Category Archives: travel

December 6, 2013 · 5:35 am

Sagrada Familia — The Exterior


131 Years in the Making

131 Years in the Making

In our previous travels to Barcelona Ursula and I had strolled past the Sagrada Familia several times, but the crowds waiting to access the interior were daunting to say the least.  This time Ursula was determined that the sights within would no longer elude us.  She ordered tickets in advance with a reserved time.

Flowing Structure

Flowing Structure

There is so much to see of the interior that I will be presenting it in two parts, along with a more in-depth discussion of this fascinating basilica that has been under continuous construction now for the past 131 years, and which still has between 13 and 15 more years to go until completion.

For now, however, click on any image below to view a slideshow of the incredible details that decorate this unbelievable structure:

Modern Depictions of New Testamet Scenes
Closeup of Details
Whopping Cranes
Exterior Details
Statuary
The Crucifiction
Typical Gaudí Architecture
More details

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December 2, 2013 · 5:35 am

Marveling at Marseille


Marseille Panorama

Marseille Panorama

After Aix-en-Provence and Cassis our Mercedes minivan returned us to Marseille where we first visited Palais Longchamp for some quick photos, then onward to the harbor.

Palais Longchamp

Palais Longchamp

At the harbor is where our little tour group temporarily separated for a little lunch and on-foot sightseeing.

Marseille

Marseille

Photo tip:  When travelling in Europe (and other places) remember to look well beyond photographing the ABCs (Another Bloody Castle/Cathedral/Church).  Look for interesting textures and colors presented by the more mundane and everyday:

Fishnet

Shutters

The Rowboat

After our group rejoined our next stop was high above Marseille — the stunningly beautiful Neo-Byzantine (hey, if it ain’t Baroque, don’t nix it) Notre-Dame de la Garde — which overlooks the entire area from a height of nearly 500 feet (150 meters).

Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking Marseille

Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking Marseille

The views from this exquisite basilica aren’t all outside, however.  The interior is equally stunning:

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Another sight awaiting you at the entrance to the harbor is Château d’If, famous as the prison which held Edmond Dantès in Alexander Dumas’ classic tale The Count of Monte Cristo.

Château d'If

Château d’If

And here for your viewing pleasure is today’s photo gallery.  Click on any image below to bring up the slideshow:

Marseille Harbor
Marseille
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Palais Longchamp
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Notre-Dame de la Garde
Marseille Panorama

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November 29, 2013 · 5:35 am

Fun Photo Friday — MS Ryndam Photo Contest


Regular followers of this blog will recall that I asked for their assistance in choosing pictures to enter into the MS Ryndam’s photo contest for this cruise (H*E*L*P — Advice Needed).  Passengers were allowed one entry in each of four categories.  Those categories and the associated entries you helped me to select were:

Landscapes:

Guesthouse — The Bicycle

Objects:

Door Framed in Blue

People:

The Cell Phone Break

and Animals:

“Sure Hope Nobody’s Watchin’ This”

Results?  Pretty good.  You’ll recall that my first inclination for the people category was to enter this little gem, but you all overwhelmingly talked me out of it:

The Smoke Break

You were right and I was wrong.  Your choice took first place.  Thanks, readers.

Also in first was my entry for the Animals category.

Two out of four categories.  I’ll take that as a win any day, thanks to you all.

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