tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22600284772125078612024-03-07T23:26:29.558-08:00Grouchy TravellerΓκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-74440591848767309102008-08-26T09:45:00.001-07:002008-08-26T09:48:51.776-07:00Notting Hill Carnival 2008 [video]Hey! It's been a long time, isn't it? Well, what can you say?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Lot's of things to show and describe to you, but for a starter, here is a video clip from the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Notting Hill Carnival</span>, the big street annual party that took place in London this long weekend in London. I hope you enjoy it.<br /></div><br /><embed src="http://blip.tv/play/AcnnS47qAA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="352" height="318"></embed>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-4556089149065285372008-05-27T04:17:00.000-07:002008-05-27T05:17:46.789-07:00Winchester<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester">Winchester</a> is a city in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampshire">Hampshire</a>, in southern England, one hour by train from Waterloo rail station of London. It is one of the most historic cities of England as it used to be tha capital of Wessex and England for some time before London.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">It is very famous mainly for two things. For its <strong>Cathedral</strong>, which is the longest Medieval Cathedral in Europe and for the <strong>King Arthur's Round Table</strong> in the Great Hall! More posts to follow about these!</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">Let's see some photos of the centre of the city.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">The Westgate is one of the first things you see coming from the rail station.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="The Winchester Westgate by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2522505630/"><img height="500" alt="The Winchester Westgate" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/2522505630_9262d95882.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br />The High Street, which after a while becomes a pedestrian road.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Winchester High Street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2520886458/"><img height="375" alt="Winchester High Street" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2143/2520886458_2e9957ef4b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Winchester High Street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2520066795/"><img height="375" alt="Winchester High Street" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/2520066795_8416e1d2c4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify">The statue of <span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">King Alfred the Great</span>, who reigned the Anglo-Saxonic kingdom of Wessex in 9th century. He is the only English King with the epithet "the Great".<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="King Alfred the Great statue by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2520916996/"><img height="500" alt="King Alfred the Great statue" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2520916996_a7cc674b5a.jpg" width="375" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="Winchester by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2520100095/"><img height="375" alt="Winchester" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/2520100095_b641e203b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"><br />The river Itchen.<br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a title="River Itchen by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2520918174/"><img height="375" alt="River Itchen" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2520918174_1e1c7023a1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify">More posts to follow about Winchester's Round Table and Winchester Cathedral.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify">Some useful links for the visitor:</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"><a href="http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/">Visitwinchester.co.uk</a> - The official tourist information website of Winchester.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"><a href="http://www.visitwinchester.co.uk/xsdbimgs/2nd%20WINCHESTER%20CITY-08.pdf">Map of Winchester</a> - From the tourist information website.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"><a href="http://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/">Winchester-cathedral.org.uk</a> - Winchester Cathedral's website with tourist information.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"><a href="http://hantsnet.gov.uk/greathall/">Hantsnet.gov.uk</a> - Hampshire County Council's webpage for the Great Hall.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" align="justify"><a href="http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains">Southwestrains.co.uk</a> - South West Trains webpage, with information about trains and ticket prices to Winchester.</div>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-31337849897293429642008-05-10T00:35:00.000-07:002008-05-10T01:11:22.271-07:00Cambridge<div style="text-align: justify;">The town of Cambridge is 80 km north-east of London, in the county of Cambridgeshire, and the trip by train from King's Cross station lasts roughly for 1 hour. Trains are quite often, 2-3 per hour and the ticket is not much, a return ticket booked the same day will cost you around ₤18-19.<br /><br />Cambridge is world-wide known for its University. Built in 1209, it now has 31 colleges and it is consistently ranked in the world's top 5 universities.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punting">Punting</a> in the river Cam is a very famous activity in Cambridge. You can hire a boat with a punter, or you can punt yourself, if you dare! The river gets quite busy so be aware of... collisions and keep your hands inside!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473657315/" title="Punting at River Cam by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/2473657315_efdd81f4c4.jpg" alt="Punting at River Cam" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474479170/" title="Punting at River Cam by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2474479170_8dab5859d5.jpg" alt="Punting at River Cam" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Bicycles are widely used by students and residents. The photo is taken in the rail station cycle parking.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473646931/" title="Bicycles by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/2473646931_c8f0079b58.jpg" alt="Bicycles" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />In the centre of the town you find the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Great St Mary church</span>...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474467948/" title="Great St Mary's by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2217/2474467948_9af7e56fec.jpg" alt="Great St Mary's" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />... and the market place just in front of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473690459/" title="Market Place by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2326/2473690459_6751be1f12.jpg" alt="Market Place" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">King's College</span> is one of the most famous colleges of Cambridge University.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473649379/" title="King's College by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2273/2473649379_042dd95131.jpg" alt="King's College" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">King's College Chapel</span> is also one of town's landmarks. You can visit both King's College and its Chapel, but it's better visiting the colleges website (<span style="font-style: italic;">see below</span>) because during some periods (eg. exam period) it's closed to tourists. The admission ticket costs around ₤5.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473654349/" title="King's College Chapel by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2473654349_a77098b589.jpg" alt="King's College Chapel" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Clare College</span> is just next to King's...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473655465/" title="Clare College by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3259/2473655465_cbc77c5c14.jpg" alt="Clare College" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />... and I strongly recommend visiting its gardens, for a ticket of just ₤2!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474481584/" title="Clare College's gardens by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2154/2474481584_e1616255b8.jpg" alt="Clare College's gardens" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473664971/" title="Clare College's gardens by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2306/2473664971_78559e0d16.jpg" alt="Clare College's gardens" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474488694/" title="Clare College's gardens by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2474488694_41cc4a5979.jpg" alt="Clare College's gardens" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2473672783/" title="Clare College's gardens by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2021/2473672783_fd1e4a7e85.jpg" alt="Clare College's gardens" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The round church of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Holy Sepulchre</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474525028/" title="Holy Sepulchre (Round Church) by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2316/2474525028_bf068f311b.jpg" alt="Holy Sepulchre (Round Church)" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Eagle Pub is also well known. It sports a so-called RAF bar, whose ceiling is full of graffiti dated back to World War II, from soldiers of RAF and USA Air Force. It is also said that it's the pub where Francis Crick and James Watson announced the discovery of the secret of life, ie the structure of DNA!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2474531710/" title="Eagle Pub ceiling by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2474531710_d95789f68c.jpg" alt="Eagle Pub ceiling" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Useful links<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.visitcambridge.org/">visitcambridge.org</a> - The official tourism website for Cambridge, UK, for information and maps.<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambridge">Cambridge in Wikipedia</a>.<br /><a href="http://www.cam.ac.uk/">cam.ac.uk</a> - The website of University of Cambridge.<br /><a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/">kings.cam.ac.uk</a> - King's College website with <a href="http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/visitors/openingTimes.html">opening times and tourist information</a>. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.stridedesign.net/shapewalks/home.aspx">Free audio walking tours</a> of Cambridge.<br /><a href="http://www.visitcambridge.org/howtogethere/map3.pdf">A city centre map</a>, from the official tourism website [pdf].Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-42060036375546890172008-05-02T13:05:00.000-07:002008-05-02T13:24:51.142-07:00Barcelona<div style="text-align: justify;">Some photos from a trip in Barcelona few months ago. Unfortunately the time again was limited, so I can only present you some of the famous landmarks of the city.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">La Rambla. A big pedestrian road where you can enjoy your walk. A part has flower shops, another one bird and pet shops, lots of street artists and animateurs.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433820560/" title="La Rambla by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2433820560_225f857f6e.jpg" alt="La Rambla" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433015995/" title="La Rambla by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2433015995_045bc21d67.jpg" alt="La Rambla" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />La Placa de Catalunya (Catalonia square).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433001555/" title="Placa de Catalunya by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2433001555_e31a329960.jpg" alt="Placa de Catalunya" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433817192/" title="Placa de Catalunya by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/2433817192_fe4366f83e.jpg" alt="Placa de Catalunya" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The statue of Christopher Columbus.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433825904/" title="Columbus statue by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/2433825904_90f1882f39.jpg" alt="Columbus statue" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433006087/" title="Columbus statue by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2433006087_b8a17c9c30.jpg" alt="Columbus statue" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433011243/" title="Barcelona sunset by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2019/2433011243_9a8de20213.jpg" alt="Barcelona sunset" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Two famous buildings of Barcelona, designed by the well-known Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi, Casa Battlo...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433823862/" title="Casa Battlo by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/2433823862_17ed84fea6.jpg" alt="Casa Battlo" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433827592/" title="Casa Batllo by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2433827592_7cb86dbb13.jpg" alt="Casa Batllo" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />... and La Pedrera (aka Casa Mila).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433821604/" title="La Pedrera or Casa Mila by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/2433821604_d224813b9a.jpg" alt="La Pedrera or Casa Mila" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">La Sagrada Familia, also designed by Gaudi, has been building since 1882. Estimations indicate it will be finished in 2026. The church is enormous and you can't fit it in a pictures from so close.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433822644/" title="Sagrada Familia by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2433822644_61f2d1046a.jpg" alt="Sagrada Familia" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433825652/" title="Sagrada Familia by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2134/2433825652_85bcca0761.jpg" alt="Sagrada Familia" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">La Bouqueria Mercat St. Josep is a Market near La Rambla.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433814012/" title="La Boqueria Mercat St. Josep by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2433814012_7b84c78ba0.jpg" alt="La Boqueria Mercat St. Josep" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona F.C.. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Mes que un club</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">more than a club</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433819526/" title="Camp Nou by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2433819526_24227361dd.jpg" alt="Camp Nou" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Palau Nacional, the National Palace, now houses the National Art Museum of Catalonia.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433826696/" title="Palau Nacional by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2372/2433826696_2cbb58b641.jpg" alt="Palau Nacional" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">El Corte Ingles, Spain's largest department store chain.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433829202/" title="El Corte Ingles by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2331/2433829202_2d2628c9ca.jpg" alt="El Corte Ingles" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The Cafe Zurich.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2433014959/" title="Cafe Zurich by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/2433014959_10aeebee1b.jpg" alt="Cafe Zurich" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-1788105960856055842008-04-20T16:17:00.000-07:002008-04-20T08:39:43.620-07:00Glasgow<div style="text-align: justify;">The time I had the opportunity to spend in Glasgow was very little comparing to the size of the city, so the first impression I got remained the conclusive. Until maybe next time...<br /><br />I traveled from London by train. The trip was not short, roughly 5-6 hours. My first contact with anything Scottish was when the train crew changed as we headed North and suddenly I started to understand almost none of the announcements! Hail the Scottish accent!<br /><br />Arriving at Glasgow the firth thing I saw was the Central Rail Station (dah!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2424531079/" title="The Central Station by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3251/2424531079_dc9b321795.jpg" alt="The Central Station" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Glasgow is the largest city of Scotland, but not its capital, that is Edinburgh.The central pedestrian commercial street, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchanan_Street">Buchanan street</a>, is full of shops, malls and as you can see, people! Without doubt, one of the busiest parts of the city!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425346354/" title="Buchanan street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2425346354_22cbcb9caf.jpg" alt="Buchanan street" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425349720/" title="Buchanan street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2425349720_48e045ff70.jpg" alt="Buchanan street" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The church of St George at Buchanan street.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425352972/" title="St George Church by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2361/2425352972_d44a572895.jpg" alt="St George Church" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />In the end of Buchanan street we see the Royal Concert Hall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425348656/" title="Glasgow Royal Concert Hall by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2425348656_68642ff7d6.jpg" alt="Glasgow Royal Concert Hall" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Nearby there is the central square of Glasgow, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Square">George square</a>, with the City Chambers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425350606/" title="City Chambers at George square by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2425350606_062b2741e3.jpg" alt="City Chambers at George square" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />... and the Gallery of Modern Art, which I visited but just briefly.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2424537937/" title="Gallery of modern art by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2424537937_891a3079fc.jpg" alt="Gallery of modern art" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />A bit far away is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mungo%27s_Cathedral">Glasgow's Cathedral</a>, also called St Mungo's Cathedral, of the Church of Scotland. In the square in front of it we see a statue of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Livingstone">David Livingstone</a>, a Scottish explorer.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425353866/" title="St Mungo's Cathedral by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2425353866_394ac806a3.jpg" alt="St Mungo's Cathedral" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />Before leaving, I tried a tea at the famous <a href="http://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/">Willow Tearooms</a>, which are designed from the well known Scottish architect and designer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Rennie_Mackintosh">Mackintosh</a>, at Buchanan street. They are in business since 1903 (<span style="font-style: italic;">not that particular tearoom though</span>). The variety of teas is stunning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425355422/" title="Willow tearooms by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2425355422_4efe4e642d.jpg" alt="Willow tearooms" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />Pay attention in the chairs. They are also designed by Mackintosh himself.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425356140/" title="Inside willow tearooms by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2425356140_f1de9563c8.jpg" alt="Inside willow tearooms" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />By the way, Bank of Scotland has its own banknotes, in different multiple designs. They have the same trading value as the English ones.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2425347518/" title="Scottish banknotes by Gkriniaris, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2425347518_9a13822be5.jpg" alt="Scottish banknotes" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />I hope I will have in the future the chance to visit Glasgow again and explore it more thoroughly.<br /></div>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-20927582477943649202008-04-18T16:25:00.000-07:002008-04-19T08:14:52.180-07:00Canterbury and Canterbury Cathedral<div style="text-align: justify;">Canterbury is one of the most famous tourist destinations in England.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="The Canterbury Pilgrim by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409079267/"><img alt="The Canterbury Pilgrim" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2235/2409079267_6788566e9a.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It is a city in eastern Kent, in the South East England. It's a rather small city, populated by 40-45 thousand people, and it's well known for its Cathedral. Canterbury is the seat of the Archbishop of the English Church (titled as the Archbishop of Canterbury) and it has been the destination of pilgrims for centuries.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The relationship of the town with Christianity goes very deep in time. Its first Archbishop was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustine_of_Canterbury">St Augustine of Canterbury</a>, who was sent from Rome in 6th century to lay the foundations of the English Church. The Abbey of Augustine as well the Cathedral and the St Martin's Church - England's oldest parish church in continuous use - are <span style="font-weight: bold;">UNESCO World Heritage Sites</span>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">An important year </span>for the Canterbury Cathedral and the English Christian Church in general is 1170. The Archbishop at that time, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Becket"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thomas Becket</span></a>, was murdered in the Cathedral just before the evensong by knights of King Henry II. Thomas Becket has been in the past a King's Chancellor but when he became an Archbishop the conflicts with the King began. After his murder, Thomas Becket was seen as a martyr by the Christians all over Europe and was canonized by Pope just three years later.<br /></div><br /><br />And now it's time for some photos.<br /><br />Entering the town center from the west side, we see the Westgate Tower.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Westgate Tower by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409077533/"><img alt="Westgate Tower" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/2409077533_e4c0c07733.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The high street, full of shops, cafes, restaurants, stalls with ice creams and sausages, musicians etc.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Canterbury High Street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409911868/"><img alt="Canterbury High Street" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2409911868_3ba5f2023c.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="At Canterbury's High Street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409913846/"><img alt="At Canterbury's High Street" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2132/2409913846_906e66725e.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="At Canterbury's High Street by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409084205/"><img alt="At Canterbury's High Street" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2409084205_ef4c8fb5ba.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">First view of the Cathedral. You can see the tall bell tower from miles away.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Canterbury Cathedral's Bell Tower by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409083433/"><img alt="Canterbury Cathedral's Bell Tower" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2409083433_b5081bb1ed.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Heading towards the Cathedral we reach the Christchurch Gate.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Christchurch Gate by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409085567/"><img alt="Christchurch Gate" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2409085567_6458c65f26.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Christchurch Gate by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409087193/"><img alt="Christchurch Gate" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2128/2409087193_dcf3fba697.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />And then you just admire the enormity and the architecture of the Cathedral.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Canterbury Cathedral by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409076831/"><img alt="Canterbury Cathedral" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2281/2409076831_aa293aceb0.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Taking photographs inside the Cathedral is allowed, except for inside the Crypt.</div><br />The Nave.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Canterbury Cathedral's Nave by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409922178/"><img alt="Canterbury Cathedral's Nave" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2409922178_4d5e7e91b3.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The sculptured and painted Medieval pulpit.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="The pulpit by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409926862/"><img alt="The pulpit" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2409926862_3a94a3bdcf.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The Martyrdom, the exact point where Thomas Becket was murdered.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="The Martyrdom by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409094299/"><img alt="The Martyrdom" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2409094299_1b4f29f8a5.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br />The Bell tower viewed from inside.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Vaulting of the Bell Tower by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409929390/"><img alt="Vaulting of the Bell Tower" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2409929390_3d5948846b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The bronze eagle-shaped lectern and behind the Alter and St. Augustine's throne.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="The brass lectern and High Altar by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409933200/"><img alt="The brass lectern and High Altar" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/2409933200_0d6d8561d3.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Cathedral has lots of impressive stained glass windows, some of them of historical value. Below you can see one of them. In the last row, the one in the middle, shows Adam (<span style="font-style: italic;">Adam Delving</span>) is dated back in 1176 AD and is one of the oldest stained glasses in Great Britain. Click to see in more detail.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Stained glass by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409091721/"><img alt="Stained glass" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2409091721_4b1314248d.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">In the west side there are two stained glass windows with quite different style. It reminded me some... cartoons.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Stained glass by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409108839/"><img alt="Stained glass" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/2409108839_da59e7cae0.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a><br /></div><br />And in detail...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Detail of stained glass by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409105527/"><img alt="Detail of stained glass" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/2409105527_5214b33942.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Cathedral tends to host cultural events like concerts. Here a youth Orchestra is rehearsing... It should be amazing performing in a place like that...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Orchestra in Canterbury Cathedral by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2409925812/"><img alt="Orchestra in Canterbury Cathedral" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2409925812_bbe098dbb7.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You can see more of my photos from the trip to Canterbury in </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/sets/72157604510112062/">flickr</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Information: </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/">Canterbury Cathedral</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury">wikipedia</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2260028477212507861.post-75564417612770951262008-04-18T13:54:00.000-07:002008-04-18T08:39:04.324-07:00Hello world!<div style="text-align: justify;">Some things about me to know us better...<br /><br />You may have already noticed that the name I use is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Γκρινιάρης</span>. Actually it's not a name but a nick name. It' s a Greek word (<span style="font-style: italic;">you may have guessed from the weird characters</span>), as I myself is Greek, meaning grouchy, grumpy. It's also the Greek name of Grouchy Smurf, which I use as an avatar.<br /><br />I have been a blogger since summer 2006 (<span style="font-style: italic;">I think</span>), and I have been writing a greek blog titled <a href="http://gkriniaris.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grouchy for life</span> (Γκρινιάρης μιας ζωή)</a>.<br /><br />Why Grouchy Traveller? Well, it's simple. As a character I am pretty grumpy, most of the times for a reason, especially when things don't go as planned (by myself!) or as they should! And I enjoy traveling a lot! Whether it is a day trip by car or train, or it's a trip abroad. Or even a trip in my own city! After all, what is best than having the chance to see the city you live in as a tourist!<br /><br />In this blog I plan to write mostly about trips and journeys, which I hope you enjoy and why not, maybe find useful for future reference! But you never know when I will find an opportunity to nag! They call me grouchy for a reason!<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a title="Little Venice by Gkriniaris, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkriniaris/2282875023/"><img alt="Little Venice" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2282875023_ea3a71bf8b.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>Γκρινιάρηςhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04892664270856504135noreply@blogger.com1