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Further Afield's Journal
The Travel Nook
FINN McCOOL'S GIANTS CAUSEWAY
Ireland's Myths and Legends
Imagine the heavy footfalls of an enraged Finn McCool as he tossed chucks of the Antrim Coast into the ocean. Scottish giant Benandonner is threatenting Ireland and Finn McCool is going to have nothing of it. A bridge to Scotland is to be built to transport Finn McCool to defeat the Scottish ogre. Irish legend would have you believe this to be true. 40,000 columns placed in thought provoking order. The orderly roughness of the causeway is a natural wonder. For lack of a more sophistocated term I'll suffice it to say it is 'cool'. The flatness of the stones made me want to skip across them as a child would to get across a steam.
BUDAPEST AT NIGHT
At 9 pm the captain had the mooring lines of the River Ship Beatrice released. We were going to see Budapest at night.
The evening weather was absolutely perfect. Warm, slight breeze, the moon going in and out of view as light clouds passed by.
The lights on the bridges, spot lights highlighting the monuments and buildings along the shorelines took our breath away.
Then came the massive parliament building. Largest building in Hungary and the tallest in Budapest. What a spectacular sight at night. Wow! The number of lights not only lit up the buidings, they lit up the sky!!
This trip up and then back down the Danube was most assuredly the icing on the cake of a truly unforgettable trip.
ANTONIO GAUDI
My introduction to Antonio Gaudi.
Re-visiting Spain is now firmly on my must do list. I had no idea the impact my visit to Barcelona would have on me. Of special note was my introduction to Antonio Gaudi, a Spanish Catalan architect.
A fabulous tour of the Sagrada Familia and an afternoon spent at Park Güell had me marveling at the accmplishments of the architect.
Gaudi incorporated his passion for nature and religion in his architecture. I am not, by a long shot, a guru of architectural design but I can now recognize the work of Antonio Gaudi. His work is uniquely distinct. It is his passion for nature that has his work flow as a paint brush would traverse across a canvas.
As I learned more about him I found that his hands and mind were never idle. He worked tirelessly. Seven of his works have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
MEDIEVAL ASTROLOGICAL CLOCK
Medieval Astonomical Clock
Prague, the fairytale city, opened it's arms to us.
Heading for Old Town Square I was looking forward to seeing the Old Town clock.
The clock itself is something to see. Built in 1410 it is the oldest working astronomical clock in the world. We all crowded around to experience the clock's movements when the hour was struck. Waiting patiently, eyes glued to the clock. At the hour, the skeleton on the clock pulled on his cord, apostles paraded around, various figures shook their heads 'no to death', the clock stood still as bells chimed. Fifteen second in all. for me, it was worth the wait. One of those things you have to experience when in Prague.
A DAY IN LINZ, AUSTRIA
Simply Spectacular!!
In journaling, no part of this day could be left out. Well, maybe the Linzer Tart but I kept it in because when in Linz one must try it.
A tour bus ride with a few walking spots showed us the magnificence of Linz, Austria. Our tour guide was extremely well educated in all things Linz. Wearing the traditional dirndl she was funny and pleasant to listen to. She was extremely proud of her city and her enthusiasm was infectious.
Largest cathedral in all of Austria is here. The New Cathedral (Cathedral of Immaculate Conception) has a capacity of 20,000.
Ever thought you would like a week of solitude? A small room at the top of the cathedral will play host if you care to put yourself on the eight month waiting list.
Tried the famous Linzer Tart. Not particularly my taste but others seemed to quite like it. So if you are ever here it is certainly worth a try.
The tour bus wound it's way up the hills on the other side of the Danube. The countryside is well groomed and inherently holds a sense of contentment.
When Austria joined the European Union the farmers in Austria, not capable of producing the volume of products to compete on the open market, needed to specialize. The farmer we were about to meet, instead, decided to invest in building a restaurant. His plan was to continue to produce a number of products as a traditional farm would. All that we were to try today was from this farm.
High in the hills, overlooking the countryside we first enjoyed three types of cider (apple, pear and a mix of both). Yummy. My favourite was the mixed one.
Served on a wooden board, we tried two cheeses, egg, two varieties of ham, horseradish, cucumber, pickle, yellow pepper, dumpling and potato salad. What a treat! Sampling all while enjoying the ambiance the countryside provided. The day’s weather was stupendous. Clear skies allowed us to see for miles. The glass walls of the restaurant allowed for unimpeded views.
Done lunch. We watched as the farmer called to and let his cows out of the barn. Odd to see the cows walk by our massive coach bus.
The farmer was so exuberant. Pleased as punch that his farm was able to support his and his sister's families. He was truly living his dream.
It is hard to adequately describe the time spent at the farm. Suffice it to say it was absolutely wonderful. :)
Dropped off at the city center I browsed the shops in town for a bit. The pedestrian only streets are great!
Our day in Linz was fabulous.
A private dinner arranged for our group was being held in the captain's dining room. The River Beatrice is extraordinary in its decadence. A fixed menu left us all pleasantly plump. We thoroughly enjoyed our after dinner glow.
Cards in the lounge and closing down the bar kept us busy until bedtime.
Awesome day!!!