City - Talkingthailand

Bangkok’s Ancient City (Muang Boran)

One of the best places to visit in Bangkok is the Ancient City or Muang Boran Museum.

Places to go in Bangkok — Muang Boran – The Ancient City

Muang Boran is the brainchild of architect Lek Viriyaphant (1914-2000) who wanted to create a space where people can learn about Thailand’s past as well as keeping the culture of Thailand alive.

Lek started his project in 1963 by building replicas of important structures that once existed in different parts of Thailand. There were some places that had been reduced to ruins, so Lek transported these ruins to the site of the Ancient City and used them in the construction process.

The park is in the shape of Thailand and it is home to beautiful temples, palaces and statues galore from the Northern Region..

The Northeastern Region..

The Central Region…

The Footprint of the Lord Buddha, Saraburi — Phra Kaew Pavilion

The Southern Region…

And Suvarnabhumi..

There are other things in the park as well, like The Great Hall of Vajradhamma..

Waterfalls..

And fabulous views across Muang Boran and beyond..

Muang Boran really is a must see if you ever go to Bangkok. I thoroughly recommend it!

For more photos of Muang Boran, visit: www.morrisophotography.co.uk

A Photo Walk Around Rotterdam

On a second trip to Rotterdam in August last year, here is what I got up to with Chris – in photos.

How to travel to the Netherlands — London St Pancras

Things to do on the Eurostar — Lens thru a lens

Things to do in Rotterdam — An unexpected guest

I hope you enjoyed our shenanigans 🙂

Local Shopping in Rotterdam

When we are eventually able to travel once more, a visit to the market near to Blaak railway station is a must!

The market is usually open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and there are over 400 stalls selling fresh produce like fish, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables.

My friend Chris lives in Rotterdam and a visit to this market is part of his weekend routine to buy ingredients for some of the dishes he rustles up.

Next to the fresh market is the Markthal, an indoor market with fresh food stalls, restaurants and bars some of which have mezzanine levels, so you can enjoy your beverage out of the way of the shoppers.

You can even play chess there..

Or, enjoy the ceiling art..

Unfortunately, more and more places like these are closing due to the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping across the globe. I really feel for the people who will be affected both emotionally and financially.

But, it won’t be forever, we WILL get through this strange and crazy, not to mention worrying and stressful time for everyone.

Stay stay everyone, keep healthy and above all remain positive. Sending love and best wishes across the miles to wherever you may be. Much love.

The Canals of Amsterdam

One of the things you think about when you think of Amsterdam is its canals.

Things to do in Amsterdam — Dusk in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s canals have earned the city the name “Venice of the North” and the canals themselves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There is so much to see in Amsterdam, but walking along the canals is a pleasure in itself.

I hope you enjoyed the walk along the canals. Much love.

A Photo Walk Around Amsterdam

Back in Amsterdam again in August last year, Chris & I had a grand day out. Here’s what we did – in photos.

I know we can’t go much further than our front doors at the moment, so I hope that these photo walks are a welcome change from all the doom and gloom. Stay safe people! Much love and peace x

Architectonics in Amsterdam

There are some lovely sights in Amsterdam, not least the buildings and monuments and the eclectic mix of architectural styles.

When in Amsterdam, I love to wander around the city. There’s always something new to see.

Have you been to Amsterdam? What do you like to do?

Maritiem District, Rotterdam

A lovely part of Rotterdam is the Maritiem District where you can learn of the city’s maritime history. For more information, check out the website.

Or, you can just wander around with your camera, like I did.

I hope you enjoyed the stroll!

Bridges over the Nieuwe Maas

On a sightseeing day around Rotterdam with my tour guide – Chris, we walked down to the river Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse) – a distributary of the Rhine River – which divides Rotterdam into north and south.

The north and south are connected by several bridges and the two that caught my attention were the Erasmusbrug and Willemsbrug.

The Erasmusbrug is a cable-stayed and bascule bridge which connects the north and south of Rotterdam. It is named after Desiderius Erasmus who was one of the greatest scholars of the Northern Renaissance (Wikipedia).

Things to see in Rotterdam — Erasmusbrug, Rotterdam

The Willemsbrug connects the north with Noordereiland and is another cable-stayed bridge. It was named after King Willem III of the Netherlands (Wikipedia).