Recent posts - Postcards

Day 9: Madrid From nmanerikar in Postcards (62 days old)

Today was the last day of my trip. Never the happiest of times, but I was determined to make the most of the day before my return flight at night. Late morning at the Parque de El Retiro: … more

Day 8: Madrid From nmanerikar in Postcards (63 days old)

Woke up to a nice and sunny day in Madrid. Found great company to explore the city. This is the Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple: A view of Calle Preciados, one of the major shopping … more

Day 7: Barcelona -> Madrid From nmanerikar in Postcards (64 days old)

Today was a day of memories, not pictures :) Adios Barcelona, adios Mambo Tango! Thank you for making my holiday special: I'm now in Madrid.… more

Day 6: Barcelona From nmanerikar in Postcards (65 days old)

Spent another amazing day in Barcelona. Was back at the beach in the morning, and at the Park Guell in the afternoon and evening. Barcelona from one of the vantage points in Park Guell: At… more

Day 5: Barcelona From nmanerikar in Postcards (66 days old)

Finally, a proper Spanish day in Barcelona - lots of sunshine, sand, and sea. Followed that with another trip to the castle (was there at night on the first day). It is something else completely on a … more

Day 4: Montserrat From nmanerikar in Postcards (67 days old)

Returned to Barcelona from Andorra early in the morning. But no Barcelona today, I was off into the mountains again - to Montserrat. This is about an hour and a half away from Barcelona. A view of … more

Day 3: Andorra From nmanerikar in Postcards (68 days old)

Had the most amazing time today. Went trekking into the Andorran Pyrenees (how I've wanted to say that!). Started off along the Prat Primer path - this is the refugio Primer (with two German frien… more

Day 2: Andorra From nmanerikar in Postcards (69 days old)

I've always had this fascination for Andorra ever since I saw the Tour de France on TV going through the Andorran Pyrenees. Here I am! Arrived in the capital, Andorra la Vella after a fascinating bus … more

Hola España! From nmanerikar in Postcards (70 days old)

My summer holiday is here! I'm in Spain, and I'll be going around for nine days. Exciting times! I start off in Barcelona today. Feels scorching hot here after London. After walking around for a wh… more

Scottish Highlands - 2 From nmanerikar in Postcards (76 days old)

Started the day with an early morning jog from Drumnadrochit to Urquhart Castle. Was a cloudy morning, which adds mystery and charm to the castle ruins. And it was early in the morning, which meant th… more

Scottish Highlands - 1 From nmanerikar in Postcards (77 days old)

I'm on a quick weekend jaunt to the Scottish highlands, in part to meet a friend. The tour kicks off in Dunkeld, where some British ducks queue along the river Tay for a swim: The stop for th… more

Uppsala From nmanerikar in Postcards (82 days old)

Uppsala is a town near Stockholm, famous for its university and cathedral. A quiet morning along the Fyrisan: The castle (palace?) from the botanical garden: The botanical garden:… more

Stockholm - 2 From nmanerikar in Postcards (83 days old)

Today, my second day in Stockholm had a similar theme as yesterday - water and cityscape: At the waterfront in Riddar Holmen: Views of the old city from Sodermalm: … more

Stockholm - 1 From nmanerikar in Postcards (84 days old)

This bank holiday weekend, I am in Stockholm. It is a city set on several islands on lake Malaren. It is a fascinating study in the juxtaposition of water and human construction. Along the water fr… more

Paris From nmanerikar in Postcards (104 days old)

Came back to Paris to a scorching summer day. Didn't have anything to do but walk around the city all day, reminiscing about my trip from over two years ago. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées from the … more

Luxembourg: Around the Country From nmanerikar in Postcards (105 days old)

Luxembourg is a very small country. I found out that you can get a day ticket for unlimited travel on bus and train for four Euro. This is valid throughout the country! So I set off in the morning, ha… more

Luxembourg, Luxembourg From nmanerikar in Postcards (106 days old)

I'm back with a Schengen visa, and this means more travels in Europe this Summer and beyond. I inaugurate my visa with this little three day trip to Luxembourg and Paris. Took the Eurostar from Lo… more

Southsea and Portsmouth From nmanerikar in Postcards (118 days old)

Back from the Isle of Wight, we explored Southsea and Portsmouth today. Was a rainy, windy day with dark menacing clouds. On the sea at Southsea: Portsmouth harbour and the Spinnaker Tower… more

Isle of Wight From nmanerikar in Postcards (119 days old)

Back to the south coast - Isle of Wight is the place on Saturday. Was a lucky break in the weather, and we were blessed with a gorgeous day to spend on the island. The Needles at Alum Bay, Isle of … more

Poole, Corfe Castle From nmanerikar in Postcards (132 days old)

The sun is out today, and the sea was shining blue in Poole: Here is nearby Corfe Castle, or ruins thereof: … more

Bournemouth From nmanerikar in Postcards (133 days old)

On the south coast of England once more, and I'm beginning to like Dorset very much. Was a very rainy day today in Bournemouth, not much to do. But people were out there braving it, determined to make… more

Dover From nmanerikar in Postcards (146 days old)

Sunday in Dover. Two main things to see - Dover castle and the White Cliffs. Part of the castle: Along the White Cliffs: … more

Canterbury From nmanerikar in Postcards (147 days old)

On a weekend trip to Canterbury and Dover. Am in Canterbury today, and the first thing I went to see was the Kent County Cricket ground. Unfortunately they have a stupid concert there tonight, because… more

Stonehenge - Summer Solstice 2009 From nmanerikar in Postcards (154 days old)

Went to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice 2009. Was an absolute riot - apparently over thirty thousand turned up. Sunset of 20th June: Sadly, it was too cloudy in the morning to see the sun ri… more

The Oval, London From nmanerikar in Postcards (167 days old)

Went to see my first international match at a cricket ground! After hearing on the radio yesterday that there were a few tickets available, I went to the Oval today, queued up and got one. Supported S… more

Roslin From nmanerikar in Postcards (180 days old)

Was in Roslin to see the chapel and the castle. The town is Roslin, but the chapel and castle are Rosslyn. Chapel is under repairs and renovation, and does not make for a pretty picture. Here is a pic… more

Edinburgh, Linlithgow, Falkirk From nmanerikar in Postcards (181 days old)

More bliss: night out around town with friends, followed by the customary stagger up Arthur's seat at four in the morning. Lovely lovely. After about two hours of sleep, I'm off again - to Li… more

Edinburgh: Day 1 From nmanerikar in Postcards (182 days old)

The second of the long weekends in May sees me back in beloved Scotland. Tried to see places I managed not to see during my year and half in Edinburgh. Went up the Scott Monument - highly recommend… more

Sandefjord From nmanerikar in Postcards (201 days old)

A flying visit to Sandefjord, courtesy of Ryanair. The (unfortunate) whaling monument in Sandefjord: … more

Oslo: Day 2 From nmanerikar in Postcards (202 days old)

Day two; time to get out of the city and walk around in the mountains. It is amazing how easy it is to get out into the wild from Oslo. There was still snow up there in the mountains: Sog… more