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Plan your visit to Glastonbury Abbey with my insights. Discover the historical secrets, ancient architecture,…
1 min read
All the best laid plans, ruined by a passport technicality
CategoriesEurope TagsAll the best laid plans, Border Force, British Airways, British Passport, Heathrow, HM passport office, Home Office, No Flight, Not allowed to fly, Passport, Passport Technicality, Ruined by a passport technicality, UK Border Control Post navigation
1 min read
Rimini – Taking advantage of British Airways new route
A guide to why you should visit Rimini a City in Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region. Leave the famous beach to explore the city’s history and architecture. The post Rimini – Taking advantage of British Airways new route first appeared on Marks Meanderings.
Paris is like marmite! You either love or hate it
CategoriesEurope Tags19th century cityscape, boulevards, cafe culture, Capital of France, Discovering Paris, Eiffel Tower, Explore Paris, food for thought, France, global centre for art, Hate Paris, Iconic city, landmarks, Love Paris, major european city, monuments, Paris, Paris city pass, Paris is like Marmite! You either love or hate it, Paris je t’aime, Paris thoughts, Parisjetaime, […]
2 mins read
Is Sainte-Chapelle the best of all Parisian monuments?
It is hard to find any argument for it not being the best. It is, without doubt, beautiful. The incredible engineering feats achieved all those years ago puts modern achievements in the shade. It truly is a masterful piece of artwork. It has history – tick. Dating to the 13th century is has hundreds of years […]
2 mins read
When I hear the word Pantheon, I think of Rome not Paris
The chosen architect for this monarchist project was Jacques-Germain Soufflot (1713-1780). Relatively young and an unknown he chose a Greek cross plan for the layout with a triple dome to sit on the top. His first design was submitted in 1755. Like the king he would never see the finished church. It’s remarkable to consider […]
1 min read
Arc de Triomphe the most monumental of all triumphal arches?
I hope that I have proved the Arc de Triomphe is the most prominent if not the most monumental of triumphal arches. Its troublesome construction ended with a legacy to the nation. It is an icon not only of Paris but of France itself. Whilst the structure is clearly monumental, I certainly feel it is […]
1 min read
Why the Hôtel des Invalides is more than a mausoleum
In the 17th century, France was ruled by a certain Louis XIV (B 1638; d 1715). Louis XIV was known as the Sun king and was head of Europe’s greatest army. I’m sure more detailed discoveries will be made when I visit the Versailles Palace – Louis XIV is inextricably linked with this palace. Louis XIV […]
1 min read
Is Palais Garnier Paris’s most beautiful building?
CategoriesEurope, France TagsAvenue de l’Opera, Baron Haussmann, Charles Garnier, Farnborough, Felice Orsini, France, French Republic, Grand Foyer, Is this Paris’s most beautiful building, Napolean III, Palais Garnier, Palais Garnier Opera House, Paris, Pavillon de l’Emperor, St Michael’s Abbey, urban renewal of Paris, “The Opera is the staircase” Post navigation
1 min read
What is the fuss about the Eiffel Tower?
CategoriesEurope Tagsa truly tragic streetlamp, Chrysler Building, City of Light, Construction of the Eiffel Tower, Designing the Eiffel Tower, Eiffel, Eiffel Tower, Eiffel Tower Design, Gustave Eiffel, hole-riddled suppository, Iconic monument, ridiculous chimney, Washington Monument, What is the fuss about the Eiffel Tower, ‘Protest Against the Tower of Monsieur Eiffel’ Post navigation
Why Volterra should be on your Tuscan itinerary
Volterra, a true and largely unknown gem of Tuscany, gives an authentic view of life in Italy. Volterra doesn’t disappoint. It has a timeless charm, displays the full range of Italian history, and has a peaceful serenity that pleads for my return. The dreamy Tuscan town is perched on top of a hill, with stunning […]