We visited Jerez on a three night trip to Seville with my parents a few years ago. It was an unplanned trip, but when I realised how close and easy it was to get to we decided to spend an afternoon there. Trains from Seville were pretty frequent so we just took a taxi to the station and bought tickets at the counter. The journey takes around an hour.
Waiting to board
For some reason I thought there would be tour buses at Jerez Station! When we walked out the only transport were taxis. By this time it was lunchtime so we hopped in a taxi and Anthony asked the driver who spoke no English to take us to a “nice restaurant”, he’s very good at miming. We struck lucky with our driver who drove us to a fantastic restaurant and also said he would wait for us and give us a tour after.
The restaurant we had lunch at was called La Carbona, I think it was probably a Michelin Star restaurant judging by the price!
Anyway the food, service and atmosphere were excellent, but we knew we had to go and explore soon before it became too dark.
True to his word our driver was waiting to drive us around the small town centre. He tried so hard to make us understand what he was talking about, and spoke very animatedly for over an hour in Spanish, all to no avail!
Exploring the beautiful town of Jerez. Jerez Cathedral; Town Square
A Christmas Nativity Scene
I would love to go back to Jerez one day and spend more time there, but it was a wonderful afternoon during our visit to Seville.
After reading about this online and also at the hotel, that it was like Bollywood and Universal Studios I thought it would be a fun thing to do. We set off once again with a driver and it was around 45 minutes drive away. On arrival our driver purchased tickets for us and we proceeded to the entrance gate. Men and women are separated and go through different security screening. We had a slight hiccup with Maddy’s Polaroid camera, as amazingly it seemed no-one had ever seen one. So after being examined for several minutes by around ten different security guards they let us through!
Once through we were all herded onto buses to take us to the actual Film City which was around 10 – 15 minutes away. I realised once again we were the only Western tourists there and thus had lots of attention on the bus. So many questions, we were all talking to someone at once! Driving there seemed to be great fun for the drivers who tried to be the first there by speeding up once it turned into a one way highway!
Overlooking Ramoji Film City which is set over 1,600 acres
When we alighted this bus we then all boarded several open air small trains to take us to the individual lots. No lingering was allowed and I realised at this point that it was going to be a very regimented day. No walking between different film lots was allowed, a bus or small train would take you onto the next place.
Everywhere we stopped we had photos taken with everyone, especially Maddy! There were young guys lining up, we did have to say no a few times as we would not have got anywhere!
Some film lots were definitely better than others, but I wouldn’t described it as a Universal or Bollywood!
Wishing for a train to anywhere!
So eerily lifelike!
We stopped for lunch at the beautiful Sitara Hotel, located in the middle of the City.
The very fancy Sitara Hotel
With lunch over, Anthony had had enough of this theme park! Obviously we didn’t see half of what was on offer and unfortunately there was no filming going on that day.
I would love to hear from anyone who has been to Ramoji Film City, I haven’t met anyone yet!
After another gourmet breakfast at the Taj Krishna we set off with a driver and guide to the Chowmahalla Palace.
Chowmahallat means “four palaces” in Dakhini Urdu and is the palace of the former Nizams of Hyderabad. The history of this palace is fascinating, not just because of the building of the palace but the financial wrangling between the heirs that was the downfall of this palace.
At one point in the seventies there were 476 legal heirs to this Estate.
Finally in 2005 Princess Esra (the first wife of Prince Mukkaram Jah) decided to start renovations. Prince Mukkaram Jah fled to Perth in the seventies and lived on a sheep farm in the Australian Outback. He married four more times after Princess Esra. I’ve included a few links to this post as there is so much more interesting history to read.
In front of the palace Waiting to start our tour
Top: Ladies sweeping the grass Middle: Through one of the ornate window frames Bottom: Ornamental pond in front of the palace
Top: Prince Mukkaram Jah with his father Middle and Bottom: The magnificent crystal chandeliers made of Belgian glass
Top: One of the beautiful corridors inside the palace Middle: Palace Courtyard Bottom: The clocktower above the main gate – Khilwat Clock, which has been ticking for 251 years and is wound weekly by expert clock repairers
We practically had the whole place to ourselves and had a fantastic tour around the palace. No visit to Hyderabad would be complete without a visit here!
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Charminar Bazaar
Charminar was our next stop but not before we had some lunch. I must say I was a bit wary about what we would eat, knowing it would probably me far too hot for Maddy and me! But not to worry as our driver took us to a great little restaurant called Masqati Nizam Hotel. This was such a friendly restaurant with westerners and locals alike. We had a delicious biryani and we were both able to eat it.
This was on the wall depicting a time many decades before!
And then it was out onto the street to explore the market in all its glory! After the peace and tranquility of the Palace it was a great shock to the senses. Not for Anthony though as these are places he thrives in.
It was impossible to just stroll around as all the roads were dug up in various places for no reason I could see whatsoever. Piles and piles of rubble to stumble over or around.
Maddy and I picked up some lovely scarves, after the requisite bartering of course.
Charminar Monument built in 1591, this is also a Mosque The monument is located in the heart of old city and it is believed that Hyderabad was measured in four directions from Charminar for administrative purposes.
Anthony in his element! Market and street scenes
So many to choose from!
Dates, pineapples and bananas
Pomegranates and grapes
A quick stop at the Nizam Palace Museum to see all the beautiful silver and artefacts and then back to the hotel for a quick freshen up before dinner.
What a very interesting day it was, more places for your itinerary for Hyderabad.
Hyderabad is the only place I’ve actually been to in India, and we spent a week here over two years ago. Five days probably would have been enough but with plane timetables we decided to add the two extra days for rest and relaxation! We travelled with my son Laurence and his girlfriend Maddy in January, so the weather was just perfect. We stayed at the Taj Krishna, a beautiful hotel in the Banjara Hills.
The view from our window
Our very comfy bed!
Relaxing on the patio and Maddy enjoying a first class cooked breakfast
The reason we chose Hyderabad was because my dear hubby had recently read a book called “The White Mughals” by William Dalrymple. It’s a book about the warm relations that existed between the British and some Indians in the 18th and early 19th century, when one in three British men in India was married to an Indian woman.
Anthony was interested to see if all the great palaces and houses that were built during this time were still standing. Sadly we found that many of these grand buildings are in great decay and not accessible. Some have been turned into colleges and hospitals, but there doesn’t seem to be the demand or need to renovate these beautiful old buildings.
Golkonda Fort
This was one of the places that I had read was easy to get around and you could do it on your own! Once we arrived there in our taxi and were dropped off, madness and mayhem greeted us. We managed to cross a very busy road complete with cattle, goats and schoolchildren and wandered up to the entrance gate. We didn’t have to look far before an avid tour guide stepped into our path, offering to lead us around the fort with a detailed history. After Anthony had bargained a good price, we headed off.
Maddy and Laurence leading the schoolgirls! The entrance to Golkonda Fort
Golkonda Fort has a history reaching back into the 12th Century. A shepherd boy was once walking on this hill where he came across a God idol, the King that time decided to built a fort on the hill, which then came to be known as Golconda (Shepherd’s Hill) Fort.
With perimeters of around 11 kilometers, the fort has 15 to 18 foot high walls. It has huge gates that have pointed iron spikes on them. This protected the fort from Elephants damaging the fort as well as enemy attacks.
There is a great sound system in the Fort and the sound of clapping at the entrance can be heard a kilometre away. This was apparently used for communication purposes and to alert the King of any attack. (Source: Hyderabad Tourism)
As far as I could see we were the only “Westerners” here and we were stopped every few steps to have our photos taken. I think it was mostly Maddy they were interested in! I made a joke about the one with Laurence in saying they would probably photoshop him out! 😆
On top of the world with views of sprawling Hyderabad
One of the many semi circular bastions; underground arches; on top of the fort and sitting under one of the derelict arches
Whispering walls; through the window; Women at rest; a view through an archway
This was a fantastic place to visit and our guide was extremely informative, very chatty and funny! He even guessed my age correctly, which was a bit rude I thought.
Our driver was waiting patiently to drive us back to our hotel. On the way back we stopped by Hussain Sagar Lake and stopped to take a photo. As we stepped out of the car three young men approached Laurence and asked to see his ear! Then just grabbed it and it looked like they were about to pierce it, but he jerked back and said “hey get off me”. Our driver said they just wanted to syringe it! Very random.
Gautama Buddha in the middle of the heart shaped lake
Dinner that night was at a restaurant called Paradise, very popular with ex-pats so the concierge told us. It’s famous for Biryani. Even though I asked for the mildest one it was still far too hot for me! Anthony and Laurence also struggled and they like a hot curry.
On a sunny day a few weeks ago I took my parents and nephew who are over from the UK for a stroll around the harbour. All restaurants, cafes and pubs were only open for takeaways during this time. Many people were out and about enjoying the last of the Autumn sun, trying to stick to the social distancing! It is an easy 30 minute drive from Perth down the freeway and also just 30 minutes from where I live.
Fremantle is mostly known for its maritime history but is also a very popular tourist spot and is home to the famous Cappuccino Strip.
Weekdays are definitely less busy than the weekends and we found a parking spot in no time right on the harbour front.
On top is the famous Joe’s Fish Shack a great restaurant with harbour views Bottom pic: The Fremantle Tourist Wheel
We stopped and bought drinks from the e-bike cafe and while we were waiting for our order, I noticed the most beautiful painting on the wall at the back of the cafe. It was painted by a lady called Maria Bowers who has now sadly passed away.
A fantastic backdrop for these e-bikes.
E-bikes are a fun way to get around Fremantle. Not that we took this opportunity with my parents both in their 80’s! I believe you can hire or buy these bikes.
Some of the quirky sculptures and artwork around Fremantle
Kidogo Arthouse Situated in the charming 1884 heritage-listed Old Kerosene Store on Bathers Beach, Fremantle
Round House
The Fremantle Roundhouse is the oldest public building in the state of Western Australia. Opened in January 1831, it was built to hold any person convicted of a crime in the settlement until 1886. Since then it’s been a Police Lock up, accommodation for the Water Police, and a storage facility for the Fremantle Ports. (Source: helloperth.com.au)
The view from the top of the Round House
The fishing boats that are still in use in the harbour
Little Creatures Brewery popular with both locals and tourists. Apparently a former crocodile farm, but now a brewery. It’s a great place to have a casual drink, lunch or dinner. You can also take a tour of the brewery.
That’s all we had time for during this trip, but there’s so much more to do in Fremantle.
Some links below of other things to see and do in this town. (Please check during Covid opening times to these places)
Last week we went for a short walk along the promenade from Cottesloe to Swanbourne. There had been a few bush fires that week, the result of “controlled burns”. These are also known as hazard reduction burning. However, even these can get out of control and cause a haziness to spread across vast areas. The smoke can be smelt from miles away.
I took a photo of the sunset that day and you can see how hazy the sky is.
It was quite chilly but that doesn’t stop people trying to catch a wave or a fish!
Both Geysir and Gulfoss are located within the Golden Circle in Iceland. These were places we visited a few years ago on an Icelandic Air tour. We first had one night in Reykjavik and the next morning boarded our coach to the next hotel which was Hotel Grimsborgir.
Geysir
This was our first destination outside Reykjavik and we stopped here for around an hour to take a few photos and to see the lively Strokkur which spouts water 100ft into the air every few minutes. You have to be really quick to take a photo as it spurts so rapidly making everyone jump, also there are always so many people standing around waiting. The name Geysir is derived from the Icelandic verb geysa (“to gush”) from Old Norse. (Source: Wikipedia).
It was also quite difficult to get close enough to the exploding spout of water due to the crowds of people there!
After an hour or so here we hopped back onto the coach and headed onto Gulfoss.
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Gulfoss
Gulfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, beautiful and spectacular to see. By the time we arrived the weather was not looking very good. A fine cold drizzle was setting in plus the spray from the waterfall itself. The walk from the carpark took a good 20 minutes for most on the coach, but for some much longer as they were just walking to it when we were on our return! Much to the guide’s frustration as it was eating into his schedule!
From these photos you can see the long thin trail to the waterfalls. Very slippery in parts so it was quite slow going for some.
There didn’t seem to be much safety concern about the wet rocks and not much of a barrier either – at your own peril!
Gulfoss is the biggest waterfall I’ve ever seen and was truly mesmerising.
Once everyone was safely back on the coach we drove to our final destination for that day, the Hotel Grimsborgir, which is described as a luxury hotel. Nestled in the heart of the Golden Circle and sitting on the banks of the River Sogid. Everyone on the tour was commenting how nice it was and what a treat.
That night we had a sumptuous buffet dinner in a very grand restaurant. The only thing that we balked at was the price of drinks. Iceland is well known for how expensive it is but being out in the countryside was even more exorbitant. Anyway what is dinner without a glass of wine so we bit the bullet and bought a bottle of wine.
Hubby looking happy with the room and then very glum at the price of the drinks 😆
The beautifully decorated dining room where we had dinner and breakfast the next day.
Views from outside of our room.
A view of the rooms : Source – Hotel Grimsborgir
And G has gone!
Thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed this post – all comments very welcome 😍
Fukuoka is the first place we stopped at during our road trip through the Kyushu Islands. It is a city of canals, waterways and bridges. It said to be the oldest city in Japan. We were staying at the Hotel Okura which is located overlooking the Hakata River. As we were only here for two nights we didn’t have much time to see this city so had to decide where we wanted to see most.
Walking over one of the canals on our first night.
In the lobby of the Hotel Okura
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
I really wanted to see one of the castles here but was a bit disappointed that it was only ruins! But we had a good walk around and there were some great views over the city from the top. Built at the beginning of the 17th Century and torn down in the 19th Century, because it was viewed as an unwanted symbol of the feudal past.
Fukuoka at dusk
One of the shopping centres we walked through
Fukuoka is also home to the famous Canal City which is called a city within a city, and has a canal running through it. Unfortunately we didn’t have time for a wander around as we chose to go to Nokonoshima Island instead.
For our last night we stopped at a British Pub called Morris Hippo! strange name and enjoyed a few drinks here before dinner at Cafe Otto overlooking the canal.
Our handsome drivers!
Other places to visit in Fukuoka:
Fukuoka Tower
Ohori Park
Tochoji Temple
Kushida Temple
Hopefully we’ll visit again as I enjoyed Fukuoka very much
We visited Ephesus on our Mediterranean cruise many years ago. We took my parents who were then in their early eighties. This was one of our ports of call along the way. Docking in Kusadasi, we took a bus tour organised by the travel desk on the cruise ship to Ephesus. Even though it was October and meant to be out of season it was still so crowded with many tour groups visiting at the same time. At one point I had to turn around and put my hand up to a French tour guide and say wait, stop pushing as she tried to shove me aside along with her twenty or so people!
It seemed amazing to me that hoards of people were allowed to walk all over these ancient ruins, seeing as this has been stopped in Athens. Still it made for a very interesting tour. Although trying to keep up with our guide was another story, as he was hopping and jumping like a mountain goat over rocks and stones. This was how we lost my parents during this trip. I didn’t realise how many silver haired men wearing turquoise polo shirts there actually were. Luckily we caught up with them back at the entrance.
A sight to behold! Trying to take photos and soak up the history and also trying to find your tour guide.
The Library of Celsus
I’m not really a cat person but find they make very good models for photos!
Trying in vain to spot my parents!
Amongst the ruins – My Samson!
The dusty dry landscape of Ephesus
It is a trip well worth making if you visit Kusadasi. I’m not sure a tour is any better than going it alone though as you are not able to wander freely and soak up the history here.
Here is a link to much more information and history about this wonderful place. Ephesus.
A place in North Vancouver but it does deserve a mention under C! We did a day trip here from our stay in Vancouver a few years ago now and had a great time there. Crossing the bridge is not recommended if you have vertigo as it stands 70 metres above the Capilano River and when there are at least fifty or more people trying to cross and take photos it can be a bit hair raising.
It was first built in 1889 by George Grant Mackay and was then made of hemp rope and cedar planks. The history of this bridge is very interesting, the land and teahouse situated there being the home of many settlers over the years. The word Capilano comes from the Squamish nation and was originally spelt Kia’palano, meaning beautiful river.
Source: www.capbridge.com
The cantilevered and suspended walkway jutting out from the granite cliff – not for the fainthearted!
Crossing with so many others
This is when the bridge gets shaky!
One of the bridges into the treetops
The Capilano River
one of the small lookouts on the treetop adventure activity
To get here from Vancouver it is very easy either on public transport or one of the sightseeing tour buses. It’s well worth a trip to see this amazing structure.
Cavtat (pronounced Savtat) is a small town that we visited during our trip to Dubrovnik. It’s a very pretty place with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to sit in and watch the world go by. From Dubrovnik you can either take a bus or a ferry. We were actually staying outside of Dubrovnik in a place called Mlini but from here you can also take a bus or ferry. We took the ferry which takes about 30 minutes.
Church of St. Nicholas
Cafes and restaurants by the harbour
Looking for a souvenir
Found one!
Abandoned rowing boat – beyond repair!
Overlooking the beautiful Adriatic sea
Some of the photos I took during our walk around Cavtat. After a delicious lunch we took the bus back to Mlini.
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Cottesloe, Western Australia
Cottesloe is my home town, well almost! Just a 10 minute drive away from where we live and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Family friendly and now safe for swimming with a shark net in place. Patrolled by lifeguards from the month of November through until April. There is a wonderful path for walkers and cyclists that stretches for miles with stunning views over the Indian Ocean. BBQ areas are also dotted along the path for people who want to bring their own food.
My parents along the Groyne enjoying the sunshine
One of the sculptures from Sculptures by the Sea
One of the small inlets along the coast
Artwork on the side of the Surf Lifesavers Club
The concrete pylon in the distance, built in 1936 and now heritage listed. A popular diving point.
Overlooking the dunes
A balmy calm day
The most photographed building in Cottesloe is the iconic Indiana Tea Rooms, originally built in 1910 as an ice cream parlour and then as a restaurant in 1966. Sadly it is now closed and awaiting redevelopment, as to what no-one is sure at the moment. There is much debate about whether to knock it down and build a modern glass structure or refurbish the old building. Personally I would like to see it refurbished as Cottesloe wouldn’t be the same without it.
