MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE 2015
We got off to a bad start with this holiday as my wife, Linda, was pick-pocketed on the Metro in Barcelona on our first morning there. Nonetheless, we had a great cruise. This page follows the route of our travels.
We got off to a bad start with this holiday as my wife, Linda, was pick-pocketed on the Metro in Barcelona on our first morning there. Nonetheless, we had a great cruise. This page follows the route of our travels.
BARCELONA
Barcelona means Gaudi the famous architect and designer on the, still unfinished, Sagrada Familia cathedral. Most of these photos reflect his work.
Suitcases
Our hotel (Silken Concordia) lobby had an unusual wall design of painted suitcases.
Parc Guell
The Parc Guell contains many Gaudi designs of outdoor features. Unfortunately, the city now wants to cash in on his reputation by charging admission to see many of his works. Since we were pic-pocketed, we failed to visit the site at the appointed time and so could only see some parts from a distance.
The Parc Guell contains many Gaudi designs of outdoor features. Unfortunately, the city now wants to cash in on his reputation by charging admission to see many of his works. Since we were pic-pocketed, we failed to visit the site at the appointed time and so could only see some parts from a distance.
Parakeets
Parakeets fly freely in the city especially in Parc Guell.
Parakeets fly freely in the city especially in Parc Guell.
Performance Artist
Siesta Time
The Spanish will sleep anywhere during siesta time.
The Spanish will sleep anywhere during siesta time.
The Sagrada Familia
Still under construction since 1882, there is a determination to finish this great work despite financial setbacks. It is the tallest cathedral in the world and probably the most decorated. The stained glass interior is truly breathtaking, as are the views from the towers.
Still under construction since 1882, there is a determination to finish this great work despite financial setbacks. It is the tallest cathedral in the world and probably the most decorated. The stained glass interior is truly breathtaking, as are the views from the towers.
Metro Station Plaque
Bicycles
Umbrella Shop Ornamentation
Street Lamps
A Quiet Square just off the busy Les Rambles.
Rooftop Chimneys at Palau Guell, just off Les Rambles.
SAINT TROPEZ
Saint Tropez was our first port of call. Made famous by Brigitte Bardot, it has changed from a quiet fishing village to a playground of the wealthy. I can't say I was impressed by it but it has a charm enhanced by the beautiful Mediterranean weather and light.
BORMES LES MIMOSAS
Bormes les Mimosas is a small medieval village set up on the hills overlooking the sea near Saint Tropez. There isn't an awful lot in the village but it was a pleasant excursion.
My lovely wife Linda pretending to be one of the rich and famous!
MONTE CARLO
Think of Monte Carlo and you think of super yachts, so it is not surprising that this is one of the first signs we saw when we stepped off the boat !
The good guys and the bad ??
Motoring artifacts abound in Monte Carlo.
The famous Casino Tunnel on the grand-prix circuit.
Two room flat for almost 2 million Euros
Casino Square
Japanese Garden
This tranquil area was established by the late Princess Grace and created by gardeners from Japan.
This tranquil area was established by the late Princess Grace and created by gardeners from Japan.
LUCCA & PISA
Lucca
is a charming medieval town that is forever associated with the the composer Giuseppe Verdi whose statue is found there.
is a charming medieval town that is forever associated with the the composer Giuseppe Verdi whose statue is found there.
Church of San Michele in Foro
Basilica of San Frediano
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
PISA
Piazza dei Miracoli
Interior of St. John's Baptistery (the domed building)
Pisa Cathedral
The bell tower (Campanile)
Street performers
ROME
Once the greatest city in the world, Rome still has many gems of architecture and historic sites to visit. We only had a day in scorching sun to sightsee, so we didn't visit the Vatican because we had been there previously. I specifically set out to see Trajan's Column that I had missed on three previous visits!
The Power and Pomp of Rome
A triumphal arch near the entrance to the Gardens of the Villa Borghese. Piazza del Popolo (People's Square or originally Square of the Poplars)
A triumphal arch near the entrance to the Gardens of the Villa Borghese. Piazza del Popolo (People's Square or originally Square of the Poplars)
Porta Flaminia (or Porto del Popolo) formerly the northern entrance to the city through the Aurelian Walls.
This sign reads "The Senate and People of Rome"
Beggar woman outside the Basilica Parrocchiale.
A quiet fountain just off the busy Via del Corso which leads to the Spanish Steps.
The famous Babbington's Tea Rooms sit at the bottom of the Spanish Steps and were founded in 1893 by two English women.
The Spanish Steps once liked the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the area of the Holy See below.
Today is is a crowded meeting and resting place for tourists.
Today is is a crowded meeting and resting place for tourists.
Fontana della Baracaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat) in the Spanish Square completed in 1627.
A local "character".
Trevi Fountain built in 1762 is probably the most famous fountain in the world thanks to the film "Three Coins in the Fountain".
It sits at the end of a former Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo, completed in 19 BCE.
Unfortunately is was undergoing prolonged restoration but is due to re-open soon.
It sits at the end of a former Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo, completed in 19 BCE.
Unfortunately is was undergoing prolonged restoration but is due to re-open soon.
"To Err Is Human" - "to Perservere Is the Devil's Work" a quote by the Roman philosopher Seneca (4 BCE - 45 CE) This was in a small cafe.
The imposing Altare della Patria is a huge monument to the unification of Italy and sits beside the Capitoline Hill which overlooks the Forum.
Trajan's Column near the Altare della Patria was build to commemorate the Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars (an area nothe of Macedonia on the Danube) in 113 CE. It is covered in bas relief depicting battle scenes.
The Forum was the centre of ancient Roman life, a place to see and be seen.
The Colosseum was begun under the emperor Vespasian in 72 CE and completed under hus successor Titus in 80 CE. It is estimated that it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. The name is beleived to have originated from a colossal statue of Nero nearby as the proper name is the Flavian Amphiteatre.
Just outside the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine built 315 CE to commemorate the battle of the Milvian Bridge. It was here that Constantine is said to have begun his conversion to Christianity.
The Arch of Titus stands at the entrance to the Forum. It was built by the emperor Domitian in 82 CE to celebrate the victories of his dead brother Titus. We didn't have time to visit the Forum and had visited previously anyway.
Forum skyline.
An extremely high walkway at the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Piazza della Pilotta.
Arches, Piazza Santa Apostoli
A peculiar little drinking fountain near the Pantheon.
This strange combination of Elephant and Obelisk is in a small square at the rear of the Pantheon. It dates from 1667 and utilises an obelisk discovered nearby.
The Pantheon, a rear view. It was a place to house the Roman gods.
Interior.
The Piazza Navona is built on a former ancient Roman stadium. It contains the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini.
Photographed this sky on the way back to the port.
SICILY
Sicily is the home of Mount Etna the famous volcano. However, we didn't have time to visit the summit. The village of Taormina is really just one long street with several alleyways off it but it is extremely pretty and thre were several weddings taking place when we arrived.
Etna
Taormina
CORFU
Olive Trees
Corfu Town
DUBROVNIK
VENICE / BURANO
The entry into VENICE from the sea is spectacular as you sail past St. Mark's Square and famous landmarks and on up the canal to the port.
The problem (if there is a problem) with Venice is that it is just too photogenic. The combination of light, colour, water and subject are just too good to be true and there is a photo (or more) around every corner.
Every time we go to Venice, we come across a fashion shoot, usually of bridal wear !
Shades of "DON'T LOOK NOW" (film) here!
More to follow.....