a relative of Barack Obama. Obama's mother was of Irish ancestry.

Marietta checks out the tower.

 

The Roman Colosseum and a story

    Not far from the Colosseum was a very nice restaurant. We went there on our own the second evening in Rome. A pretty young woman waited on us and we got to talking. She was happy to practice her English and told us about her college classes. It was a large place and we felt a little guilty keeping her from other patrons which were being covered by other wait staff.  As in most of Europe, you do not have to tip in Italy. The usual habit is to round up. meaning if the bill is 23.17 you leave 24.00 in this case Euros.  Instead, I paid the check by credit card and then put a 20 Euro note with a piece of paper on which I said, "Thank you and we wish you well in school."

     The next night we went out with a group. It happened to be the same restaurant.  We were running late and the rest of the group was there.  The same young woman we had met the night before was waiting on the group. As I walked up to the table, she turned and ran up to me with a big hug. Needless to say the group was wondering what was up. A show of affection for a stranger in Rome by a pretty young woman? 

    I wanted to pretend that it happens to me everywhere I go in the world, but finally had to tell the truth. It still made a good memory to bring home.

 

Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy

The Bridge of Sighs goes between the jail cells and the Doges Palace in Venice.

We walked over the bridge from the inside and it is dramatic

thinking it is the last walk some folks made before execution.

I enjoy Venice and hope they keep cruises ships out and on the mainland.

Too much damage from the ships.

 

Florence, Italy

Looking out from the balcony of the Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

(photo by Marietta McLellan)

 

Munich Germany

This is just a quick snapshot made as I walked along in Munich.

We had a long stay there and enjoyed the city.

The capitol of Bavaria, it has lots to see, not the least of which are the beer halls.

It is the home of BMW and has excellent museums.

Nice people.

 

Poster seen in Munich Germany

     I took German in college. As I was going into medicine at the time, I felt it would be helpful. As it turned out, I neither went into a clinical career nor learned much German. I can get by a little in Germany and Austria, but darn little. I can tell that this poster is about 2019, but that's about it. I did think it was pretty so I took a photo of it.
 

The Louvre, Paris France

     This is one of my favorite photos. This the hallway outside of the room in which the Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre. Note that the walls in this hallway are hung with magnificent paintings and no one is looking at them. People are either walking with purpose somewhere or they are looking at their guidebooks. They are running from Mona Lisa to Winged Victory or Venus de Milo. They skip major works by great artists. They also miss the point of this vast collection. Plus, when I am there I want to yell "Look up!" for most of rooms have wonderful ceilings. The hallway here is not one of them, but still worth a look. Please, if this is on your bucket list, schedule the good part of a day to see this place.
 

The Best of Scotland

Because of our times in Scotland and our affection for it, people will ask what are the best things to see and do there. I am hard put to make a short list, but I will name ten things. 1) You need to visit Edinburgh and spend more than a couple of days there. 2) If possible, go to the borders and see Southern Scotland. It has a little of everything. 3) You will wish to see Loch Ness, but really see it by going out in a boat from the heritage center. 4) On the way to Ness stay in Port Augustus, my favorite small place in Scotland (next to Kirkcudbright). 5) Stirling is sterling. Visit the Wallace Monument. 6) Go see the Firth of Forth and watch trains on the old bridge. 7) In the south you cannot beat taking Raider's Road and visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Park. 8) I love Balmoral Castle. See the paintings of Prince Phillip. 9) Stop and talk to one of the famous cows. 10) There is a sheep farm where my granddaughter sheered sheep and played with the dogs. Look it up and stop by. 11) I cannot stop at ten... 
 

Park Guell, Barcelona Spain

 

Park Güell is one of the most famous sights of Barcelona. 

The ceramics decorated winding bank is world famous. 

Gaudí has created a fabulous forest with this park.

Note people on tope of columned plaza.

The Train Station below CDG Airport France

We flew to Paris (CDG) and went below to the train station. Train to Brussels

for a few days and back. At CDG we flew to South Africa and came back in around two weeks,

Then it was back down and to Amsterdam for a few days and back.

Then to San Francisco,

Four visits to Charles de Gaulle. (CDG)