Dubrovnik was, not so long ago, deep in the horrors of war. The physical wounds have mostly been healed, but you can still spot artillery scars in the brickwork of buildings throughout the town. Peace prevails now, happily. This serene park was in the shadow … Read More →
Tag Archives: library-exhibition
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
This sleepy costal town experiences a tsunami of tourists each time a cruise ship docks in its harbour. While I pressed on to the train station, bound for Monaco, most of my shipmates had washed up into the bars and cafes that line the harbour. … Read More →
Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow’s a tough city – “Glasgow Kisses” and “Glasgow Smiles” are nowhere near as friendly as they sound – but there are moments of beauty to be spotted amidst the economic and meterological depressions, like the wholly unexpected Botanic Gardens, nestled in a huge green … Read More →
Acropolis, Athens, Greece
The grand and imposing façade of the Parthenon has been impressing and intimidating visitors for millennia, but the other temples on the Acropolis have been getting short shrift for just as long. This ruined colonnade stood behind the Old Temple of Athena, whose enclosed portico … Read More →
Pyramid of Djozer, Saqqara, Egypt
This trip represented the heaven and hell of package tours: Yes, I got to see some of the greatest sights of the ancient world, but those sights were often seen on the hoof, amidst the herd of tourists being shepherded by barking tour guides. I … Read More →
Tuileries Gardens, Paris, France
Even though they inspired my website name, the Tuileries are one of my least favourite spots in Paris – the gardens are too neat, the crowded paths are strewn with gravel, and almost all the lawns feature a “keep off the grass” sign. If anyone … Read More →
Institut de France, Paris, France
There’s a reason Paris is known as the City of Lights! Buildings the entire length of the River Seine are floodlit, and the bridges are lined with lamps. With the moon adding its light to this scene, and all reflecting off the water, it’s not … Read More →
Latin Quarter, Paris, France
The area around Notre Dame cathedral is one of my favourite spots in Paris. There’s a busy square in front of the church, a peaceful garden behind it, and a lovely view across the River Seine to the Latin Quarter. Paris’ bridges are the best … Read More →
St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
Every week, the Pope hosts an audience in St. Peter’s Square. The massive public space is filled with neat rows of chairs to seat the throngs that flood in for the Papal spectacle, in the shadow of the basilica’s great dome. In the aftermath of … Read More →
Vaux-le-Vicomte, France
Vaux is hard to reach, but worth the effort. Designed and decorated by those later responsible for building Versailles, it is a comparable gem, filled with beautiful treasures and adorned by magnificent gardens. Ironically, my favourite shot, was the one taken in the dank, dark … Read More →