Portugal: Rooftops of Old Lisbon

Prior to our trip we had, of course, read many tour guides about Portugal, and Lisbon in particular. Included in the must-see attractions were the yellow trams. On this morning, our first full day in Lisbon, we boarded the #12 tram, nice and early, for a short tour of neighbourhoods frequented by it. We were not disappointed. And, most certainly, our knees which had been acting up since our departure from home, thanked us. Lisbon is, to put it mildly, a city of hills. Oh, and did I mention; hills!

In this postcard view, overlooking the rooftops, we have the San Vincente de Fora church in the distance.

 Rooftops of old Lisbon 2014-05-06

Portugal: Rua dos Sapateiros in Lisbon

Our trip pre-planning had included a hotel booking. What luck! Without any real prior knowledge of Lisbon, Hanne and Gail found a hotel smack in the middle of the Baixa District, on Rua dos Sapateiros. In the 19th century, Baixa was Lisbon’s commercial heart, with streets named according to their trades. Rua dos Sapateiros means ‘the shoemakers’ street. The exit to the Rua dos Sapateiros, seen in the middle of this postcard,  is spanned by the Arco do Bandeiro. Seen from the other side, this arch is quite decorative.

One immediate advantage to this location was the proximity of two very highly rated (by TripAdvisor) restaurants. Seafood, of course!

Rua dos Sapateiros in Lisbon  2014-05-06

Portugal: Statue of King Joseph I in Lisbon

When we arrived in Lisbon, the temperature was, for us, too hot. But then again, we don't do heat very well. So, tired from our flight, and having checked into our hotel, we decided to explore our new neighbourhood; the Baixa. A short stroll took us from our hotel location on Rua dos Sapateiros to the broader, somewhat more majestic, Rua Augusta. About 3-4 blocks down this street we found the Praça do Comércio.

The centerpiece of the Praça do Comércio is the statue of José I (Joseph I). The bronze statue, inaugurated in 1775, shows the king on a horse trampling snakes. The statue is set on a monumental pedestal decorated with large sculpture groups (see the postcard picture) and overlooks the majestic square.

The centerpiece of the Praça do Comércio is the statue of José I (Joseph I)  2014-05-05

Portugal: Lisbon: Cruise Ships Dock at Alfama

Our early morning tram ride (on the #12 line) had taken us to a small plaza with a commanding view of the Targus (various spellings: Tagus. Tejo) River, the rooftops of the historic Alfama district, and the cruise ship terminal. On this morning, the Queen Mary 2 was berthed at Alfama. Scanning the riverside, we spotted two more cruise ships. No wonder Lisbon was seemingly filled to the brim with tourists!

Viewing the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship over
the rooftops of Alfama  2014-05-06

Portugal: The Famous #28 Tram in Lisbon

Earlier in the morning we'd ridden the #12 tram through some interesting old Lisbon neighbourhoods. We'd read about the yellow trams of Lisbon in all the tour guides, but the #28 was usually singled out as the one to take, if you only had time to ride one line. Having ridden the #12 to a higher location we were slowly strolling downhill (best travel advice for Lisbon is: trams up, walk down) when the #28 came rattling around the corner. Perfect postcard snap.

The Famous #28 Tram in Lisbon  2014-05-06

Portugal: Augusta Arch in Lisbon

One block from our Baixa hotel was the Rua Augusta. This street is probably as good an introduction to Lisbon as any. Full of sights, stores, activity, and, finally, leading to the Rua Augusta Arch at the end. The arch is a stone, triumphal arch that takes the visitor from the street to the imposing Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square). The arch, like so many monuments in Lisbon, was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake.

Augusta Arch in Lisbon 2014-05-05

Portugal: Convent of Christ in Tomar

The Convent of Christ in Tomar, attached to the Tomar Castle, is one of the most impressive historical sites we've visited in Europe.

The Convent of Tomar - The Convent of the Order of Christ (Convento de Cristo) - was originally conceived as a symbolic monument of the Reconquest (defeat of the Moors) in the 12th century. The castle around it was a Templar stronghold. With the dissolution of the Order of the Knights Templar in the 14th century, the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, which supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century.

The Convent of Christ of Tomar is one of Portugal's most important historical and artistic monuments and has been in theWorld Heritage list of UNESCO since 1983.

The Convent of Christ in Tomar, attached to the Tomar Castle, is
one of the most impressive historical sites we've visited in Europe  2014-05-12

Portugal: Rooftops of Old Lisbon

Our fantastic hotel not only had cool, clean, and very creatively-decorated rooms, it also had a roof garden with a spectacular view of old Lisbon.

Rooftops of Old Lisbon  2014-05-05

Germany: Steeple of the Laurentius Kirche in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler

In early May, Beate took us on a tour of picturesque Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. As we approached the Marktplatz, storm clouds gathered behind the steeple of the Laurentius Kirche. Before long, as we settled in for some coffee, at an outside cafe table in the market square, the deluge was upon us.

Storm clouds gather behind the Laurentius Kirche
steeple in Ahrweiler 2014-05-04

Germany: Rüdesheim am Rhein: The Famous Drosselgasse

May 1st is perhaps not the best time to visit Rüdesheim am Rhein (because it's a bank holiday in Germany and the town is teeming with tourists), but when you're in the vicinity, you might as well have a look. And, if you're having a look, well, that requires a stroll down the Drosselgasse (along with hundreds/thousands of others). Nonetheless, it's very picturesque. CLICK! Another postcard is born.

Strolling along the Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim am Rhein  2012-05-01

England: Big Ben in London

On our first days in London, we hit many of the iconic sights. On this particular day, the Tube took us to Westminster. Once we emerged from the subway, Big Ben dominated the skyline. What an icon!

Big Ben in London needs little introduction  2014-05-03

Portugal: Lisbon's Iconic Trams

If you visit Lisbon, a ride on one of the iconic trams lines (Line #28 likely the best, but #12 is also pretty good) is a must. Make sure you get to the start of the line early; these trams have become real tourist attractions and can be quite crowded later in the day.

One of Lisbon's Iconic Tram Cars (#12 Line) 2014-05-05

Portugal: Sitio (Upper Part of Nazare) Chapel

A quick ride up the funicular took us up to Sitio, the upper part of the town of Nazare. A slight drizzle and some mist were just what we needed after the heat of the previous few days.

Chapel in Sitio (Nazare) Portugal 2014-05-14

Portugal: Window Seen from the Streets of Tomar

After arriving at our hotel in Tomar, we took a stroll along the Nabão River, heading for the old part of town. This window caught my eye. CLICK! I love windows and doors; particularly old ones.

Old Window in Tomar, Portugal 2014-05-11

Portugal: Algarve Fishing Village of Salema

Once we travelled west from our hotel location in Luz, Portugal, we found the "real" Algarve. Two of our favourite places; Burgau and Salema. This is the wonderful, tiny village of Salema with its perfect beach.

Salema, Portugal 2014-05-18

England: London - Thames Barrier

Our recent visit to London took us on a Thames cruise. On this particular sunny day, the cruise went as far as the futuristic-looking Thames Barrier; built as flood protection.

Thames Barrier: Flood Control for London 2014-05-03

Germany: Wiesbaden - Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth

After the longest drive (most kilometres per day) of our Europe vacation, we ended up, unannounced, on Erich's doorstep in Taunusstein. He decided to show us a bit of Wiesbaden, Hanne's birthplace. One sight, worthy of a visit, is the Neroberg. On another postcard I'll feature the very unique railroad that goes to the summit. This postcard will feature the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth in Wiesbaden. Found on the Neroberg, this church is the only Russian Orthodox church in Wiesbaden, Germany. Besides the there is also Russian cemetery, the largest in Europe outside Russia.

After getting off the train car, we strolled about a bit. Then Erich steered us down a path. Before too long we realised why; brilliant golden domes became visible through the trees!

Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth 
on the Neroberg in Wiesbaden (2012-04-27)

Denmark: Løgumkloster - Details of the Abbey Gate

In the morning we had gotten up in Husum, Germany. Now, in the early afternoon of this April day, we arrived at Løgumkloster in Denmark, after a very pleasant bit of sightseeing and lunch in Tønder. It was my ancestors that drew me to this place. Along one of the branches of my family tree were ancestors who had passed significant milestones in or about this abbey. Thus, I wanted to have a look.

Løgumkloster was once the site of the Cistercian Løgum Abbey, in the then Roman Catholic diocese of Ribe.

As an aside, this is a very pleasant part of Europe. As I read somewhere, the Danes really know how to do "cute". So true!

Løgumkloster, Denmark - Details of the Abbey Gate (2012-04-19)

Germany: Quedlinburg: A Boy and his Dog

There's plenty to grab the attention of the avid photographer visiting Quedlinburg. Primarily, of course, the hundreds of half-timbered houses. After what seemed like one Kodak moment after another, we turned a corner and came upon this statue of a boy (either a gardener's boy or a shepherd) and his dog (apparently the dog is the emblem of Quedlinburg) before the Blasii Church. Such a sight cannot be passed by.

CLICK! A postcard view!

A Boy and his Dog in Quedlinburg (2012-04-22)

Germany: Bremerhaven: The Ketch HF 244

So far our trip had taken us from Amsterdam to Bremen, via overnight stays in Leeuwarden and Ostfriesland. A few days stay in Bremen had us on the road again. Our short term destinations were Denmark and Schleswig Holstein. First stop: Bremerhaven.

After visiting the emigration museum in Bremerhaven (Deutsches Auswandererhaus) we strolled around the docks a bit. Almost immediately my camera was drawn to a fine collection of "antique" boats. One of many that caught my eye was the HF 244 (aka "Astarte").

The HF 244 is a ketch-rigged vessel built by the August Albers shipyard in Finkenwerder, Germany and is registered in Bremerhaven. The "Astarte", built of wood, has an overall length of 24 metres with a width of 6 metres and carries 234 m2 of sail.

HF 244 is a ketch-rigged vessel  (2012-04-18) 

Germany: Greetsiel: Wet Sidewalks

We started this day in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, in the Netherlands. Clouds had accompanied us most of the way into Germany, but by the time we reached Ostfriesland we were bucketed down upon by torrential rains. Just as we were about to call off any sight-seeing the rains stopped and we parked in Greetsiel. I was looking forward to this visit as I'd heard that it was perfect for some photography. Greetsiel did not disappoint. In fact, the wet side walks lent a nice sheen to the landscape.

Wet Side Walks of Greetsiel (2012-04-12)

Bremen - die Bremer Stadtmusikanten

The day started rainy and miserable. And stayed that way. Until my mood turned miserable (possible because the ladies insisted on shopping and I wanted to sight see). Then the weather perked up. After Kaffee und Kuchen, we made our way to the famous statue of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten. This must surely be one of the most photographed places in Bremen (after the Roland, I reckon), but the statue is very difficult to capture without all kinds of extraneous things in the view. Ah well, this'll have to do.

Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten

Roman Ruins in Xanten

On the 30th day of our most excellent European vacation, we were in Kleinenbroich with Tante Christel. That's when Biffy suggested we take a trip to Xanten to see the old Roman ruins. What?! Roman ruins in Germany?! Yes, and in pretty darn good shape too.


They are a good reminder that it's not for naught the banks of the Rhine (south of here, anyway) are cluttered with vineyards. Thanks to the Romans, Germany has a wine culture along the Rhine.

Roman Ruins in Xanten

Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster; Grote Markt, Haarlem

It was day 38, our last day in Europe, and we'd arranged meet meet friends in Amsterdam, for lunch. After a great lunch at what has become our favourite little restaurant in Amsterdam, just off the Museumplein, Darryl says, "Why don't we just pop over to Haarlem?" My reaction, "Yikes, we have to pack! We're leaving tomorrow."

So it was that Darryl, Gail, Hanne and I found ourselves in Haarlem's Grote Markt. And, so it was that Laurens Janszoon Coster became the subject of a postcard picture.

Imperceptible on this postcard is the letter "A" Coster is holding aloft. Why the "A"? Because Coster is the Netherlands' answer to Johann Gutenberg. Initially, Haarlem claimed to have been the place where the printing press was invented. I think we can now confidently say that Gutenberg, in Mainz, Germany, can claim that distinction.

Statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster
in the Grote Markt, Haarlem (2012-05-16) 

Germany: Quedlinburg: Timber Framed Construction

For visitors from the west coast of Canada, where it's almost impossible to find any buildings from pre-1860, Quedlinburg is completely unique. Quedlinburg, with it's many (apparently more than 1400) timber-framed houses, from several centuries, is one giant "Kodak Moment". I had to control myself. The postcard is just one of dozens of pictures I took.

Kaffeehaus Zum Roland,
Quedlinburg (2012-04-22)

Boardwalk in Sønderborg

This day started with a rising sun illuminating waterfront shops in Husum, Germany. By late afternoon, a low sun brightly lit up the waterfront sea walk and dock in Sønderborg, Denmark.

Strolling along the waterfront in 
Sønderborg (2012-04-19) 

Germany: Maria Laach: Artistry at the Abbey

The advantage of visiting friends or relatives when traveling is local knowledge. In the case of our visit with Beate and Paul, in the Ahr Valley, it was local knowledge - Beate's in this case - that took us to the abbey at Maria Laach. While teeming with visitors, this was a place we knew nothing about prior to our visit. Without Beate's local knowledge we would have missed the wonderful crafts displayed here. An example is the statue in this postcard.

Statue at the 
Maria Laach Abbey (2012-05-05) 

The Netherlands: Amsterdam: Bikes!

This postcard captures the quintessential Amsterdam. Bicycles! Oh yeah. More bicycles. This is a multi-level parking garage for thousands - yes, thousands - of commuter bikes.

Amsterdam's parking garage
for thousands of bikes (2012-04-10) 

Bremen; My Editorial Comment

I'll keep this post short and simple. Dogs can't read! But, in Bremen, apparently neither can dog owners. Generally, Europe, compared to where we live, is bad for unwanted dog shit on sidewalks. However, Bremen is most assuredly the worst place on the continent! Unless anyone can tell me otherwise.

Bremen. Apparently not a place for doggy-doo.
Yeah! Right! (2012-04-17) 

Leeuwarden; Capital of Friesland

At the start of the day we rented a car in Amsterdam. By late afternoon - rush hour to be precise - the car had taken us to Leeuwarden. This was not part of some carefully considered plan. No, it was getting late, we didn't have accommodation for the night (which Hanne was less than pleased about), and our unplanned route happened to take us past a MacDonald's restaurant. That's significant because, say what you will about this company, they generally do feature Wi-Fi in their restaurants. With a quick coffee and a Wi-Fi connection we were able to use hotels.com on our tablet to find a room for the night. This postcard view was directly opposite our gorgeous palace hotel.

Stadthuis in Leeuwarden (2012-04-11) 

Picturesque Greetsiel, Germany

Our first real stop in Germany, after crossing the Dutch border, was Greetsiel. Of course, we'd stopped briefly in Freepsum and Pewsum, but the absolute pouring rain put a damper on any enthusiasm we might have mustered to see more of those little villages. I was looking forward to visiting Greetsiel, and the gods played along; the torrential rain turned to drizzle and then stopped completely. In this postcard the streets and restaurants are empty as the rain had just stopped minutes before.

Rain has just stopped in picturesque
Greetsiel, Germany (2012-04-12)

Rain has just stopped in picturesque 
Greetsiel, Germany (2012-04-12)

Germany: Dagebüll: Wind-swept Dikes

On Day 11 of our European vacation, we awoke in Husum. After an amazing breakfast at the Thomas Hotel, we pointed the car in the direction of Denmark. On our way we stopped off to stretch our legs on the wind-swept dikes of Dagebüll.

Wind-swept Dikes of Dagebüll (2012-04-19)

Germany: Leibzig: Mende Fountain in the Augustusplatz

When we arrived in Eilenburg to visit Rosie and Ewald, we also had the good fortune to meet Roland, who volunteered to take us sightseeing in Leipzig. Without such an accomplished tour guide, we'd have never seen as many of the wonderful sights of this city as we did. Here, the neo-Baroque Mende Fountain, built in the Augustusplatz in 1886.

The neo-Baroque Mende Fountain,
built in the Augustusplatz in 1886 (2012-04-24)

Germany: Eilenburg: Steinerner Ritter

Normally, as tourists, we'd have never visited Eilenburg. However, as we were visiting Ewald and Rosie and they wanted to show us their home town, we got a chance to look about this small community. As is too often the case, tourists miss plenty by simply focussing on the so-called popular sights. Here, in Eilenburg, Steinerner Ritter caught my eye.

Steinerner Ritter near the
Rathaus in Eilenburg (2012-04-23)

Germany: Idstein: View from the Hexenturm

Twenty days after arriving in Europe for our 2012 vacation, we found ourselves being shown around Idstein by Erich. Of course, no visit to this cute town would be complete without a climb up into the Hexenturm. While up there, I decided that this view just had to be photographed. To my mind, the town looked as though it were a toy set, or the kind of villages seen in model railroad configurations.

View of the town of Idstein
from the Hexenturm (2012-04-28)

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Germany: Cologne: Well-Worn Door Handle at Saint Gereon's Basilica

Our 32nd day of our European vacation took us to Cologne with Wolfgang and Brigitte. Without Wolfgang's local knowledge we would never have really seen the city as we did. Shortly after parking the car our tour of Cologne took us past Saint Gereon's Basilica and this well-worn door push. Or is it a door knocker? Or handle? This Basilica is one of twelve great churches in Cologne built in the Romanesque style.

Door Handle at Saint Gereon's
Basilica in Cologne (2012-05-10)

The Netherlands: Amsterdam: Zuiderkerk Steeple

We're about to return to Canada, but we've got a least one more day to see the sights of Amsterdam. Man we love this city! The steeple in this postcard caught my eye. No wonder. This bell tower belongs to the Zuiderkerk or Southern Church. It was painted by Monet when he visited the city in 1874.

Zuiderkerk; painted by Monet when he
visited Amsterdam in 1874 (2012-05-14)

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The Netherlands: Edam: Keizersgracht

We picked up our rental car at Schiphol, Amsterdam's Airport and managed - thanks to our car's GPS - to get out of the bustle of the city's traffic. Some time later we took a break at what all signs indicated was Edam. After a bit of driving and some considerable time searching for a parking spot we got out and walked about this cute little town. In our postcard, we're taking a look down the Keizersgracht.

Keizersgracht in Edam, 
The Netherlands (2012-04-11)

Keizersgracht in Edam, 
The Netherlands (2012-04-11)

Germany: Cologne: The Cathedral (der Dom)

Since the first postcard was an iconic statue, why not stay with the "iconic" theme. How about a postcard from Cologne.

Near the entrance to the 
Dom in Cologne (2012-05-10)

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Germany: Bremen: Der Roland, an Iconic Start for this Blog

Let's start this blog with a really iconic postcard. How about the statue of Roland in Bremen?

"Der Roland" iconic statue in
Bremen, Germany (2012-04-16)