Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

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Norfolk Viaggiatore
1
Houghton Hall 2; Grounds and Exhibitions
18 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
After visiting the Hall, we explore the parkland around it; this is known for its iconic white fallow deer and the grounds which feature the local church and a water tower with the appearance of an architectural folly - it was constructed by Sir Robert Walpole and restored in 1982 (it is now a Grade I listed building). Closer to the Hall, the Stables contain the world's largest private collection of model soldiers in the Model Soldier Museum located in one of the stable buildings.

There is a large Sculpture Park in the grounds around the Hall, which contains an impressive permanent collection of contemporary sculptures. The Hall often has exhibitions, and 2024 has major solo exhibitions by:

1) Dame Magdalene Odundo; her main feature is a glass installation called "Metamorphosis and Transformation," a tribute to ancient Egyptian artefacts and narratives of migration, and

2) Antony Gormley; this features 100 life-size sculptures distributed across the 300 acres of the park. They are cast-iron sculptures, each weighing 620kg and standing at an average of 191cm, and installed at the same datum level to create a single horizontal plane across the landscape. Thus, some works are buried, allowing only a part of the head to be visible, while others are buried to the chest or knees according to the topography; only occasionally do they stand on the existing surface and some of the works are placed on concrete columns that vary from a few centimetres high to rising four meters off the ground.

We see as many things as we reasonably can; it has been a truly excellent day out!Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und Heidi 👍😊
24/09/24Risposta
Wolfgang und HeidiNice trip! 😊
24/09/24RispostaTradurre
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Norfolk Viaggiatore
Houghton Hall 1; House and Walled Garden
18 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Helen and I are off on a day trip to Norfolk to visit Houghton Hall.

Houghton Hall is a country house in the parish of Houghton and now the residence of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley; it was originally constructed in the 1720s for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. The Hall is surrounded by extensive parkland and features notable attractions, including an award-winning Walled Garden.

We explore the Hall and Walled Garden; they are both very beautiful - see captions on the photos.Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und HeidiEngland is so beautiful !
23/09/24RispostaTradurre
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Museums of Cambridge Viaggiatore
The Museum of Cambridge
12 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
The building in which the Museum of Cambridge is housed dates from around 1600; it was the White Horse Inn for over 300 years, but became a museum in 1936 to preserve the social and cultural history of Cambridge (the Cambridge and County Folk Museum, before its new name). We visited it as part of the Open Cambridge events.

We walk through the bar area to the kitchen, the walk up the narrow staircase to the first floor to see the guest room and dining room. There are interesting folklore exhibits concerning the Fens area (former marshland now used for agriculture, northwards of Cambridge) and art and artisans of Cambridge. After visiting the childhood room, we go out into the yard. Here, the small Enid Porter building is dedicated to a former long-standing curator of the museum and is now available for hire.Leggi altro
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The River Great Ouse Viaggiatore
8. Holywell to St Ives
11 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌬 11 °C
From Holywell, the Ouse Valley Way cuts down to the River Ouse for a short way and then passes through an industrial area towards the park and ride station to St. Ives. A far more interesting route is on the south bank of the river, and following the river towards St. Ives Marina and then head into St. Ives via the pedestrian bridge - which is what this post covers.

From Fen Drayton, I follow the old Holywell Ferry Road via the Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve towards the River Great Ouse; there is a good view of The Old Ferry Boat Inn from here. There are more good views of river activity on the path to St Ives before reaching the marina; then, it is across the A1096 and into St Ives via the bridge. St Ives Bridge is a 15th-century bridge and noted for being one of only four bridges in England to incorporate a chapel and is Scheduled Ancient Monument Grade 1 category. St Ives is described more fully in the Cambridgeshire; Hunts District > St Ives FP post.

It has been a good and interesting walk.Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und HeidiWe are planing a Narroboat trip in the near future. Did it long time ago. We had to handle nearly 200 logs. But the best were the pubs at the locks
13/09/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreI've never been on such a trip. Where are you planning to go?
14/09/24RispostaTradurre
Wolfgang und HeidiWe did up the Grand Union, down the Oxfort Channel and then the river Thames to London to join the Grand Union. You have to handle nearly 200 Logs. Luckely very often there is a pub on those logs. We might decide that for late Sommer in 2026 … still have Magny other plans.
15/09/24RispostaTradurre
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Cambridgeshire; South District Viaggiatore
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
8 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Although it is open most days and bank holidays, we visit the Cambridge American Cemetery today as part of the Open Cambridge events in order to have a guided tour.

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a World War II American military war grave cemetery, lying just outside of north-west Cambridge near Madingley; the cemetery, dedicated in 1956, contains 3,811 American war dead and is administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. It is situated on land on the north slope of Madingley Hill given by the University of Cambridge to the American military forces for use as a temporary cemetery during World War II. After the war, the Cambridge site was chosen as America's permanent World War II cemetery and war memorial in the UK; the cemetery contains 3,809 headstones, with the remains of 3,811 servicemen, and the memorial comprises a museum room and a small chapel.

We had an excellent tour guide who provided lots of interesting background information, which greatly enhanced the visit to this site (see picture captions for details); a visit when in Cambridge is highly recommended.Leggi altro
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Cambridge University Colleges Viaggiatore
1
Wolfson College
6 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
We are able to visit Wolfson College today as part of the Open Cambridge events; as well as visiting the college, we go on the Tree Trail and Poetry Trail (poems written by people associated with the college) to see the gardens, and also visit a small exhibition of paintings in one of the buildings.

Wolfson college was founded in 1965 as "University College" to accommodate the increased number of postgraduates who were born both during, and after the end of, WWII, and who started coming to Cambridge University to do research degrees; the college was originally based at Bredon House. It was re-founded as Wolfson College in 1973 in recognition of the benefaction of the Wolfson Foundation. As one of the more modern colleges in Cambridge, it does not follow all of the traditions of some of the university's older colleges; for example, there is no High Table for Fellows.

Various new buildings were opened by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1977, and the Lee Library was opened in 1994; it was donated to the college by the Singaporean businessman and philanthropist Lee Seng Tee.

We follow the trails and see the various buildings of interest, as well as some of the gardens; it has been very interesting to visit one of less "traditional" Colleges of Cambridge University.Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und Heidi 👍😍
10/09/24Risposta
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Cambridgeshire; South District Viaggiatore
Villages around Bar Hill
4 settembre 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
Bar Hill is a large purpose-built accommodation village outside Cambridge and along the A14; it grew rapidly in the 1970's and now has about 4,000 people living there. It is a good place to start circular walks in the surrounding countryside - this post is a combination of photos taken on several walks in the locality, but the whole circular walk can be done in one.

We walk south down a pedestrian path known as "The Drift" towards Dry Drayton; this is a small village with a nice church that has a brass rubbing on the floor. From here, we follow the path and then turn west towards the small rural village of Childerley; this is an isolated place dominated by Childerley Hall, now used for wedding venues, etc. The path now takes us to Knapwell Woods, where we divert off to see the All Saints Church in the hamlet of Knapwell. From here, we head northwest to Elsworth; this village is noted for its former resident the Rev W Awdry, a former vicar of Elsworth church, who is best known for writing the Railway Series of children's books, of which Thomas the Tank Engine is the best known. Then it back east to pass through the village of Boxworth, notable for its church - an ancient edifice of flint and stone in the decorated style. Then it is back to Bar Hill.Leggi altro
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The River Great Ouse Viaggiatore
7. Earith to Holywell
31 agosto 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Starting from Hermitage Marina, situated close to Earith Bridge, the Ouse Valley Way goes into the village of Earith after crossing two artificial diversion channels of the River Great Ouse, the Old Bedford River and the New Bedford River; these leave the river on a course to Denver Sluice near Downham Market, where they re-join the Great Ouse in its tidal part (see earlier post in this trip). After walking through the village, the path re-joins the Ouse and passes along the edge of Berry Fen before reaching Brownshill Staunch and Sluice.

The Ouse Valley Way continues past the Pike and Eel at Needingworth and then cuts across, away from the river, to Holywell; Needingworth and Holywell villages are actually one mile apart (by road) and are known collectively as Holywell-cum-Needingworth. Holywell is a Saxon ring village, one of only three in Cambridgeshire, and is well known locally for its beautifully located pub, The Old Ferry Boat Inn. The holy water well from which the village takes its name is located in front of St John the Baptist Church, and has been refurbished and repaired many times over the years; the "well" is in fact a stone structure built over a natural spring which emerges here.Leggi altro
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The River Great Ouse Viaggiatore
6. Stretham Ferry Bridge to Earith
19 agosto 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
This post covers two walks along the River Great Ouse; the first is from Stretham Ferry Bridge to Aldreth High Bridge (and back), the other a circular walk from Willingham via Aldreth High Bridge and close to Earith (Hermitage Marina).

Starting from Stretham Ferry Bridge and crossing the A10, the Ouse Valley Way is along the north bank of the river; Chear Fen and its pumping station are on the south bank. There are good views along the river and I soon reach the attractive Twenty Pence Marina; on the other side of the road here is Twenty Pence Cottage, formerly the Twenty Pence Inn that could be reached via a floating bridge. There is a large solar farm en route before I see Smithey Fen Engine on the other side; this was originally built in 1842 as an engine and boiler house, scoop wheel, and chimney pumping station. Further on is Aldreth High Bridge; the crossing here is part of the Aldreth Causeway, one of the ancient routes across the fens, running from Aldreth (a hamlet south of the village of Haddenham) to Belsar's Hill (the site of an Iron Age fort). It is then a 3 mile attractive walk to Hermitage Marina, which is on the outskirts of the village of Earith.Leggi altro
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The River Great Ouse Viaggiatore
5 Pope's Corner to Stretham Ferry Bridge
18 agosto 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
This walk was included as part of a Stretham Circular Walk via the Ouse Valley Way. After leaving the village, I eventually reach Pope's Corner, the confluence of the River Cam and the River Great Ouse. I cross the bridge here and follow the course of the river along the south bank (the Ouse Valley Way) and cross over the Newmarket Road towards The Stretham Old Engine. This is a steam-powered engine, just south of the village, and was used to pump water from flood-affected areas of The Fens back into the River Great Ouse; it originally had a steam-powered pump to drain the fens - it is still in use today, although converted to electric power. It is one of only three surviving drainage engines in East Anglia and is a Grade II* listed building.

From here I soon reach The Lazy Otter Marina, part of the Lazy Otter Meadows sited close to the Stretham Ferry Bridge; it was still possible to cross the Old West River (as the River Great Ouse used to be known) by ferry until 1763 when a Turnpike Road was opened with a toll bridge. This bridge was replaced in 1976 when the road was straightened and the A10 bypassed the old bridge with a new one.

Then it's back along the other bank of the River Great Ouse and up towards Stretham village; it's been a pleasant walk of 7.6 miles.Leggi altro
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Kent Viaggiatore
Viking Trail 1; Margate to Ramsgate
7 luglio 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
This part of the Viking Coastal Trail extends from Margate to Ramsgate via Broadstairs and is approximately 10 miles in length to walk. From Margate (see earlier post), we walk along Marine Terrace and Marine Drive past the Turner Contemporary and up to the clifftops of Cliftonville. Then it is on to Kingsgate via Botany Bay and then Kingsgate Bay; sitting on the clifftop of Kingsgate Bay is Kingsgate Castle - built in the 1760s, it is now split into private residential properties. The clifftop walk takes us past Joss Bay and Stone Bay on to the town of Broadstairs; this seaside resort is known as the "Jewel in Thanet's crown." We walk along the promenade (visiting the town itself tomorrow - see separate post) past the beautiful Viking and Louisa Bays and carry on south to Ramsgate; the town has one of the largest marinas on the English south coast and the harbour here is the only Royal Harbour in the United Kingdom. Ramsgate also has a very attractive coastline, particularly the Ramsgate Main Sands beach.

From Ramsgate, we take the Loop bus back up to Margate; it has been a good walk, and we were fortunate with the weather.Leggi altro
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2 mi piace
Kent Viaggiatore
The Turner Dickens Walk
6 luglio 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ 🌬 16 °C
This walk is a 4 mile cross country route between Turner's Margate and Dickens' Broadstairs, and celebrates the connections Margate has with artist JMW Turner and Broadstairs with writer Charles Dickens. The walk starts at the Turner Contemporary in Margate and finishes at the Dickens House Museum on Broadstairs Promenade.

JMW Turner was one of the greatest British artists and “the father of Modern art”; he first visited Margate as a boy in 1786 and returned in his 20s to hone his skills and then visited regularly, always staying at the same guest house (ran by a Mrs Booth). The Turner Contemporary, one of the UK’s leading art galleries, opened on 16th April 2011, and is situated on the same site as Mrs Booth’s guest house, where Turner stayed when he visited the town.

Charles Dickens was one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era; he first visited Broadstairs in 1837 and developed a deep affection for the town. He rented a house, now called "Bleak House," on Fort Road in 1850, which is believed to have inspired the title of one of his novels, Bleak House, published in 1853. Dickens also wrote parts of the novel "David Copperfield" while staying in Broadstairs.

We set off from the Turner Contemporary in Margate, seeing the Anthony Gormley statue in the sea. We walk via the Old Town towards Hawley Square and leave the town passing Draper's Windmill, a traditional Smock mill, and on towards the historic village of St Peter's; St Peter’s Church was built in 1070 and the churchyard is said to be the longest in the country. There are 24 Dickens inspired mosaic panels set within a landscaped area, in the village of St Peter’s showing Dickens’ most famous characters, including Scrooge, Magwich, Bill Sykes, Mr Bumble and Fagin; one panel shows Dickens and Turner face to face - they were contemporaries but Turner was already in his 30s when Dickens was born in 1812. We soon reach Broadstairs and pass the Crampton Tower Museum and Pierremont Hall before reaching the Dickens House Museum (unfortunately closed).

From here, we walk through the York Arch; built in the 15th century, it once had two strong wooden doors to defend against high tides before offering protection against smugglers in later years. Up the Hill, we see Bleak House (originally known as Fort House); see note earlier.

Another great day out, followed by the Loop bus back to Margate.Leggi altro
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Kent Viaggiatore
Margate
5 luglio 2024, Inghilterra ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
Margate is a seaside town in the Isle of Thanet district in the northeast part of Kent; we are spending the weekend here after seeing Jack Savoretti perform at Dreamland this evening. Margate was a popular seaside resort in the 18th century and onwards, but has seen a decline in recent years; I was last here many, many years ago when I was a child!

After a 2 hour drive down from Cambridge, we had an explore of the town in the afternoon before checking in at the apartment; we walked along Marine Terrace and then by Margate Sands before heading up to the Old Town (visiting the quirky Crab Museum!) - see captions on photos for details.

Then it was Dreamland and the Scenic Stage Arena; both Lee Albin Meldau (the support act) and Jack Savoretti were excellent; a great day out!Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Vilnius; Old Town 2 and Jewish Vilnius
14 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
The Sts John Church Bell tower offers spectacular views of Vilnius; after that, Dzuigas takes us on a short tour of Vilnius University to see some of the many courtyards and halls, which are open to visitors. We carry on through the Old Town, reaching the southern border at the Gates of Dawn.

I then headed west and north to the Jewish area of Vilnius; before WWII, Vilnius was known as the "Jerusalem of the East," but most was destroyed during the war. By coincidence, we returned to the area in the evening for dinner - and the end of the Historic Baltic Republics trip.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Vilnius; East of River Vilnia and Uzupis
14 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
On our arrival yesterday, we stopped off at the Church of St Peter and Paul as it is a long way to the east of the city; the Church has a Baroque interior that is the finest in the country. There are also good views down to the city nearby. Later on yesterday, I walked up the Hill of Three Crosses for the superb views (and exercise) and then along the River Vilnia as far as Uzupis before heading back to the Old Town

Conveniently, our guided four with Dzuigas today went into Uzupis; this is a quirky, bohemian area that declared independence on 1st April 1997 (April Fools Day); it's a great place - see captions on photos for details.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Vilnius; Cathedral Square and Old Town 1
13 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C
Vilnius developed originally as a fortified area between hills on the River Neris (which flows to Kaunas).; it is a very green city with lots of parks and the central area is very compact. The Old Town is the largest in Eastern Europe and has UNESCO status.

Starting at Cathedral Square, I have an explore and then walk to Gediminas Hill; I take the funicular to the top to see the Tower.

Later, we have a guided tour of Old Town with our tour guide Dzuigas, who lives in Vilnius; we start at the northern end, Pilies Gatve, and then cross over to the Bernadine Church and Monastery, before coming back over to the Vilnius University area. It is very interesting and informative - see captions on photos for details and a future post for more Old Town.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Pazaislis Monastery and Trakai Castle
13 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Pazaislis Monastery is 9km from Kaunas, east along the Nemunas River, and built on a promontory that juts into the "Kaunas Sea"; it was built by Camaldolese Monks in the 17th century, the Church is Baroque in style, and overall it was the richest monastery in the country, being built for the elite - there were 24 private residences for the monks. Over the years, it has been pillaged by Napoleon, became Russian Orthodox in 1831, and used as a psychiatric hospital by the Russians; nowadays, Music Festivals are held here in the Summer and there is a "fine dining" restaurant. It has a truly magnificent marble interior. (We visited the Monastery yesterday morning, but it is described here for convenience)

Trakai is located in a district of lakes (approx 200) and hills, and the town and area are in a designated National Park; Trakai town is actually located on a 2km peninsula, with Trakai Castle itself located on an island in Lake Garva (it is accessed by walkway). Trakai Castle was built in 1408 by the Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautus the Great as a strategic fortified area between lakes. Unfortunately, the tall keep of the ducal palace is under repair when we visit, so we can't see everything on our tour, particularly the inner coutyard. We visit the history museum in the various buildings. It is still an interesting visit.

After that, it is on to Vilnius.....Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und HeidiHi Andrew … can I have your E-Mail? I‘ m finally organising a complex river cruise for Rob an Bob in Australia August to September 2025. Maybe you and your wife want to take part in that „adventure“
14/06/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreLet me discuss it with the boss, and I'll get back to you when I'm home.
14/06/24RispostaTradurre
1 mi piace
Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Kaunas
12 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and situated at the geographic centre of the country, at the confluence of the two largest rivers (the River Nemunas and the River Negris). This key position made it a key Hanseatic League River port in the 15th - 16th centuries and a key city during the Soviet occupation. The population, 300k, is 98% Lithuanian and attached to tradition (country and Catholicism). After terrible flooding in 1951, a hydroelectric power dam was built on the Nemunas River in 1960 (the only HEP dam in the country).

We have an explore of the Old Town, and the walk via Vilniaus Gatve, the main artery of the Old Town to our hotel; later we walk east along part of Freedom Avenue (the longest pedestrian street in Eastern Europe) towards the New Town area for dinner close to Unity Square - the New Town expanded in the 19th century. Details of the sights, etc, are shown on the photo captions.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Curonian Spit National Park (Neringa)
11 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
The Curonian Spit National Park is a UNESCO site in Western Lithuania that occupies approx. half of a 100km peninsula that stretches up from the Russian province of Kaliningrad; it is reached by a short 5 minute ferry ride from Klaipeda (there is no bridge due to the ships). There are 4 fishing villages on the Spit, which is mainly covered by pine trees inhabited by moose, wild boar, and many bird species. Behind the Spit is the Curonian Lagoon; this broadens as you head south.

We travel down to the Nida area, 48 km from Klaipeda and 3km from the Russian border, and work our way back up. We walk around the outskirts of the Parnidis Dune to the fishing village of Nida. Then it's on the Hill of Witches, a 42 m high hill that was a focus of pagan ritual centuries before Lithuania adopted Christianity; since 1979, wooden sculptures have been added, describing describing local legends etc. Our final stop is at a cormorant colony; there are thousands here, but their excrement kills the trees they live in!

An excellent day out.Leggi altro
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ViaggiatoreI suspect I would love this National Park. No sand dunes in Cambridge! Not sure about witches!! Helen xx
13/06/24RispostaTradurre
ViaggiatoreThere used to be one in Barrington.....xx
13/06/24RispostaTradurre
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
LITHUANIA; Hill of Crosses and Klaipeda
10 giugno 2024, Lituania ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
We cross the border into Lithuania; it is less forested and flatter compared to the other Baltic States. The population of Lithuania is 2.7 million, and it is the same size as Latvia (population 2 million). The Lithuanian language is the oldest spoken European language. There is no German influence here in general, and the country is more closely associated with Poland - they are both strongly Catholic- and it has a stronger "East European" feel (particularly in Central Lithuania); there have been several rebellions against Russia over the years.

The Hill of Crosses is in northern Lithuania, near Siauliai, and it is believed crosses were first placed here after the 1831 Uprising; it represents a symbol of defiance for both anti-Russian rule and for pro-Catholism - there are thousands of crosses here now. The Russians have tried to bulldoze it down, but it split! The Hill of Crosses is now both a major pilgrimage site and a major tourist attraction.

We then drive on to Klaipeda, a city on the coast of Western Lithuania. It was originally a Teutonic Knight Fortess town, becoming part of Prussia and was known as the German name of Memel. The town was destroyed during the Russian invasion in WWII and rebuilt as a Soviet city; a small part of the Old Town area remains. It is now an important Lithuanian city as it is the country's only seaport; all oil and import / import is done here, and shipbuilding is a major industry. Its location, where the River Dane meets the Baltic Sea, makes it a very windy place. The main attraction is the Curonian Spit National Park.

The next day, I have a quick explore of the Old Town on my own, as described on the picture captions.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Rundale Palace
10 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C
Today, we visit Rundale Palace; this Baroque Palace is the most important in the Baltic region and a monument to the ostentatiousness of the 18th century aristocracy here. It was built as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland (Courland was a duchy of Latvia then); an old castle was dismantled by the architect (Rastrelli, who also built the St Petersburg Winter Palace) using a Russian Labour force. The Palace was damaged in WWI, when it was used as a school and later as a granary; the Russians "let it go" because of its decadence, but is has now been restored (1972-2015).

The East Wing was state rooms for formal occasions, the central part was the Duke's state apartments, and the West Wing was the Duchess's private residence; see captions on photos for details.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Riga 3; Other Sights in Riga
9 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
A later start today due to the rain. These sights are practically a straight line northeast from the Town Hall Square, close to the River Daugava.

The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia describes Latvia under the rule of the Soviet Union and National Socialist Germany from 1939-1991; there are sections on being an independent state (1918-40), the Hitler- Stalin pact, the ruined land, Gulag times, Soviet Occupation to the free country it is today - there is dark, red, and white lighting as appropriate. I visited - it is a good but not uplifting experience!

From there, the route passes the Freedom Monument, Orthodox Church, the Radisson Blu Hotel (for views from the top) Old St Gertrude's Church, finishing at the Corner House, the former KGB compound; I visited here as well - this has disturbing accounts of prisoners, but another "good" experience.

Another good day, and it's back on the road tomorrow.Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Riga 2; A walk to Art Nouveau district
8 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C
I set off on a short walk along the Daugava River towards the Art Nouveau district; Art Nouveau is everywhere in the city, however, and Riga boasts over 750 buildings and has the most Art Nouveau architecture in the world. Art Nouveau style was popular from 1890 to 1910 throughout Europe and the United States, and there is a lot here because it coincided with a time of prosperity in the city; it is about curvy lines depicting organic form (apparently).

I walk back via the canal as much as possible, eventually reaching Riga Central Market, close to the junction of the river and the canal (see captions on photos for details about the walk).Leggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
Riga 1; Old Riga
8 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
Riga has been an important port for the Hanseatic League, followed by the Swedish, and more recently, the Russians, due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea (15km); it lies on the Gulf of Riga on the Daugava River. One-third of the population of Latvia lives here.

Outside of the popular tourist centre of medieval Old Riga, beyond the canal ring, there are many interesting sites; it is noted for its Art Nouveau architecture, in particular.

We have a guided tour of Old Riga (Vecriga), the historic heart of the city, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (see captions on photos for details); it is a beautiful place full of cobbled streetsLeggi altro
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Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
1
Gauja NP 2; Turaida Museum Reserve
7 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
The Turaida Museum Reserve is an area of green knoll, dominated by the red-brick Turaida Castle, the Bishop's Palace, and its tall cylindrical tower; it was built in the 13th century on the site of a Livonian stronghold. There are small and interesting museums inside the various buildings here. The rest of the reserve has walks and small exhibits. The small church, one of the oldest wooden churches in Latvia, features the grave of "the Rose of Turaida," a melancholy legend about a beautiful young woman murdered in a nearby cave by a soldier who wanted her; she was in love with a local gardener...... ( It's worth a Google).

Then we drive to Riga. It's an interesting evening (see captions on photos).Leggi altro
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Wolfgang und Heidi 👍😊
09/06/24Risposta
1 mi piace
Historic Baltic Republics Viaggiatore
LATVIA Gauja NP 1; Cesis and Sigulda
7 giugno 2024, Lettonia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C
We set off at 9 am, heading south to Latvia and Riga; we will drive through the Gauja National Park.

Latvia has been invaded by every regional power; it has a population of less than 2 million, and the language spoken is a Baltic language similar to Lithuanian - 40% of the population are Russian speaking, however. Half of the country is covered by forest, and timber is a big part of the economy; other main exports are fish and canned fish. There are lots of folk songs, and it is a very "singing" oriented country. The women are the tallest in Europe, on average.

The Gauja National Park was established in 1973; it is only an hour or so outside Riga - and very popular for day trips from here. We stop off at Cesis, a small town on the Gauja River, noted for its 13th-century castle, which was sacked by Ivan the Terrible in 1577. We walk around the castle grounds and see some of the town; see picture captions for details.

We stop off at Sigulda, regarded as the gateway to Gauja National Park, for lunch, and visit the nearby cable car for the view over the Gauja River. It is then a short drive to the other side of the river and our next destination, the Turaida Museum Reserve.Leggi altro
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