Our Major Trip Highlights

For me especially, highlights have been large and small. it was the conversations with taxi drivers, or a view from a hotel window, a glimpse of scenery, details on a building, a flower box or help from a stranger.

But this aims to recall the major ones that will remain with us for a long time. They are roughly in chronological order rather than being ranked any other way.

1. BERLIN'S MEMORIAL STONES, WITH HOLOCAUST MUSEUM UNDERNEATH.

This memorial covers a whole city block and the stones vary in height. Viewed from above they form an amazing ripple effect. Sobering, as was our trip to Dachau Concentration Camp. What amazed us to learn is the camp formed only a small section of a much larger facility. Any Nazi officer of high rank would have passed through the training facility at one stage. It is very complex how Germany acknowledges its actions during the Nazi Era, which we found fascinating.

2. SALZBURG SOUND OF MUSIC TOUR.

It was bizarrely wonderful, to be driving through spectacular Austrian countryside, belting out the words of "Sound of Music" songs with a bus load of tourists. The tour included the bob sled ride down the mountainside as well.

3. LOUVRE TREASURES

Just exhilarating to see 'Mona Lisa' again, plus find the original of my print of the self portrait, with
daughter, by Elizabeth-Louise Vigee-le Brun.

4. FLORAL HOLLAND MARKET AT AALSMEER
Just the sheer vastness of his business enterprise, selling flowers and plants in enormous auction rooms, then the efficiency with which stock is shipped out. So very impressive.

5. EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

Even though we went the only night it rained, and we sat in the open, the precipitation did not persist all through the performance. We are still talking about the Norwegian precision marching troupe and the Swiss drumming corp.

6. DUBLIN 60TH BIRTHDAY DINNER

Our slap-up meal for Woodsie's birthday at L'Ecrivain restaurant was a real highlight. We were in our Tuesday best, the food and service were impeccable. Easy to understand their Michelin rating.




7. CASTLE SOLIS LOUGH ESK NEAR DONEGAL.

What a luxurious place to stay! Our room was enormous. We sat by this fire after dinner and talked to two Irish couples. Google the castle to see for yourself.


8. BLACK CAB TOUR IN BELFAST

Despite our hotel in Belfast having the dubious reputation of being the most bombed hotel in Western Europe, our stay passed without incident. But a week later, trouble broke out again. Thanks to Paul, our cab driver/tour guide, we gained an insight into the long running disputes between the Orange and the Green.

9. ROMAN BATHS IN BATH

This restored complex shows the amazing engineering and building skills of the Romans. A very interesting place. The fact it was pouring rain in a city called Bath was weirdly appropriate.

10. MALMESBURY VISIT

We opted to spend time in this village as friends Sue and Andy Davison both had lived there. Through them we met their friends Phil Ashby and family, plus 'Barney' and Sue Barnes. Andy's sister Louise spent a day with us, which included touring 'Downton Abbey' - Highclere Castle.




Our Malmesbury stay happily coincided with the annual Carnival and the Saturday night street parade was an absolute highlight, village frivolity at its finest.




11. STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY ANCIENT SITES

How on earth did these people millennia ago manage to cut, transport and place these stones with such precision?





12. TOWER OF LONDON.

A fascinating site of many buildings, walls, towers, defence structures, open spaces and chock full of history. Another example of the impact of William the Conqueror (Battle of Hastings in 1066) as he began construction as a fort to be safe from his own citizens, given he had invaded, killed their King and claimed the English throne.







13. WINSTON CHURCHILL MUSEUM AND WAR ROOMS.

An excellent recommendation from Jess Crouch. Many of the War Rooms were locked and left largely intact. Others have been faithfully recreated from extensive archive photographs. The mannequins were so life-like; best I have ever seen in such a display. The museum dedicated to Churchill himself is as thorough, entertaining and informative as anyone could hope to experience.

14. WEST END PLAY - 'WAR HORSE'.

Splendid theatre and a fitting way to spend our last night in London.





I will no doubt think of others, but these are some major ones that went toward making our trip the incredible experience it was.

Next time I may gather some of my favourite photos together. The discussion had been on what sort of camera to take. We finally opted to borrow Delanie's "point-and-shoot" one. We managed to bust the battery/memory stick flap so had to buy her a new one.

Next trip I aim to decide on my camera six months in advance ... then practice until I master it.