Travel
Quick trip to the col de la Cayolle, one of the sources of the Var in Provence. At 2326m above sea level and still showing some snow, this col lies between the Mediterranean and Alpine weather systems and seems to be almost never clear of cloud: it was a treat not to be chased down by a midday storm.
The marmottes were as shy as always but seeking the sunshine and... enjoying the pleasures of spring.
MediaCityUK, the stylish new home in Salford Quays, Manchester of the BBC, Granada Drama, ITV, Google and other media organisations. Interesting to visit just now as the BBC is beginning to populate these bold new buildings.
Transporter bridge across the river Usk at Newport, Gwent, Wales. Designed by Ferdinand Arnodin, the Frenchman who patented the transporter bridge (or aerial tramway). Newport's bridge across the River Usk lilnked the town to the eastern docks. Newport transporter bridge was opened on 12th September 1906 and refurbished 1992-96.
My postcard of vehicles and views from Delft, Holland. University town criss-crossed with canals, with a large market square facing the main church. It's a city where no building seems to be straight or square when you really look at it.
As well as Delft Blue pottery, student life and tourism, there seemed to be a large number of French-style cafes and restaurants. Also plenty of architects' businesses and a variety of art studios.
This was our relaxing Sunday outing after yesterday’s cultural overload day at the Den Haag art museum and Amsterdam concert hall (Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam).
I travelled by fast train rather than flying as the high speed line is now open to Amsterdam. This was a much more pleasant travel experience overall than Heathrow and Schipol and I had a sound night’s sleep on arrival on Friday, The trains are more expensive than a cheap air fare and unfortunately the Thalys train still crawled through Belgium so next time I will consider just the express train from Den Haag to Brussels.
Note that Amsterdam is in North Holland whereas Rotterdam, Den Haag and Delft are in South Holland, both provinces of the kingdom of The Netherlands under the rule of the Dutch monarch, Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands.
Here's my postcard from a late winter trip to my family in Bristol. Dundry church with its magnificent North Somerset spires, the garden at my Mother's home and her cat. And the twin "cathedrals" at either end of Brunel's railway line between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads.
