Thank you, one and all for taking the time to visit. Here's hoping that some of my tips or photos may inspire you to visit some of the marvellous places I have been to over the last few years. If anyone would like to use any of my photos, for any reason whatsoever, please send a mail asking permission first, detailing the reason, and there should be no problem. Thank You.
When travelling, although I do enjoy the wonders nature gives us, and also certain man-made buildings, I really light up when I can meet the children. The kids generally always react to a camera, but it feels so good when I am off the beaten track in a village and you get a smile "hallo" from the local kids. This is why you'll find lots of photos of different children in my pages.
The real pleasure in travelling, for me, is in meeting the people. Walking through a village or town and catching a smile from someone that's pleased to see you, not trying to take you for a ride or sell you something, just happy to pass the time of day, grateful that you're participating in THEIR day.
Wherever we travel we can see nature at work, as this is a permanent on-going thing. The wind,rain, ice and sun have all helped to mould many of the splendors around us.
Although I think many of today's modern buildings could give a lot of work to the demolition men, we have at times come up with some wonderful, dare I say it, almost works of art.
We all have our favourite moments on the road, but one I really enjoyed, was the Cambodian train between Battambang and Pursat. A top speed of around 17 kph. allowed you to get off, have a short walk then sprint to catch up with the last wagon. Only joking, but that's what it seemed like. Very friendly atmosphere, although not many people on board. We stopped almost at every village so travellers could say hallo to relatives, buy something to eat or drink or just the engine overheating.
My really special place is hidden away at Toroweap point on the north rim of the Grand Canyon. After dragging through the 120 kms. from St. George over gravel, dirt and water and finding a spot where no-one seems to have ever been was really special. Obviously I'm not the only one that has ever been there, but arriving there that morning there was nobody!! I sat on the rim for over an hour just listening to the silence and from time to time the Colorado far beneath, before doing my tourist thing and taking a few photos. Very, very special.
As this is my homepage, I thought I'd better include something about St. Malo, my home town. Our town is of course, well known for the transatlantic races that start or finish here, almost as much as the old walled town built by Vauban in the 17th. century. These races occur every 4 years. This photo is of the boats 2 days before the start of the St. Malo to Pointe-a-Pitre race last autumn.
Useful info - This is a copy of a form made out by one of VT's staff that can help you if you find anyone one the 'net stealing your photos or tips. It did work once for me, just change the wording around as necessary. Link here :
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/c7781/
Happy belated Birthday and Christmas wishes Paul
Thanks for your answer to 'Good food and wine'. Definitely need too check this area out :-)
My map doesn't extend that far so I have done a 'google walk' - of the area you have suggested - this is now definitely on my list!
Good for you Lisselle
What can I say, mate?
For various reasons I will not bore you with I have not been on VT for a few days which is a rarity for me as you know. From previous answers it seem the December weather did not "shine" on you but then it was unlikely to. If it is any small consolation, it has been ball-freezing in the place of your birth and the drizzle has just started again.
I see from previous responses that you were keeping a couple of bottles warm, good man, I am always impressed by your behaviour! I do hope you had a great day and have loads planned up for the forthcoming 365 days (can't be a leap year in '17, can it?).
Best to you and your good lady and hopefully we shall speak soon.
fergy.
Like yourself I've walked and driven past it so many times, that it has become a blur on the memory. Googling it brought back some inklings but it looks like many other churches in the area, and visiting or entering churches when I was a kid just didn't happen. Quite a bit of info there on the 'net about St Anne's and the pyramid. Hope the head is feeling better, so have a great time over the (festive) season. We're off to Costa Rica at the end of January so our paths may cross somewhere in the interim.
Cheers mate,<br/><br/>I'm fine thanks. I think the reason it looks so similar to so many others in the East End (even down to Greenwich) is that it is a Hawksmoor and you really cannot mistake his style. St. George's in the East, Christ Church, Spitalfields, St. Alfege's, Greenwich etc. etc. Perhaps it is some sort of inherent childlike inquisitiveness but it gave me inordinate pleasure to "discover" this place I had passed by so many times as you have.<br/><br/>Have a great time in CR, I have to say I have central America very firmly fixed on the radar, probably Panama on the recommendation of a Canadian friend. Have a great festival (whatever you choose to celebrate or not at all but there will be no avoiding it in France) and we shall speak soon,<br/><br/>fergy.
Happy Birth day and wish you great new year !
Thank you Hesham and hope you have a fine end of year too.
Ack, happy belated! Hope you did something fun to celebrate!
Thank you Kimberly, bit damp and foggy here on Sunday so we kept a couple of bottles warm.....
Belated birthday greetings, Paul. Hope you had a great time.
Thanks very much Gilly, yes a good day was had by all
Happy belated birthday! Greetings from frosty Chicagoland :-)
Thank you Kristi, with the damp it doesn't seem much warmer here
Thanks for your answer to 'Drive in Thailand without an international driving licence?'. I appreciate your advice.
No problem.<br/>
Hi Paul, We want to wish you a very very happy birthday. Hope you have a really really great day! Greetings from Sweden. ~ho & pang
Thank you both, much appreciated.
Many Happy Returns of the day!!
Thanks a lot Treshi.