September 20, 2011 by Chris

The Hermitage

We spent the day, as planned, getting to the Hermitage, waiting in line to get in, and then exhausting ourselves viewing this über vast collection of artwork in an ornate venue that also requires considerable attention. As forecast, it was raining first thing, but has cleared and we’re hoping for another nice day tomorrow.

Something that shocked me more than anything else was that everywhere we walked, we were walking on these beautiful parquet floors.

Dennis in the hall of 332 heroic generals from the 1812 war.

This could have been us if we hadn’t left!!!

September 20, 2011 by Chris

St. Petersburg – day 1

Wow! I am absolutely impressed. I expected grandeur, “Venice of the north”, etc., but was unprepared for how well the buildings are kept up, cleanliness on the streets, etc. And long gone are the days of the Lada!!!! Now it’s like anywhere else in western Europe – beemers, volvos, Mercedes, etc.

Their metro system is great, albeit, it takes forever to get down there – being deepest in the world. This photo only tells half the story.

We walked, and walked, and walked … Thank god for dennis’s new knee. Then rewarded ourselves with a boat trip on rivers and canals.

I couldn’t get enough of the church of spilled blood, as it’s known as, or church of the resurrection. The entire interior is covered with mosaic. It’s mind bogglingly beautiful.

September 18, 2011 by Chris

Important price difference

In Finland: $9
In Russia: $3

September 17, 2011 by Chris

Tired feet

The verdict is in: we like Helsinki.
Our hotel is a converted prison (Katajanokka) situated on a small peninsula on southeastern tip of the city. It’s very accessible by tram and on foot.

The weather has been perfect. And we hope for some more days like this as we continue our trip.

The Helsinki orthodox cathedral was particularly spectacular with the bright blue sky as a backdrop.

I’ve had a revelation!!! I’m an absolute food junkie! Whether it be growing it, cooking, eating, markets, looking for good restaurants ….. And on it goes. Anyway, today’s market didn’t disappoint.

We walked and took trams all over the city.

September 16, 2011 by Chris

Happy to be in Helsinki

Chris is happy to be back in scandinavia after much too long.

Dennis was happy with his sauteed reindeer and mashed potatoes dinner at AIno restaurant.

September 15, 2011 by Chris

Fish dinner

Delicious fresh cod dinner at Durum restaurant. Dennis was expecting fried ….

But was happy when he tasted how fresh and flaky it was and cleaned his plate!!!
Onward to Helsinki early tomorrow.

September 15, 2011 by Chris

Reykjavik

I wondered whether my hair would ever be the same after the blue lagoon treatment, but, thankfully, it’s fine and didn’t turn green or anything!

Dinner last night was terrific – at Hamborgara Fabrikkan- a deservedly packed place not too far from here, where I enjoyed a delicious lamb burger, while dennis remained the traditionalist, and stuck with beef.

Rain was forecast for today, but we lucked out with light drizzle. This is an extremely manageable city and we walked most of it today. It reminds me very much of Ushuaia! Maybe not so surprisingly. The architecture (many of the buildings with corrugated siding and roofs; the coast line; and it has a sturdiness and practical feel to it.

We were most impressed with the newly opened concert hall, right down on the harbor. I’m sure the glass would have reflected even more on a sunny day.

Lunch was one of the local specialties – pylsur – a hot dog with onions, mustard, ketchup and remoulade. This little stand is supposed to have the best in Reykjavik.

Hallgrimskirkja church was another destination. We were lucky enough to hear the organ being played.

September 14, 2011 by Chris - 1 Comment

Blue lagoon, Iceland

What an amazing landscape. Did we land on Iceland or the moon?

A soak in these therapeutic geo thermal waters does wonders for the jet-lagged, sleepless body and mind, but it does a HUGE number on the hair!!! Despite slathering it with conditioner beforehand. I wish we could have photographed ourselves whilst in the water and our faces masked in the white silica produced naturally.

August 27, 2011 by Chris - 3 Comments

A forest of masts at the Front Street Boatyard

Boats from all over the place have made their way to Belfast to be hauled to safety with the pending storm.

No room in the yard for beautiful “Misty”

…. and then a nice stroll back across the bridge with Ceilidh and Lucy

June 13, 2011 by Chris

Beech Hill Preserve, Rockport, ME

A pleasant morning stroll to the recently renovated Beech Nut sod-roofed stone hut. The preserve is one of Coastal Mountain Landtrust’s conservation efforts and offers spectacular views across the blueberry barrens of Penobscot Bay and Camden Hills.

April 12, 2011 by Chris

Ybor City (little Cuba), Tampa

Irene and Arvid came to visit us on 4/11 and we made a trip along beautiful Bayshore Blvd. to downtown Tampa and Ybor City. What another cool, cultural experience seeing cigars being hand rolled, and more.. unfortunately, we’d already eaten at home, but will go back for a good cuban sandwich and mojito!!!

April 10, 2011 by Chris

Wat Mongkolrata (Thai ) temple in Tampa.

We visited the Sunday market today. What a wonderfully easy trip to experience Thai culture! The food was wonderful and so much to choose from – soups, banana fritters, green papaya salad, fresh spring rolls, curries ……

April 4, 2011 by Chris

Weekend in Vancouver, WA with the GGkids..

A quick visit into downtown Portland, OR on a brisk, but sunny Saturday. As I imagined, it’s an interesting city and I look forward to visiting again .. with Dennis.

Meanwhile, the intention of the visit is to spend time with Kat, Ian and the GGkids.