March 29, 2023

The Calle Oficios of Havana !!!

I was looking again at my blog and realise have wonderful old pictures on sites not really develop and they should stand alone, I went into my Havana and found me pictures from my last trip there in 2012 that needed to have a post of their own, Family memories flashing ; here is my new take on Calle Oficios of Havana ! Hope you enjoy the post as I

The Calle Oficios was a very much visited street by my family and I just went over to walked it and got me a picture that help do this post, It is one of the most visited in the historic center of the city. It was projected from the creation of the main square, today Plaza de Armas, and in 1584 it was one of the four streets that the town of San Cristóbal de La Habana had. Currently simply refer to as La Habana or Havana (eng) Havane (Fr), Calle de Oficios goes from the Plaza de Armas to the Alameda de Paula, Habana Vieja or Old Havana.

havana C Oficio y Teniente Rey Feb12

Its name is due to the fact that small establishments were grouped along its route where trades such as carpentry, shoemaking, watchmaking, among many others, ended up being its distinctive characteristic. The street had 43 high houses, 14 had a hall, 32 were low and there were 191 accessories. When in 1584 Havana only had four streets, this was one of the main ones, drawn from the foundation of the main square, later Plaza de Armas. It was called De los Oficios, because from this square to that of San Francisco, it was full of craftsmen.

The Casa de Oficios no 8, together with the adjoining ones that make up the corner of Calle Obispo, constitute one of the oldest that was built very close to the founding site of the city. According to the legend of the 17C documents, the first three lots corresponded to the Episcopal Palace . The Schools for Infants (or San Ambrosio for boys), and De Niñas Doncellas or maidens girls (or San Francisco de Sales) , both founded by Bishop Don Diego Evelino de Compostela, the first prelate to open the doors to public education in the country. The plot that the Casa de Oficios occupies today was the one corresponding to the Episcopal Palace or house of the bishops.

In 1579 the Franciscan friars took possession of the land where the building that served as the headquarters of the old temple and Convent of San Francisco de Asís (see post) was erected, whose manufacture lasted 12 years. In 1739 the temple was consecrated, which due to the magnificence of its interior space, became the favorite of Havana society. The house on Calle Oficios No. 160 , maintains its domestic function, serving as a home for its inhabitants. It is one of the old buildings that faces the Plaza de San Francisco. It appears as one of the oldest buildings in this area, because although it was rebuilt during the 19C, its construction system denotes greater antiquity. In addition, due to the importance of this site, its occupation was carried out from a very early period. The Plaza San Francisco or Saint Francis Square owes its name to the Convent of San Francisco de Asís, located here since the end of the 16C. In the center of the square stands the Fuente de los Leones, or Lions fountain a gift to Havana by Claudio Martínez de Pinillos, Count of Villanueva, and placed here in 1836.

The Palacio de Gobierno or government palace is a magnificent neoclassical construction, which became one of the three large buildings for public use of the first republican decade in Cuba, it was erected as an extension of an old house that at the end of the War of Independence in 1895, after the USA military occupation was destined to house the House of Representatives. As recorded, it was the third building where the national flag was raised before May 20, 1902 (Republic of Cuba founded) . In May 2000, the building built in the 20C became the Government Palace Museum. Calle Oficios no. 211 between Muralla (ramparts of old Havana now also a street) ,and Callejón de Churruca streets.

The Alexander of Humboldt house was inaugurated as a house-museum on October 31, 1997. The 18C building has five exhibition rooms. In order to rescue, preserve, investigate and publicize the historical legacy of the German scholar Alejandro de Humboldt, the institution maintains a permanent exhibition that includes plates, books, scientific instruments and copies of original documents, duly ordered and identified, about events of the life of the German scholar, his work in the sciences and his relationship with Cuba in terms of nature and society. There is also, the Alexander of Humboldt Library. It is specialized in the German language, it hoards more than three thousand copies, mostly classical and contemporary literature from countries that speak this language. It has art and reference books, children’s literature texts, as well as a collection of biographies of about a hundred personalities of culture, science and politics of the 20C. It has an active and passive bibliography on the second discoverer of Cuba, including copies in Spanish. Located in the Alejandro de Humboldt House. Calle Oficios no. 254 corner to Muralla.Also, the Monument to Alexander de Humboldt. A bronze bust pays him a well-deserved tribute in the park that bears his name, very close to the museum house that discloses his life and work. Calle Oficios corner with Muralla,same spot

Museo Casa de los Arabes or House of the Arabs Museum is located in an old building from the late 18C and early 19C. Refunctionalized as a cultural institution, its main objective is to disseminate the values of the Arab world based on its customs, traditions, art, architecture and the study of the Arab presence in Cuba, from the first contacts that led to Spanish colonization, and later the movement migration that occurred between the 19C and 20C, Related to it is the .Biblioteca Ibn Jaldún or Ibn Khaldun Library. It has important collections of Arab and Islamic themes, especially editions of historical chronicles from the 19C, essays on Islam, and texts on contemporary Arab and Islamist history and art. It also treasures volumes about Arab immigration in Cuba and Latin America. Calle Oficios no. 16, between Obispo and Obrapía streets, Old Havana.

You have the museo del Automovil or Automobile Museum. The Automobile Depot is divided into two exhibition rooms, which share the entire collection made up of 30 passenger cars, 2 rigid trucks, a hearse, a special vehicle, 7 motorcycles, a traffic light, 3 fuel pumps and 2 didactic rows. The oldest vehicle in the collection dates from 1905 and the most modern from 1989; They are primarily of North American construction, although there are examples made in Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Calle Oficios no 13 corner of Jústiz and Obra Pía streets, Old Havana,

The Museo de Arte Sacro or Sacred Art Museum is inside the Minor Basilica of San Francisco Asís that also functions as a concert hall, The collection of religious paintings is exhibited. In the spaces of the prestigious concert hall, images are shown, mainly from the 18C, together with other pieces of a religious nature, among them the slippers and the rain cape that belonged to the first Auxiliary Bishop of Cuba, Dionisio Rezino y Ormachea, embroidered in Mexico at the end of the 17C in silk, gold threads and precious stones. This is at Calle Oficios between Amargura and Churruca streets, Old Havana.

You have the colegio or College of San Francisco de Sales. Around 1688, when this house was bought by Bishop Diego Evelino de Compostela, it already presented an appearance similar to the current one. When the San Francisco de Sales School for orphaned girls was immediately installed there, reforms were gradually introduced, the largest of which consisted of adding a third floor that is only expressed  to the outside by Calle Obispo street, and the replacement of the original tile roofs for the current  flat roofs, Calle Oficios no.6, corner with Calle Obispo, Old Havana.

Other interesting buildings here amongst the many are the Casa del Tesorero Baltazar de Soto or House of Treasurer Baltazar de Soto ,Calle Oficios 51-53. It is an old 17C building, remodeled during the 18-19C, The Casa del Marqués De Casa Calderón ,calle Oficios no, 312. This mansion is an important example of 18C architecture, in whose last decades it acquired its physiognomy only occasionally varied in the XIX Men’s College or San Ambrosio Seminary ,calle Oficios no 8. A balanced simplicity characterizes this house, where the San Ambrosio College was located from 1689 to 1774, when it was transferred to the Seminary next to the Cathedral. Calle Oficios no 12, between Obispo and Obra Pía street, The Casa del Conde De Casa Barreto. Only an original portion, which includes the facades, remains of this stately mansion with a privileged location due to its proximity to the port. Calle Oficios no. 362, corner to calle Luz.

Calle Oficios in its extension it links emblematic places of the city such as the Plaza de Armas, the Plaza de San Francisco and the Alameda de Paula. Its a must to walk it see it smell it it is wonderful old Havana,even if now many crumble, I am putting official Cuba tourist sites for references ,bear in mind, the above also come from my library with more information.

The official today Cuba tourist board on Havana : https://www.cuba.travel/en/destinations/havana-cuba

The official today Infotur tourist guide to Cuba on Havana https://infotur.cu/en/destinos/havana

There you go folks, another nostalgic spot in my life and happy to be able to share it with the world. Havana goes deep with me, even if now is a distant star flicking for survival, I believe you should know these places and eventually visit in better freer times , Again, hope you enjoy the post on Calle Oficios of Havana or La Habana as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

March 29, 2023

My visit to Yogyakarta , Indonesia !!

I have found this older post with missing info and old links so is updated now and while doing it bringing many many memories of my visit to Yogyakarta. I have, also, told you that I have been 8 times to Indonesia over the last few years, and most of these trips were to the more popular cities but once I went to some off the beaten paths areas such as here in exotic Yogyakarta !!  Hope you enjoy the post as I

Briefly, Yogyakarta is the capital of the special territory of the same name, in the center of the island of Java, Indonesia.  Its name, which means “the work of Ayodhya”, comes from that of a city in the kingdom of Koshala of which Rāma was the monarch in the epic of Ramayana. The Special Region of Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia’s autonomous regions, owes its special status to the Sultanate of gyaHamengkubuwono, which has ruled the region since 1749 and led it through the difficult times of the occupation and the struggle for independence

The city is known as the center of classical Javanese art and traditional culture including wayang kulit shadow theater, batik, ballet, theater, music, poetry. Yogyakarta is also known for its silver craftsmen, gathered in the money district, Kota Gede. The German painter and musician Walter Spies , who was one of the first Western artists to make Bali known to the world, was conductor of the European music troupe of the Sultan of Yogyakarta.

Some things to see here with more time are: The Beringharjo market is a huge covered market ,where you can find everything: a huge choice of batik (clothes and printed fabrics), spices, fruits and vegetables, wicker baskets, trinkets… It is open in the morning only from 8h. The Sultan’s Palace! Yes a sultant still resides in Yogyakarta. He is the governor of Central Java and has a large palace in the city center, which is open for tours every morning. The Taman Sari ,formerly, the Water castle of Yogyakarta was the place where the Sultan and his Court came to bathe. The famous temples of  Borobudur  and  Prambanan  are located near Yogyakarta.

Oh yes I came here by air, see my post on airports of Indonesia. On the older Yogyakarta Adisutjipto International Airport is The new airport Yogyakarta International Airport or Kulon Progo International Airport, is in the district of Temon, kabupaten of Kulon Progo, which serves the special territory of Yogyakarta in Java, The airport was inaugurated on May 6, 2019. This one I have not try yet as my last visit dates from 2018.

The Yogyakarta Adisutjipto Inter airport : https://adisutjipto-airport.co.id/en

The newer Yogyakarta inter airport https://yogyakarta-airport.co.id/en

yogyakarta-adisutjipto-out-of-airport-look-driver-past-bus-stop-nov16

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The Restaurant Taman Pringsewu Km. 9 Mulungan Jln. Magelang, is the pride of the family every time there is an event that definitely has to eat its food here. The tastes never disappoint and the variants are very much so you can choose, the price is worth it, the place is clean and the service is fast  Friendly children. Super menu.  Super nice,very affordable price & the dining experience is extremely relax with nice ambience. Definitely will come again. The food and service is awesome. First time there and can come back again hopefully. I had lunch at the in a magnificent setting with all exotic local foods some are even hard to remember or spell ! The grill fish is to kill for it, . A wonderful coconut and orange drink as well.The chain webpage :https://pringsewuresto.com/default.html

And the personal Taman resto webpage : https://restoran-taman-pringsewu.business.site/#posts

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The Yogyakarta tourist office: https://visitingjogja.jogjaprov.go.id/en/

The local Yogyes on Yogyakarta (ID): https://www.yogyes.com/

The Indonesia tourist office on Yogyakarta : https://www.indonesia.travel/gb/en/destinations/java/yogyakarta

There you go folks, another nice off the beaten path spot on my world map, and plenty of good memories which have lasted and will last forever. Thanks for the friendship and opportunities to visit all these wonderful places in our world such as Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

March 28, 2023

The Durigan’s of Curitiba !!!

While living in Curitiba Brazil in 2008 I enjoy the City and the people with some still in touch, One of the highlight of the stay was tasting Brazilian wines, Mind you, there are better producing wine countries around there but in Brazil the tradition goes back to the ealry immigrants to the City, This was the case in the district of Santa Felicidade and the Durigan’s winery of Curitiba, I have a couple of pictures so will do justice to their hospitality and wines to do a post, Hope you enjoy it as I

Do you know Brazil makes wine? and improving every year. I happened to lived there as an expat , and really enjoy coming to Durigan. Let me tell you a bit about them,and hope you too can taste it there. If you want to bring home some Brazilian wines with an Italian twist then head for Durigan’s winery, a real wine store, winery in one. The wines are not bad price/quality ratio and its unique as gift given or to drink as I did taken them home when I lived in the city .They cover a whole range with French grapes with the Reserva and white Chardonnay not bad at all.

Among so many stopping points in Santa Felicidade , district of Curitiba, and the Italian neighborhood about 7 km from the city center, reserve at least one hour for Durigan Wines. is on the most touristic stretch of Av. Manoel Ribas, the main artery of the neighborhood. The place is cozy, rustic and themed. Right at the entrance there are several sculptures, one of which represents Bacchus god of wine over a small waterfall.

Curitiba durigan winery store entr 2008

The Durigan family arrived in Paraná State in the 19C from Treviso, Italy. After passing through Morretes,(see post) on the coast , the immigrants took up residence on the Curitiba plateau, today called Santa Felicidade.

All those delicious snacks such as salami, cheese, antipasti, sweets and chocolates are on sale. Daily they offer free tasting of cold cuts, juices and wines. The space is also focused on Italian gastronomic culture. If you want to prepare a typical dinner, you can open your wallet: here you can find pasta, sauces, olive oils, focaccias, crostinis, jellies and delicious pastries.  Another detail that I find very cute in the Durigan house is that it is always decorated according to the time of the year: Easter, Christmas, June parties;: giving the place an always festive look.

curitiba durigan winery store santa felicidade 2008

The official Durigan’s winery (P): http://www.vinhosdurigan.com.br/

For ordering, this is their Vinicola Durigan (see vinhos de mesa or table wines and vinhos finos for the finest wines) : https://www.vinicoladurigan.com.br/c/vinhos-finos/90722-SIT.html

There you go folks, something unique and off the beaten path in lovely memorable Curitiba , as the old saying goes, to remember is to live again. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the Durigan’s wines in Santa Felicidade, Curitiba as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

March 28, 2023

A memorable first visit to Sao Paulo !!!

Another of my first places visit in Brazil which deserves a post of its own even if small as have others in general about it is the City of Sao Paulo,the largest city in Brazil and South America. I like to tell you about my first encounter there and my stayed ,memories forever, Hope you enjoy the post as I.

My old time favorite here for stays , and the reason of this post has been the Maksoud plaza , opened in 1979 done by the architect owner Maksoud tire of staying on other hotels, the one and only Maksoud plaza. .Unfortunately after many family feuds after the passing of the creator father the hotel was sold, It is now run by the French chain Accorhotels,Really needs to be check out as also told the world famous Frank bar next door is closed,,,, Do not know if Accor got all or what,,Sadly wonderful memories there and now here maybe just for the memories, can someone local confirm please,

It had wonderful places to eat inside like the Atrium lobby cafe and the Arlanza Grill. Ibirapuera park is nearby for a nice jogging and conferences were held every year for the me business traveler in those days. The close by Avenida Paulista is the grand avenue and most popular avenue of the city  (yes) concentrates all that is best in São Paulo. It is possible to visit museums and cultural centers, find a park amid great skyscrapers, check book launchings, enjoy the happy hour in one of its many bars, enjoy the evening at nightclubs, watch theatrical performances and movie sessions of the most diverse productions, and go shopping: all in one place! It is possible to visit museums and cultural centers,amid great skyscrapers,

More for the memories of always, the address was like in the 1980s, when it was possible to bump into Caetano Veloso at one of the tables, smoke cigars surrounded by works by artists such as Yutaka Toyota and Maria Bonomi and enjoy 24-hour bars and restaurants in the hotel, such as 150 Night Club, the Trianon Piano Bar, the Brasserie Bela Vista, the Vikings and La Cuisine du Soleil, for example. Not to mention the exquisite architecture, which received major cultural attractions, such as Frank Sinatra’s last performance in Brazil, in 1981. Also, Alberta Hunter, Bobby Short, and Buddy Guy , Of the hotel’s four restaurants , such as the rare Scandinavian Vikings, where the São Paulo bourgeoisie learned what the smorgasbord was, a table where marinated and smoked fish sparkled, the most eye-catching was La Cuisine du Soleil. Old but comfortable, this one had the advice of chef Roger Vergé , who in his Moulin de Mougins, in southern France, was one of the icons of innovative nouvelle cuisine. Oh yes many memories and at least one picture to show it and a nostalgic memorable post to keep and show to the world.

The maybe new Maksoud Plaza Hotel :https://maksoudplazahoteldistributed.com-hotel.com/fr/

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The City of Sao Paulo sits on the plateau of Piratininga at 760 meters above sea level, the city is crossed by two rivers, the Rio Tietê and the Rio Pinheiros which confluent before crossing the whole State of São Paulo and to throw themselves in the Rio Paraná. Founded in 1554 by Portuguese Jesuits, the city developed thanks to the gold of the surrounding mines until the end of the 18C, and then became prosperous thanks to the cultivation of coffee and sugar. In the last century, it has gradually become the economic heart of Brazil, with its business district around Avenue Paulista , hosting the São Paulo Stock Exchange and seats of large Brazilian and international companies. The city is known for its unpredictable climate, its architecture-and in particular its skyscrapers-, its gastronomy, its gigantic traffic jams and the number of helicopters flying over the city (biggest in Latin America).

As mentioned , this was my first entry point to Brazil,back in 1994, The Guarulhos international airport has served me many times on my trips here over the years since. You have their webpage here: https://www.gru.com.br/en/passenger/flights

The tour was given by locals by car lol! I really enjoy it as I am a road warrior bu the traffic here is big and if you are planning to head out by car, better get your bearing on the traffic before leaving home. Not perfect but better than go out blind. Of course, it helps if speaks Portuguese (I do) The official webpage is CET and it has the City in quadrants to explain you about the trafic conditions : http://www.cetsp.com.br/

Of course outside the City and into the Sao Paulo State than the autoban or expressway info which I usually take the Anhaguera (330 , Banderaintes (348) roads , you can get trafic info here : https://www.autoban.com.br/#

I do walk a lot in the City but it is big so sometimes a taxi or metro will do, However, only taken taxis here, The Sao Paulo metro webpage: https://www.metro.sp.gov.br/en/your-trip/index.aspx

The City of Sao Paulo on what to see/do (P) : http://www.capital.sp.gov.br/turista

The Sao Paulo  tourist office : https://cidadedesaopaulo.com/v2/?lang=en

There you go folks, a wonderful world different from what most think of Brazil. Lucky to have been there and won’t mind going back, eventually, Again, hope you enjoy this post on memorable Maksoud plaza of Sao Paulo as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

March 27, 2023

Porto Alegre and its Gaucho tradition !!

I had the opportunity to visit Brazil for several years and even lived there for several months in Curitiba (see posts), However, my first encounter happened many years ago probably around 1994 when asked to go into the big cities of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and surprise down under Porto Alegre, I have written plenty on the country but really need to update this wonderful first encounter at Porto Alegre and its Gaucho tradition, Hope you enjoy the post as I

When I went I came along a native of the City so big introduction as his mom an attorney was still living there, I was taken all over and sadly with the enthusiasm of the first visit pictures are few, I remember been taken everywhere and staying in a nice hotel the Blue Tree Towers Hotels, and lately Hotel Radisson Porto Alegre, They had a japanese resto there very good, then, Becco churrasquerias, and now Don Pallesi Restaurant-Italian style. The big tradition here is that is part of Gaucho country not just down south but in the State of Rio Grande do Sul as well , which is where Porto Alegre is located.

My wonderful introduction to the Brazilian Gaucho tradition at Porto Alegre was at the magnificent Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo ; Rua Otavio Francisco Caruso da Rocha s / n and praça Mauricio Sirotsky Sobrinho square. Unfortunately could not confirm if still open so here is RestaurantGuru reviews on it : https://restaurantguru.com/Churrascaria-Galpao-Crioulo-Porto-Alegre

Porto Alegre friends at gaucho show Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo 1999

I was with local friends and their families and had a great meal, wine of the region and a great Gaucho show at the Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo as above, memories of a lifetime.

Porto Alegre gaucho resto vladi mom fam and me Churrascaria Galpao Crioulo c1994

The city is decorated with parks (nine large urban parks) and tree-lined streets, especially in the ancient districts of the Cidade Baixa (lower town). In addition, the city has a biological reserve, around the beach of the district of Latif, on the river, which it is known to have one of the largest urban concentrations of birds of the country. The city has many hills, the Morros, which can reach up to 311 meters in altitude. The Mercado Publico is great now housing many shops of local flavor and tradition centered around the gaucho heritage. Many restos and pubs around Bela Vista and Centro typical of European cities.   Another is the great football/soccer team Internacional de Porto Alegre at river banks of  river/Rio Guaíba,in Avenida Padre Cacique, 891, at shopping  Gigante da Beira-Rio.

A bit of history I like on the city of Porto Alegre the first city ever visited by me in Brazil , as well as been the Capital of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, and the largest city in the southern region of Brazil. The city was established on the east bank of the Rio Guaiba, a bay within which converge five rivers that form the Lagoa dos Patos. The latter is a huge lake that faces south on the Atlantic Ocean. It is thanks to it that Porto Alegre is in constant contact with the sea, even if it is not by the sea. The activities of the port are so important that every year, the locals celebrate a feast dedicated to Our Lady of the Navigators or Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes. This event is held every February 2.

The Portuguese from the Azores then arrived who brought in the African slaves. After the abolition of slavery in the country and especially its independence, new immigrants also came to settle there, including Germans, Poles and Italians.   As the city is very close to Uruguay, its history is also linked to it, including that of Gaucho culture. This term describes the culture in which the Gauchos evolve every day, cattle breeders who also specialize in rodeo. the majority of the inhabitants are strongly anchored in the gaucho culture which implies musical traditions as well as the famous rodeo or throwing a bottle intended to capture the cows. The gaucho are in Argentina, Uruguay and in the south of Brazil, a guardian of herds of the South American plains or the pampa, in the same way in Paraguay, in the south-east of Bolivia by Tarija   and the south of Chile . In Brazil, the term is at the origin of the gentile Gaucho, which is used to designate the inhabitants of the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The Rio Grande do Sul is the southernmost of the 27 States of the Federative Republic of Brazil. It is separated from the State of Santa Catarina by the Rio Mampituba, is bordered to the east by the Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by the Argentina and Uruguay. Its capital is Porto Alegre. The inhabitants of the state are called Rio Grandenses or, more commonly, Gauchos!

The City of Porto Alegre on tourism (P) :https://prefeitura.poa.br/maisturismo

The Rio Grande do Sul State on Porto Alegre :https://www.turismo.rs.gov.br/turismo/municipio/visualizar/1

The Brazil tourist office on Porto Alegrehttps://www.visitbrasil.com/en/destino-porto-alegre-rs-ingles/

There you go folks, a wonderful world different from what most think of Brazil. Lucky to have been there and won’t mind going back, eventually, Again, hope you enjoy this post on Porto Alegre.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

March 27, 2023

The old castle of Cuenca !!!

This is a thrill trip of many years , and repeat visits to Cuenca with the family. Memories of always in my heart. We walked all over even steep cobblestones streets and in summer! I have written on the old castle but found me some new older pictures not in my blog and they should,Plenty in my blog on Cuenca ! Therefore, here is my new take on the old castle of Cuenca ,Hope you enjoy it as I.

For reference, this is Cuenca, in the province of Cuenca, and the autonomous community of Castilla La Mancha in the kingdom of Spain , This is pretty old ruins overlooking a wonderful view of the city of Cuenca canyons. This is the remnants of an old castle that is worth a detour. We came to love this town after staying nearby for a couple times in our trips down to sunny SpainThe Castillo district is a small suburb located just outside the walls and built of houses of local style, Of medieval origin, the working-class suburbs of San Antón (located on the other side of the Júcar) and of Los Tiradores complete the fortress that is the upper town. The importance lies not in the individual buildings but in the overall effect, that of urban landscapes made up of narrow, winding alleys adapting to the very steep topography and constituting a choice foreground for the upper town.

The Castillo or castle origins dates back to the Arabs to be conquered by Alfonso VIII in 1177, who changed its structure to that of a medieval Christian fortress. In 1325 King Alfonso XI gave it to Don Juan, son of Don Juan Manuel. In the 16C it was ceded to the Inquisition, hosting the headquarters of the Inquisition Court in an annex building. Finally, the Catholic Monarchs (Fernando y Isabel ) ordered its demolition, perhaps to destroy the defensive places of the feudal lords to end their intrigues and disloyalties. But above all its demolition was a symbol of the fall from power of the Hurtado de Mendoza. With the French invasion during the War of Independence, (peninsula war) almost the entire complex was reduced to rubble.

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The entrance arch that serves as the door to the castle was baptized the Arch of the Rodríguez Bezudo Brothers, 16C (short for Arco de Bezudo) in memory of their deaths in the capture of the City by Alfonso VI. According to historical accounts, one of them died in the assault on this castle while the other was appointed governor. Currently you can see a cobbled plaque with the name Arco de Bezudo. Today few remains of Cuenca’s defensive system remain, a shield with a fleece is still preserved over the semicircular arch. Taking advantage of its high walls, a staircase has been installed that allows access to the top of the Castle of Cuenca. On the other side, a small section of the canvas of the wall extends, following the steep orography of the Júcar river gorge.

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On one side you can see the zigzagging Húecar River with its steep sickle giving shape to the historical case, crossed by the Puente de San Pablo bridge that connects the Casas Colgadas or hanging houses with the Parador de Turismo (former convent of San Pablo or St Paul) On the other hand the Júcar River stretches out, making its way between hills of limestone that has been drilled for millennia. You can walk to the castle from the Plaza Mayor, following Calle San Pedro, which connects with Calle Trabuco. Another option is to follow the Ronda Julián Romero, passing by the Mirador de Florencio Cañas, the Mirador del pintor Víctor de la Vega or the rincón del Cristo del Pasadizo. Although it is a short distance, the streets are quite steep, so it is also possible to go by urban bus line 2 stop Arco de Bezudo or the tourist train.

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The Cuenca tourist office on the castle and arch : https://visitacuenca.es/content/descubre-ciudad-y-paisaje-urbano/castillo-y-arco-de-bezudo

The Castilla La Mancha tourist board on the castle of Cuencahttp://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/patrimonio/castillo-de-cuenca-87564/descripcion/

There you go folks, we have nice memorable moments climbing the steep hilly road the first time to reach this castle to find out there was a parking on top next to it lol! Well we came back ,and parked on top ! Either way is a great walk, and still nice family memories forever , again do it on the shade of the day. Again, hope you enjoy the old castle ruins and arco de Bezudo of Cuenca as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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March 26, 2023

My favorite beaches of Lacanau-Océan !!!

Let me tell you a bit more on Lacanau-Océan in the Médoc ,as found me pictures not yet in my blog ,and they should. Do see my other posts on the are in my blog.  This an area we love so much and spent many summers there. This is a bit of a mix bag for me as can combine the best wine in the world with beautiful beaches. For quick reference, Lacanau-Océan is located in the Gironde dept. 33, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region.  It is located 42 km from Bordeaux.

However, unless you are surfer, most do not know that  to the west of the Gironde river is the wonderful Atlantic ocean and its gorgeous beaches of the Médoc peninsula. Be aware, there are two towns here, the beaches are in Lacanau-Océan, and the inland town by the lake is Lacanau Ville the city proper.

Lacanau ocean plage centrale folks c2000

The Ocean coast of the Médoc offers a line of more than 100 km of beaches made of fine sand !!! There is a line up of beaches in the Lacanau area from south to north, you have 18 km with the  Plage Sud, Plage Centrale, and Plage Nord. The Centrale is more crowded as it is in town center, the others are less ; we love the plage Nord or north beach, The surfing is king here and world renown indeed.

Lacanau ocean plage nord c2000

The town of Lacanau on its three areas City, lake, and beacheshttps://www.lacanau.fr/lacanau/3-poles-3-ambiances/

My fav Plages TV site on beaches for Lacanau: https://en.plages.tv/seaside-resorts/lacanau-33680

The Médoc Atlantique tourist office on the beaches of Lacanau: https://www.medoc-atlantique.co.uk/14-towns-with-1001-possibilities/holidays-in-lacanau/

The Gironde dept 33 tourist office on the Médochttps://www.gironde-tourisme.fr/en/decouvrir-la-gironde/nos-destinations/le-medoc/

There you go folks, this is wonderful Lacanau Océan beaches and al, many nice memories of family vacations there that will endure for life and hoping you can try them too and enjoy them as we did and will again,eventually.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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March 26, 2023

The Passage du Grand Cerf of Paris !!!

As I sit in my window looking out a cool rainy winter day in my Morbihan breton , I can’t help thinking of my walks in Paris. As said, Paris is an outdoor living museum, like no other, and by far the most beautiful city in the World. I did and do a lot of walking in Paris, if feeling tired then took the bus above ground Paris is glorious. Some of these walks made me realize further the beauty of the city, in its history, architectures and facts. One of these pleasant walks took me to see the passage du Grand Cerf or covered walkway of Paris seldom seen and full of charm. I like to tell you about it, and hope you enjoy the post as I.

paris-passage-grand-cerf-main-entry-sept15

In 1825, the House of the Taxi of the Grand Cerf, which was the terminus of the Royal Couriers, was demolished. The opening date of the passage remains unclear. It was probably opened in 1835. The style of the canopy is however of a later period. The history of the Passage du Grand Cerf is closely linked to the history of the neighborhood ( quartier)  Saint-Denis which was in 1830 the most popular and industrious of Paris where there were small factories and workshops.  Its height, 11.80 meters, the highest in Paris, and a lenght of 113 meters was the most important of all the Parisian passages. It’s partially metallic structure allowed building two levels of fully glass facade. The house only starts from the third floor. Thus, it was said that this Passage was more intended for production and handicrafts than for the luxury and sale of its products.

paris passage grand cerf ceiling sept15

The passage of the Grand Cerf, connects the 145, rue de Saint Denis to 8, rue Dussoubs, in the 2éme arrondissement of Paris, in the neighborhood or quartier of Bonne-Nouvelle. The name of the passage refers to the old sign of a hotel, the Grand Cerf Hotel. This hotel, which belonged to the Hospices administration, is also across the passage of the Bourg-l’Abbé which faces it, in rue Saint-Denis, was inaugurated in April 1828 and ,however, a guide dated 1831 indicates that the passage of the Grand-Cerf is still under construction…The passage was built on the location of the Terminus house of the Grand Cerf where the Royal stagecoaches brought the courier destined for the east of France.  The current architecture of the passage makes it rather go back to the year 1845 than 1825. This is actually the year where this passage was covered by a large canopy. The use of metal structures made it possible to situate it at a high height and thus to raised large glass surfaces in height, at the level of the interior facades of the shops.The decoration is in neoclassical style, the metal walkways and the woodwork showcases bring a chic and sober side, two floors of skylights illuminate the passage. The shops of the passage of the Grand Cerf are mainly those of designers and creators (jewelers, furniture.etc..). It was necessary to invest to maintain it and finally the Public Assistance plans to sell it. After failure to sell it , it was finally sold in 1985. This allowed to restore it and rebuild it identically by 1990.

paris-passage-grand-cerf-inside-sept15

A sequence of the film by Louis Malle ,Zazie  dans le Métro (in the metro/subway/tube ) was shot in 1960 in the passage.  Anne Français (1909-1995), painter, lived at 4, passage du Grand-Cerf. The birthplace of the French politician, Léon Blum is located next to the passage, at number 151, formerly number 243. An episode of the series Les Cinq Derniére Minutes (the last five minutes), with Jacques Debary, was shot in the passage du Grand Cerf.  The TV show Un Coeur sur Mesure ( a custom-made heart), is first broadcast  on 25 July 1981. The crime takes place in a tailor shop located in the gallery.

It is located at  145, rue Saint-Denis – 8, rue Dussoubs with access on Metro Etienne Marcel line 4 or Bus  29, arrêt/stop Etienne Marcel.

The Paris tourist office on the passage du Grand Cerf :https://en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/100255/Passage-du-Grand-Cerf

The passages and galleries site on the Passage du Grand Cerf :http://passagesetgaleries.fr/passage-grand-cerf/

There you go folks, a wonderful walk, shop;eat in quant beautiful eternal Paris , Take your curiosity to the limit and see this wonderful passage du Grand Cerf Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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March 26, 2023

The Passage du Bourg l’Abbé of Paris !!!

As I sit in my window looking out a cool rainy winter day in my Morbihan breton , I can’t help thinking of my walks in Paris. As said, Paris is an outdoor living museum, like no other, and by far the most beautiful city in the World. I did and do a lot of walking in Paris, if feeling tired then took the bus above ground Paris is glorious. Some of these walks made me realize further the beauty of the city, in its history, architectures and facts. One of these pleasant walks took me to see the passage du Bourg L’Abbé or covered walkway of Paris seldom seen and full of charm. I like to tell you about it, and hope you enjoy the post as I.

paris-passage-bourg-labbe-main-ent-sept15

The Passage du Bourg-l’Abbé  with a length of 43 meters allows to pass from 120, rue Saint-Denis to 3, Rue de  Palestro, originally  extended until the passage de l’Ancre, but it was notched by the piercing of the boulevard de Sébastopol.  It was built in 1828 ,and the mezzanine retains original ornaments, the entrance to the side of the Rue de Palestro, designed by the architect Henri Blondel in 1863,, also architect of the Bourse de Commerce (trade exchange house) . Henri Blondel will come back in 1889 on the Rue de Palestro for a house built  at 15 rue du Louvre , but will give more scope to its composition by doubling the entrance arcade and accompanying the opening of powerful figures of Atlantis’s.   The Cariatides, sculpted by Aimé Millet, in 1863 author of the Grand Apollon of the Opéra Garnier are allegories of trade and industry, symbolized respectively by the anchor, attribute of the Merchant Navy, and by Machines parts.  The nooks of it is filled with a beehive, emblem of economic activity.

paris-passage-bourg-labbe-inside-sept15

It is located at 120, rue Saint-Denis – 3, Rue Palestro, with access on Metro: Etienne Marcel ,line 4 and Bus 29 arrêt/stop Etienne Marcel.  Open from Monday to Saturday from 7h30 to 19h30. It bears the name of a village called “Le Bourg l’abbé”, which bore this name because it depended on the abbot of St. Martin. It has little activity today and hardly ever notice not even in the Paris tourist office lineup, however, it is very nice historical piece of covered passageways of Paris and will do good to stop by passing by here.

The passages and galleries site on the passage du Bourg L’Abbéhttp://passagesetgaleries.fr/passage-bourg-labbe/

There you go folks, a wonderful walk, shop;eat in quant beautiful eternal Paris , Take your curiosity to the limit and see this wonderful passage du Bourg l’Abbé of Paris.  Again, hope you enjoy the post as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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March 25, 2023

My routine in my old dear Versailles !!!

You know, well lived in Versailles, once in the royal City you never forget, this is grand, huge, love at first sight, and then more, The City does not get enough recognition induce by the central government ,but it has more then that other city.  I found me some nostalgic pictures again and they should be in my blog, It is my life’s history anyway, a road warrior globettroter of 81 countries, and many more cities all over the world ; living in 5, living/working in 4, I had enough fun to last me a lifetime, Now retired, things slow down but still looking for dear places, Let me tell you again about some of my routine in my old dear Versailles, Hope you enjoy it as I.

The Avenue de Saint Cloud (road D185) is in the Montreuil district bordering Notre-Dame district of Versailles(mine). Named after the town of Saint-Cloud (see post) whose avenue was the road to go to. At 33 Avenue de Saint Cloud corner with Avenue de l’Europe parking Indigo, convenient for those daring to enjoy the thrill of coming by car, is right next to the flower market or Marché aux fleurs (see post). It is a straight shot to the Château de Versailles , a grand avenue indeed worth to walk it ,all of it.

Versailles avenue Saint Cloud to palace

Right at the corner of Ave St Cloud and Ave de l’Europe ,there is a nice bus depot or terminal with many lines intersecting, The back building is the director of public finance or the local tax collector’s office, This is where my boys converge to take the bus to their school in Le Chesnay, The town merge with Rocquencourt to become today Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt, They took after me showing them the route ! The bus line 3 Le Chesnay-Rocquencourt – André Mignot Hospital – Reception ↔ Versailles – Satory ,the stop was at Hôpital A Mignot and then cross street to the school (see post)

Versailles ave de l'Europe bus stop Dir Dép des Fin Publi bldg

However, I still nostalgic of the old system so cool with letters! For the nostalgics like me the old network as compare to the new is as follow:  Bus A now line 3 . B is 1,2,3,5, C is 5, D is 6 and 14, E is 10 and 13, F is 10, G is 4, H is 2, F is 9 , K is 6, M is 9, N is 12, O is 8 P is 11, R are 1 ,6 ,13. S is 5, 7,9. U is 7 and W is 6 and X is 6. The new office for ticketing, information, maps you name , help if get lost in Versailles (what!) is at the new Agence Navigo Phébus Europe at 18 Avenue de l’Europe. Open Mondays to Fridays from 9h to 12h30 and 13h30 to 18h. Saturdays from 10h to 12h30 and 13h30 to 18h.  This office is right next to the Monoprix store near intersection with Avenue de Saint Cloud. The city bus info center is at the new name Agence Phébus les Ménages (old Espace Clients Phébus) located at 12 av. du Général  de Gaulle. Open Mondays to Fridays from 9h to 13h and 14h30 to 17h30; Saturdays, Sundays ,and Holidays is closed. The office is right across the train station RER C rive gauche-château near the Hôtel de Ville.

Le Chesnay hopital mignot bus stop for twins school bel air

The Phebus Versailles bus network on line 3https://www.phebus.tm.fr/se-deplacer/toutes-les-fiches-horaires

The city of Versailles on public transports https://www.versailles.fr/132/se-deplacer/transports-en-commun.htm#

The greater Grand Parc agglo area of Versailles on public transports :  https://www.versaillesgrandparc.fr/au-quotidien/se-deplacer/en-transport-en-commun

There you go folks, another wonderful post of my dear Versailles, a lot more than a Palace/museum I said. Again, hope you enjoy the post on my routine in my old dear Versailles as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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