Facade – Palace of the Grand Master
At the top of the Avenue of the Knights in the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes, sits the Palace of the Grand Master of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. … Read the rest
Rhodes
Rhodes was never even on my radar. When it came up as a stop on our itinerary I really didn’t give it much thought. Usually a planner down to the minuscule details, I viewed this as a bit of a rest day.… Read the rest
Bracciano
Benvenuto Bracciano! It’s been a bit of a long day so far. We have been up since 2am and didn’t get much sleep before that with last minute packing, not to mention the excitement. Somewhere en route mid air over Diyarbakir, heading towards Ankara, I have a major pinch-me moment. … Read the rest
Castello Odescalchi di Bracciano
The incredible Renaissance castle, Castello Odescalchi, sits in the heart of Bracciano and has borne witness to centuries of change. As we arrive in Bracciano on the first leg of our Summer Holidays, it greets us.… Read the rest
The Forbidden City
The only word that comes close to describing the enormity of the Forbidden City is “vast”. Even this doesn’t seem to do it justice. It’s hard to comprehend that the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) was built in the Ming Dynasty (around 1420).… Read the rest
Drum & Bell Towers
The Drum and Bell Towers stand opposite each other at the ends of Drum & Bell Square. Together, they served as the city’s official timekeepers until 1924, with drums beaten and bells rung to mark each hour of the day.… Read the rest
Temple of Heaven: Imperial Walkway Bridge
The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece. By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest
Temple of Heaven: The Imperial Vault of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece. By no means is the Temple the only structure though.… Read the rest
Temple of Heaven: Circular Mound Altar
The Temple of Heaven Park is a vast green space in the heart of Beijing. It has the not-so-green Temple of Heaven, including its Circular Mound Altar structure as its centerpiece. … Read the rest
Tokyo In 12 Hours
Tokyo in 12 hours! Not ideal, but it’s all I have. I’m on a stopover on the way home and have been awake for 24 hours already. Having left the UK yesterday and now landed in Tokyo early this morning, I have a mere twelve hours to explore.… Read the rest