Beamish Museum – Co. Durham
You can’t visit Durham and not visit the nearby Beamish Museum. This “living museum” is a superb example of urban and rural life that existed in the early 20th century in N.E England.
We had previously visited some 15 – 20 years ago, when our children were young and it was great to return, a few weeks ago, and remind ourselves how amazing the Beamish is. We were only there for a day and really did not get a chance to see all of the exhibits, but we will most definitely return in the near future.
Below are a few images, including some of the interiors of the houses in the old Victorian town.
Detailed information about The Beamish Museum can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beamish_Museum
Durham Cathedral (N.E. England)
My “better half” and I recently visited North East England. Needless to say my camera gear went with me, but was not used often, as the weather was a bit dull and the quality of light was poor. Fortunately there were the occasional breaks in the cloud cover and I manages to capture a few images when, for a fleeting moment, the light quality improved dramatically.
The image below of Durham Cathedral, was capture about 1 hour before sunset, when the “soft” sunlight illuminated the west facing towers of this beautiful Sanctuary. Building started on this magnificent place of worship in 1093 and was completed some 40 years later.
More detailed information can be found at this link. http://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/
Durham Cathedral
The 3 Sisters of Glencoe
The group of mountains of Beinn Fhada, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh, shown in the image below, are more commonly known as the 3 Sisters of Glencoe. These mountains form part of a volcanic ridge in Glencoe, known as Bidean nam Bian
For more information please follow this link : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bidean_nam_Bian
For some of my other landscape images please follow this link http://wp.me/P1WKsc-M
Double Canal Locks at Corpach, on the Caledonian Canal
The 62 mile long Caledonian Canal, with a total of 29 locks was originally built to allow wooden sailing ships to travel from the north-east to the south-west of Scotland, avoiding the perilous route via Cape Wrath and the Pentland Firth. It was completed in 1822, after 19 years in construction at a cost of around £910,000. The canal had taken so long to construct, that much larger, iron hulled ships were now in use and the canal was too narrow to accommodate them.
Today the canal attracts many visitors who come to enjoy the magnificent scenery that stretches all the way from Inverness to Fort William.
The image below is of the of the double canal locks at Corpach. Ben Nevis can be seen in the background
Double Canal Locks at Corpach on the Caledonian Canal
For some of my other landscape images please follow this link http://wp.me/P1WKsc-M
Autumn “Peaks” in the Highlands of Scotland
Last week we were fortunate to spend a few days in the beautiful Scottish Highlands.
The end of October/beginning of November is the “height” of autumn here.
I am always amazed at the vivid colours, in the landscape, which is the result of high rainfall (often too much) and the excellent quality of light at this time of year. If you are lucky you may just get a “dusting” of snow on the moutains, which really is the “icing on the cake”
We spent 4 nights in the 2nd lodge, in the image, and travelled into Glencoe and the local countryside in search of beautiful scenery.
The mountain rising, just above the”scotch mist”, about a third in from the left in the image, is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Scotland (4,409 ft above sea level)
What an idyllic place ………………… I am now completely “chilled out”
“Scotch Mist” in Glen Nevis
For some of my other landscape images please follow this link http://wp.me/P1WKsc-M
Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012 – Additional Images
6 Additional images of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012 added today.
- Japanese Girl
Please go to http://wp.me/P1WKsc-jn for the rest of the images
Busier Than Ever – Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012
Superb!! – 25 days of Events with over 2,600 shows from 47 different countries
Edinburgh, the Scottish Capital was “buzzing” this year, in August, with the annual Fringe Festival.
An amazing diversity of shows to suit all tastes ranging from Shakespeare to light comedy; classical to rock music accompanied by traditional “scottish” cuisine from the many local bars and restaurants. (Even haggis and neeps, deep fried mars bars or the usual fish supper, were on the menu, if that’s what you fancied)
I love Edinburgh, particularly at this time of year when the city is busy with tourists and “locals”, enjoying the “banter” of the performers and audiences, enjoying the culture and “soaking-up” the atmosphere.
Edinfringe Rocks
The Fringe is an opportunity for me to indulge in my photography, to capture portrait images of the “street” performers advertising their shows and to talk with some of the interesting “characters” taking part.
GI Girls at The Fringe
This year I visited the Fringe 3 times. On my last visit, my “better half” and I met up with some of my “old” school friends and rounded off a great day, with a delicious meal in a local restaurant, with a nice bottle of wine and good company.
Looking forward to August 2013.
For more images of the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe please click on http://wp.me/P1WKsc-jn
Roman Holiday – Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the center of public life in Rome. Processions, criminal trials, public speeches all took place in this central area which is located betweem Palatine and Capitoline hills.
This is my final post in this series. However, I have now added a page under “Travel”, which contains all images from my previous “Roman Holiday” posts. It also includes additional images not previously published. I hope you have enjoyed.
Please click on this link http://wp.me/P1WKsc-jl
Roman Forum
Roman Holiday – Inside The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, located inside Vatican City, contain some of the greatest sculptures and classical art in the world. I was utterly amazed at the vibrance and detail in the paintings and sculpture, considering their age.
Below are a few images that are my personal favourites, but they in no way do justice to seeing the “real thing”
Roman Holiday – Inside The Vatican
Continuing on the theme “Roman Holiday”; we went into the Vatican during our visit to Rome. Here are a few images.
The first image is Michelangelo’s La Pieta, which is the only sculpture that he ever signed. It depicts the body of Christ in Mary’s lap after the crucifixion.
The second image is the Main Dome inside the Vatican. Michelangelo designed the dome in 1547 and it was completed in 1590 by Giacomo della Porta and Fontana.
The third image, the Cathedra Petri or ” the Throne of St Peter” is surrounded by an enormous statue of bronze produced by Bernini.
More information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Peter’s_Basilica
Roman Holiday – Swiss Guard
The Swiss Guard has existed since the late 15th century. As guardians of the gates to Vatican City, the Papal Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, is the only remaining Swiss Guard in the world.
Swiss Guard
More information at http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/swiss_guard/swissguard/storia_en.htm
Loch Shiel – Glenfinnan Monument
The Glenfinnan Monument was erected in 1815. It is a memorial tower marking the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) raised his standard at the start of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.
Today the monument is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
This image was captured on a hill above the National Trust Visitor’s Centre.
Loch Shiel (Glenfinnan Monument)
St Mary and St Finnan’s Church – Glenfinnan
This beautiful church is built on the banks of Loch Shiel. It is a memorial to the Macdonalds of Glenaladale. It is believed that Charles Edward Stuart, “Bonnie Prince Charlie” stayed with the Macdonalds before raising the Jacobite standard in 1745.
St Mary’s and St Finnon’s Church – Glenfinnan
Oban View
We visited Oban during a recent trip to the Scottish Highlands. Oban, located on the mainland, at the northern end of The Firth of Lorn near the entrance to Loch Linnhe, is known as the “Gateway to the Isles”. It is also recognised as the “Seafood capital of Scotland”.
And while I love fresh seafood, for the chocoholics like me, I recommend a visit to the Oban Chocolate Company, who offer a range of delicious hand made chocolates manufactured in their factory in Oban.
More information at http://www.oban.org.uk/
Oban
Mallaig Harbour – “The Jacobite’s” Destination
The fishing port of Mallaig is the destination of the “The Jacobite” the vintage steam train, featured in last week’s post.
This peaceful view over Mallaig Harbour, shows the islands of Rum and Eigg on the horizon. In the foreground is the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry to Skye
Mallaig Harbour
“The Jacobite”
“The Jacobite” is the vintage steam train which runs from Fort William, through some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland, to the picturesque fishing port of Mallaig.
While this trip has always been a popular attraction with tourists visiting the Scottish highlands, the “Harry Potter” movies where the ” Hogwarts Express” crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct has helped boost the popularity of this nostalgic journey. On its journey the “Jacobite” does cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct just like in the movies.
The image of the train below, was captured last week, during a short visit to the Scottish Highlands, as it travelled along the shoreline of Loch Eil, 4 – 5 miles from Fort William, on its way to Mallaig
More details at http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/Jacobite_Details.html and for a journey across the Glenfinnan Viaduct on “The Jacobite” click on this link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_GjT9nlAeM&feature=related
The Jacobite
Sir Walter Scott Monument; Edinburgh
This image of Sir Walter Scott’s Monument, erected for his contribution to Scottish Literature is captured, just before sunset, from “The Mound” (the old Bank of Scotland Headquarters; Edinburgh)
The monument, inaugurated in 1846, is 200ft high. A sculpture in marble, of the man himself, can be seen through the centre arch.
Sir Walter Scott Monument; Edinburgh
More information can be found at http://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/scott_monument.htm
Blackrock Cottage “Close-up” (Monochrome) Version – Glencoe
Just thought I’d also post the monochrome “close-up” version. What do you think?
Blackrock Cottage_mono
Blackrock Cottage – Glencoe
One of the most beautiful and most photographed scenes in the Scottish Highlands.
Because of the wide variation in weather conditions, in this region, the “character” of this peaceful tranquil scene can quickly be transformed, into one of the bleakest, stormy, landscapes in Scotland.
Blackrock Cottage
Memories of Venice
San Marco
I fell in love with Venice, when I first visited some 10 years ago. At that time, I worked for a company that had a manufacturing site in Bologna and I was attending a factory tour along with some UK clients. Venice is only a 60 minute train journey from Bologna, so we took the opportunity to visit that weekend. I was “hooked”
This amazing visit to Venice, a few years ago, was a birthday celebration for Doreen, my better half.
We spent 4 nights at the Dona Palace Hotel, in the centre of Venice. A great hotel with lovely large room, fabulous breakfasts and only 2 minutes walk from St Mark’s Square.
This famous Italian city, built originally on a mosquito infested lagoon has it all; ambience, history, and an “olde world” feel to it that is totally unique.
When dining out, if you can eat in a restaurant away from the main tourist areas, the food and service is usually superb. Although it tends to be expensive to eat in the San Marco and Rialto areas, to enjoy the romantic atmosphere, that “is” Venice, I recommend that you eat in a restaurant on the Grand Canal, near the Rialto Bridge and take a gondola ride, at least once during your visit.
We visited early October, when the temperature was around 24C (~75F) which was very comfortable for sightseeing and for “chilling out” with a nice bottle of wine in the cafes at the front in San Marco or on the Grand Canal.
Entertainment at night was provided at different hotels and restaurants throughout the city. We found that the small orchestras, playing in outdoor cafes and at hotel entrances in St Mark’s Square, were excellent and created a superb “classical” fun atmosphere in this most famous historical square.
We purchased 24 hour water bus (Vaporetto) passes and jumped on and off on a regular basis. A great way to see round this “magical” place. On several occasions we stayed on the water bus and had a tour of the whole lagoon. A good few of my images were shot from the rear of the water bus which was completely uncovered.
I can’t wait to go back, maybe later this year or early 2013.
I hope you enjoy the images which were shot with my smaller EOS 30D – 8MP camera. (I didn’t have my EOS 5DMK2 at that time)
For larger images, please “click” on the photos below.
Ciao
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- San Marco
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- St Mark’s Basilica
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- Rialto Bridge
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- The “Buzz” on the Grand Canal
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- Orchestra in St Mark’s Square
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- “Scala dei Giganti” (inside Palazzo Ducale)
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- Evening Dining on the Grand Canal
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- “bend or bump”
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- “Chilling out” – overlooking San Georgio Maggiore
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- Campanile (bell tower) – St Marks Square
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- The Bridge of Sighs
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- “Quiet” Canal
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- Winged Lion of St Mark
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- “Peaceful” Canal
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- Street Musicians
Eilean Donan Castle
One of the most photographed castles in the world, Eilean Donan Castle can be found on the road to Kyle of Lochalsh; where Loch Alsh, Loch Duich and Loch Long combine.
The historical beginnings of Eilean Donan are believed to date back as early as the 7th century AD, at a time when Christianity was just being introduced in this area of Scotland. Details can be found at http://www.eileandonancastle.com/home.htm
This famous castle features in a number of Hollywood movies. The ones that come to mind are “Highlander” in 1986, with Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErjCcqKzr0k and more recently, in 2008, “Made of Honor” with Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E72ZeWEMP90
Today the castle is a beautiful, historical and romantic setting, owned by the Conchara Charitable Trust. It is open to the public during the months of March to October. It is also a popular wedding venue.
Eilean Donan Castle
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