Two cities, both on their lakes, with a very different feeling to each place. Zurich is a bustling city with a slick banking feel to it, and spare Protestant churches with thought-provoking stained glass windows; Lucerne is an incredibly pretty city on a lake with medieval houses and towers, and a gorgeous Jesuit cathedral. I … Continue reading Two cities by the lake →

With a Swiss rail card, I’ve been able to travel easily on the wide spread and very efficient trains, and much more cheaply than buying individual tickets. I’ve now been through the longest train tunnel in the world. One day was spent in Lugano and on Mont San Salvatore reached by funicular. Lugano is in … Continue reading Mountains & melting glaciers →

Just a few photographs from my last, very autumnal, days in Esslingen then a train trip to Zurich. The cover photograph is a crazy sculpture hanging from the roof, viewing over Zurich main station. The day I arrived in Zurich Christine and I went to the top of a local hill, to get some views … Continue reading Last days in Germany, train to Zurich →

Some photographs from a warm, autumnal two days in Esslingen. A bit of rain the first day but then the next day perfect for walking, coffee and cake then a glass or two of German sparking. Rude not to appreciate the local speciality. Esslingen is a beautiful little town, luckily not bombed too badly in … Continue reading Autumn sunshine in Esslingen →

In some ways, Glasgow is a changing city, with new high rise buildings, modern shopping arcades and cafes of all nationalities. In other ways, there’s an ancient cathedral, a necropolis, and the University of Strathclyde has changed remarkably little. Well there are new buildings, and better facilities but the heart of the Uni, and swarms … Continue reading Changing city →

The weather has varied between rain and sun, with lots of wind, for the two days I’ve been here in Glasgow. The changing light has been amazing, yesterday as the sun went down with thunder clouds was spectacular against the buildings and the Clyde. Street art against gothic universities, great food ( for those who … Continue reading Shimmering light in Glasgow →

Three very different days in Scotland, with surprisingly good weather. Sunshine and only a few rain storms to keep the days interesting. A Rennie Mackintosh designed house, suffering from the damp so encased in its box while they work out the restoration. Graceful interiors, some original and some copies but beautifully coherent design. A Japanese … Continue reading Three days in Central Scotland →

It’s a very long time since I’ve been on the midday train to Scotland. I’m sitting here , just watching the northern suburbs of London in pale autumn sunshine, looking forward to some countryside again after a couple of lovely days out walking in the Surrey fields and gardens. A couple of lovely days, the … Continue reading The next stage →

A few photographs, of a graceful English house with beautiful gardens. Nyman House was built around 1890, by German emigré bankers, and the gardens developed over many years. Fire and devastating storms have had an impact, however the gardens have been returned to their former glory and were lovely in a sunny autumn afternoon. Much … Continue reading A very English garden →

This has been my view for the last 10 hours, in the Perth to Dubai leg of my trip to the UK and Europe. This is the first time I’ve left Australia since going to Russia for the treatment, and I had forgotten what long haul flights are like ! It’s been fine and Emirates … Continue reading A long journey →