tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/Postcards from Europe Full albums at: http://picasaweb.google.com/nmanerikarMokoFeed2009-11-11T11:52:29+01:00tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-20:/2009/09/20/day-9-madrid-7027294/nmanerikar2009-09-20T23:39:59+02:002009-09-27T20:35:27+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>Late morning at the Parque de El Retiro:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid20sepa/3929348" title="madrid20SepA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/348/3929348_9066db0378_m.jpeg" alt="madrid20SepA"></a></p> <p>At the lake in the park:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid20sepb/3929349" title="madrid20SepB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/349/3929349_099e1705af_m.jpeg" alt="madrid20SepB"></a></p> <p>An afternoon in the flea markets. They are mind-bogglingly huge and crowded. The flea market covers an entire district of Madrid. And it was packed with people:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid20sepc/3929350" title="madrid20SepC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/350/3929350_1a77394c6e_m.jpeg" alt="madrid20SepC"></a></p> <p>A final few moments in Puerta del Sol - the centre of Madrid, and the centre of Spain. Not so sunny in Spain after all:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid20sepd/3929351" title="madrid20SepD"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/351/3929351_6e94a7e9d7_m.jpeg" alt="madrid20SepD"></a></p> <p>---</p> <p>Thus ends my holiday in Spain and Andorra. I'm back home in London, wishing I was back in the hostels, on the road and with the nice people I met on the way! This trip was as much about people as places. A big thank you to all my fellow travellers for your company!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/20/day-9-madrid-7027294/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-19:/2009/09/19/day-8-madrid-7027189/nmanerikar2009-09-19T23:59:59+02:002009-09-23T20:38:02+02:00 <p>Woke up to a nice and sunny day in Madrid. Found great company to explore the city.</p> <p>This is the Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid19sepa/3929322" title="madrid19SepA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/322/3929322_39ccaf507b_m.jpeg" alt="madrid19SepA"></a></p> <p>A view of Calle Preciados, one of the major shopping areas near Puerta del Sol:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid19sepb/3929323" title="madrid19SepB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/323/3929323_1c043a9b01_m.jpeg" alt="madrid19SepB"></a></p> <p>It turns out that tonight was the festival called La Noche En Blanco, a big all-night street party with music, food, dance and open museums. I had met Sian, who knew Daniel who knew people from Madrid. We all got together in the evening, and roamed around Madrid until the wee hours of the morning. Was a fantastic experience, I've never seen a city so alive before. Here's the gang:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/madrid19sepc/3929324" title="madrid19SepC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/324/3929324_22494f2d99_m.jpeg" alt="madrid19SepC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/19/day-8-madrid-7027189/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-18:/2009/09/18/day-7-barcelona-madrid-6993618/nmanerikar2009-09-18T23:34:12+02:002009-09-23T20:23:36+02:00 <p>Today was a day of memories, not pictures <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Adios Barcelona, adios Mambo Tango! Thank you for making my holiday special:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca18sep/3929281" title="barca18Sep"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/281/3929281_63a271eadc_m.jpeg" alt="barca18Sep"></a></p> <p>I'm now in Madrid. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/18/day-7-barcelona-madrid-6993618/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-17:/2009/09/17/day-6-barcelona-6993601/nmanerikar2009-09-17T23:20:23+02:002009-09-18T23:36:35+02:00 <p>Spent another amazing day in Barcelona. Was back at the beach in the morning, and at the Park Guell in the afternoon and evening.</p> <p>Barcelona from one of the vantage points in Park Guell:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca17sepa/3911063" title="barca17SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/063/3911063_f58498cb83_m.jpeg" alt="barca17SepA"></a></p> <p>At the park, there is a small stone mound at the highest point. Here, a guy played guitar and sang - it was absolutely delightful, and funny when a few drunk guys joined in with the song and dance. In the background, on the hill, is the church at Tibidabo and the tower near it:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca17sepb/3911064" title="barca17SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/064/3911064_5d8f738977_m.jpeg" alt="barca17SepB"></a></p> <p>At night, we went to Placa Espanya - for the "magic" fountains. A friend poses at the fountains:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca17sepc/3911065" title="barca17SepC"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/065/3911065_ed19fac590_m.jpeg" alt="barca17SepC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/17/day-6-barcelona-6993601/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-16:/2009/09/16/day-5-barcelona-6978795/nmanerikar2009-09-16T20:04:07+02:002009-09-16T20:04:07+02:00 <p>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 sunny day; the mediterranean sea was a lovely blue.</p> <p>Along the sea front:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca16sepa/3903923" title="barca16SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/923/3903923_0679149845_m.jpeg" alt="barca16SepA"></a></p> <p>At the castle (if this is your picture, drop me a line and I'll email you a high resolution version):</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca16sepb/3903924" title="barca16SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/924/3903924_00a45860ae_m.jpeg" alt="barca16SepB"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/16/day-5-barcelona-6978795/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-15:/2009/09/15/day-4-montserrat-6971869/nmanerikar2009-09-15T20:41:31+02:002009-09-15T20:41:31+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>A view of the main cluster of buildings in Montserrat. There is a cathedral in there somewhere I think:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/montserrat15sepa/3900265" title="montserrat15SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/265/3900265_1d25ab195d_m.jpeg" alt="montserrat15SepA"></a></p> <p>Montserrat is up on a mountain, and offers stunning trekking opportunities. This is the view from Sant Jeroni, at about 1236 metres:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/montserrat15sepb/3900266" title="montserrat15SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/266/3900266_20bc5f08fd_m.jpeg" alt="montserrat15SepB"></a></p> <p>Somebody had a lot of fun at Montserrat:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/montserrat15sepc/3900267" title="montserrat15SepC"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/267/3900267_5dc39a0af2_m.jpeg" alt="montserrat15SepC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/15/day-4-montserrat-6971869/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-14:/2009/09/14/day-3-andorra-6963768/nmanerikar2009-09-14T21:10:07+02:002009-09-14T21:10:07+02:00 <p>Had the most amazing time today. Went trekking into the Andorran Pyrenees (how I've wanted to say that!). </p> <p>Started off along the Prat Primer path - this is the refugio Primer (with two German friends from Frankfurt):</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra14sepa/3896325" title="andorra14SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/325/3896325_f87fe4d9b9_m.jpeg" alt="andorra14SepA"></a></p> <p>Continued onwards to the Prat Primer pass, which is at 2,493 metres. This pass offers astounding 360 degree views over two valleys, the one I'd just left and the one which opens out on the other side.</p> <p>Mountains, clouds and... four jeeps at the top!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra14sepb/3896326" title="andorra14SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/326/3896326_74decddd08_m.jpeg" alt="andorra14SepB"></a></p> <p>View of the valley on the other side of the Prat Primer pass, with the refugio Claror in the centre:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra14sepc/3896327" title="andorra14SepC"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/327/3896327_8d8d12b5d7_m.jpeg" alt="andorra14SepC"></a></p> <p>At refugio Claror, I met two hunters (this is "hunting week" in Andorra) and two wardens. We sat and chatted in broken English, Spanish, Catalan and Italian. At the end I had still not figured out what they were actually hunting. I did gather, however, that a storm was heading across the valley from the other side of the mountains, and that it was not a good idea to get caught in it! So I bid goodbye to these gentlemen, and turned back. The first few ominous clouds from the storm peek over the peaks:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra14sepd/3896328" title="andorra14SepD"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/328/3896328_4c0e6e9fa6_m.jpeg" alt="andorra14SepD"></a></p> <p>Couldn't resist putting up this picture: I sit at a cairn exactly on top of the pass; far right are the signs pointing to the two valleys in the opposite directions:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra14sepe/3896330" title="andorra14SepE"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/330/3896330_0e465971ee_m.jpeg" alt="andorra14SepE"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/14/day-3-andorra-6963768/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-13:/2009/09/13/day-2-andorra-6963630/nmanerikar2009-09-13T21:36:48+02:002009-09-14T20:50:11+02:00 <p>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 journey from Barcelona through remote Spanish villages.</p> <p>Some images of the capital city:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra13sepa/3896244" title="andorra13SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/244/3896244_80b59d5438_m.jpeg" alt="andorra13SepA"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra13sepc/3896246" title="andorra13SepC"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/246/3896246_2fecd3a491_m.jpeg" alt="andorra13SepC"></a></p> <p>The hostel where I am staying, Alberg la Comella: it is away from the city, up in the mountains, and right next to where all the trekking paths start from. Had a brief jaunt around today, but tomorrow will be the big one!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/andorra13sepb/3896245" title="andorra13SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/245/3896245_93a38b2ffe_m.jpeg" alt="andorra13SepB"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/day-2-andorra-6963630/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-12:/2009/09/12/hola-espana-6963510/nmanerikar2009-09-12T22:55:30+02:002009-09-14T20:31:12+02:00 <p>My summer holiday is here! I'm in Spain, and I'll be going around for nine days. Exciting times!</p> <p>I start off in Barcelona today. Feels scorching hot here after London. After walking around for a while along the crowded and noisy la Rambla, I decided to head for quieter parts. Went to Tibidabo.</p> <p>Barcelona from the top of the cathedral at Tibidabo:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca12sepa/3896116" title="barca12SepA"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/116/3896116_a22f5994f4_m.jpeg" alt="barca12SepA"></a></p> <p>At night, I went on a walk to the castle with people from the hostel. Barcelona at night:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca12sepc/3896118" title="barca12SepC"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/118/3896118_16369333d6_m.jpeg" alt="barca12SepC"></a></p> <p>Three English girls reflect upon the Barcelona port at night:<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/barca12sepb/3896117" title="barca12SepB"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/117/3896117_48fd2f4b41_m.jpeg" alt="barca12SepB"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/12/hola-espana-6963510/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-06:/2009/09/06/scottish-highlands-7051031/nmanerikar2009-09-06T23:19:37+02:002009-09-30T20:01:02+02:00 <p>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 the castle was still not open to tourists:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland06sepa/3942610" title="scotland06SepA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/610/3942610_68427cfa4c_m.jpeg" alt="scotland06SepA"></a></p> <p>We went for a boat ride on Loch Ness after breakfast. It is not the largest lake in Scotland by surface area, but due to its great depth, it is by far the largest in terms of volume of water. Loch Ness has more water than all fresh water sources in England and Wales combined. Loch Ness looked dark and sinister this morning:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland06sepc/3942612" title="scotland06SepC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/612/3942612_3b582fc7d0_m.jpeg" alt="scotland06SepC"></a></p> <p>The locks at Fort Augustus:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland06sepb/3942611" title="scotland06SepB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/611/3942611_ec278b93d2_m.jpeg" alt="scotland06SepB"></a></p> <p>The Falls of Dockhart at Killin:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland06sepd/3942613" title="scotland06SepD"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/613/3942613_8402fa5ed7_m.jpeg" alt="scotland06SepD"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/06/scottish-highlands-7051031/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-09-05:/2009/09/05/scottish-highlands-7050981/nmanerikar2009-09-05T23:15:03+02:002009-09-27T20:18:56+02:00 <p>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:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland05sepa/3942583" title="scotland05SepA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/583/3942583_0d042e90af_m.jpeg" alt="scotland05SepA"></a></p> <p>The stop for the night is in Drumnadrochit, and en route we take a halt along Loch Ness, where we see a pretty rainbow:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/scotland05sepb/3942584" title="scotland05SepB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/584/3942584_a7d757e5b5_m.jpeg" alt="scotland05SepB"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/09/05/scottish-highlands-7050981/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-31:/2009/08/31/uppsala-7050641/nmanerikar2009-08-31T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T19:27:26+02:00 <p>Uppsala is a town near Stockholm, famous for its university and cathedral.</p> <p>A quiet morning along the Fyrisan:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/uppsala31auga/3942336" title="uppsala31AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/336/3942336_9bbb01c3e7_m.jpeg" alt="uppsala31AugA"></a></p> <p>The castle (palace?) from the botanical garden:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/uppsala31augb/3942337" title="uppsala31AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/337/3942337_75f713046e_m.jpeg" alt="uppsala31AugB"></a></p> <p>The botanical garden:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/uppsala31augc/3942338" title="uppsala31AugC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/338/3942338_557c44e0a1_m.jpeg" alt="uppsala31AugC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/31/uppsala-7050641/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-30:/2009/08/30/stockholm-7050595/nmanerikar2009-08-30T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T19:20:34+02:00 <p>Today, my second day in Stockholm had a similar theme as yesterday - water and cityscape:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm30auga/3942320" title="stockholm30AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/320/3942320_eeb21bb618_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm30AugA"></a></p> <p>At the waterfront in Riddar Holmen:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm30augb/3942321" title="stockholm30AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/321/3942321_cc2a2f9a45_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm30AugB"></a></p> <p>Views of the old city from Sodermalm:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm30augc/3942322" title="stockholm30AugC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/322/3942322_a4e6cc30df_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm30AugC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/30/stockholm-7050595/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-29:/2009/08/29/stockholm-7050557/nmanerikar2009-08-29T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T19:13:38+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>Along the water front, looking out towards the old city:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm29auga/3942281" title="stockholm29AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/281/3942281_1b114d3b6e_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm29AugA"></a></p> <p>A view of Strandvagen from Djurgardsbron:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm29augb/3942283" title="stockholm29AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/283/3942283_60db4f148f_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm29AugB"></a></p> <p>And in the evening. Spot the balloon:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/stockholm29augc/3942284" title="stockholm29AugC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/284/3942284_6d642412bd_m.jpeg" alt="stockholm29AugC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/29/stockholm-7050557/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-09:/2009/08/09/paris-7048323/nmanerikar2009-08-09T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T12:04:46+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>The Avenue des Champs-Élysées from the Place de la Concorde, with the Arc de Triomphe at the end:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/paris09auga/3940567" title="paris09AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/567/3940567_23bdd19ab5_m.jpeg" alt="paris09AugA"></a></p> <p>At the Sacre Cour in the evening. There was a group of people playing instruments and singing on the steps, and the big crowd sang along. Particularly touching was a performance of Lennon's "Imagine", when everybody joined in - young people from all round the world gathered round outside a Basilica, singing this song! There is a lot of hope for this world. Here it is:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/paris09augb/3940568" title="paris09AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/568/3940568_b735b458e9_m.jpeg" alt="paris09AugB"></a></p> <blockquote><p>Imagine there's no countries<br> It isn't hard to do<br> Nothing to kill or die for<br> And no religion too<br> Imagine all the people<br> Living life in peace </p></blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/paris09augc/3940570" title="paris09AugC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/570/3940570_5325fe081d_m.jpeg" alt="paris09AugC"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/09/paris-7048323/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-08:/2009/08/08/luxembourg-around-the-country-7048239/nmanerikar2009-08-08T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T11:48:25+02:00 <p>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, having charted out a general course.</p> <p>First stop: Vianden, in the Ardennes region of Luxembourg. It is very close to the German border. Pretty town, with a well-preserved castle. Presenting Vianden:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg08auga/3940530" title="luxembourg08AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/530/3940530_6e4e316f23_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg08AugA"></a></p> <p>As luck would have it, today was festival time in Vianden, and there were lots of fun events in the castle, and a big market in the town. Later I took the chair lift into the mountains, and got down for spectacular views of the town, the castle and the entire valley:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg08augb/3940531" title="luxembourg08AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/531/3940531_f1014d9649_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg08AugB"></a></p> <p>Next stop on the tour was Diekirch, another quaint little town, with little delights hidden in the streets. Diekirch is also famous for the brewery that produces the Diekirch Beer. Here's a little sculpture outside the Diekirch railway station:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg08augc/3940532" title="luxembourg08AugC"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/532/3940532_1d57200537_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg08AugC"></a></p> <p>From Diekirch, I took a bus to Larochette which lies in the Le Mullerthal region of Luxembourg. They refer to it as the "Little Switzerland" of Luxembourg. Larochette has interesting castle ruins, and peculiar rock formations all around. A part of the castle, with a modern sculpture:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg08augd/3940533" title="luxembourg08AugD"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/533/3940533_39e3fc811e_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg08AugD"></a></p> <p>After Larochette, I made a final stop in Mersch, where I failed to find anything interesting. But this was probably a consequence of not having too much time to explore before I had to catch the last bus back to Luxembourg.</p> <p>---</p> <p>I fell in love with Luxembourg! It is a perfect getaway for me - mountains, castles, forests, all hidden away off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered. I wish I didn't have to go back to Paris tomorrow!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/08/luxembourg-around-the-country-7048239/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-08-07:/2009/08/07/luxembourg-luxembourg-7048073/nmanerikar2009-08-07T23:59:59+02:002009-09-27T11:22:30+02:00 <p>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. </p> <p>Took the Eurostar from London to Paris early today morning. Was my first time, and I mostly slept on the train. From Paris, I took a train to Luxembourg. Spent the day walking around the capital. Quite a treat! It is quite up and down, with loads of old buildings and a large portion of the city walls still intact.</p> <p>A view of parts of the city from the bridge near the Casemates du Bock:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg07auga/3940489" title="luxembourg07AugA"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/489/3940489_3f5f4ae2da_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg07AugA"></a></p> <p>View from the other side:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/luxembourg07augb/3940490" title="luxembourg07AugB"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/490/3940490_fddb5196bc_m.jpeg" alt="luxembourg07AugB"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/08/07/luxembourg-luxembourg-7048073/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-07-26:/2009/07/26/southsea-and-portsmouth-6632149/nmanerikar2009-07-26T20:03:03+02:002009-08-01T20:06:36+02:00 <p>Back from the Isle of Wight, we explored Southsea and Portsmouth today. Was a rainy, windy day with dark menacing clouds.</p> <p>On the sea at Southsea:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/26jul2009_southsea/3743041" title="26Jul2009 Southsea"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/041/3743041_0a9442b5a3_m.jpeg" alt="26Jul2009 Southsea"></a></p> <p>Portsmouth harbour and the Spinnaker Tower:</p> <p class="center"><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/26jul2009_portsmouth/3743040" title="26Jul2009 Portsmouth"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/040/3743040_27aa49f3e8_m.jpeg" alt="26Jul2009 Portsmouth"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/07/26/southsea-and-portsmouth-6632149/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-07-25:/2009/07/25/isle-of-wight-6632127/nmanerikar2009-07-25T19:57:42+02:002009-08-01T20:02:30+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>The Needles at Alum Bay, Isle of Wight's most famous (and justifiably so) attraction:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/25jul2009_isle_of_wight/3743032" title="25Jul2009 Isle of Wight"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/032/3743032_0741dd8298_m.jpeg" alt="25Jul2009 Isle of Wight"></a></p> <p>Sunset at Ryde. Low tide and the boys steal a game of cricket in the fading light:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/25jul2009b_isle_of_wight/3743033" title="25Jul2009b Isle of Wight"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/033/3743033_9a484d020d_m.jpeg" alt="25Jul2009b Isle of Wight"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/07/25/isle-of-wight-6632127/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-07-12:/2009/07/12/poole-corfe-castle-6536674/nmanerikar2009-07-12T23:45:10+02:002009-07-17T23:48:08+02:00 <p>The sun is out today, and the sea was shining blue in Poole:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/12jul2009_poole/3696833" title="12Jul2009 Poole"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/833/3696833_6095bd1f04_m.jpeg" alt="12Jul2009 Poole"></a></p> <p>Here is nearby Corfe Castle, or ruins thereof:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/12jul2009_corfe/3696835" title="12Jul2009 Corfe"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/835/3696835_c0501e6df0_m.jpeg" alt="12Jul2009 Corfe"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/07/12/poole-corfe-castle-6536674/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-07-11:/2009/07/11/bournemouth-6536667/nmanerikar2009-07-11T23:42:23+02:002009-07-17T23:44:45+02:00 <p>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 the most of the beach on a Saturday.</p> <p>The pier at Bournemouth:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/11jul2009_bournemouth/3696827" title="11Jul2009 Bournemouth"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/827/3696827_8060a3b6c0_m.jpeg" alt="11Jul2009 Bournemouth"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/07/11/bournemouth-6536667/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-06-28:/2009/06/28/dover-6536653/nmanerikar2009-06-28T23:39:02+02:002009-07-17T23:41:27+02:00 <p>Sunday in Dover. Two main things to see - Dover castle and the White Cliffs.</p> <p>Part of the castle:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/28june2009_dover/3696818" title="28June2009 Dover"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/818/3696818_f9d38bea01_m.jpeg" alt="28June2009 Dover"></a></p> <p>Along the White Cliffs:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/28june2009b_dover/3696819" title="28June2009b Dover"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/819/3696819_aecb2b1b6d_m.jpeg" alt="28June2009b Dover"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/06/28/dover-6536653/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-06-27:/2009/06/27/canterbury-6536639/nmanerikar2009-06-27T23:34:46+02:002009-07-17T23:38:42+02:00 <p>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 of which I wasn't allowed into the ground <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Thankfully, there's a lot more to see in Canterbury. Here's the huge cathedral. It is mindbogglingly huge:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/27june2009_canterbury/3696802" title="27June2009 Canterbury"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/802/3696802_2f58371245_m.jpeg" alt="27June2009 Canterbury"></a></p> <p>Another pretty part of Canterbury:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/27june2009b_canterbury/3696806" title="27June2009b Canterbury"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/806/3696806_264cdec4a9_m.jpeg" alt="27June2009b Canterbury"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/06/27/canterbury-6536639/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-06-20:/2009/06/20/stonehenge-summer-solstice-6536618/nmanerikar2009-06-20T23:30:30+02:002009-07-17T23:33:29+02:00 <p>Went to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice 2009. Was an absolute riot - apparently over thirty thousand turned up. Sunset of 20th June:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/20june2009_stonehenge/3696790" title="20June2009 Stonehenge"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/790/3696790_e087b411f8_m.jpeg" alt="20June2009 Stonehenge"></a></p> <p>Sadly, it was too cloudy in the morning to see the sun rise. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/06/20/stonehenge-summer-solstice-6536618/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-06-07:/2009/06/07/the-oval-london-6536593/nmanerikar2009-06-07T23:24:17+02:002009-07-17T23:28:05+02:00 <p>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 Scotland bravely as they got thrashed by South Africa; then watched England overcome Pakistan. This was the ICC T20 World Cup.</p> <p>Dark clouds gather over The Oval:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/07june2009_the_oval/3696785" title="07June2009 The Oval"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/785/3696785_1efdc2b816_m.jpeg" alt="07June2009 The Oval"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/06/07/the-oval-london-6536593/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-05-25:/2009/05/25/roslin-6536577/nmanerikar2009-05-25T23:20:16+02:002009-07-17T23:22:40+02:00 <p>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 picture of the castle ruins:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/25may2009_roslin/3696780" title="25May2009 Roslin"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/780/3696780_1996e8fff4_m.jpeg" alt="25May2009 Roslin"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/05/25/roslin-6536577/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-05-24:/2009/05/24/edinburgh-linlithgow-falkirk-6536557/nmanerikar2009-05-24T23:10:33+02:002009-07-17T23:18:04+02:00 <p>More bliss: night out around town with friends, followed by the customary stagger up Arthur's seat at four in the morning. Lovely lovely.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/24may2009_edinburgh/3696764" title="24May2009 Edinburgh"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/764/3696764_19d7c49ee6_m.jpeg" alt="24May2009 Edinburgh"></a></p> <p>After about two hours of sleep, I'm off again - to Linlithgow on a train with my bicycle. Linlithgow Palace - from the other side of the loch:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/24may2009_linlithgow/3696765" title="24May2009 Linlithgow"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/765/3696765_34ffa61a30_m.jpeg" alt="24May2009 Linlithgow"></a></p> <p>Then a bicycle ride all along the canal took me to the Falkirk wheel. Was just in time to see it spin round for the last few times before it shut down for the day:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/24may2009_falkirk/3696766" title="24May2009 Falkirk"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/766/3696766_478dc66207_m.jpeg" alt="24May2009 Falkirk"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/05/24/edinburgh-linlithgow-falkirk-6536557/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-05-23:/2009/05/23/edinburgh-day-6536530/nmanerikar2009-05-23T23:02:04+02:002009-07-17T23:09:13+02:00 <p>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.</p> <p>Went up the Scott Monument - highly recommended. The winding spiral staircase is one of the narrowest I have been up. The views from the top are, unsurprisingly, breathtaking. It is Edinburgh after all <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>The Crags, Arthur's Seat, North Bridge, Edinburgh Waverly amongst others:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/23may2009_edinburgh/3696754" title="23May2009 Edinburgh"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/754/3696754_6006202557_m.jpeg" alt="23May2009 Edinburgh"></a></p> <p>The Castle, the Mound and the National Galleries of Scotland:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/23may2009b_edinburgh/3696755" title="23May2009b Edinburgh"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/755/3696755_d76bd76625_m.jpeg" alt="23May2009b Edinburgh"></a></p> <p>Can any place be prettier?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/05/23/edinburgh-day-6536530/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-05-04:/2009/05/04/sandefjord-6535915/nmanerikar2009-05-04T20:51:40+02:002009-07-17T20:52:27+02:00 <p>A flying visit to Sandefjord, courtesy of Ryanair.</p> <p>The (unfortunate) whaling monument in Sandefjord:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/04may2009_sandefjord/3696346" title="04May2009 Sandefjord"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/346/3696346_657fb071d7_m.jpeg" alt="04May2009 Sandefjord"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/05/04/sandefjord-6535915/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk,2009-05-03:/2009/05/03/oslo-day-6535903/nmanerikar2009-05-03T20:41:12+02:002009-07-17T20:48:55+02:00 <p>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. </p> <p>There was still snow up there in the mountains:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/03may2009a_oslo/3696343" title="03May2009a Oslo"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/343/3696343_d10f4adca0_m.jpeg" alt="03May2009a Oslo"></a></p> <p>Sognsvann - a very picturesque lake:</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/03may2009_oslo/3696344" title="03May2009 Oslo"><img src="http://data5.blog.de/media/344/3696344_1dbfc475e0_m.jpeg" alt="03May2009 Oslo"></a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://ndmpostcards.blog.co.uk/2009/05/03/oslo-day-6535903/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>