Watching elected councillors begging paid bureaucrats to actually work for the citizens is not my thing; such red tape factories are renowned for swallowing common sense whole. But occasionally I come across a town hall which deserves accolades aplenty, not just for visionary decision-making, but indeed for the building itself. Welcome to Augsburg town hall.Continue reading “I don’t usually visit Town Halls!”
Tag Archives: europe
Ehrenbreitstein
Is it okay to admit feeling a little wary, when the four-year-old beside you is bouncing with anticipation? To be fair, he did hold the advantage, having experienced the same 890 meter long gondola in daylight just days before. How rightly proud he was, showing we adults the ins and outs. Thankfully there were newContinue reading “Ehrenbreitstein”
Oh my goodness, Wurzburg!
There’s something special about walking to a castle at dusk, when the city below is morphing from work to leisure. Snakes of headlights work their way up valleys and into the hills, slowly dissolving as they drop off cars one by one. Meanwhile sunset and the castle lights conspire to transform the walls from authoritarianContinue reading “Oh my goodness, Wurzburg!”
Train tripping (and other stories).
Train tripping in the UK; what an adventure! Not that you’d think so if the folk staring glassy-eyed out the windows are anything to go by. Nor are the mobile phone addicts particularly inspiring. That leaves the talkers, and those who enjoy the view. The talkers are great fun. It’s as though they feel theContinue reading “Train tripping (and other stories).”
When you’re little but big…
Thirty-three miles long, thirteen miles wide… the Isle of Man is little, but oh so big. Not only do the slower-moving vintage trams and trains turn a short trip into a wonderful journey, but there’s another facet which aids the illusion of big. A prime example: A street you may think, but no! Four streets!Continue reading “When you’re little but big…”
Marvels in Liverpool
Looking up at the waterfront wheel: Grass! The Chinese community commissioned this as a thank you to Liverpool: Albert Dock internally, and the walkway along the Mersey externally:
Sweeping the (Liver)pool
One hundred years ago, the Football Pools began in Liverpool. For decades men and women have faithfully bought their ticket, and listened closely to the radio, shushing the kids in order to hear the winning numbers. Everyone knew someone who knew someone who had won the pools. During World War Two, the Pools ticketing machineryContinue reading “Sweeping the (Liver)pool”
Freedom
In her darkest moment, Freda the cow took steps. It was 1986, and she was at the abbatoir. It was do or die. She did; leaping to freedom… actually, the motorway. Police and many helpers gave chase. By the time they finally managed to tranquilize her (in a cemetery) Freda was featuring on the news.Continue reading “Freedom”
Art (apparently)
Everyone should visit a Tate, apparently. Modern art at it’s finest. But is it art if the viewer has to read the explanatory notes in order to understand it? In tunnels, on walls, and on lamp posts, there’s some stunning street graffitti; modern, easy to understand, and beautiful. Poignant or hilarious, graffiti reflects someones communityContinue reading “Art (apparently)”
Of trams and trains…
Getting around the Isle of Man; what a treat! First there’s horse-drawn tram along the promenade: Then climb aboard the electric tram for Laxley: At Laxley, change to the mountain railway, also electric, with a specially-designed braking system involving an extra rail down the middle. It’s been in operation since 1880-something, climbing this mountain. SeeContinue reading “Of trams and trains…”
Stories for you - Enjoy! 