“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
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“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.”
The second largest city in Spain, Barcelona has a history that dates back long, long ago—2000 years ago, in fact, with a spellbinding vibe of light, passion, culture and character.
Here, somehow, the heavenly Mediterranean sunlight is seemingly more delicious when set against beguiling architecture, narrow alleyways, expansive waters, and in the gleam of each and every Barcelonian's eye.
Indeed, this seaside city calls visitors from near and far to walk alongside the works of great visionaries, of natural wonders, breathtaking points, and countless sights; to live as locals do, and to breath in the beautiful story of such an indescribably fascinating city . . .
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The day’s itinerary may have held a leisurely stroll along the canal and a lovely visit to the Basilica di San Marco, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Gallerie dell’Accademia, and perhaps even the Ca’ Pesaro; a stop or two for long lunch and a little shopping. But as the day of discoveries and sites comes to a close, the sun begins to set in the sky, casting an indescribable golden glow over the beautiful buildings and canals of this magical city.
There are gondolas with enchanted passengers return for the evening -- there are no cars, but vaporetti. Traditional melodies trail through the waterside streets, through the buildings, and over the rooftop terraces, creating such an impossibly beautiful mix of sights and sounds, and the night has just begun . . .
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St.Petersburg’s rich history can be found as one strolls up and down every street, and inside every little shop and restaurant; within the grand walls of every awe-inspiring palace, painted in the past, and with every foot that touches upon every stage.
The city is, simply put, brimming with history and sprinkled with endlessly beautiful [and fortuitous] points of culture to take in; and of the endless list of possible places to visit, Peterhof (Petrodvorets), a breathtaking palace also known as the Russian Versailles, The [lavish] Winter Palace, as well as The Winter Canal, and St.Isaac’s Cathedral, are just a few of the must-see sites. Here, tradition is recognized, remembered and celebrated.
And if possible, one must take in a performance or two while visiting, as Russian ballet is known all over the world for exquisite performances, there is luckily, [and nearby] The Hermitage Theatre—just one of the lovely possibilities.
Come away with us, on an adventure in beauty and culture, as we catch a glimpse of the enchanting city of St. Petersburg, Russia . . .
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. . . it has been said that the rooftops of prague are lined in gold, causing them to emit the most astonishing glow in the dusky light just before nightfall . . . perhaps soon, one of our adventures will lead us along the river, past castles and old stone bridges, swept away by years of history and the romance of those golden rooftops . . .
{images: photography by natasha on flickr}
. . . airplanes and altitudes aside, it is proving a little more difficult than anticipated to properly get back into things after a week away, especially while feeling a little under the weather from a sudden late-winter cold, but after a few deadlines, projects and social obligations, {including dinner reservations with family from out-of-town}, perhaps a little repose and an inordinate amount of beauty sleep, and things will be as they should . . . for tomorrow, a very exciting announcement, and later in the week, a few glimpses of the past week in paris . . .
{images: the french village, belleville, paris by madelene lindqvist of le portillion}
. . . and while on the topic of paris, {as we so often are}, still and always a fascination with travel photographs, especially the photographs of favourite places, and these hauntingly beautiful shots of la ville-lumière capture the city of light in a way that beckons for one's return at once, as fewer things are more inspiring than to fall once again into these familiar places, along the seine and palais royale, and if it is not possible to steal away at the moment, then even a glimpse, in photographs, are inspiration enough until the next time . . .
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