List of posts

  • The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

    The Mezquita-Catedral is quite spectacular a literal and figurative clash of cultures. A serene open mosque, sunlight streaming in from all 4 sides, was raped architecturally when invading and conquering Christians, constructed not one but two cathedrals inside the open plan mosque, bricking up the huge open gates from the adjacent garden. It is still

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  • Córdoba

    After a bus and Very Fast Train from Granada, we arrived at Cordoba. Here are s few photos in the early morning, whilst the typical local is till fast asleep, having probably gone to bed around 2am

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  • The Alhambra.

    A steamy hot day and 5 hours exploring the Alhambra

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  • A world record – biggest double reed orchestra

    Quite one of the most memorable and joyful events, to the point of tears, the penultimate concert of the massed double reeds: oboes, cor anglais and bassoons of all ranges. Being held in Granada, the encore was entirely predictable and appropriate. It started at 11pm! Yes that is the correct time

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  • Granada

    An early morning walk around the old town.

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  • Granada

    A full days travel, about 4 hours in the air and 8 hours in depressing airports. But I can still pass the time watching the gravity defying planes take off and land. Tired and sweaty I caught a taxi to eat with Jonathan, Caryl and 2 other double reed protagonists. Here are a few pics

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  • An Overcast Vienna

    I had forgotten how green is Vienna with cycle paths like this

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  • Doubling Down in Dubai

    The B777-300ER ( for Extended Range) was brand spanking new. I decided it was an absolute necessity to take my favourite sweat stained and somewhat smelly feather down pillow in the interests of maximising the chance of several hours sleep. It is so soft although sadly not so fluffy since 3 hours in the washing

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  • A Grumpy Old Grammarian

    Oh, why can’t the English learn to Set a good example to people whose English is painful to your ears? The Scotch and the Irish leave you close to tears. There even are places where English completely disappears…. Well, in America, they haven’t used it for years!   Reaching Out With the rise in online

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  • Dresden – in transit.

    The train from Wroclaw to Dresden was a well appointment, clean electric train with individual seating and large panoramic windows, not unlike the modern metro trains in Australia. Again it was relatively empty on departure but progressively filled, especially once we crossed into Germany. At the border station, the driver and conductors all changed from

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