Wanna know what I did? I got educated. Where, you ask? In Amsterdam’s Red Light District, otherwise known as Rosse Buurt.
Medieval alleys galore. Fat Alley, Skinny Alley, and past the curtained doors, with the red strip light, where the girls either drape the fabric over themselves or continue to boldly display almost everything in full view. Oh my, this really is another world! It takes window shopping to a whole other level!
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Some of you may have noticed that, for the last year or so, I’ve been missing in action. Not due to anything in particular but simply because posting about my travels is so much easier and quicker on Facebook and Instagram. To be honest, I kind of forgot about my blog. Yikes! Read the rest of this entry »
The only rain to speak of during my 2 week trip to the Baltic Capitals came while waiting for the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki. During the torrential downpour, which only lasted about 2 mins, the streets were flooded and cars were hydro-planing.
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Tallinn – the place I am most excited to visit out of all my stops on this trip. This Estonian capital is the gateway between Europe and Russia and I’m hoping for a little glimpse of the architecture I would have seen had I gone to St Petersburg. Read the rest of this entry »
View from Turaida Castle
Turaida castle is surrounded by the Gauja valley, lakes and a dense, lush forest. I wish I could see an aerial view of this place with the deep red brick of the castle contrasting with the green foliage and the beautiful blue sky. See? Just one more reason for me to have my own plane! Read the rest of this entry »
Alberta Iela Building
Alberta Iela – I absolutely love this street, it’s an architects delight. Not that I’m an architect but even I can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these art nouveau buildings.
Rundale Palace was built in the 15th century and in the 1920’s some of its rooms were used as a primary school.
Preparing for my red carpet entrance, I put on the supplied little blue cover ups. My flip-flops just fall off so I’m essentially walking around barefoot in my booties. Talk about feeling completely at home in a palace! “Hmm, now how do I get to the kitchen to make a snack?”. Read the rest of this entry »
Drawbridge
The original capital of Lithuania, Trakai town was the place of residence for royalty and nobility. Construction began in 1410 under the rule of the Grand Duke Kęstutis, and was finished 20 years later by his son Vytautas. For the commoners, the colour of the house denoted who lived inside: single females in yellow houses, single men in green houses and married couples in the brown ones. Read the rest of this entry »
Mr and Mrs Vilnius
Stockholm at 4am
Today, the sun rose at 3:40am and I snapped this picture at 4am. Bad idea! While cool to see, it was impossible for me to fall asleep again, even with the heavy hotel drapes. Read the rest of this entry »
Shay with Blue
Donor Appreciation Day at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada. I first learned of this amazing place last year and I visit every few months to wander among, and visit with, the donkeys (of course!) but also the mules and let’s not forget Katie the goat. Read the rest of this entry »
Entrance
When one of my aunts died in England, donations to a Donkey Sanctuary in lieu of flowers were requested. After reading about the work they did there, I decided to see if there was one in my area. I was pleasantly surprised to find The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, a mere 30 min drive from my home. Read the rest of this entry »
Little Venice Canal Tour
From Start to Finish – my 3 week European jaunt began in Venice, Italy so it’s quite appropriate that my journey ends in a place called Little Venice, London in my home country. Read the rest of this entry »
Isle of Wight Beach
Island Hopping – today is the perfect day for ‘island hopping’ and I bet when you hear that phrase, England is not the first place that pops into your mind. But that’s exactly where I am, Read the rest of this entry »
Valamar Dubrovnik President – our home for 3 nights, located on Babin Kuk. This area was settled first then enlarged to join the city with the mainland. A short 10 min bus ride and we are in the Stari Grad (old town). Read the rest of this entry »
Kotor Windows
Black Mountain – this is what Montenegro translates to. Read the rest of this entry »
Makarska Promenade, Croatia
Southern Dalmatian Coast – breathtaking scenery as we drive this route to our next destination of Dubrovnik. Along the way, Read the rest of this entry »
Monument to a Tourist, Split
Traces of War – a freshly painted home with a well-tended pretty garden, then a house riddled with bullet holes. Read the rest of this entry »
Int’l Children’s Festival
International Children’s Festival – pennants adorn the streets of Sibenik. Each one is colourfully drawn by a local child Read the rest of this entry »
Croatian Costumes
Shepherdess – so you’ve heard the nursery rhyme ‘Mary had a little lamb’… well I saw the Croatian version of Mary on our way to Zadar. Read the rest of this entry »
Just Write For Me 