12.16.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 9:12 pm by Warren Williams
Following the awful bus experience, it was a great relief to finally make it into Goa. Despite the traffic still being rather busy, the air was noticeably clearer, and able to see distant objects, rather than thick haze. After hastily getting off the bus in Mapusa, we were whisked away in the great comfort of an air conditioned 4×4. Angus’s father was kind enough to drive us by the scenic areas, including Calangute showing off the apartment we would be spending some time in, before driving through Old Goa. One of the main features of Old Goa is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which is over 400 years old, making it one of the oldest in India.
Just beyond Old Goa, along one of the country roads is a small car ferry servic, which took us from the mainland to the island of Jua and the mostly Catholic village of Santo Estevam.
The Gomes residence in Sant Estevam – Great homely large home 🙂
Walking adventure around Santo Estevam
Clearer blue skies, and clean water!
Got Bacon!
Two contrasting crosses
Under the still prevalent Portuguese Laws, the historic homes cannot be destroyed. Only passed through the generations, with more recently over the past century many emigrating overseas leaving the houses to slowly deteriorate and add a great feel.
Old furniture through the walls
Old front door
Shooting from the side door which is sitting ajar – this house was simply amazing!
Later in the evening, Angus and I took a walk up the hill of Jua to see the Statue of Sacred Heart / Shine to Christ the King
Waren & Angus atop the monument
Fort Ruins atop the hill of Jua
The Fort of St Francis Xavier – built in 1668
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07.28.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Travel at 9:00 pm by Warren Williams
After our exercise in front of the Eiffel Tower, Peter and I took a walk along the Seine River, to the Louvre Museum to see Mona Lisa and other various art works and historic artifacts from around the world. Time flew in the expansive museum, and soon it was time to disappear to Montmartre in search of food and a visit into the Basilica of the Sacré Cœur with great views over Paris.
Mona Lisa
Trying to get a photo of Venus de Milo amongst hundreds of people.. fun
Entrance stairs to Louvre
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur – Montmartre
It was actually my mums’ recommendation to visit here, from her trips she used to do to Paris whilst living in England during the 60’s and 70’s. Well worth the trip up here for a different artistic feel of Paris.
Inside the Basilica
Grand finale, of musician Youri performing some top hits
We met up with our Canadian friend, Ayla who has recently been travelling through the Middle East, Europe and into Paris. We all wandered back down to the Louvre Museum for the approaching sunset, with our cameras in hand.
Pete, the qualified physiotherapist gives Ayla some much needed calf treatment after arriving back at the Louvre
Long shadows at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel with Louvre in background
Opposite direction from the Louvre Glass Pyramid
The out of focus silhouette of Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel
Ayla & Pete checking their shots out
Another clear evening sunset over the Louvre Pyramid
Symmetry with the Louvre Pyramid
Twilight with Louvre
Eiffel Tower after 2am, with no lights on
Eiffel Tower Straight Up
From Pont de Bir-Hakeim the following morning at 6am
Feeling less creative than 24 hours, with no sleep
After a fresh shower in the hotel, the three of us went off to the Bois de Boulogne park for a picnic and relaxation before our returning Eurostar trip to London.
Bois de Boulogne – The largest park, west of the city, where we enjoyed a great picnic
Paris is an amazing city, and surprised I hadn’t visited before, despite only living just across the Channel for the past couple of years. It was also time to say goodbye to Pete in London, who was unfortunate enough to have me as company for the past four weeks. See you soon back in Aotearoa!
Aimee (another Kiwi friend), Peter & Warren say goodbye in Leicester Square, London
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07.26.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Sport, Travel at 10:30 pm by Warren Williams
Paris has often been referred to as the City of Light, since the early 19th Century, when gas lamps first lit up Champs-Élysées. The weather continued to be great for us, as we strolled along the River Seine, visited Notre Dame, before seeing the final stage of the Tour de France. Following this, we watched the enormous street clean up act of Champs-Élysées, saw a few people brave a Haka, and finally watched a stunning sunset atop the Arc de Triomphe. Another splendid day.
Outside Notre Dame
Photography friendly rules inside Notre Dame – Thank you!
Sunbathers along River Seine on the hot summer’s day
Warren, Jason & Peter outside the Louvre
First view of Tour de France riders on final stage
Pelaton
Lance Armstrong (black helmet) peddling his way to 3rd overall
Empty Champs-Élysées after Tour de France – Sunset behind Arc de Triomphe
Haka (Maori traditional dance) next to Arc de Triomphe
Arc de Triomphe staircase
La Defense from Arc de Triomphe
Wide angle scene of La Defense, and impressive roundabout surrounding Arc de Triomphe
View down Champs-Élysées from Arc de Triomphe
Meow
The 10pm lights come on again for a dazzling 5min display
More Eiffel Tower Sparkles
La Defense Light Trails from Arc de Triomphe
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07.23.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 12:38 pm by Warren Williams
Bruges, located in the northern end of Belgium, is just a short trip from Calais, and a perfect stop off to stock up on those chocolate supplies. It’s a shame we only had an hour to look around, as the architecture, and reminiscing scenes from the hilarious movie In Bruges, starring Colin Farrell, Ralph Fiennes & Brendan Gleeson.
Tasty Chocolate
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07.20.09
Posted in Architecture, History, People, Travel at 9:23 pm by Warren Williams
During our two night stay in Berlin, we visited many of the historic venues, starting at the Berlin Wall, Reichstag, Hitler’s Bunker and the Holocaust Memorial.
Berlin Wall
Vespa randomly parked next to Berlin Wall
Rachelle – One of the many Ozzies in our group
Holocaust Memorial – load more Ozzies!
1001bhp Bugatti Veyron in one of the many supercar showrooms
Berliner Dom – Berlin Cathedral
Water Fountain
Peter feasting into a Bratwurst
Reichstag
With the recent Bratwurst energy, Peter went for a run
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07.19.09
Posted in Architecture, History, People at 11:35 am by Warren Williams
The city of Dresden has a long history, and is well known for the controversial Allied Forces bombing near the end of World War II. The face of the city drastically changed over the next 40 years during the East German socialist era. Fortunately, since the reunification in 1990, Dresden has re-emerged as a political, cultural and economic centre of Germany.
Beautiful architecture around the city
Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
Survived the firebombing during WWII, however burnt out and collapsed the following day. After 13 years of rebuilding, it was completed in 2005, with joint efforts from Germany and UK.
Historic Underground Basement and Frauenkirche, Dresden
Statue in front of Frauenkirche
Peter gets married!
Frozen
Walking the many cobbled streets
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07.18.09
Posted in Architecture, History, People, Travel, Wedding at 7:56 pm by Warren Williams
Prague is a wonderful, beautiful city. Despite raining for practically every moment of our 36 hours in the city, a few of us keen sightseers braved the weather to explore the historical sites. Prague was also included to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1992, with its great mix of Gothic and Renaissance styled architecture.
Old Town Square at Night. There was plenty of lightning going also amongst the rain, but didn’t have the patience to capture it
Beautiful buildings make up all corners of Prague
Prague Castle and Vltava River at Night
The following morning, in Old Market Square, the rain continued to pound the cobbled stones – when I noticed a young newlywed couple having a few photos taken. They’re mood was very upbeat, and was great to see another photographer out there in the elements capturing those moments.
Cobbled Street in Prague, on way to the Castle
St Vitus Cathedral, in the Castle grounds – Camera was soaked, hence the smudges
Changing of the Guard
Valérie
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07.17.09
Posted in History, People, Travel at 10:30 am by Warren Williams
Photos alone can stir the emotions from this sombre day around the Auschwitz concentration camps. The name Auschwitz was the German name given to the hosting town of Oswiecim. Over one million Jews were killed in the gas chambers, with the pesticide Zyklon B. The camps are kept open as a reminder to the world what atrocities were committed, and hopefully never repeated.
Peace
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07.16.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Travel at 9:30 pm by Warren Williams
The city of Kraków was given World Heritage Site status in 1978 by UNESCO, the same year Karol Wojtyla, archbishop of Kraków, was elevated the papacy as Pope John Paul II . Kraków is also famous for it’s overruling in WWII by the Nazi empire, making Kraków the Capital city of the General Government. The large Jewish population were moved into the Kraków Ghetto, where they were sent to local concentration camps, such as Auschwitz. A German businessman by the name of Oskar Schindler, used his enamelware plant as a way to save many of the local Jews. His story was portrayed in the excellent move, Schindler’s List.
Where Pope John Paul II was based
Climbing the tower in St Mary’s Church, Main Market Square
View from St Mary’s Church tower, overlooking Main Market Square
Snake Handler in Main Market Square
Snake Handler
Female snake handler in Main Market Square
Jewish plaque in cemetery
Weathered building in alley
Singer sewing machine, on an outdoors table at a cafe
The stair scene from Schindler’s List, just past the arch on right
Disused railway near Schindler’s Factory
Worn building in the Krakow Ghetto
Walking across the Holocaust Memorial
Holocaust Memorial – 70 empty iron chairs, representing absence
Lifting the mood, street performer in Main Market Square with puppets of the recently passed Michael Jackson, and Elvis – both kings of music.
Statue at Wowel Cathedral
Street artist at the Castle
View from the Castle over the Vistula River
The evening was spent back in a lovely restaurant just off Main Market Square, featuring an enclosed courtyard out the back with cheap, large meals. Perfect way to finish off a day.
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07.14.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, Travel at 10:00 pm by Warren Williams
The hottest day of our tour involved walking the beautiful streets of Budapest with the temperature creeping over 37°C. Budapest was once two cities – Buda and Pest, seperated by the great Danube River which officially combined in 1872. The Buda side is located on the western banks of the Danube, featuring the hilly terrain and historic castles. Across the river on the expansive Great Plain, lies Pest, where much of the style is on 19th century architecture.
Buda side
Overlooking the Danube
Inside the Terror Museum – some disturbing scenes from WWII victims. Featuring photographs from Jewish victims, historic video footage, and torture devices.
Photography wasn’t permitted in the rest of museum, but was worth visiting for harrowing accounts of concentration camps, suffered by Jewish people from the Hungarian region.
St Stephen’s Cathedral (St István Parish Church) – Is the largest church in Budapest, with building commencing in 1851, but not completed until 1905. This Neo-Renaissance church is often simply known as the Basilica.
Inside the Basilica
Inside the Basilica.
Winding staircase up to the tower
Looking back down the staircase at the Basilica
View from the Basilica, over Pest and the Great Plain
Front view of the Basilica
Mercedes in Budapest 😉
Parliament Building on the scorching day
After walking across the Chain Bridge, headed up the hills into Buda.
With the extreme heat and dehydration setting in, Peter, Nic and I ventured into the Labyrinth of Buda Castle, where the temperature is a constant 14°C and 90% humidity all year round. Without a tripod, photos were near on impossible due to the dark conditions. Walking down one of the corridors the sweet aroma of wine became apparent, where we found a wine fountain.
Wine fountain, Labyrinth (ISO 6400)
Stepping back outside created instant stickiness against the still hot and humid conditions after 6pm local time. Once back at our hostel, a quick freshen up and we were back out again with a few others from the tour group to watch the vibrant sunset from the Chain Bridge spanning the Danube River.
After climbing the bridge supports
A well deserved meal and drinks were rapidly consumed following this physical, but amazing day around this grand city.
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07.13.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 9:00 am by Warren Williams
En route to Budapest we ventured through the city of Bratislava in the early morning. At just 60km away from Vienna, they’re the closest capital cities in Europe. There is a great mixture of architecture, spanning from medieval towers in the Old Town area, to the splendor of 20th century buildings. Bratislava also spans the Danube river, with the castle prominently displayed on the hill – unfortunately closed at the moment for renovations.
Statue near Hviezdoslavovo Námestie
Michalská Brána Hotel
Bastova Ulica
Bratislava Church – Kapucínsky kostol, and tram lines leading to the Castle
St Martin’s Cathedral
St Martin’s Cathedral
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07.10.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Landscape, People, Travel at 9:21 pm by Warren Williams
Exploring the wondrous city of Venice, can only be achieved by water and on foot. Venice is unique in many ways, with endless beautiful detailed buildings perched alongside the water. Capturing the sights from the gondola boat ride, through the twisting passages and underneath low bridges was definitely a highlight and impossible to ignore. Later in the afternoon, took in the spectacular views from atop St Mark’s Campanile, witnessing the sprawl of intricate architecture over hidden islands.
Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
Narrow passageways
Wedding photos in St Mark’s Square
View to San Giorgio Maggiore
Venice Gondalier
Pigeon in St Mark’s Square
Too many pigeons for my liking
Gondola Riding – Niki, Pete, Grant, Richie and Warren
Passing old buildings in the narrow canals
Arriving into the Grand Canal
Cindy, having a good laugh
Riding under one of the 400 bridges
0.6 seconds on a Gondola
San Giorgio Maggiore
St Mark’s Square – Notice the water patches from high tide
Endless views over Venice
More views from the Campanile.
Yet another pigeons flies by St Mark’s Campanile
Terrific thunderstorm approaches Venice
Speed boat, passing St Mark’s Campanile
Heavy thunderstorm clouds over Venice
Painting Santa Maria della Salute from Accademia Bridge
Slow shutter speed over Venice
Low sunlight over Venice after the thunderstorm clears
Rich coloured buildings are always a spectacle
Ending back at Constitution Bridge after 24 hours
Ready for an early morning departure, over Northern Italy, and into Vienna, Austria.
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07.09.09
Posted in History, People, Travel at 12:00 pm by Warren Williams
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.
Passing through the historic city of Verona, Northern Italy, our tour dropped by the scene of Juliet’s Balcony.
Romeo & Juliet Balcony
Many Gelato Ice Cream vendors – much needed in 30°C heat!
Funny moment as Richie from Perth has an unexpected visitor
A scene from the movies
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07.08.09
Posted in Architecture, History, Travel at 11:45 pm by Warren Williams
Every angle of the streets of Rome is a marvel, with ancient ruins and cobbled streets viewable in every direction.
Foro di Cesare (Forum of Caesar) – Built between 54 & 46BC
Due to the G8 summit, and visiting world leaders including Barack Obama, we were unable to get any closer.
Reflections on Niki
With the hassles of not being able to shoot the Colosseum up close or inside, Peter and I decided to venture off later in the evening once the area was reopened.
Arch of Constantine & Colosseum
Colosseum Detail with the moon rising
Light trails by the Colosseum at which point we had to rush back to catch our last metro and bus around midnight.
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Posted in Architecture, History, People, Travel at 4:30 pm by Warren Williams
Quickly acclimatising to the Italian heat, Peter and I ventured West of the city of Rome to our start of our action packed 16 day tour. Our first two nights were to be spent at the modern and clean facilities of Camping Roma. Being wary of directions from their website, we found the correct metro and bus connections to arrive just after lunch time. First stop, pizza!
Meeting our exciting tour leader Michelle, and coach driver Billy for the first time we ventured back to central Rome.
Well known shopping street of Rome, with top brands including Armani, D&G and Prada.
The crowded Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain amongst more massive crowds
Temple of Hadrian
Pantheon – incredibly built in 126AD
The open ceiling causing light to filter down from the 142 foot tall roof
Piazza Navona
Street artist in Piazza Navona.
Fontana del Moro – 1576
Cobbled street in Rome
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