Category Archives: Europe

Highlights of Copenhagen

February 24, 2019 barbara-99 Leave a comment

Panorama shot of colorful townhouses, bars, and restaurants along the canal — Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Chances are, if you have seen photos of Copenhagen, you have likely seen a shot of Nyhavn. This is the colorful inner city waterfront in Copenhagen where brightly colored 17th century townhouses have been refurbished and turned into bars, cafes, and restaurants that line the canal. The oldest house dates back to 1681 and famed Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, lived in this district for 18 years. It’s a lively part of the city and the canal is lined with all kinds of watercraft.

Water plays a big part in Copenhagen life. A great way to see the sights is to take a boat tour.

Open top boat filled with tourists cruising through the waterways of Copenhagen — Boat Tour Through Copenhagen

You just never know whose little yacht you might come close to. This is Her Danish Majesty’s yacht called the Dannebrog.

White yacht with gold trim berthed in Copenhagen — Royal Danish Yacht “Dannebrog”

The crew is keeping the yacht in ship-shape!

Five crew members cleaning the Danish Royal Yacht — Cleaning the Danish Royal Yacht, “Dannebrog”

Glorious tall ships are a common sight as they head out for a sail from the harbour in Copenhagen.

Double-masted schooner with Danish flag heads out to sea for a sail — Heading out from Copenhagen for a sail

Many of the ships take tourists out on sailing excursions.

Sailing past the Royal Danish Opera House, Copenhagen

The Royal Danish Opera House, located on the island of Holmen, sits on the harbourfront in the Frederiksstaden neighbourhood in central Copenhagen. The modern structure that somewhat resembles an aircraft hangar, was opened in 2008.

Modern concrete and glass structure that is the Royal Danish Opera House with water in the foreground — Royal Danish Opera House

A visit to Copenhagen would not be complete without a tour through Tivoli Gardens, an inner city amusement park.

Entrance to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Opened in August 15, 1843, this is the second oldest operating amusement park in the world. Rides range from vintage to thrill seeking.

Star Flyer Swing Ride at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

The Dæmonen is not for the faint of heart!

steel roller coaster at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen — The Dæmonen at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Wander the grounds and check out beautiful flower gardens

Colorful flowers in shades of yellows, oranges, reds, purples, and pinks at Tivoli Gardens — At Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Japanese Tower at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

There are numerous restaurants at which to dine within Tivoli Gardens. You’ll find that some, like Mazzoli’s Italian restaurant, offer warm wraps for outdoor dining during cooler months.

Mazzoli’s Italian Restaurant, Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a wide range of architecture which is none more evident than in the array of historic churches throughout the city. Sitting just across the water from the Royal Danish Opera House and a stone’s throw from the Royal Palace compound is Frederik’s Church, an Evangelical Lutheran Church also known as the “Marble Church”.

Green-domed church in Copenhagen — The Marble Church in Copenhagen

Construction of the copper green-domed church started in the late 1740s but remained unfinished until 1894. Designed in both Baroque and rococo architecture, Frederik’s Church boasts the largest church dome in Scandinavia.

Water fountain in front of green domed Marble Church in Copenhagen — The Marble Church in Copenhagen

The Church of Holmen is located on a street called Holmens Kanal. The building was originally built as an anchor forge in 1563 but was later converted to a naval church. This was the church were, in 1967, Margarethe II of Denmark (current Queen at time of writing) wed Prince Henrik.

Red stone church along canel in Copenhagen — Church of Holmen

Located not far from the famed statue of the Little Mermaid is St. Alban’s Anglican Church which is a fine example of Gothic revival architecture. This church was built from 1885-1887.

Gray stone church in Copenhagen — St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Copenhagen

The Church of Our Saviour, with Baroque features, has a skinny helix spire with an external winding staircase that gives commanding views of the city. The church was completed in 1695 and the spire in 1752.

Helix Spire with external winding staircase on the Church of our Saviour in Copenhagen — Church of our Saviour, Copenhagen

The compound in which the Danish Royal Family lives in the winter is called Amalienborg. Four identical classical palaces, like the one pictured below, are positioned around an octagonal courtyard.

One of Four Identical Palaces in Amalienborg, the Winter Home of the Danish Royal Family

Amalienborg is guarded by the Royal Life Guard. If you happen to be in the area at noon, you can catch the ceremonial changing of the guard tradition.

Member of the Royal Life Guard at Amalienborg in Copenhagen, Denmark

And, of course, visitors to Copenhagen do tend to make a stop at the statute of the Little Mermaid depicting the fictional character in Hans Christen Andersen’s fairy tale by the same name.

Statue of the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark

The bronze and granite statue, erected in 1913, was a gift to the city of Copenhagen by Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen. He commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to produce the statue and Eriksen’s wife, Eline, posed for the work.

The following are streetscapes that show the general architecture around the city.

Expect to see lots of cyclists in Copenhagen!

With more than 375km of cycle tracks and traffic lights coordinated to include cycle traffic during rush hour, this city is cycling friendly. It is said that even the country’s politicians make their daily commute to Parliament via cycling.

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of this Scandinavian city. Copenhagen is a picturesque city and one that is steeped in rich history.

Europe, Greece, Uncategorised

Olympic Origins – A Visit to Ancient Olympia, Greece

February 7, 2018 barbara-99 Leave a comment

If you have ever watched the ceremony of Greek Priestesses lighting the Olympic flame in advance of an Olympics Game, this is where that happens – at the Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia. Once every four years, this ceremony is held as the lit flame then takes off on its journey to the site of that year’s Olympic Games.

Ruins of Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia, Greece

The archaeological site of Olympia is a world UNESCO site. Located in the Valley of Peloponnesus, the site is about 45 minutes or so from Katakolon.

Vaulted Entrance to Stadium, Ancient Olympia, Greece

Largely, the archaeological site consists of the remains of the different sporting structures which were erected for the original games that began in 776BC.

The ruins of the Philippeion, shown in the photo below, are what remains of the original colonnade that had 18 columns and a marble roof. It was built to celebrate King Philip’s Battle of Chaeronea, King Philip being king of the ancient Greek Kingdom of Macedon from 359BC to 336BC.

Ruins of the Philippeion in Ancient Olympia, Greece

Ruins of Philippeion, Ancient Olympia, Greece

A popular activity is to take a horse and carriage ride around the perimeter of the archaeological site.

Horse and Carriage Ride around Ancient Olympia site

Today’s modern Olympics have come a long way from the original games that consisted of events such as foot races, wrestling, discus, javelin throwing, long jump, boxing, and horse and chariot racing.

Have you visited Ancient Olympia?

Dubrovnik, Europe, Uncategorised

Dubrovnik and Cavtat: Jewels in the Croatian Crown

April 2, 2017 barbara-99 Leave a comment

There is a reason why Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is often referred to as the pearl of the Adriatic. Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, along what is dubbed the Croatian Riviera, this city is steeped in history and culture, has a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and a stunning shoreline.

Fortified Wall City of Old Town Dubrovnik

A wide boulevard known as the Stradun runs through the 1400 year-old medieval walled town. Paved with limestone that is so polished, it looks like marble. In fact, it can be quite slippery underfoot. No vehicles are found in the old town.

Cafés and shops line both sides of the Stradun which is spotlessly clean. People both live and work on the Stradun. While the ground floor houses shops and cafés, the upper floors of the Baroque style stone buildings are reserved for living accommodations. These outdoor cafés are super places to sample local fare, people watch, and soak up the local culture.

Sidewalk Café along the Stradun in Dubrovnik

Narrow alleyways veer off from the Stradun and more of the Dubrovnik’s charm can be found around every corner.

One of the most recognizable landmarks is the Clock Tower at the end of the Stradun. It sits adjacent to the Sponza Palace and Saint Blaise Church.

A colorful array of street performers and buskers can be found inside the old town.

If you are a fan of the “Game of Thrones” series, you might catch some of the filming that occurs in the midst of thousands of tourists.

Filming the Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik

You might even be lucky enough to hear some Croatian music and see costumed dancers perform regional dances.

Regional Costuming, dancing and music in Dubrovnik

It’s possible to walk the walls of the fortified city; however, it was really warm on the day we visited Dubrovnik and there were thousands of tourists milling about so it was quite crowded both on the ground and up around the walls of the town. So, we decided to forego the climb and walk and found there was more than enough to see on the ground. If I return to Dubrovnik, I would go to the old town early in the day and walk the walls then.

A drive outside the old town of Dubrovnik, along the sparkling Adriatic Sea, reveals some stunning scenery.

A stop for a fabulous panoramic view of old town Dubrovnik is a must.

Beaches are a draw to the Croatian Riveria and hotels dot the shoreline.

We headed along a road high above sea level on the short drive along the Croatian Riviera to Cavtat. All along the route, there were stylish mega yachts dotting the blue Adriatic with the backdrop of many small islands.

Along the Croatian Riveria between Dubrovnik and Cavtat

Cavtat, a small harbour town, is about 20km south of Dubrovnik. It is less crowded than Dubrovnik.

Water activities play a major part in the life of locals and tourists alike.

A walk along the charming seafront promenade in Cavtat reveals many luxury yachts docked in this picturesque town.

"Tango" Yacht Docked in Cavtat — “Tango” Yacht Docked in Cavtat

Be prepared for jaw-dropping luxury yachts.

"Lucky Me" Yacht Docked in Cavtat — “Lucky Me” Yacht Docked in Cavtat

The tiled roofs are a characteristic trait in Cavtat.

Colorful Bougainvillea grows everywhere, even up the sides of buildings and forms a lovely contrast against the old stone buildings with their tiled roofs.

Several sidewalk cafés circle around the harbour and it’s a lovely way spend a few hours in this delightful little Croatian town

Cinque Terre, Europe, Uncategorised

Exploring Manarola, (Cinque Terre) Italy

January 8, 2017 barbara-99 Leave a comment

Manarola, Italy, is a cliffside village in the province of La Spezia in the Liguria region of Northern Italy. To situate the location, it is in the general area of Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. It is part of five (5) similar villages that form what is known as Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands”. These are: Manarola, Monterossa, Vernazza, Corniglia, and Riomaggiore. The villages have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I have visited three (3) of these charming Italian villages and today I am focusing my blog post on Manarola.

These villages are small and you won’t find vehicles in the streets of Manarola so parking is outside the villages which you reach by foot if arriving in the area by vehicle. The only mode of transportation you are likely to see parked inside Manarola are little boats that the locals haul down the hill to the water.

You can also reach the villages by train or by boat. Yes, even the train runs alongside the craggy cliffs.

If you are up for some hiking, there are paths connecting the villages. One such path is shown to the right in the photo below. Moving in, around, and about these villages is on rough, uneven terrain so make sure you wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and come prepared for some strenuous walking.

Cinque Terre, Italy — Pathway along cliff in Manarola, Italy

We arrived by bus and, on the outskirts of Manarola, we came across some local grape harvesting.

Grape Harvesting in Cinque Terre, Italy — Grape Harvesting near Manarola, Italy

The Manarola area is known for its sweet Sciacchetrà wine and many of the vineyards are still family-owned.

Several of the vineyards are terraced as can be seen in the photo below.

Some local fishing along with grape-growing, olive production and, of course, tourism, are the primary industries in this region. Be prepared to share the villages with many other people who visit this area. The villages can be quite crowded, especially during the peak tourism periods of spring, summer, and fall. I visited Manarola on a Sunday in September and it was quite crowded, even quite early in the morning.

It’s easy to see why tourists gravitate to these quaint seaside villages which are often characterized by their bright colorful houses built on the sides of steep cliffs.

The colors of the houses are what one thinks of when associating colors with the Mediterranean.

Manarola, Italy — Mediterranean Architecture and Color

The famous bell tower in Manarola.

Be prepared to climb steep steps through narrow alleyways to get around Manarola.

Some of the most beautiful scenery in the world can be found in Cinque Terre – “Five Lands”.

I hope you have enjoyed this little tour of Manarola, one of the five (5) Cinque Terre villages in Italy.

Pin Me To Pinterest!

Norway, Uncategorised

Oslo, Norway – A Scenic Port to Visit

July 19, 2016 barbara-99 Leave a comment

I have sailed in and out of many scenic ports but one of my favorites is the approach and departure through the Oslo Fjord into and out of Oslo, Norway.

Beautiful seaside homes dot the landscape making this a picturesque port to visit.

This was my first visit to Oslo and, although it rained heavy during my entire visit, the weather cleared as we were leaving port giving way to some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen.

The iconic Dyna Lighthouse, located on a reef, is reachable only by boat.

At first, because of the shape of it, we thought this was a private cottage before discovering it is, in fact, an active lighthouse having been established in 1875.

We saw lots of pleasure craft like this one heading in to port.

Sailing in Oslo — Pleasure Craft Heading in to Port

If you are lucky enough to own one of these gorgeous homes along the shoreline in the Norwegian capital, you can simply back your boat up to the front lawn and park it!

The scenery changed from the higher density of the city to more rural landscapes like the one below.

We enjoyed our time in Norway and hope to visit again with better weather.

Belgium, Europe

Beautiful Bruges, Belgium

October 12, 2015 barbara-99 1 Comment

On my second visit to Belgium, I discovered Bruges, one of the most extraordinary places in Europe. In many ways, it’s like taking a trip back to the medieval times where time stood still – the narrow cobblestone streets, ornate architecture, and the intricate canal system.

Bruges is the capital city of the province of West Flanders and is located in the northwest corner of Belgium.

The lock house on Minnewater Lake was my first view of ancient Bruges.

I arrived by coach and, because the streets are so narrow in Bruges and there are thousands of people visiting each day during peak tourist season, large coaches are not allowed in the downtown area. Just a short walk from the coach parking lot brought us to Minnewater Lake and then in to the hub of Bruges.

The photo below shows the narrow cobblestone streets that are characteristic of Bruges. Cycling is a popular mode of transportation.

Horse and carriage rides are also popular, especially with tourists, and the clip-clopping of horses’ hooves can be heard all around town.

Just be sure you watch out for them as they clip along at very fast speed and take the corners tightly and sharply!

Grote Markt (Market Square) is the nerve center of the city. With its colorful eclectic gabled buildings, there are lots of restaurants and shops available and photo opportunities at every turn.

Grote Mark - Market Square, Bruges, Belgium — Grote Markt – Market Square, Bruges, Belgium

Dining al fresco in Bruges is the norm.

One of the most iconic sights of Bruges is the Halle and the Belfry in Market Square. While we chose not to spend time waiting in the long line to climb some 366 steps up to the top of the bell tower, those who did said it has a most commanding view of Market Square.

It was glorious to hear the carillon performance emanating from the bell tower as we walked through Bruges.

Look for architecture with construction that dates back to the 1200s like the Church of Our Lady. Bruges is history.

Bruges is often referred to as the “Venice of the North” because of its series of canals that wind through the historic city. I highly recommend one of the short narrated excursions by boat through the canals as it’s a great way to get up close to the ancient architecture of the city.

Just be sure to watch your head as you pass under the many low footbridges!

The boat excursions generally last about 30 minutes.

To the right in the photo below, you can see red poppies growing alongside the canal.

The canal boat tour passes such iconic sights as the Memling Museum.

Swans are everywhere and the canal tour boats simply weave in and out between them and, somehow, it works for everybody to use the canal system!

Vendor Markets in Bruges — Vendor Markets along the canal in Bruges

One of the most popular sights along the canal in Bruges is the “Dog of Bruges”, a golden lab in a gabled window at the Côté Canal Guesthouse. Apparently, the dog spends much of his time resting on a comfy pillow on the window ledge overlooking the canal.

This dog is probably one of the most photographed sights in Bruges!

And, when he is tired, he simply closes his eyes and ignores the thousands of tourists passing his window. It’s a dog’s cushy life!

No visit to Bruges would be complete without a little shopping. Handmade Belgian lace and chocolates are the two most popular items on most shopping lists. I still have the lace pieces I bought on my first visit to Brussels several years ago and, of course, added a couple more as souvenirs of my visit to Bruges. You will find lace shops everywhere in Bruges; however, some lace is now imported and is not hand-made in Belgium. Many shops will have signs posted as to whether the lace is locally hand-made or imported; however, if your goal is to acquire a piece of genuine handmade Belgian lace, when in doubt, ask and do shop around before purchasing.

From the moment I set foot in Bruges, I could smell the chocolate! There are a ton of chocolate shops selling quality Belgian chocolate.

There are also some exquisite chocolate designs to be had!

It was really hard to settle on just which chocolates (and how many) to take home!

Everywhere you turn, there is a chocolatier. Bruges is a chocolate lover’s mecca!

This sign in a chocolate shop window pretty much sums it up!

Bruges is a real tourist attraction so, if visiting during peak tourist season, just know you will be sharing its beauty with thousands of other tourists on any given day.

Bruges is definitely on my “places to re-visit” list.

—————————————————————

If you enjoyed this posting, please feel free to share it on your social media sites.

It’s easy to connect with the Island Shore Traveler through any of the following:

Join Island Shore Traveler on Facebook

Follow the Island Shore Traveler on Twitter

Find the Island Shore Traveler on Pinterest

Follow Island Shore Traveler on Instagram