Public Transport

Lisbon is one of the cities which retained its tram system, I don't know how much of the city it covers but it was nice to see some of it.

Ornate

This is an example of some special architecture, very ornate. It belongs to a bank, the only organisation that could afford it probably, need I say more!

An Attractive City

One of the pedestrianised streets of Lisbon. There is some fine architecture throughout the city. I was interested in the police girl on the right, I was waiting for her to move away on that mobile machine. Eventually discretion set in and I moved away, I didn't want to get my collar felt, could have been embarrassing!

Sailaway

The "great" sailaway from Gibralter, not a lot of people around and certainly no energetic ones, except me of course but I'm behind the camera so you can't see me. It is still a bit overcast and stormy, maybe people are depressed because we have only got one more stop, Lisbon, before sailing for Southampton, boo hoo!! 

Local Industry

Gibralter seemed much the same as it was when we first visited, I didn't remember this glass studio though. They produce some exquisite glass ware, exquisite prices too. The guy outside the studio is a statue, at least I think he is, I didn't check!!

The Local

Again, a little more English influence, a typical pub, thought about going in for a pint but didn't, I felt the vibes of disapproval, mind you I would have had time for several pints whilst my darling was visiting that certain emporium further up the street!!

Englishness!

This is the main street of Gibralter very English looking with the ubiquitous Marks & Spencer. Ruth & Marion were in there of course, Ian was in a museum somewhere so I took the opportunity to photograph around the area.

The Rock

Looks like a big storm brewing over Gibralter, we had typical English weather here. We had been here before but some years ago so we did go ashore again.

Beautiful Baroque

The crypt of San Matteo, a gleaming display of Baroque design, dates from the first half of the 17th century. The Kings of Spain, Filippo ll and Filippo lll chose to demonstrate their dedication to San Matteo by redecorating the crypt in a lavish Baroque style featuring inlaid marble, frescoes and a bronze statue of San Matteo.

Extraordinary

On our wanderings around the streets of the Old Quarter we came across one of the most beautiful and important churches in Southern Italy, The Cathedral of San Matteo (St Matthew), surely a jewel in Salerno's crown. We heard music and went inside, a wedding was in progress, from what we had noticed at the other weddings we saw, European ones tend to be very public affairs, so we just sat down. Well, they announced that Ave Maria was going to be sung and we were amazed to see that the bride was the singer. We have never heard Ave Maria sung so beautifully before, out of this world, we were both very emotional, near to tears, it was that powerful. I managed to speak to them later and the groom told me that she was a professional singer. I wasn't surprised by that. This encounter has to be one of the highlights of our cruise. 

The Old Quarter

Then all of a sudden we stumbled into the streets of the Old Quarter and I really perked up, I was in my element here. This is just one sample of  several street scenes and people I photographed.

South from Rome

This is the main street of Salerno, it didn't have what you might call the wow factor, pleasant enough but disappointing photographically.

St Peter's Square

Four nuns walking across St Peter's Square under a huge portrait of Pope John Paul ll whose beatification ceremony took place here on 1 May 11 less than two weeks before we were there.

Vatican City

Vatican City State is a walled enclave within the city of Rome covering approximately 110 acres (44 Hectares). It is home to St Peter's Basilica, The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums.

Roman Engineering

The Colosseum, the largest elliptical amphitheatre in the Roman Empire, one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering, capable of seating 50,000 spectators. Construction started in 72AD under Emperor Vespasian and completed in 80AD under Titus. I was still on the bus when I took this, I thought we would be able to get off but the bus didn't stop.

Mausoleum or Museum

This bridge, Pons Aelius or Hadrian's Bridge across the River Tiber leads to Hadrian's Mausoleum which was erected about 134AD. For centuries it served as the Popes castle. Today it is a museum and is called Castel Sant'Angelo. 

The Italian Capital

Rome was hectic, hot, lots of noise and traffic, photography was difficult, I had to do most of it from the top of a sightseeing bus and I lost my nice new Firenze baseball cap, sigh. The pure white marble building shown at the end of the street is the side view of the National Monument of Victor Emmanuel ll, the first king of a unified Italy. It is also known as Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland).

The Bay Houses

The church is known as the Santa Margherita Bay Houses Church, quite an impressive piece of architecture. I think a lot of wealthy people holiday here judging by the number of very large and very expensive yachts moored round the other side of the bay. I'm not showing them, didn't want to stir up any envious feelings!!

Ancient and Modern

Part of the original fortifications, the castle dates from the 16th century.

Peaceful

The centre of Santa Margherita gives the impression that it is well looked after, a lot of the buildings are decorated like the ones shown here. The pace of life is calm and peaceful and the people seem content.

Santa Margherita

Pretty name, pretty place. Oriana is anchored out in the bay because there is no harbour as such, the red and white boats are Oriana's lifeboats, used to ferry passengers ashore.

Still Leaning

Loads of people were trying to take photographs of their friends with their hands raised to make it look like they were holding the tower up. I don't think the one with the two boys will be successful. Notice the flag on top of the tower, it is upright, do you think it should be at the same angle as the tower?

Tourist Trap

This main building is the Piazza Dei Miracoli. The area around Pisa is quite flat and we saw this dome from some distance away, didn't realise that it was also the site of the Leaning Tower.

McDonald's Pisa

Thought I would add this landtrain in Pisa to my growing collection.

Amazing how many different places you see the McDonalds Logo these days.

Cupid Love

The whole area near the Ponte Vecchio is a popular spot for street performers, art students and portrait painters. There were a lot of very good human statues on show but I liked this one because it was a bit different and he did interact with the public.

The Survivor

The medieval Ponte Vecchio spanning the River Arno is Florence's oldest bridge and one of the city's most photographed sights. Dating back to the 14th century, it's lined with goldsmith's shops and contains a hidden corridor used by the Medici. It is the only bridge in Florence to survive the Second World War.

Strange Ear Caps

I don't know why the horse has these red ear caps on, maybe it's just for decoration. There were quite a few of these horse and carriage rigs about, goodness knows how they got through the crowds. The building at the back, designed by Arnolfo di Cambio in 1299 was originally named after the ruling body of the Republic of Florence, today the huge Palazzo della Signoria is known as Palazzo Vecchio and is Florence's Town Hall. Its masterpieces include Michelangelo's statue of Victory and Donatello's Judith and Holofernes bronze.

Architecture, Wow

I had to get a high viewpoint to get above the people for this photograph but it was worth the effort, the architecture is amazing. The dome in the background is part of the Firenze Duomo (Cathedral).

Interesting Tourists

I couldn't see much of the buildings most of the time so I turned my attention on the people. I was fascinated by all the different ethnic groups from all over the world, any guesses as to where this group came from. I would love to know how many different nationalities were in Florence on the day we were.

Wall to Wall People

Florence, or Firenze to give its true name, is a really beautiful city with wonderful architecture, but the people from countless tourist groups converging on all the main attractions at the same time meant that the centre was constantly packed as you can see. It was quite difficult with little time to linger or take photographs.