Postcard from Jerusalem

Jerusalem – one of the most contentious cities in the world is absolutely amazing . You can’t help but feel the history around every corner.

The main entrance to the old city is the Jaffa Gate. This area is the place most busy with tourists, taxis, and armed police.

Walking down the narrow streets, past the many shops full of religious souvenirs, from crosses to novelty T-shirts with motifs such as “Guns & Moses” on them, you won’t be surprised that everyone, of all faiths, are trying to make a living on the back of the historical city. Many a time I happened upon a juice bar, sweet shop, jewellery shop, bakery; and even an old relics shop.

There are quiet areas if you are looking for them. I found myself outside the Zion Gate that overlooks the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane; and the old Biblical names almost seem to appear out of nowhere in the old city. Room of the Last Supper, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Western Wall, Dome of the Rock… it goes on and on.

And for Christians on a pilgrimage it must be overwhelming. They can rent a wooden cross and retrace the steps of Jesus (the so-called stations of the cross). This is done by reflection and prayer, whilst walking the Via Dolorosa or the Way of Sorrow. Each station claims to be a spot where Jesus suffered or received insults on the way to his crucifixion.

When I reached the Church of the Holy Sepulchre it was crazy busy. This is the place where Calvary (otherwise known as Golgotha) is said to be. It is a stunning place which is divided into several different churches. But this is the cave where Jesus was buried (allegedly), and the priests are so passionate about the place that fights between them have actually broken out here! Google it!

There are many things to see for all faiths, and also for non believers. So rich in history and culture, it would be a shame to not tick this off your bucket list.

Postcard from Itxassou, Basque Region, France

Coming across sleepy villages in France seems to be a common occurrence. Itxassou is one of those villages, or so it appeared to be.

We stopped at the impressive Eglise Saint-Fructueux, a traditional Basque catholic church.

It was built in the 17th century and has a beautifully kept cemetery.

An unusual and unique feature of the graveyard of Itxassou are the headstones, which are disk shaped.

There are some amazing views of the surrounding Basque countryside; and not too far from here you can go white water rafting on the Nive river.

Unfortunately, we did not enter the church, but it has some noteworthy woodwork inside.

Postcard from Capbreton and Hossegor

Postcard from Guernsey – Good Old Fashioned Fun

Rocquaine Bay, on the south west coast of Guernsey.

Rocquaine Regatta day, with arrival of one of the great rafts for the race. Fort Grey makes a perfect backdrop.

Every year the Rocquaine Regatta on the Channel Island of Guernsey entertains locals and visitors alike. The regatta was first established in 1910 and people can participate in events such as the raft race, swimming races, sandcastle competitions, boat races, scavenger hunt, plus lots more. With no entry fee, it is great for families and a lot of fun.

This year saw the launching of a Viking longship raft. By far it was the most decorated raft, with shields along the length of the ‘boat’.

Beautiful beach to yourself in the summer!

One of several kiosks with stunning beaches beyond.

Guernsey holds quite a few events in the summer; especially popular is the West Show, which will be held on the 14th and 15th August 2019. Although there will be an entrance fee, there is a great variety of entertainment for families and friends to enjoy, such as live music, animals, food stalls, lawnmower racing, to name a few.

St Peter Port is the capital and has a picturesque seafront with restaurants and many shops. It’s worth a visit to this small island.

My Postcards can’t cover all there is to see, but this link will take you on a journey and maybe you will find yourself on this island very soon! http://www.visitguernsey.com

Postcard from Guédelon Medieval Castle, Burgundy, France

It’s true! Time-travelling in Guédelon, Burgundy is possible! Sort of. Here, you can find yourself absorbed in the rural beauty of northern Burgundy. Close to the vineyards of Sancerre and Chablis, this ‘new’ medieval castle is positioned in an attractive landscape. A team of master builders and volunteers are constructing one of the world’s biggest archaeological experiments.

Conceived in 1997, the project’s aim was to bring tourism and education to clarify methods employed in 13^th century construction. Taking the first year of construction, as if it were the year 1228 AD, the castle is based on the military architectural plans of Philip II Augustus – King of France (1180 -1223) who standardised the plans of castles throughout France.

You will hear the stonemasons’ tools tap-tap-tapping the sandstone, reviving 800 year old methods. Guédelon uses ferruginous sandstone which must be quarried, shaped, and lifted without the aid of today’s machinery.

Everything here is dependent upon the skills of its workers – including stonemasons, tilers, blacksmiths, carpenters, wood cutters, rope-makers, millers, and basket-makers. They all hand-craft each and every component. For example, a stonemason is reliant on the carpenter, for the scaffolding and the treadmills which hoist the stones up the walls. All have essential roles to play here.

There was a very interesting documentary about Guédelon by the BBC a few years ago, with historian Ruth Goodman, called “Secrets of the Castle”. It’s possible to see snippets on YouTube if you care to look! If you can, it’s so worth a visit to this amazing place!

Refreshments are available at a cafe on site and there are picnic areas if you bring your own food. For more information, the website for Guédelon is:

https://www.guedelon.fr/en/

Postcard from The Dordogne

*Just slip into the canoe. You’ll be fine,” they said. Sure. After a mild panic that we were about to go down rapids and putting my leg in the Dordogne river to stop the canoe… just a little bump with another canoe as ours turned sideways. I guess I was ok; after all, the river was barely knee-deep at the ‘rapids’ point!

But the Dordogne is an incredibly beautiful region of France. The meandering river, the blue skies, medieval castles and towns; it’s not a feast, but a banquet for the eyes.

Charming honey-coloured villages decorate the river banks. Beynac-et-Cazenac slopes down to the river, with the looming, fortified Chateau de Beynac perched high above the village. The austere twelfth century castle was briefly conquered by Richatd I of England (also known as Richard the Lionheart), in 1197 until his death in nearby Chalus in 1199.

La Roque-Gageac, above, is a striking village (as seen from my canoe!) which rests beneath a cliff on the north bank of the Dordogne. It is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

The scenery is non-stop. If you’re a happy camper, then you can’t go wrong staying at the Le Capeyrou campsite next to the Dordogne river, just on the outskirts of Beynac.

Postcard from Bran Castle, Romania

So, it is universally misunderstood that Bran Castle, in Romania, is Dracula’s castle. It (most likely) just conveniently fits the castle description from Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel.

However, the name Dracula is a derivation of Vlad Dracul, a Wallachian prince (1428 – 1477), and thereby the connection is made to the fictional Count Dracula.

Vlad Dracul II is also known (infamously) as Vlad Tepes – meaning ‘impaler’. Yes, him. Vlad’s grandfather Mircea The Elder of Wallachia occupied the castle at one point, and Vlad was once imprisoned in Bran.

Bran Castle was restored to a royal residence by Queen Marie of Romania, after World War 1. Today, the castle is a museum with a gift shop, and is seen in the style that the queen furnished it.

The charming village of Bran is also worth a few hours of your time, to at least have lunch or coffee in the restaurants and cafes. The market in the village is (of course) packed full of Dracula souvenirs, masks, cheeses, clothes. But, everything is so inexpensive in Romania.

Bran’s location is approximately 30 km south-west of Brasov, Transylvania.

Postcard from Paris

I’ve been to Paris on two occasions, both were short visits. It’s overwhelming to try and visit the many different sights it has to offer. Especially in just 2 days! The terrible fire that collapsed the roof of Notre Dame cathedral, in the spring of 2019 was devastating to many people around the world. We stopped to stare in wonder at the magnificent building, as have many tourists (and locals) before the fire. Here you can just see the central spire that is no more.

I understand the rose windows were intact, though.

The beauty of Paris is that you almost don’t have to plan what to see. Yes, the museums are always on my lists when visiting new places, but just taking in the ambiance of the French cafés, watching people go about their business, strolling in the gardens and parks is plenty cultural enough.

Obviously that’s my opinion. It’s hard not to come across the Eiffel Tower, or the Arc de Triomphe at some point. I managed to fit 3 museums in those two trips: Musée D’Orsay, Quai Branly Museum and Musée de L’Orangerie (the one with Monet’s water lilies). All are excellent museums. The Louvre would have taken far too long in our small window of time.

We stayed in the Grand Hotel Saint Michel, a cosy place to unwind in Sorbonne. The restaurant prices were very reasonable around this area.

Everyone should visit this amazing city at least once in their lifetime, if they possibly can. I have to say it’s my favourite city, so far, on my travels.

Postcard from Château de Saumur, France

The Château de Saumur is a listed historic monument rising high above the banks of the Loire river. Owned by the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, the château is the last of the palaces built by the Valois dynasty. It has also been a prison and today it is a museum. Today you’ll find it mostly unfurnished. Guides are there to explain the history from the courtyard, then you are able to wander off by yourself to explore.

The castle often puts on activities and entertainment for all the family in the summer months.

There are fantastic views of the Loire river from the château. We had a picnic down by the banks of the river on a really warm spring afternoon.

Postcard from Beaune, France

The Burgundy region is famous for its prestigious wines, of course; but there’s also some fantastic architecture to be seen. Beaune is one such place. It is a very beautiful place to spend time in. There are museums for art, wine, the military and hospitals, to name a few. The streets are brimming with many cafes, restaurants and wine shops.

The Hôtel-Dieu (founded 1443, by Nicolas Rolin) is a museum which used to be a hospital for the poor. It has an unusual and distinguished polychrome tiled roof. Inside the Hôtel-Dieu the beds are set up as they probably may have been in the middle ages. After the 100 Years War places such as these were needed to see to the sick and the poor.

The Apothecary (below) was run by the sisters.

Brasserie in Place Carnot, Beaune. Beef Bourguignon is a regional dish of Burgundy wine and beef, which I had to experience for myself.