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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07.27.09
Posted in Landscape, People, Sport, Travel at 8:00 am by Warren Williams
After just a few hours sleep from the great views around the Arc de Triomphe, we walked along to Trocadero to catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the Eiffel Tower. With some excess energy to burn, and missing out on some exercise recently, we had to improvise with our new surroundings…
Dawn over Eiffel Tower from Pont de Bir-Hakeim
A passing boat on the Seine stirs up some ripples
Cliche
Tai Chi
Jumping the Eiffel Tower
Imminent collision
Frogger in Paris
Pressups in Paris – Click for Larger
Dual Pressups
Eiffel Tower in early light
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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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07.25.09
Posted in Architecture, Landscape, Transportation, Travel at 10:30 am by Warren Williams
After a days rest back in London, Peter and I were off again, continuing our travel and photography addictions with a four day trip to Paris. Despite living on the doorstep to France, it was my first trip there in the two years I’ve been living in London. Catching the 10am Eurostar service to Paris, we arrived shortly after 1pm local time, immediately meeting up with another long term school friend, Jason.
St Pancras Station, London
Inside the modern St Pancras Station
All aboard!
After meeting Jason at our hotel in the 15th Arrondissement, right next to the Eiffel Tower – we decided to venture over there for a picnic in Champs de Mars, underneath the mighty tower.
Eiffel Tower from the Lower Level
Eiffel Tower Telescope overlooking Trocadero
Stunning views over Trocadero and La Defense
Looking south along the River Seine.
Parc du Champs de Mars – a beautiful spot for a picnic
Peter & Jason – Great school friends from Avondale College, NZ
A very long arm..
Watching the long casting shadows over the Paris architecture is truly remarkable
After spending the next hour on a cruise of the River Seine, (which didn’t produce any good photos), we ventured up to Trocadero for a brilliant view of the Eiffel Tower at sunset and twilight.
Water Fountains over Eiffel Tower
Magical moments seeing the fountains and Eiffel Tower from Trocadero
Twilight ovr Eiffel Tower
The hourly display of dazzling lights come on after dark – This case being 10pm
Following the great display and afternoon spent around Eiffel Tower, we walked along to the grande Arc de Triomphe
A great way to finish off the evening, after pizza at a nearby restaurant, and 30 minute walk back to the 15th Arrondissement
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07.23.09
Posted in People, Transportation, Travel at 5:30 pm by Warren Williams
The very last leg of our tour was catching the ferry from Calais to Dover, and connecting to a coach to take us along the A2 into London. Ironically, we passed my home in South East London/Kent, but had to continue into the city traffic before catching a train home a couple of hours later.
The ferry was smooth sailing, although a fairly strong wind on top deck, stopped many from enjoying the views of the English Channel.
View of Calais from the Ferry – not much on offer
Clear days, good great views
Warren & Peter, approaching the White Cliffs of Dover
Matt & Erin, two of the many new friends made on the Top Deck tour. Thanks everyone!
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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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07.22.09
Posted in Travel at 2:56 pm by Warren Williams
Our last two nights of this European trip were spent in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. I still have strong memories of this place since passing by with family back in 1995. The Red light district, bicycles and cannabis make this city more unique than any other around Western Europe. I didn’t venture out much with my camera, due to certain activities – such as the bicycle tour around the many canals, dodging trams and other kamakaze cyclists.
Peter and I atop the I Am Amsterdam landmark with Rijksmuseum behind
Cannibis in one of the hundreds of local cafes.
Colourful Space Cake
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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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07.15.09
Posted in Landscape, Nature, Travel at 10:51 pm by Warren Williams
The following morning, we left Budapest, heading northwards across Slovakia and into Poland. The air was thick, as the skies darkened over Kraków, as the heavens above decided to unleash a powerful two hour display of lightning and thunder.
Stunning castle on the road through Slovakia
Lightning grounding over Ikea, Krakow
Massive bolt lightning over the fields
Lighting up the sky over Krakow
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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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