Lockdown Armchair Travel – The Netherlands – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, and The Hague

Posted on October 26, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

More lockdown armchair travel and today, N is for The Netherlands, and some memories of a few visits to that delightful little country over the years. So, what do you think of, when you think of The Netherlands? Probably here:

Amsterdam, Amsterdam, de stad waar alles kan. So sang Maggie MacNeil in the 1980 Eurovision Song Contest. But The Netherlands is more than just Amsterdam. Leiden, for example, is a beautiful city – home to (amongst other things) the Windmill Museum.

You can see the workings of a windmill really close up – and it’s a fascinating experience.

When we were in the Netherlands in 2009, we also visited Rotterdam, famous for its cube houses. They’re an extraordinary feat of architecture!

We also visited The Hague, seat of government and a pretty grand place all round.

But with humour

and superheroes!

But most people just want to see Amsterdam, and it is a pretty special place. Lots of bikes…

Churches

Cheese

Partygoers

Did I mention the bikes?

Possibly the best way to see Amsterdam is from the canals, and on our last morning we took a canal boat ride. The things you notice…

You expect Van der Valk to walk around any corner. I’ll leave you with a look at our canal boat

Some old Delft tiles

and a pleasant drink on a street corner.

I know there’s much more to Amsterdam and the Netherlands than I’ve been able to share with you today but hopefully this gave you a little insight into what some of it is like!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Malta – August 2012

Posted on October 1, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

It’s been a while since I’ve done a lockdown armchair travel post – and, for most of us, we’re still not going anywhere exciting in a hurry. So M is for Malta, and a lovely sunny week in the summer of 2012 (plus a couple of old snaps from our stay in March 1993). We stayed in the resort that I think is probably the best place to be based in Malta –

St Julian’s Bay. It’s chic, elegant, close to Valletta but also a good springboard to other parts of the island. And considerably more attractive than Bugibba, which is where we stayed in 1993. You can spend hours here just drinking in the scenery.

It’s also an easy walk to Sliema, with its beautiful views overlooking Valletta.

They love a good parade in Malta. When we were there in 1993 it was carnival time, and we watched the arrival of King Carnival (to a very repetitive but upbeat pre-recorded soundtrack).

Meanwhile, in 2012, we were in St Julian’s at the same time when an effigy of the saint is paraded around the town.

To a live band accompaniment, of course.

One of my favourite places in Malta is Mosta, with its incredible Dome Church.

It’s notable for having survived a bomb attack during the Second World War when a bomb fell through the hole at the top of the Dome – but didn’t explode.

That was a lucky break. (Or God was on their side, whichever you prefer).

From Mosta it’s easy to carry on to the beautiful and blustery old capital of Mdina.

The wind really whistles around your wotsits when you’re perched up there, even in full summer.

Lion statues guard against you – or welcome you, depending on how you see yourself – as you wander round this quaint and very narrow old town.

But the views are stunning.

Of course you have to pay a visit to the modern capital, Valletta, with its steep streets.

St John’s Co-Cathedral is a must-see.

The Hospital of St John perches near an attractive outcrop

A harbour cruise is also worthwhile

This is a picture of the so-called Three Cities taken from a harbour cruise in 1993 – very moody

I’d also recommend a trip to Gozo. Full of charming sights.

Here’s stunning Ramla Bay

And lovely Xlendi

We did a boat trip to the Azure Window

It was a stunning sight

Sadly no longer there

The islands are also littered with ancient temples. Here you can see Altar Niches at the Ġgantija Temples

Here’s an interesting thing: Maltese horse races are the “trot” variety!

I could bore you with many more pictures, but that wouldn’t be fair. Here’s just a few quirky parting shots.

Mussels in Smells?

No construction worker would be seen dead without his parasol

So pleased to see Michael Gove has got a proper job

Synchronised drinking?

Who’s captain of this ship?

I’ll leave you with an image of me nicking some chocolate almost thirty years ago.

Let’s hope we can go on holidays safely again soon!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Latvia – A December Weekend in Riga, 2006

Posted on August 24, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

L is for Latvia and a weekend in Riga in December 2006 to celebrate Mrs Chrisparkle’s birthday. My overriding memory of Riga in December is that it was TOTALLY UTTERLY COMPLETELY FREEZING COLD – in fact, I’ve never felt that level of cold before or afterwards. Apart from that it was a fascinating mix of the Western and the Soviet, set in a beautiful old town that is small and delightfully compact, to walk around easily. I don’t have that many photos from that weekend but I hope this gives you a flavour of what it was like.

So what do you think of, when you think of Riga? I’ll always think of this….

Snow everywhere! It’s a beautiful, stately city. Perhaps its most impressive sight is the House of the Blackheads, which isn’t anything to do with poor facial hygiene, but a 14th century guildhall for unmarried merchants, shipowners, and foreigners in Riga.

More modern buildings include the Freedom Monument, constructed to honour the soldiers who died in the Latvian War of Independence (1918-1920)

and the Rainis Monument, commemorating the Latvian poet – and yes he does look like Lenin,

Riga has plenty of attractive bridges over the river Daugava

Plus generous open spaces

like this area beside the one of the many ornate churches. There are also stunning views from the top of St Peter’s Church

In many directions!

As it was near Christmas, they had a lovely Christmas market too!

Thanks for joining me on this little travelogue. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Laos – March 2013

Posted on August 7, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

Whilst we’re not all (currently) still in proper lockdown, travel is still a risky business, so let’s continue with L – which is for Laos, one of the three countries we visited in 2013 as part of our Indochina tour. A gentle, spiritual, welcoming country with some fascinating secrets.

So what do you think of, when you think of Laos? Do you actually think of anything?! Maybe this:

Young novice monks, seen everywhere – but more of them later. We started our five days in Laos in the capital – Vientiane.

Of all the world’s capitals, this must have the least traffic. The statue of Chao Anouvong, the King of Vientiane from 1805 – 1828, welcomes you from his plinth alongside the Mekong.

This is where the President, Bounnhang Vorachith, lives. Laos is a one-party, Communist state, but you wouldn’t really know it from day-to-day life. Not as a tourist, at least.

In the centre of a roundabout is a stupa, which many believe is inhabited by a seven-headed nāga (a snake deity) who tried to protect them from an invasion by the Siamese army in 1827. If it gets in your way you can refer to That Dam Stupa – which is exactly what it’s called.

Our tour took us first to Buddha Park, 25 km out of town, which is a somewhat bizarre place. Opened in 1958, and with so many proper temples around, one wonders why they felt the need to create a kind of Disneyland to Buddha. None of the buildings is sacred.

Weird. But they do sell great barbecued bananas.

Back in to Vientiane, and time to see some temples. Pha That Luang is a reconstruction of a temple that was destroyed in the Franco-Thai War and was rebuilt after the Second World War.

Nearby is the Lao Tripitaka Research Centre, another temple/library where the monks learn and study.

and the temple at Wat Sisaket – built in the early 1800s.

In the centre of the city is the Patouxi Gate, built in the 1960s to commemorate the country’s struggle for independence from France. Amazing view from the top!

Then we had a trip around the food market. At times you needed a strong stomach…

Our final sight in Vientiane was the fascinating – and sad – COPE centre. This is a museum/visitor centre relating to the prevalence of the use of prosthetic limbs in Laos due to the amount of unexploded land mines. It makes for a sobering visit.

The next day we flew to the beautiful city of Luang Prabang for three fantastic days. We stayed at the wonderful Xienthong Palace hotel, which was perfectly located by the banks of the Mekong – and why not, it was the last residence of the Lao Royal Family!

The centre of Luang Prabang is very small and everywhere you want to go is easily visited on foot. Our first port of call was to visit Wat Ho Pha Bang, a Royal Temple completed in 2006 to house the Phra Bang Buddha image.

It’s stunningly beautiful.

With ornamental nagas

exquisite architecture

ornate decorations

moody windows

majestic columns

and picturesque views.

Next we went out of town to visit a silkworm factory – here are the little blighters

and this is where they make clothes and material out of the silkworms’ hard work!

Back in town, we visited the Wat Xieng Thong, a very striking Buddhist temple that’s now over 450 years old.

I particularly like the ornamentation on this pink wall!

One of the fun aspects of Luang Prabang is that there’s a good variety of bars and restaurants for an enjoyable night out!

and I can definitely recommend:

The next day was mainly devoted to a delightful Mekong River Trip. I could bore you with hundreds of photos of the Mekong. Here are just a few.

During the trip we visited the Pak Ou Caves, and had lunch nearby. The caves are full of miniature Buddhist sculptures, and make quite an extraordinary sight in that particular location.

At sunset, we did what all tourists to Luang Prabang do, and that’s to ascend Mount Phou Si and watch the sun go down over the city.

After the sun has descended, so do the tourists, into the waiting arms of the stallholders of the Night Market.

and our favourite watering hole, the Opera Bar. (This, however, is the Xieng Muan Garden Restaurant, also very nice!)

On our final day we got up early to offer alms to the monks. You do this by giving them lumps of sticky rice. Sounds neither appetising nor healthy, but it’s a tradition that goes back a long way. The rice is cooked like this

Then dried like this

And then the monks all file out of the temple

and collect the rice, that has been given to them by the people, in their shoulder bags

It is then taken back to the temple kitchens for the monk chefs to prepare it into something pallatable for breakfast.

This particular temple houses an Emerald Buddha.

It’s actually made of glass but I don’t suppose that matters.

I caught this boy looking wistfully out of the window. I often wonder what he was thinking. I’m not sure he was happy with his lot. I wonder what has happened to him.

There’s a school nearby, which looks surprisingly modern in comparison with the simple lifestyle of the monks.

Later we took a trip out to the Kuangsi Waterfall Park

which also houses the To Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre

and those bears have a great, safe time!

The waterfalls are beautiful and are a great place for people to relax.

Coming for a swim?

At the end of the day we headed to the airport to get our flight to Hanoi, more of which in a few weeks time! On the way we stopped at a rather sad little craft village where desperate villagers made all sorts of desperate attempts to sell you their rather desperately underwhelming products. Wasn’t a great experience, to be honest.

Mind you, it was worse for the rats

And there you have it – Laos in a nutshell. I remember its beauty, its tranquillity, and its sense of humour, which you could see everywhere!

This is where you go for remedial treatment for venerteal disease – nasty!

I didn’t fancy the testes of tea

Two more things – incredible spiders!!

and the usual quirky sights – novice monks everywhere

hard-working fishermen

vintage cars outside restaurants as a promotion feature

egg delivery by moped

beware of the bridge!

Thanks for accompanying me on this lookback of a few days in Laos. Next regular blog will (probably) be back to the theatre programmes and some shows I saw from November 1982 to March 1983. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Jordan – Amman, Mount Nebo, Karak, Petra, Wadi Rum and Jerash – November 2008

Posted on July 24, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

Having shared the delights of Japan and Jersey with you, now it’s time for Jordan. We went there on a tour in 2008 that continued on into Syria – but more of that some other time. Jordan’s a beautiful, friendly place, full of amazing sights.

What do you think of, when you think of Jordan? Petra, right? Naturally. But I’m going to take you through these holiday snaps in order, so we start off in the capital, Amman.

Our first visit was to Mount Nebo, where Moses got to see the Promised Land but got no further.

There it is – the Promised Land (in the distance)

Amazing mosaics in the church in Madaba

Then we negotiated the windy road up towards Karak

with the extraordinary Jordanian landscape

until we got our first sight of the castle at Karak

Which is great fun to explore!

But you were right the first time – it’s all about Petra.

To get to the exciting part of Petra, you have to walk down a narrow path called the Siq.

And after a while you’ll get your first glimpse of The Treasury

And then your second glimpse

and your third

getting nearer

almost there

and finally, you see the Treasury in all its glory!

It’s as though you’ve opened layers and layers of gift wrapping until finally getting to the big present!

See how massive the building is in comparison with the heights of the visitors!

Petra enchants you with its other-worldness

The mosaics are remarkable

And I was so grateful for this kind gentleman to wander into my shot to make it complete

Straight out of Lawrence of Arabia. Talking of which:

That’s the famous Seven Pillars of Wisdom. We’re now on the road to Wadi Rum.

A desolate, desert landscape en route, but when you get to your destination…

There’s always a bedouin to make you some tea.

Ever wondered what it might be like on the surface of Mars?

More dramatic landscapes

that conceal an abundance of ancient art

After overnighting in a tent, we were on our way to Jerash, the Pompeii of the East.

That’s the ancient Hippodrome.

But there are numerous amazing sights in the ruins of this Greco-Roman city.

Including some musicians who played Amazing Grace for us on their bagpipes. They needn’t have bothered. I was only grateful they didn’t go on to perform Scotch on the Rocks.

It’s nice just to get lost amongst the ruins

After Jerash we followed the road north into Syria – but those photos are for another blog post. In the meantime, here’s our driver and our poppet pocket rocket space cadet tourism policeman, who accompanied us everywhere we went, looking concerned.

Yes he does look about 17. And, as always, all destinations give opportunities for quirky photos.

So we say farewell to Jordan

Thanks for accompanying me on this little jaunt around Jordan. Next blog may, or may not, be another return to some old theatre productions in the summer of 1982. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Jersey, 1995

Posted on July 17, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

Still with J, and almost – but not quite – abroad, it’s Jersey. I’ve been there twice, the most recent time was in 1995 for two weeks of summer sunshine – and it really was glorious. Most interesting, however, was that our visit coincided with VE Day – which in Jersey meant the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the island. As you can imagine, they celebrated big style!

So what do you think of, when you think of Jersey? Probably things that I didn’t photograph! But try this for size:

The Jersey flower industry is an important part of the island’s economy. And they make the island look beautiful!

I was surprised to discover the island has a really chic little racecourse

And somebody made a lot of money that day!

It’s an island of lovely beaches

Castles… (this is Gorey)

and coastlines

But watch out for those waves.

That craggy coast can look austere at times

Here’s St Brelade’s Bay, where I went on hols in 1982

But St Helier is where it’s at. And, as I said earlier, we were there for the 50th anniversary celebrations!

The place was packed and very excited

We were there when the Prince of Wales arrived

And the marching bands played

The Red Arrows had a field day

Parties went on into the night, and fortunately no photographic evidence remains! Suffice to say we went to a 70s disco with DJ Bri-Nylon. It was brilliant!

There’s lots of amazing sights in Jersey and I’m sorry not to be able to show them here, I’ve lost a number of photos it appears. Still we know that the coast is rugged

And so are the men

And who knew this was the resting place of this popular old policy?

Thanks for accompanying me on this little trek around Jersey. Next blog will be back to the old theatre shows, and some memories from October 1981 to July 1982. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Japan – Tokyo, August 2014

Posted on July 15, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

After lots of I’s we’re finally on to the J’s – and today J is for Japan, and a fascinating cruise that Mrs C and I took in the summer of 2014 around the northern island of Hokkaido (also visiting the little town of Korsakov in Sakhalin, Russia). But the holiday started with three full days visiting Tokyo – which we couldn’t have done without our personal guide because the lack of English translations – or indeed any translations – makes it very difficult to navigate.

So, what do you think of, when you think of Tokyo? Maybe this:

Sushi was one of the things we were both fearing the most about Japan as neither of us is a fan. However, it wasn’t horrible, so we took that as a bonus! Whilst we’re on the subject of food and drink:

We did the traditional tea ceremony; not like any other tea we’ve tasted. It comes with its full set of rules and instructions

But it was all in the beautiful setting of the Hamarikyu Gardens:

where urban sprawl and rural tranquillity rub shoulders

Talking of urban sprawl, some of those skyscrapers are surprisingly decorative:

Modern architecture on the indoors can be fascinating too

Perhaps it’s at its most interesting where it stands side by side with lowrise buildings

Views from the top are of course breathtaking

This was from our hotel bedroom:

And at night:

However, did you know that Tokyo could also look like this?

This is old Tokyo.

There’s not much of it left, sadly.

The fishmarket is a big attraction

To be honest we found it rather gruesome!

Time to move on, I think. By the way, could you work your way through this tube network?

Plus… who’s driving this train?

Who knew that a Tokyo train would take you here?

Not even Disneyland! This is an area called Daina, with lots of shops and restaurants… and the Statue of Liberty!

Temples. There are a few but perhaps not as many as you might expect. This is the Meiji Shrine

The Tokyo National Museum is also a tremendous place, filled with excellent artworks like this Imari Jar

and this noble general

and these cute Imari rabbits.

Sadly, this didn’t age well

but primarily, Tokyo is full of surprises. Like square watermelons

Unmentionable puppets

and golden sperm

A place of constant wonder!

Thanks for joining me on this little trip around Tokyo! Next blog will be another look at some old theatre shows from July to October 1981. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Venice, Italy, 2012 (and 1989)

Posted on July 9, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

One more country to reminisce over, that begins with an I – and that’s Italy. So many beautiful and impressive places to remember, but I thought we’d take a look at some of the glories that are Venice. We stayed here for a couple of days in 2012 before taking a Mediterranean cruise that started and ended in Venice. But we’ve been for a few brief visits before, including a day trip during our Austrian holiday in 1989 – so any particurly grainy photos will be from that holiday!

So what do you think of, when you think of Venice? There’s only one thing!

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Yep, gondolas on the Grand Canal. Plus the extravagantly costumed gondoliers, of course

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Apparently they don’t like it if you sing Just One Cornetto to them, as my uncle once found out.

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The extraordinary thing about Venice is that, when you visit it for the first time, it is EXACTLY as you had imagined it would be. That Canaletto guy nailed it absolutely.

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From the grand, beautiful sights to the grotty corners, it still manages to look picturesque.

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Of course, the bridges are also a very important aspect to the Venice waterscape

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As are the boats

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Water taxis

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rowboats

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and the boats that wait to collect you from your hotel

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Beautiful by day

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Stunning by night

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Glorious churches

like the San Marco

San Nicolo dei Mendicoli

And the extraordinary ceiling of the Doge’s Palace

But as always in a place like this, it’s the magic of those unexpected moments…

Thanks for accompanying me on this trip around Venice. Next blog will probably (but maybe not…) be another bunch of theatrical memories from October 1980 to July 1981. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Israel – Jerusalem – March 2016

Posted on July 3, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

I is also for Israel, and we had a couple of days there during our Mediterranean cruise in 2016. We took the ship’s day excursion to Jerusalem, somewhere I had always wanted to go. Incredibly busy, incredibly beautiful, incredibly tense. The day included probably the unhappiest tourist-rip-off moment I’ve ever experienced, but it also included moments of sheer joy.

So what do you think of, when you think of Jerusalem? Maybe this man:

This picture is just one of many beautiful and emotion-filled works of art in the Church of All Nations that stands on the Mount of Olives beside the Garden of Gethsemane. Here’s more of the Church:

But my favourite place in the whole of Jerusalem is the neighbouring Garden of Gethsemane. Extraordinary to think that it still exists so beautifully to this day.

Did Jesus sit beneath this olive tree?

Standing out in the whole of the Jerusalem cityscape is the incredible Dome of the Rock

But Jerusalem has its fair share of other stunning buildings. This is the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene.

Perhaps the most famous sight in Jerusalem is the Wailing Wall. It’s split into two portions; one large area for the men to pray and one tiny one for the women.

The old walls are remarkable

But the most important place is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Which was one of the least friendly churches I’ve ever been in!

But the light shining in is amazing

It’s fascinating – although crowded – to walk down the via Dolorosa, which is believed to be the path Jesus took to his crucifixion.

Here are some of the stations of the Cross

The layout of the Jewish Cemetery at the Mount of Olives is fascinating

There are, of course, modern sights, but you don’t really get to see them in a day trip. This is when our coach drove past the Knesset.

As in all cities, life is lived on the streets

And there are always quirky views to enjoy

Although the security fence is somewhat distressing

And even the souvenir t-shirts proclaim something of a gallows humour

So, in short, Jerusalem is beautiful but stressful. We also went to Tel Aviv which is the complete opposite – ugly and relaxed. I guess you can’t have both!

Thanks for joining me on this little jaunt around Jerusalem. Next blog will be back to the old theatre trips, and some shows I saw between August and October 1980. Stay safe!

Lockdown Armchair Travel – Ireland – Dublin – June 2019

Posted on July 1, 2020 by therealchrisparkle

It was just a year ago that our British Isles cruise set sail to seven exciting ports and Dublin was one of them. Having only visited Ireland twice before, and not for many years, it was high time we had a lovely day in the Irish capital. Unfortunately we had to dodge the raindrops all day!

So when you think of Dublin, what do you think of?

Other drinks are available of course, but for whatever reason, Guinness always tastes better in Ireland. Maybe Dublin brings to mind this chap? (The one on the left)

Art is well represented

This was my favourite picture during our brief trundle around – Caravaggio’s Taking of Christ

The heavens opened and we took shelter in here – only to discover it was the Parliament Building. They were kind enough to let us in, but were even happier when we left. I offered to sign the vistors book – the offer was refused.

I can only assume that Molly Malone’s breasts are part of a good luck ritual.

In the world of Dance, Dublin is responsible for a very important modern classic

which just so happened to be playing at the Gaiety whilst we were there (but not on that day)

Meanwhile the city is full of hustle and bustle, like all cities

with attractive modern shopping and dining areas

whilst retaining a charming elegance

and lovely green spaces

Possibly the most fascinating place we visited was the Masonic Hall – opened up for individual visitors, full of history and very beautiful.

There was only one person in Dublin whose fashion sense was more outrageous than this character:

And that’s this character:

Thanks for joining me on this little jaunt around Dublin. Next blog will be back to the old theatre trips and some more shows in July and August 1980. Stay safe!

The Real Chrisparkle

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