Category: Heritage

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Activity Amsterdam City Cycling Europe Heritage Netherlands Uncategorized

Amsterdam, Netherlands

An organised canal boat cruise is actually a very good way to get your bearings in the city. A bit like a hop-on hop-off bus excursion that you will find in most European cities today. The fact you are lower down on the surface of the water will give you a different perspective. Life seems more sedate on the water. You might well enjoy yourself so much you will want to book a night cruise and see the city in a whole new light.

Amsterdam at Night – The Netherlands

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. It is the principal national museum in the Netherlands. There are 8000 objects including paintings and books, in 80 rooms that illustrate the art and history of the country over the past 800 years until the present day. On display are paintings by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Fran Hals, Jan Steen and Johannes Vermeer whose “The Milkmaid” is shown below.

The Milkmaid – Johannes Vermeer – c. 1657–1661

The most famous picture on display is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch”, it its time it has been attacked with a shoemaker’s knife, a bread knife and sprayed with acid. One thing that will strike you is the sheer size of the painting. What you probably didn’t realise is that the painting was cut down in size when it was moved to the town hall. Operation Night Watch is a project by the museum to reconstruct the missing pieces based on a copy and you can now see these on your visit.

Night Watch Restoration

After a day of culture, then turn your attention to the Amsterdam’s markets. There are over thirty of them and some have been going for over 100 years. You will find everything and anything at these markets. According to Time Out if you are only going to visit one market then it should be the “Albert Cuyp Market” otherwise known as the “the Cuyp”. Since 1905, it’s a one-stop shop for fresh meat, fish, fruit and veg. Today you can buy clothes, jewellery and just about everything else.

Dappermarkt – Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Another highly regarded market is the Dappermarkt. National Geographic Traveler judged it to be one of the Top 10 Shopping Streets in the world. Why don’t you visit it and judge for yourself. With 250 stalls you are bound to find something of interest.

One thing to do in advance when visiting Amsterdam is to make sure that you pre-book your tickets to the Anne Frank House which can be found at Prinsengracht 263. On 6 July 1942, the Frank family went into hiding in the building. The building consisted of two parts: the main house and the annex. The eight people hid on the top floors of the annex. Anne’s father Otto, who was the only member of the family to survive the Holocaust published her diaries in 1947 .In 1960, the Anne Frank House opened its doors as a museum, but at his the annex stayed empty.

Anne Frank’s House / Museum – Amsterdam – The Netherlands
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City Heritage Indiana USA Walking

Indiana

We want to visit Indiana and in particular the state capital of Indianapolis. The most famous event in the Indianapolis year, is the Indianapolis 500 motor race, which including practice and qualifying takes up most of the month of May.

The Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport.

If you are contemplating attending next year’s race, it might be wise to start making plans now, and book your flights, hotel and race tickets. Compared to the price of tickets for say, the British Formula One Grand Prix, tickets for the Indy 500 are very reasonable. Tickets for a practice day start at $10, whilst general admission on race day starts from $35 and reserved seats from $50.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Indiana – USA

If you don’t manage to get to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for race day then a visit to the track museum is still a must for any motorsport fan. The museum has one of the largest collections of racing, antique and classic cars in the world including 30 that have one of the Indy 500. Treat yourself to the 2 hour private golf cart tour for just $20. (All prices are correct at the time of writing July 2021).

Central Canal – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

After you have been to the track you may well be asking what else is there to see and do in Indianapolis. The answer is that there is plenty. Check out the White River State Park. Here you will find 250 acres which contains the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians, the Indiana State Museum, a zoo, a canal with gondolas, Indianapolis Indians baseball, an IMAX cinema, an amphitheatre, the NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana Cultural Trail, plus many cycling and walking trails.

White River State Park – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA

If you are taking children, then do not miss out on a visit to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. It is reputedly the largest museum in the world devoted to children. It us rated as one of the best museums in the USA. Founded in 1925, it has almost half a million square feet of exhibition space and includes an outdoor sports area, where children can try out amongst other things, basketball, golf and pedal race cars. The museum is designed to be as hands-on and inactive as possible.

For history lovers, there are museums and several memorials in the city commemorate armed forces or conflict, including the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza. Indianapolis is the home to the largest collection outside Washington DC of monuments dedicated to veterans and war casualties in the USA.

Indiana World War Memorial Plaza – Indianapolis – Indiana – USA
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Activity Asia Bangkok City Heritage Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

You cannot spend a day in Bangkok without a visit to Wat Pho.  It is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples. The temple complex known as the Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds. The larger northern walled compound, is open to visitors and houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and very famously the 46m long reclining Buddha. The southern compound, contains the living quarters for Buddist monks and a school.

The Temple of the Reclining Bhudda – Wat Pho – Bangkok – Thailand

Next on your list and be prepared to set aside a good few hours for this one, is a visit to the Grand Palace. The palace at one time was the king’s home (1782 -1925) as well as the place where the government of Thailand carried out their work.  The Great Palace is not a single building but a collection of buildings divided up into four main courts: the Outer Court, the Middle Court, the Inner Court and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Some buildings are open to the general public, whilst others are still used by various government departments.

Grand Palace – Bangkok – Thailand

For contrast take yourself shopping.  At one end of the scale head for Chatuchak Market which is open on Saturdays and Sundays.  With over 8000 stalls and at local prices you are bound to find a bargain or two here.  At the other end of the scale head for Siam Paragon.  You will only find 250 shops here, but they are high end brands and even include car manufacturers including Bentley, BMW and Porsche.  You will also find South East Asia’s biggest aquarium and numerous food outlets.

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Activity Heritage Music Nashville Tennessee USA

Nashville, TN

“Welcome to Nashville, man what a great day / The first stop we’re gonna take you is a place called Broadway “ that how the comic duo that are Austin and Colin start off their funny, information and catchy song about Nashville.  They take us on a journey through the sights and sounds of Nashville.

Welcome to Nashville – Austin and Colin.

Their first stop is Broadway and it’s a good place to get acquainted with the city. Located in the downtown area, it includes Lower Broadway which is renowned for its honky tonks and live country music as well as restaurants and a number of tourist attractions.

Honky Tonk Central – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Austin and Colin are seen queuing outside the 100 year old former grain store, that is now the Acme Feed & Seed restaurant and music venue.  Head for the rooftop bar with its views of the Cumberland River, the Nissan Stadium, the home to the Tennessee Titans of the NFL and the Broadway strip.

Next on their list is Demonbreun, the area and the street are named after a French-Canadian fur trader who is known at the “first citizen of Nashville”.  You can continue to follow their list which then takes you to Belmont, Hillsboro Village, Vandi, Green Hills, Frothy Monkey etc.  However, you will probably be visiting for its musical connections and the museums.

Acme Feed & Seed Restaurant & Music Venue – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Throughout the city you will find numerous music venues playing something to suit everyones taste, it’s not just country music that you will hear in Nashville.  In addition you will probably want to head over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.  The museum’s core exhibition “Sing Me Back Home: A Journey Through Country Music” tells the story of the origins of country music and its main contributors using artefacts, photographs, recorded sound, vintage video, and interactive touchscreens. You might want to also visit Music Row’s Historic RCA Studio B, the oldest surviving recording studio in Nashville, where landmark recordings by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, and many others were made.  Due to its size pre-booking is advised.  Personally, I would be off to the Johnny Cash Museum by day and will be spending an evening at the Tribute to Elvis Show.

Johnny Cash Museum – Nashville, Tennessee, USA

For car nuts, just over an hour’s drive out of town will take you to Bowling Green, the home of the National Corvette Museum. On display are over 70 Corvettes displayed in periodic settings.

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Activity Bucharest City Europe Heritage Romania

Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest is home to the world’s biggest parliamentary building.  Originally at The Palace of Parliament but more commonly known today as the People’s Palace construction started in 1984 and took thirteen years to build. An area of s (2.7 sq mi) of the old city centre was flattened to allow the construction including monasteries, factories and a hospital. One engineer set out to save as much as he could.

Moving Churches to Safety – Bucharest.

Today the People’s Palace, both houses of the Romanian Parliament., along with the National Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Communist Totalitarianism and the Museum of the Palace.

The People’s Palace – Bucharest, Romania.

Prior to the Second World War Bucharest was known as the “Paris of the East”.  The war, the Communist era and an earthquake in 1977 robbed the city of many or the art nouveau buildings. Here and there are places where that former sophistication. The Cantacuzino Palace which now houses the George Enescu museum is one such example which was built between 1901 and 1903 by architect Ion D. Berindey. 

Paris of the East, Bucharest, Romania

Berindey was responsible for a number of famous landmarks during this time including the Bucharest observatory that was built between 1908 and 1910. George Enescu incidently is regarded as one of the greatest musicians in Romanian history. You might even choose to stay in the elegant Athenee Palace Hilton hotel designed by the French Theophile Bradeau. Around and about you will find more examples that listed here.  Remember to look out for Bucharest’s copy of the Arc de Triomphe.

Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest, Romania.

Personally, I would recommend seeking out the beautiful churches and chapels that fuse Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman and Renaissance styles.  On your list head for The Stavropoleous Church in the old city, St Apostle’s and the Doamnei Church.

Orthodox Church, Bucharest, Romania

If you are interested in looking back in time, you might be interested in watching the TV series “Comrade Detective” on Amazon Prime. Set in 1980s Bucharest it tells the story of two police detectives investigating the murder of a colleague. There is more to this story than meets the eye!

Categories
Activity City Europe Heritage Italy Uncategorized Venice

Venice, Italy

Venice or Italy for that matter can be visited any time, not just the summertime. In fact you could say that the Spring or Autumn were preferable for city tourists as the day time temperatures are better suited for wandering around.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy
Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

If you are looking for a single city destination then why not head for Venice.  With tourist numbers down this year, a trip to Venice at this time just makes so much sense.  Imagine not having to queue for restaurants, museums and other attractions, taking leisurely walks around the main thoroughfares, plenty of space on the water taxis and being able to book a hotel at a reasonable price right in the middle of hundreds of years of history.

For those of you who have been to Venice before, you will not need convincing to return.  For first timers then this is what you have missed so far.  Venice comprises of over 100 islands, separated by canals but connected by over 400 bridges.  As capital of the Republic of Venice from 697 until 1797 Venice became the financial centre of the world and was at the cross roads of international trade between east and west.  This gave the city to wealth to build a city that rises out of the lagoon, with its domes and spires.

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy
Piazza San Marco – Venice, Italy

Try to get to the Piazza San Marco at least once during your visit.  It is the most famous square of Venice and probably the most photographer destination within the city.  It is here that you will find the Basilica San Marco. Entrance is free to this stunningly beautiful church.  Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to make the most or your time in Venice.

And whilst you are in the Piazza San Marco make sure you visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace).  The palace is worth a visit in its own right because of the architecture, but today it also houses many important art works. It’s a good idea to book your museum tickets in advance, thereby making the most of your time in the fantastic city.

Venice at Night, Italy
Venice at Night, Italy

One to save for the evening is a walk across the Ponte Rialto where you experience a stunning view of the bridge and the city lit up at night. Remember that gondola rides have fixed prices. Standard gondola rides in Venice have cost 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour in the day and 120 euros at night. Gondolas normally take up to 6 passengers.

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Activity Bratislava City Europe Heritage Slovakia Uncategorized

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia is sometimes forgotten as a tourist destination.  For nearly 1000 years it did not have much control over its own destiny.  Even during the period of the First Slovak Republic 1939 – 1945 it was a client state of Nazi Germany.  Around the year 1000 it became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and today over 9% of the population state their mother tongue is Hungarian.

Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, stands on the banks of the Danube and as such borders both Hungary and Vienna.  Bratislava markets itself as a 72 hour city as that’s the average length of time tourists spend in the city.  In those 72 hours there are plenty to keep you occupied.

Bratislava Castle, Slovakia - Peter Tóth
Bratislava Castle, Slovakia

Due to its geographical position and history a good starting point is Bratislava castle. Not only does it house the Museum of History but affords tremendous views across the city.  Down in the town, the Michael’s Gate which is the only preserved gate of the city fortification system dates back to the 14th century gives you a great view back across the Old Town and the castle.  The tower at the gate houses the Museum of Arms.

Bratislava houses the largest war memorial in Central Europe. It rises over 50 metres and dominates the city skyline.  It is the burial ground of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet army who died during the liberation of Bratislava in World War II.

St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church) - Hans Hansen
St Elizabeth’s Church (The Blue Church)

On a religious note, don’t miss out on a visit the 15th Century St Marin’s Cathedral, the Art Nouveau style St Elizabeth’s Church, also known as the blue church and cubist style synagogue built between 1923 and 1926.

You will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars and for those of you with a sweet tooth, patisseries something they do so well in Central Europe. Whilst in the city look out for the amazing sculptures.

Sculpture, Bratislava - Sebastian Mies
Sculpture, Bratislava
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City Europe Heritage Latvia Riga

Riga, Latvia

Riga stands at the centre of the Baltic States, Estonia to the north and Lithuanian to the south. Both are easily reached from Riga. Hire a car and get to Tallin the capital of Estonia in 4 hours and Kaunas the capital of Lithuania is 3 hours, 30 minutes away. Currently UK citizens can freely travel to and return from the Baltic States.

Riga, Latvia, Germans Alenins
Riga, Latvia

Besides being the largest of the Baltic capitala it is a very beautiful city full of gothic and medieval architecture. Unlike other European capitals that are heaving with tourists in the summer months, Riga is full of Latvians. Not being on the top ten list of most city break fans even pre-Covid it was a good option and now its even better.

For travellers on a budget staying and eating out in Riga represents great value for money. Prices are in line with destinations in Poland, Hungary and Romania. Restaurant prices are about half of those in most UK cities.

Riga, Latvia, AG-Pics
Riga, Latvia

Well what is there to do in Riga? First stop would be the St Peter’s Church. The church dates back to 1209 and has undergone various transformations over the years. The most recent due to damage caused by artillery fire in 1941. Head up to the viewing platform to experience superb views across the rooftops.

Like many towns and cities across Eastern Europe, Riga has reminders of its time under the influence of the Soviet Union. A trip to the Latvia Academy of Sciences, a mini Empire State building, head up to the 17th floor of this 1950’s building for an alternative outlook on the city.

Maybe we have too much of an interest in the macabre. Head off to the “Corner House”, the former headquarters of the KGB which is very emotional. Not a fun way to spend a day, certainly sobering and puts into perspective Latvia’s recent history.

Baltic Sea Riga Latvia Edgars Koronevskis
Baltic Sea Riga Latvia

On a happier note, there are plenty of back streets, markets, restaurants etc to visit to keep you busy but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle then visit Ķīpsala Beach right in the centre of Riga on the River Daugava. A little further afield there are several beaches within easy reach of Riga. With 500km of coastline there is bound to be a beach to suit you.

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City Europe Heritage Road Scotland UK Uncategorized

Scotland, UK

Starting and ending at Inverness Castle the North 500, is a 516 mile route that takes in some of the more remote parts of Northern Scotland. The route works its way along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there, you’ll embark on a drive to some of the most northerly coastal points of mainland Scotland, including Caithness. From John o’ Groats you head south through Dingwall back to Inverness.

How could you not be tempted to drive the North 500 yourself? In fact you could even cycle or walk the route. If driving allow yourself the best part of a week and you are advised to book your accommodation in advance particularly during the summer season.

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Activity Europe Granada Heritage Spain

Granada, Spain

Heading for southern Spain and the region of Granada. Then the number one destination in Granada has the be the magnificent Alhambra which was declared a World Hertiage site by UNESCO in 1984. The Alhambra stands on a small plateau and is visible for miles around. It’s orgins date back to the 11th century and the time of the Moorish dominance in the region. In the 13th century it became a royal palace. It wasn’t until 1492 that the Moors were expelled from the region and it became home to Queen Isabela I and King Ferdinand II.

Alhambra, Granada - Copyright Pablo Valerio
Alhambra, Granada

There are essentially 10 main structures within the Alhambra. The Royal sector, the Court of Myrtles, the Hall of Ambassadors, Court and Fountain of the Lions, the Hall of the Abencerrajes and Generalife are the most famous and the average visitor will spend at least 4 hours there, many spend the whole day. Normally you would have to book days in advance but due to the current situation it is possible to book a visit for 48 hours in advance. At the time of writing there are tickets available on everyday through the summer.

The Partal, Alhambra - Copyright Frank Nürnberger
The Partal, Alhambra

There is plenty more to see and do in Granada. Notable stops on your itinerary should include: Alcaiceria – the last remaining section of the Moorish, Grand Bazaar, Sacromonte – view houses built into the rock face and in the evening visit a traditional flaminco show, Carrera del Darro – this street follows the course of the Darro river and was the line of the old city walls. Granada is also an important university city and it offers plenty of entertainment in the evenings and for the young at heart.

Today we would just like to finish off with this version of Granada by Bruce Welch’s Shadows. Originally from an EP entitled “Los Shadows” recorded in Barcelona in 1963 the track was never played live until the version below.

Granada – Bruce Welch’s Shadows