Pastimes and Sports in Helsinki One thing that never ceased to amaze me in Helsinki is the miles and miles of coastline. No matter where we were headed in the city, we almost inevitably ended up by the sea. Sheer magic! I don’t think I could ever tire of this wonderful city. And there is so much to see along the sea here too. One particularly impressive sight – at Merikasarmi Quay – is Helsinki’s massive ice breakers. With names…
Modern Art, Architecture and Design in Helsinki As you might remember, I’ve already been to Harvard. But when I went to university in Finland, I got an A! Aalto University Campus was well worth the visit, in spite of having to endure being lectured by His Lordship. Herself wasn’t overly thrilled at being schooled by him either! But it was quite an experience to spend time in this amazing auditorium designed by Alvar Aalto. My poor little bird brain cells…
Visit to Intramuros and Rizal Park, Manila The Dynamic Duo finally managed to shake off their body guards and slip into Manila city centre. Their first port of call was Intramuros, the old walled city from the Spanish colonial era … only it was basically a reconstruction. The entire city was destroyed by shelling by the US forces as they fought the Japanese in World War II. I found this monument to the 100,000 innocent victims of the Battle of…
Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur I’ve always known that Her Ladyship is a bit of a fruit and nut case, so Malaysia was a treat for her with all its tropical offerings. She baulked, however, at trying durian, famous, or rather infamous, for its pungent smell. This appears to be the ultimate forbidden fruit. Wherever we went, there was signage stating that durian is banned in rental apartments, in rental cars, in elevators, on public transport… It seems that if…
Sanctuary of Aphrodite, Kouklia; Tombs of the Kings, Paphos Cyprus amazes me. There are so many archaeological artefacts on this island, you practically trip over them! I have to admit that my own find of these shards of pottery was no great feat. I simply looked down and there they were, right at my feet! As for the major stonework – walls and pillars of tombs and other buildings – sure, the island is just one giant jigsaw, waiting to…