21.10.2025
Our next stop in Spain was A Coruña, in Galicia. We loved this city! It sits right at the tip of a little peninsula between the north Atlantic and the Bay of Biscay. There were very few tourists, so it was a nice break, and it has a great vibe. There's an amazing park on the edge of the city centre, with all sorts of walking and bike trails, interesting sculptures, and a famous lighthouse. The Tower of Hercules is the oldest known surviving Roman lighthouse, built in the 1st century. You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the park, and it's a nice walk to/from the city centre. We stayed just outside the city for a couple of days to relax and enjoy the beautiful Santa Cristina beach. We got so lucky with the weather, it was gorgeous and warm enough for a quick dip in the water. Quick being the operative word, lol.
Shona
19.10.2025
Hello Pilgrims! Lol, I couldn't resist. So, our first stop in Spain was the famous Santiago de Compostela. I'm sure many of you have heard of the famous Camino de Santiago, and this is where they all end up. The spectacular cathedral is (allegedly) home to the remains of the apostle James. Certainly, it is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, and has been since the 9th century when it was called the Way of St James. Now, the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and I'm going to guess that many of the people visiting are actually just people who like to walk. Definitely worth a visit if you're thinking of a trip to northern Spain.
Shona
16.10.2025
Our final day in Portugal turned out to be a busy one! First, we visited the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, just outside Braga. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site that took over 600 years to complete. The stair case leading up to the church, the Via Crucis, was built between 1784 and 1811. A beautiful spot but try to go in the afternoon if you want better photos. There were still quite a few people, and annoying school groups, but it was absolutely worth the visit and climbing the 200 stairs (if you park at the bottom it will be 577 stairs). We also spent a bit of time walking around the centre of Braga. Not much to see but it was a good spot for a cheap lunch. You just can't beat the menu of the day deals. Then, our last stop for the day was in Viana do Castelo. We didn't bother driving in to the town itself as it was getting late in the day, but we made time to see the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the top of Santa Luzia mountain. This is an important pilgrimage site, both for the people of Viana do Castelo and as a stop on the Portuguese coastal route of the Camino de Santiago. If you're feeling ambitious you can walk up from the town or you can take a funicular. You can also drive pretty close. It's a beautiful building with spectacular panoramic views.
Shona
13.10.2025
Aveiro - I had read about this little town and wanted to see the colourful buildings and boats. Truthfully, it turned out to be a bit of a tourist trap but it certainly lived up to its reputation in terms of colour. It was worth walking around for a bit, and the nearby beach, which is a short drive from the center, is spectacular. There's an amazing series of wooden walkways which take you along the beach and past some quirky, striped beach houses. We basically had it to ourselves and enjoyed watching a few surfers trying to catch the waves. Next stop... Porto.
I've been wanting to go to Porto for a long time. Ideally to see the famous bridge in the fog. We finally made it there amid some unusually high October temperatures, just our luck. There were still masses of people but, presumably, not as bad as in the high season. I can't imagine that though, it was almost claustrophobic. The city is tragically run-down but loaded with character. You can see a lot of work is being done so while they may cry about over-tourism, it's obviously bringing much-needed money into the city. It's colourful and vibrant, and the people are friendly. It's quite hilly so we certainly got our steps in but we thoroughly enjoyed walking the streets at random. Around every corner is something to catch a photographer's eye, in particular the amazing street art. Included here is the piece, Dona Rosa by Mr Dheo. We spent one full day walking around looking for pieces like this. While I'm sorry I didn't get to see the bridge in the fog, I'm very glad to finally be able to say that I've been to Porto!
Shona
11.10.2025
We figured it was time for another road trip so we decided to visit the northern areas of Portugal and Spain. After a disappointing start in Tomar, Portugal (everything was shutdown at 5pm!), we made an early morning stop the next day at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. This is an important pilgrimage site for Catholics and it obviously sees a lot of people because it's huge! It was good to get there early to get some photos without a lot of people but it didn't take long for the groups to show up. We were a wee bit disappointed to only see a few people on their knees but there were masses being held in various languages for the less devout (or less agile, perhaps). A beautiful complex with interesting sculptures and architecture, well worth a visit.
After Fatima, we stopped at the historic town of Batalha. The origins of the town date back to 1385 when the Portuguese won a critical battle against Spain, giving them their independence. The name of the town literally translates to 'battle'. The King was so grateful he built the Monastery of Batalha as a monument to the victory, and the monastery has been the focal point of the town ever since. The impressive structure is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely worth a visit if you're in the area. I don't know if we were there on a special day, or what, but we were able to visit for free, both inside and out.
We ended the day in Coimbra. What to say about Coimbra...loads of tourists, that's for sure, lol. It's a really nice little city built on a hill above the Mondego River. You'll definitely get a workout wandering around and you'll get your fill of colourful tiled buildings. It is quite run-down but wonderful for photographers and tourists alike. It's like a mini Porto and you can see it in one day. There's a huge university where you'll see students running around in their black robes, and a few groups out and about singing. The university is one of the oldest in the world, founded in 1290. Sadly, for us, part of it was under renovation but it was still worth the hike up the hill. Otherwise, we just happily wandered around checking out the various historic buildings, as well as enjoying a nice cold beer (obviously)! Oh, and there was free parking! Basically unheard of in a touristy location like this. Just a short walk across the river and you're into the old town. Actually, parking, in general, was quite reasonable everywhere we went in Portugal. Our next stop... Aveiro.
Shona
09.09.2025
While driving back home I found myself in the Italian Alps again. This time I went to the Monte Rosa Massif where, capitalizing on a short window of good weather, I managed to reach the summit of Vincent Pyramid (4215 m). The views of the neighboring four-thousanders and surrounding glaciers were spectacular.
Andrzej
14.08.2025
This year our club, the Sudetes Mountaineering Club in Jelenia Góra, is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Last weekend, the club took part in a festival in Sobieszów, dedicated to the achievements of Polish mountaineers around the world. Two days of film presentations, slide-shows, discussion panels, interviews with famous climbers, and more. Our club had a huge tent with photo exhibitions, displays of old and new equipment, club memorabilia, and even a small climbing wall, very popular with visitors. It was a very successful, interesting, and fun event.
Andrzej
08.08.2025
Warsaw has recently unveiled its new Museum of Modern Art, a striking addition to the city's cultural landscape. Located near the iconic Palace of Culture and Science, the museum officially opened its doors on October 25, 2024.
Designed by New York-based architect Thomas Phifer, the building is characterized by its minimalist, snow-white concrete facade, offering a stark yet elegant contrast to its surroundings. After two decades of operating as a nomadic institution, the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw now has a permanent home, a significant milestone for the city's art scene.
More pictures:
MOMA Warsaw
Andrzej
05.08.2025
The Palace of Culture and Science is an iconic and imposing landmark dominating the Warsaw skyline. Gifted by the Soviet Union to Poland in the 1950s, this towering skyscraper is a quintessential example of Stalinist architecture. While its origins are steeped in political history and it remains a controversial symbol for some, it now houses a diverse array of institutions. Visitors can find museums, a cinema, theaters, a swimming pool, offices, and even a university within its vast complex. Its observation deck on the 30th floor offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making it a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit for anyone wanting to grasp Warsaw's unique blend of past and present.
More pictures:
Poland
Andrzej
03.08.2025
Wilanów Palace, a magnificent Baroque royal residence located in Warsaw, Poland. Completed in 1696 for King John III Sobieski, it's a testament to the country's rich history and artistic heritage. Often called the "Polish Versailles," the palace showcases exquisite facades, opulent interiors filled with period furniture and art, and stunning formal gardens. It remarkably survived both World Wars. Today it operates as a museum of Polish royalty.
Andrzej
23.07.2025
Every time I drive through Germany I try to take a slightly different route, to enjoy as many tourist attractions as I can. And there are plenty of them. This time, I had the chance to admire the old town of the city of Konstanz by the Bodensee, I paid another visit to the Hohenzollern Castle in Sigmaringen, and did some sightseeing in the very interesting town of Eichstatt. So many places, so little time…
Andrzej
13.07.2025
Another very interesting city in Italy's Lombardy region is Brescia. Founded over 3,200 years ago, Brescia has been an important regional centre since pre-Roman times. Its old town contains the best-preserved Roman public buildings in northern Italy and numerous monuments, among these the medieval castle, the Old and New cathedral, the Renaissance Piazza della Loggia and the rationalist Piazza della Vittoria.
More pictures:
Italy
Andrzej
11.07.2025
Cremona, a charming city in Italy's Lombardy region, is world-renowned as the historic heart of violin making. Nestled on the banks of the Po River, it boasts a rich artistic and musical heritage. Visitors can explore its magnificent Piazza del Comune, home to the stunning Cremona Cathedral with its soaring Torrazzo bell tower (one of the tallest in Italy) and the elegant Loggia dei Militi. Beyond its architectural beauty, Cremona's true allure lies in its centuries-old tradition of lutherie, passed down through masters like Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri. The city's numerous violin workshops and the fascinating Museo del Violino offer a deep dive into this exquisite craft, making Cremona a must-visit for lovers of music, art, and history.
The above text was written by AI. During my very short visit to Cremona I didn’t have time to explore "the numerous violin workshops" or "fascinating Museo del Violino" but witnessing a spectacular sunrise at the Piazza del Comune will stay with me for a while.
Andrzej
09.07.2025
The abundance of world class tourist attractions makes sightseeing in France super easy. Wherever you stop in a city, a town or a village there is always something interesting to see or do. Take the city of Beziers as an example. I’ve driven by quite a few times but this time I made a quick stop and found this amazing spot for taking photos, with a view surprisingly similar to one from... guess where?
More pictures:
France
Andrzej
04.07.2025
From Wiki: Narbonne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Narbonne, France. The cathedral is a national monument and dedicated to Saints Justus and Pastor. It was the seat of the Archbishop of Narbonne until the Archbishopric was merged into the Diocese of Carcassonne under the Concordat of 1801.
The building, begun in 1272, is noted for being unfinished as the result of many factors including sudden changes in the economic status of Narbonne, its unusual size and geographical location (to complete it would have meant demolishing the city walls) and financial constraints.
Andrzej
02.07.2025
From Wiki: Murcia, a city in south-eastern Spain, was founded by Abd ar-Rahman II, Emir of Cordoba, in 825 with the name Mursiyah. It is now mainly a services city and a university town. Highlights for visitors include the Cathedral of Murcia and a number of baroque buildings, renowned local cuisine, Holy Week procession, works of art by the famous Murcian sculptor Francisco Salzillo, and the Fiestas de Primavera (Spring Festival).
More pictures:
Iberian Penisula
Andrzej
29.06.2025
On June 25th 2025, I reached the summit of Punta degli Spiriti (3487 m) in the Italian Alps. It was my 100th summit of a mountain over 2900m high. So, I'm happy to announce that the third and the last part of my
Project 3x100 is complete (82 days before my 65th birthday). Yay!
Andrzej
18.06.2025
Another visit home to spend time with family and friends. It was a whirlwind of both activity and emotions but I managed to get out with my camera, thanks to some very patient and accommodating drivers. I love Alberta for many reasons, one of which is the wide variety of things that draw my lens. Until next time.
More pictures:
Canada
Shona
30.05.2025
La Linea de la Concepcion, probably the ugliest city in Spain (lol). Bordering Gibraltar to the south, the city is basically a bedroom for thousands of workers crossing the border every day to their jobs in the British territory. For anyone hating the Brits and not willing to slave for them, there are a few other ways to make a buck. For more details watch the Netflix documentary - La Linea: Shadow of Narco. Lol.
Andrzej
13.05.2025
The Pompidou Centre in Malaga, also known as "El Cubo" due to its striking multicolored glass cube entrance, is a branch of the famous Centre Pompidou in Paris. Opened in 2015, it's located in Muelle Uno, the city's port area, offering a modern contrast to its surroundings.
We highly recommend the latest exhibition: Wassily Kandinsky - Pioneer of Abstract Art.
Andrzej
06.05.2025
Felix 12.01.2006 - 06.05.2020
An adventurous doggy (he visited 30 countries on 2 continents) with a big heart, a goofy smile, and wet kisses for everyone.
We miss you, monkey, a lot!
It's Okay
by Shona
I know you're hurting ...
It's okay.
I know you feel empty ...
It's okay.
I know you feel guilty, but please don't ...
It's okay.
You gave me everything ...
It's okay.
You took me roaming to so many wonderful places ...
It's okay.
You included me in your grand adventures ...
It's okay.
You gave me a life most dogs could only dream about ...
It's okay.
You loved me with everything you had ...
It's okay.
It was time ...
It's okay.
You did everything you could ...
It's okay.
It was time ...
It's okay.
I had a beautiful life with you ...
It's okay.
It was time ...
It's okay.
You were the best humans I could have wished for ...
It's okay.
I love you, too ...
It's okay.
It's time to let go ...
It's okay.
28.04.2025
One good thing about the unstable and crazy weather on the Costa del Sol this spring has been the interesting and very photogenic sky. Below, a few pictures of Gibraltar from Alcaidesa with very captivating cloud formations.
Andrzej
18.04.2025
We made our way to Cadiz on a very windy day and, unfortunately for us, on a day with a cruise ship docked. We expected to be among a few tourists and were instead caught up in a horde! Despite the crowds, though, we enjoyed wandering around at random and getting off the main streets. It was a bit bittersweet as this was the last place Felix went anywhere with us, but it was a really nice day and we found a great burger place to top things off (which Felix definitely would have enjoyed!). Cadiz is a beautiful city with a rich history. It's one of the oldest inhabited cities in western Europe with roots dating back to the 7th century BC. It's easily walkable and there are plenty of interesting things to see, so well worth the drive if you find yourself in Seville and are looking to explore outside the city.
Shona
15.04.2025
Chiclana de la Frontera is a city in the province of Cadiz (Andalucia) near the bay of Cadiz. I'm not sure the city itself is worth a separate trip (sorry Chiclaneras/Chiclaneros!), but if you're in the area, for example visiting the city of Cadiz (only 20 km away), you could make a short stop. Some of Chiclana's tourist attractions are: the Torre del Reloj, the Plaza Mayor, the Iglesia de San Sebastian, the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, and the Museo de Chiclana.
Andrzej
12.04.2025
We dragged ourselves out of bed at the ungodly hour of 6:30am, with the aim of capturing the sun rising over northern Africa and the Strait of Gibraltar. It didn't work out quite the way we'd planned but it was still beautiful. At this point of the year, the sun isn't in the best position so we'll have to go back in the winter. But the blue hour always makes for nice shots, and the wind turbines were an interesting feature to focus on as the sun came up. I'm amazed we got any shots that weren't blurry, it was so windy we couldn't stand still!
Shona
26.02.2025
Very unstable weather in Andalusia this winter. We took advantage of a rare sunny break last week for a little road trip. Nothing spectacular but it was nice to be back in places like Setenil de las Bodegas, Olvera and Ronda, before the hordes of summer tourists turn them into a nightmare.
Andrzej
