Even though I included a little bit of information and a couple pictures of the East Side Gallery at the Berlin Wall, here's a load more to feast your eyes on.
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Europe. Show all posts
Monday, 4 February 2013
Sunday, 3 February 2013
Berlin
Okay, maybe I lied a little bit in my last post. When booking my flight to South America I obviously hunted around and looked for the cheapest and most direct one, which turned out to be from Frankfurt to Recife all in one go. Perfect. Just needed to get to Germany now, and as I was doing that I thought I would take the opportunity to see my friend Ollie who lives in Berlin
Getting into Berlin Tegel airport was a little ropey, the wind was unreal and we were swaying around like it was a RyanAir flight. Still, touched down in one piece and then from there to Alexanderplatz, a touristy square in town, was incredibly straight forward. Just hop on a bus and it takes you straight there.
With the weather been a little dreary and having limited time, I figured I'd just take it easy and not bust a gut trying to see everything in one weekend, as with most places I always imagine I'll be back again some time. Except Omsk.
I figured walking around would be the best way to see the city so I bought a map in the local shop, circled the main points of interest and set off. As much as I would have loved to see everything I had to be realistic so another trip to visit all the museums is definitely something to look forward to. There's so much history here.
Anyhow, I decided to spread my walking out over two days and pretty much saw all the main draws. Started off with a trip to the East Side Gallery, this is basically a 1.3km stretch of the Berlin Wall that is still standing and dedicated as a memorial to freedom, with paintings done by over 100 different artists. Some of the drawings still look great but unfortunately some of them have been defaced with graffiti, however some of them were spruced up again in 2009. I took loads of pictures here so I'll post a load more in another post.
Using the Fersehturm (the tall tower) as a guide to get back to the Alexanderplatz area, I used this as my base to see the surrounding sights. Lots of walking involved but managed to fit in most of the stuff I wanted to. Although I had the map, I barely looked at it as everything is so well sign posted in Berlin. All the sights are marked with directions at practically every corner.
In a nutshell then: saw the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) although it's not really a cathedral technically as there's never been a bishop based there, the Holocaust Memorial with it's 2711 stelae to remember the Jews who perished during World War II, Brandenburg Gate, the last of 18 gates in the city and now a national symbol of Germany's reunification. While the Wall was up, this gate was in no man's land, sandwiched between the walls.
Of course I have barely touched the surface here in Berlin and am already planning a long weekend summer break here in my head. With the weather been so cold and wet, there was no point going up view points on the Victory Column or the Reichstag. The fact I actually want to go to the museums here means that this is one destination I will certainly come back to.
Getting into Berlin Tegel airport was a little ropey, the wind was unreal and we were swaying around like it was a RyanAir flight. Still, touched down in one piece and then from there to Alexanderplatz, a touristy square in town, was incredibly straight forward. Just hop on a bus and it takes you straight there.
With the weather been a little dreary and having limited time, I figured I'd just take it easy and not bust a gut trying to see everything in one weekend, as with most places I always imagine I'll be back again some time. Except Omsk.
I figured walking around would be the best way to see the city so I bought a map in the local shop, circled the main points of interest and set off. As much as I would have loved to see everything I had to be realistic so another trip to visit all the museums is definitely something to look forward to. There's so much history here.
Anyhow, I decided to spread my walking out over two days and pretty much saw all the main draws. Started off with a trip to the East Side Gallery, this is basically a 1.3km stretch of the Berlin Wall that is still standing and dedicated as a memorial to freedom, with paintings done by over 100 different artists. Some of the drawings still look great but unfortunately some of them have been defaced with graffiti, however some of them were spruced up again in 2009. I took loads of pictures here so I'll post a load more in another post.
Using the Fersehturm (the tall tower) as a guide to get back to the Alexanderplatz area, I used this as my base to see the surrounding sights. Lots of walking involved but managed to fit in most of the stuff I wanted to. Although I had the map, I barely looked at it as everything is so well sign posted in Berlin. All the sights are marked with directions at practically every corner.
In a nutshell then: saw the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) although it's not really a cathedral technically as there's never been a bishop based there, the Holocaust Memorial with it's 2711 stelae to remember the Jews who perished during World War II, Brandenburg Gate, the last of 18 gates in the city and now a national symbol of Germany's reunification. While the Wall was up, this gate was in no man's land, sandwiched between the walls.
Other obvious highlights were Check Point Charlie, the most famous checkpoint in Berlin from 1945 - 1989 and memorable for a tank stand off in 1961 between Soviet and American forces, the Victory Column (Siegessäule) affectionately known as 'Golden Lizzie' and the Reichstag, home to the German parliament.
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| Berliner Dom |
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| Memorial to Victims of War and Tyranny |
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| Within the Memorial to Victims of War and Tyranny |
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| Brandenburg Gate |
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| Soviet War Memorial |
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| 'Golden Lizzie' |
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| Reichstag |
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| Check Point Charlie |
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| Holocaust Memorial |
Thursday, 17 January 2013
Fairfield Horseshoe in the Lake District, Cumbria
One thing both Tim and I wanted to do was get some walking in. Given the options up north we were spoilt for choice and decided on the Lake District. Given how unpredictable the weather had been we figured we'd just drive up and see what it was like when we arrived.
An early start driving through the mist saw us arrive in the Lake District around 9am, although we could have been anywhere to be honest, we couldn't see anything. Even driving alongside Lake Windermere on the way up to Ambleside the lake was completely hidden from view.
We found our hostel pretty easily and dumped our stuff before asking the guy in reception how the weather was and what he figured was a decent walk for the day. I had an old book with walking trails but asking a local which was the best route in the area seemed the best option. Given it had been so damp he suggested we didn't attempt Scafell, but the Fairfield Horseshoe which was much closer anyway.
Apparently the weather had been similar the previous day and was expected to be sunny once you rose above the mist line. Yesterday this had been around Low Sweden Bridge along the track, so we were hoping for the same today.
Walking north through the town centre of Ambleside, we saw a few other hikers but it looked like it would be a quiet day out in the hills. Heading up to Nook End Farm there was no one else on the path and it looked like we were to have millionaires' hiking for a while, with no one else in sight.
As we moved up the path, the mist started to lift so we assumed we were around the Low Sweden Bridge area and we were pretty sure that by the time we'd risen above the mist we had reached High Brock Crags. Even though we had a map we weren't overly sure but some of the places we were sure of: Low Pike at 508m and High Pike at 656m. The former where we figured we were making good time and the latter where we realised we weren't after taking a power nap in the, what had now become, glorious sunshine. Not often you get rosy red cheeks in January because of the sun.
Carrying on we wound our way round to Dove Crag at 792m and only now were we reaching halfway as we got to the middle of the horseshoe. We had great views looking down into the valley watching the Rydal Beck fall away out of sight into the mist, and waterfalls which we could hear in the distance.
Following the ridge round we passed Great Rigg at 766m and then Heron Pike at 512m so we knew we were slowly but surely descending. At this stage the mist started to come in with a vengeance and it seemed to take forever before we reached the Lord Crag and Nab Scar area, from where it was basically straight down the slopes via winding paths and steep steps, leading back into the thick mist and down into the tiny village of Rydal. From here it was just a short one mile walk back into Ambleside where we rewarded ourselves with a well earned pint after our 11 mile walk.
An early start driving through the mist saw us arrive in the Lake District around 9am, although we could have been anywhere to be honest, we couldn't see anything. Even driving alongside Lake Windermere on the way up to Ambleside the lake was completely hidden from view.
We found our hostel pretty easily and dumped our stuff before asking the guy in reception how the weather was and what he figured was a decent walk for the day. I had an old book with walking trails but asking a local which was the best route in the area seemed the best option. Given it had been so damp he suggested we didn't attempt Scafell, but the Fairfield Horseshoe which was much closer anyway.
Apparently the weather had been similar the previous day and was expected to be sunny once you rose above the mist line. Yesterday this had been around Low Sweden Bridge along the track, so we were hoping for the same today.
Walking north through the town centre of Ambleside, we saw a few other hikers but it looked like it would be a quiet day out in the hills. Heading up to Nook End Farm there was no one else on the path and it looked like we were to have millionaires' hiking for a while, with no one else in sight.
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| Little bridge house in Ambleside |
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| More misty than it looks here |
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| Possibly Low Sweden Bridge area |
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| Still in the mist |
As we moved up the path, the mist started to lift so we assumed we were around the Low Sweden Bridge area and we were pretty sure that by the time we'd risen above the mist we had reached High Brock Crags. Even though we had a map we weren't overly sure but some of the places we were sure of: Low Pike at 508m and High Pike at 656m. The former where we figured we were making good time and the latter where we realised we weren't after taking a power nap in the, what had now become, glorious sunshine. Not often you get rosy red cheeks in January because of the sun.
Carrying on we wound our way round to Dove Crag at 792m and only now were we reaching halfway as we got to the middle of the horseshoe. We had great views looking down into the valley watching the Rydal Beck fall away out of sight into the mist, and waterfalls which we could hear in the distance.
Following the ridge round we passed Great Rigg at 766m and then Heron Pike at 512m so we knew we were slowly but surely descending. At this stage the mist started to come in with a vengeance and it seemed to take forever before we reached the Lord Crag and Nab Scar area, from where it was basically straight down the slopes via winding paths and steep steps, leading back into the thick mist and down into the tiny village of Rydal. From here it was just a short one mile walk back into Ambleside where we rewarded ourselves with a well earned pint after our 11 mile walk.
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| Ah, sunshine |
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| Slowly coming above the list line |
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| Right by the pot of gold |
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| Heading up towards Low Pike |
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| Moving on up to High Pike |
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| Still a long way to go |
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| High Pike |
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| Approaching Dove Crag, looking down into the valley |
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| Walking along Heron Pike on the return side of the horseshoe |
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Yorkshire's East Coast - Scarborough, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby
A little less travelling today and we were lucky enough to have the weather on our side. What started off as a misty morning turned out to be a glorious day and we were welcomed by blue skies with not a cloud in sight when we parked up in Scarborough.
With it being winter, a lot of the places of interest are closed but with a crisp, clear day and sunshine there was nothing to stop us walking around and seeing what we could. Starting off at the Rotunda Museum, we crossed over the bridge to the Esplanade before reaching the south side of the promenade. With the sea breeze in our faces we slowly made our way north.
With only a week in the UK, I wanted to get as much stereotypical British grub in Tim's face so our first port of call was the chippy, thankfully we found one on the promenade that was open. Quality portion and possibly even better than the ones we had within an hour of Tim getting off the plane two days previous.
Feeling nourished, we continued along the promenade, stopping off at the arcades. Table hockey is popular enough in Holland but the two pence slot machines were a bit of a novelty and we happily chucked a couple quid in, unfortunately we got nowhere near to the tacky green bracelet we were chasing.
Continuing along the promenade, we followed the way until we reached the east pier and the lighthouse at the end. Great views of Scarborough's beach front and up to the castle on the hill, which was our next stop. Once at the top, we had even better views of the surrounding area, however the castle itself was closed. Perhaps a trip in the summer is in order.
Walking back into town we passed St. Mary's Church, home to Anne Bronte's grave and then back through the old town to the car. Even though it was a great day, we had to get moving if we were to get to Whitby before it got dark.
Following the A171 up to Whitby, it wasn't long before we got to our turn off for Robin Hood's Bay. If you thought Scarborough was dead, then this gorgeous little village was even more so, with even the famous Smugglers pub out of commission for the day. However, we were lucky enough for The Bay Hotel pub to still be open so we had a quiet pint in there while chatting to those who had been out and about walking through the Moors that day and looking out to sea and the view of the beautiful coast.
With the light beginning to fade, we left the pub and headed to Whitby. Driving down alongside the river Esk, we had great views of Whitby Abbey on our right hand side before once again parking up. Luck was on our side here, as we managed to get some of Whitby's fabled rock for Tim, just as the store was closing. Not even 15:30 and the place was shutting up for the day.
Ambling down the west pier, we headed all the way out so that we had great views of the town and the oncoming sunset. There was a small contingent of photographers and producers right at the end too, turned out they were filming a new Morrison's advertisement which was basically a boat coming in, exciting stuff. Watch out for that coming to a screen new you soon.
Heading back into town, the wind was beginning to pick up and by now the sun had gone and dusk had well and truly set in. We manage to find a little tea shop along the cobbled street just below the Abbey and treated ourselves to some cake and tea, a most appropriate way to end our day out along the east coast.
Wonderful views and perfect weather were a real bonus for us today, but wouldn't mind revisiting during the summer months. Homeward bound then to prepare ourselves for a couple days out in the Lakes for some hiking and hill passes.
With it being winter, a lot of the places of interest are closed but with a crisp, clear day and sunshine there was nothing to stop us walking around and seeing what we could. Starting off at the Rotunda Museum, we crossed over the bridge to the Esplanade before reaching the south side of the promenade. With the sea breeze in our faces we slowly made our way north.
With only a week in the UK, I wanted to get as much stereotypical British grub in Tim's face so our first port of call was the chippy, thankfully we found one on the promenade that was open. Quality portion and possibly even better than the ones we had within an hour of Tim getting off the plane two days previous.
Feeling nourished, we continued along the promenade, stopping off at the arcades. Table hockey is popular enough in Holland but the two pence slot machines were a bit of a novelty and we happily chucked a couple quid in, unfortunately we got nowhere near to the tacky green bracelet we were chasing.
Continuing along the promenade, we followed the way until we reached the east pier and the lighthouse at the end. Great views of Scarborough's beach front and up to the castle on the hill, which was our next stop. Once at the top, we had even better views of the surrounding area, however the castle itself was closed. Perhaps a trip in the summer is in order.
Walking back into town we passed St. Mary's Church, home to Anne Bronte's grave and then back through the old town to the car. Even though it was a great day, we had to get moving if we were to get to Whitby before it got dark.
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| Scarborough Beachfront |
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| Grub's up |
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| View from the pier |
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| View up to the Rotunda |
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| Lighthouse at the pier's end |
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| Scarborough from the castle walls |
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| St. Mary's Church |
Following the A171 up to Whitby, it wasn't long before we got to our turn off for Robin Hood's Bay. If you thought Scarborough was dead, then this gorgeous little village was even more so, with even the famous Smugglers pub out of commission for the day. However, we were lucky enough for The Bay Hotel pub to still be open so we had a quiet pint in there while chatting to those who had been out and about walking through the Moors that day and looking out to sea and the view of the beautiful coast.
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| View up to the pub |
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| Perfect |
With the light beginning to fade, we left the pub and headed to Whitby. Driving down alongside the river Esk, we had great views of Whitby Abbey on our right hand side before once again parking up. Luck was on our side here, as we managed to get some of Whitby's fabled rock for Tim, just as the store was closing. Not even 15:30 and the place was shutting up for the day.
Ambling down the west pier, we headed all the way out so that we had great views of the town and the oncoming sunset. There was a small contingent of photographers and producers right at the end too, turned out they were filming a new Morrison's advertisement which was basically a boat coming in, exciting stuff. Watch out for that coming to a screen new you soon.
Heading back into town, the wind was beginning to pick up and by now the sun had gone and dusk had well and truly set in. We manage to find a little tea shop along the cobbled street just below the Abbey and treated ourselves to some cake and tea, a most appropriate way to end our day out along the east coast.
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| River Esk running into Whitby |
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| Along the promenade |
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| Whitby Abbey |
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| Sunsetting over town |
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| Looking back along the piers |
Wonderful views and perfect weather were a real bonus for us today, but wouldn't mind revisiting during the summer months. Homeward bound then to prepare ourselves for a couple days out in the Lakes for some hiking and hill passes.
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