Author Archives: RDoug

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About RDoug

Published author, amateur photographer, amateur astronomer, expert bridge player, gourmet cook and wine connoisseur, handguns, extensively traveled.

Jewel of the Seas — Disappointing Amsterdam Part 1


Amsterdam, Netherlands

Because we were taking three back-to-back voyages on Jewel of the Seas, we found ourselves in Amsterdam four times. Before we made our way into Amsterdam, however, we stayed a couple of nights in Utrecht. For a recap of that wonderful visit, you can start here: Utrecht, Netherlands — Part 1. At any rate, we were so disgusted with Amsterdam on this trip last year that I posted a special blog article to warn my viewers to stay the hell away, and to avoid Schipol Airport at all costs. That encounter left a bad taste in our mouths that lingers to this day, some fourteen months later. For a rehash of that fiasco, see: Trashy Amsterdam and the Hellhole of Schipol.

Amsterdam houseboat

Now, on this 20 June 2022 day, I did manage to scrounge up a few shots that weren’t tainted by the visual and olfactory stench of trash-strewn streets and graffiti, so don’t let creative composing fool you. And as I have nothing much nice to say about how trashy this once fun destination has become, I’ll just post pictures this week. Beginning next week I’ll take you to a much nicer destination, Norway. Until then:

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Fun Photo Friday — Dover Favorites 2


Colton’s Gate, Dover Castle

Today’s Fun Photo Friday concludes Voyage 2 aboard Jewel of the Seas. Next week it’s back for a visit to Amsterdam before reboarding Jewel for the most exciting voyage yet on this trip. And here’s today’s collection of Dover favorites:

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Jewel of the Seas — Dover; More on Dover Castle


Dover Castle battlements

Today I will continue to show you the sights of the largest castle in the United Kingdom — Dover Castle. This immense fortification dates back to Henry II in the late 12th century, but it’s military history spans well beyond that all the way through World War II. Indeed, the tunnels that were so useful during WWII, when they served as both an underground hospital and military command center, were repurposed in the early stages of the Cold War as a shelter for the Regional Seats of Government.

Dover Castle

The castle itself was of vital military importance throughout WWII, as evidenced by the measures implemented to protect it:

Dover Castle artillery piece
More Dover Castle artillery

And where do you house these many military personnel? In the barracks, of course:

Dover Castle

Remember that old Roman Pharos (lighthouse) that was repurposed as a belltower for St. Mary in Castro? Here are some other views:

St. Mary’s Church and Roman Pharos used as a belltower

The castle and old Roman ruins are not the only views from high up on this hill. The vantage also affords great views of Dover far down below:

The view from Dover Castle

By now I’m thinking you’d probably like to know the opening hours for this place, and if those hours change according to season. Well, ask no more:

Dover Castle visitor information

I’ll complete today’s tour with this photo gallery/slide show. As always, just click on any image to enlarge, and to engage the slide show:

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