On a second trip to Rotterdam in August last year, here is what I got up to with Chris – in photos.
I hope you enjoyed our shenanigans 🙂
A Photo Walk Around Rotterdam
Category: Memories
No Photos – Just Memories
Last year, I took the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Rotterdam Centraal.
If you have never travelled by this mode of transport before, you should (when we can go further than our front doors again). It’s such a lovely way to travel.
You have to check in around an hour before departure, no hanging around airport terminals for hours. You have to go through security, but you can take food and drinks onboard (a whole bottle of red for the journey!)
Then, all you need to do is enjoy the ride! Depending on the time of day, you get to enjoy the scenery as the train makes its way under the Channel and onwards through France, Belgium and The Netherlands.
It’s so relaxing, and when you arrive at your destination, you are smack-bang in the middle of the city, no need for airport transfers.
On this particular trip, I sat next to 3 young men who were off to Amsterdam on the stag weekend of the guy sitting opposite me. They must have been in their 20s.
They were all rather quiet and it was nice chatting with them. After we had pulled out of Brussels-Midi/Zuid, a bottle of Whiskey was produced from one of their backpacks.
I was merrily making my way through my bottle of wine, so when they starting playing “Never have I ever” I found myself involved in their game. If you don’t know, “Never have I ever” goes something like this…..You say “Never have I ever broken a bone,” for example, and everyone else who has broken a bone puts their hands up and drinks! It can get as risque or outlandish as you like!
By the time we arrived in Rotterdam, a couple sitting on the other side of the aisle were involved in our little game and the guys were all feeling the effects of the numerous Whiskey shots they had gulped down – it was all good fun.
By the time I left, Jack (one of the guys) had invited me to meet them in Amsterdam for a few drinks. As I got up to leave, Matt (the one who was getting married) jumped up, hugged me and said: “I can’t believe you’re leaving!” “It was so nice to meet you!” Ah, the Whiskey talking maybe, but it made me smile and realise what a great time you can end up having if you only speak to people.
After a weekend with Chris, I found myself in Amsterdam walking around with my camera. I stopped to have a beer by a canal and thought to myself “Do you know what, I am going to message Jack and see where they are.”
Jack replied with their location and I went to meet them.
What a great afternoon that was! I had a few drinks with them before parting company and going on my merry way. I smiled as I walked away. I had the pleasure of meeting them and was invited to be part of Matt’s stag weekend – just from saying “Hello!”
It’s the simple things in life that give the most delight!
Flying Solo – A Woman on the Wings of Life
I am very pleased to announce the publication of my second book:
Flying Solo. A Woman on the Wings of Life
When I went travelling, I sent emails home so my family and friends knew what I was doing. When I moved to Thailand, I turned those emails into a blog and that’s how TalkingThailand was born.
Later on, I decided to write a book about my travels and it was these emails that formed the basis for Flying Solo. A Woman on the Wings of Life.
This book covers a 14 year period of my life when I found the courage to step outside of my comfort zone and go in search of answers that would change my life. It recounts the chapters of my life from travelling to living in Thailand. You’ll also be introduced to some of the people I met and the lessons I learned about myself along the way.
Flying Solo. A Woman on the Wings of Life is available to buy on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.
I hope that you enjoy my tales!
Gill x
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
Black & White Memories of Rotterdam
See what a couple visits and a camera does for you! Rotterdam is definitely growing on me.
In one of my favourite mediums, here is the result of a photo walk around the city of Rotterdam in black & white.
Bergweg, Rotterdam 
Centraal Station, Rotterdam 
Centraal Station, Rotterdam
Mauritsweg, Rotterdam 
Centraal Station, Rotterdam 
Eendrachtsweg, Rotterdam
Boompjeskade, Rotterdam 
Maritiem District 
De Boeg ‘The Bow’ War Memorial
Maritiem District 
Maritiem District 
Maritiem District
Art academy on the Blaak 
Regentessebrug 
The Blaak
Rotterdam Blaak Station 
The Kolk 
Rotterdam Blaak Station
I hope you enjoyed the photo walk around Rotterdam. Is there a place that you didn’t take to at first?
City of Arts and Sciences – Valencia
When in Valencia, a fabulous place to visit is the City of Arts and Sciences or Cuidad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
One day, I had arranged to meet my friend, Mark, and as I walked along the dry Turia riverbed, suddenly, I saw these huge buildings looming up in front of me. If you’re into buildings and architecture, like me, these ones definitely have the wow-factor!
This place is so impressive that it is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain alongside the Sagrada Familia and Alhambra, and it’s easy to see why.
There are 7 structures, each has a different purpose.
L’Hemisferic houses a cinema, a planetarium and a laserium. It’s in the shape an eye and with the reflection from the surrounding water you can see the whole eye.
El Museo de les Ciencies Principe Felipe looks like the skeleton of a whale and it’s where the science museum is.
L’Umbracle is a open walk-way with different species of plants that are found in Spain. It’s also where the local parrots have taken up residence.
L’Oceanographic is the largest oceanographic aquarium in Europe where’s you’ll find over 500 species of aquatic animals including dolphins, sharks and seals. We were going to go there because some say it’s one of the best aquariums in Europe, but we decided against it as we didn’t want to see the animals in that kind of environment.
El Palau des les Arts Reina Sofia is an opera house and performing arts centre.
El Pont de l’Assut de l’Or is a cable-stayed bridge connecting both sides of the city.
L’Agora is where concerts and other events take place.
Mark and I wandered around marvelling at the amount of work that had gone into designing and building this stunning complex. It’s definitely a must-see!
For more photographs, go to morrisophotography 🙂
Christmas in Hikkaduwa
After leaving Bangkok on 18th December last year, I spent 10 days on the shores of Hikkaduwa on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
Since first visiting Sri Lanka in 1993, this place has always been a favourite destination of mine. I just love the culture and the people and it’s one of the most fascinating and beautiful places I have ever been to.
At the airport, I was picked up by my driver, Sameera, and we drove 2 hours south to Hikkaduwa on the west coast. Not only does Sameera do airport runs, but he also offers tours all around Sri Lanka. Check out Sameeratours if you are considering visiting.
I arrived at my guest house, got changed and walked all of 3 seconds to Funky de Bar where my friend works. It was so nice to sit down with the Indian Ocean in front of me, devouring devilled prawns, washed down with a glass of refreshing white wine.
And that’s where I stayed for the rest of the day watching the surfers ride the waves and the stunning sunset in the sky. Let me tell you that the waves in Hikkaduwa are big which is why the place is so popular with surfers. Mere mortals like you and me, beware – there are dangerous rip tides close to shore plus the waves can whip your legs out from under you and trap you in their watery embrace. Take it from someone who has experienced it – I felt like I was in a washing machine (not that I have ever been in a washing machine), but it wasn’t a very pleasant experience and I was coughing up salt water for a while afterwards! I had to sit back down on the beach and calm myself!
The next day, I wrote some articles and in the evening I went to the Bookworm Library for Sri Lankan curry. I had been here the previous January, so I knew of this small place and I knew that the food is absolutely divine. Small plates of delectableness – jack fruit curry, lentils, potato curry, pumpkin curry and, my absolute favourite, aubergine curry. I love this place so much, I went 5 nights out of 10!
Sri Lankan curry 
First to arrive for Sri Lankan curry 
The Bookworm Library
Thursday was Funky de Bar’s weekly party where everyone has a fun night dancing and listening to music, loud enough so your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest. Funky de Bar on Thursdays is the busiest bar along this stretch of beach – you see the same old faces all out for a good time. It’s lots of fun!
The following day, I took a walk to a restaurant called Sunset because I’d heard their sandwiches were really good. I ordered a chicken sandwich, but it was far from delicious. It didn’t even look that nice. Two limp pieces of white, unbuttered bread with small, diced bits of chicken and not even enough meat to fill it. It was so disappointing. I found out later, you need to ask for a Jaffle – which is the Sri Lankan version of a toastie and much tastier!
The next few days were spent much the same, writing in the morning, afternoons on the beach and dinner and drinks in the evening. It really is such a lovely way of life – if only we didn’t have to work to earn money!
Hikkaduwa beach 
Funky de Bar, Hikkaduwa 
Chilling on Hikkaduwa beach
Christmas day arrived and I did exactly the same as I had up until then – work, beach and bar. I was asked later if I minded spending Christmas day on my own and I really didn’t. I love my own company and even though my friend and I had fallen out over a misunderstanding, I was perfectly happy on my own.
On the last night and friends again – Nalin and I went for dinner at the Shiny Lakeside Resort for more devilled prawns. It is a lovely spot, although both times I have been here, it’s been dark! Next time, I’ll go during the day, so I can see what the lake actually looks like 😉 Afterwards, we went back to the beach and had a few drinks. It really was a lovely way to spend the last night.
After all that, I flew back to the UK. Sri Lanka, I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I will! See you next time!
Last Day in Rome
I can’t believe how time flies sometimes, especially when you’re having fun, but here we were, our last day in Rome, it had come round so quickly, but we had seen a lot in the short time we had been there.
On our last day, we decided to take the metro to Circo Massimo, not just a metro station, but an ancient arena where the Romans used to congregate in their thousands to watch chariot races, athletics, and gladiator games.
As we walked across the, now, green expanse in the shadow of the Imperial palace on the Palatine Hill, I imagined what life would have been like back then. It would have been a thrilling experience to witness the events that took place.
We walked towards the Tiber River and across the Ponte Palatino also known as Ponte Inglese (English Bridge) with views of Isola Tiberina and the remains of Ponte Rotto (Broken Bridge) the oldest stone bridge the city.
Isola Tiberina is a small island in the middle of the Tiber, connected by bridges on either side, and it was once the site of an ancient temple of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing.
Nowadays, the Fatebenefratelli hospital and the Basilica of St Bartholomew are located on the island.
From there, we walked back over Ponte Fabricio, the oldest bridge in Rome, that still exists in its original state, and went in search of coffee passing by more Roman ruins, this was the Portico of Octavia which dates from around 27 BC.
As we sat on Via del Portico d’ Ottavia drinking coffee, even the stone walls have a story to tell.
We continued our walk, following the map, to Campo de Fiori, another of Rome’s captivating squares. This one had a colourful market full of fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats, and flowers. it was buzzing with people everywhere.
We walked around it, searching for a restaurant to have lunch in, when we were, pleasantly, accosted by a guy who excitedly told us how the pizzas in his (boss’) restaurant were different to all the others, they had traditional bases rather than the thick crusts of other parts of Italy, and they were the best we’d find here!
Of course he was going to say that! We said the usual statement that comes from these situations, that we were going to look around, but we walked just five paces and decided that we would go back to his restaurant, if only for his enthusiasm for his work! But, we were glad we did! He wasn’t lying about the pizzas, the thin-crusted Margheritas, washed down with a bottle of white wine, were really delicious. In fact, we enjoyed them so much, we had a second round of both pizza and wine. Actually, one of the reasons we decided to have two rounds was because our waiter was both funny and charming, and he made us feel really welcome and glad we had chosen Campo De Fiori Ristorante. If you’re ever in the vicinity, I really recommend this place.
After our scrummy lunch, we took our leave and walked through the cobbled streets of the city until we arrived at the Pantheon, Rome’s best preserved building from Roman times.
It’s circular with a portico of eight, huge Corinthian columns at the front and two groups of four at the sides. The Pantheon’s dome has a central opening, called an oculus, and 2,000 years after it was built, it’s still the biggest, unsupported dome in the world.
We sat on the steps of the Fontana del Pantheon, in the middle of Piazza della Rotonda, and watched the people milling around in the sunshine, in the shadow of this grand edifice.
Inscribed at the top of the portico are the letters: M-AGRIPPA-L-F-COS-TERTIVM-FECIT which translates as Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius made (this building) when consul for the third time. Fascinating stuff when you think about it, but it happens that this building was built by emperor Hadrian in 126 AD who kept the original inscription after Agrippa’s Pantheon was completely destroyed, and despite excavations it’s still uncertain who can be accredited with the building of it.
I never went inside, like with many of the places I visited while I was in Rome, that’s another reason to go back, but I was just happy to be in the company of my mum and dad.
In fact, I want to thank them for making some very special memories with me. It was time to cherish and I’ll never, ever forget it! Where to next mamma and papa? Grazie!! 🙂 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
From Piazza to Piazza
Today we’re taking the metro to Flaminio and starting off our day at Piazza del Popolo, a circular square with three fountains. On the north side is a gate called the Porto del Popolo, once the beginning of Via Flaminia, an important ancient Roman road which led to the north of Italy. Piazza del Popolo would be the first thing that visitors, travelling from the north, would lay eyes on.
Just looking at the piazza now, I reckon it would have been a grand sight, even back then, and one that would excite people into seeing more of the city. The piazza was used for public executions up until 1826, but, thankfully, these days it’s a much more happy and relaxed place and completely pedestrianised where people can come together to engage in more fun activities.
Depending on the story you choose to believe, Piazza del Popolo’s name is due the many poplar trees dotted around or it may have been named after the church of Santa Maria del Popolo which is adjacent to the main gate. The piazza is located at the top of three main streets, Via del Corso, Via del Babuino, and Via di Ripetta. Once called the Tridente, these three routes would have led to Rome’s main basilicas. The beginning of the tridente is marked by two churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
The three fountains in the piazza were all built by Giovanni Ceccarini in the 19th century. On opposite sides, are the Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune) and Fontana della Dea Roma (Fountain of the Goddess Rome) which depicts Dea Roma armed with her weapons with the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, in front. In the middle of the piazza is the Fontana dell’ Obelisco (Fountain of the Obelisk) which is actually four mini fountains with a lion on each plinth and the fountain, as a whole, surrounds the obelisk of pharaoh, Seti I which is one of the tallest obelisks in Rome.
We walked through Porto del Popolo, onto the piazza, and stood watching a group of kids playing Sunday morning football. There were loads of people around, but there was no jostling to get a spot to see anything because there was plenty of room to take photographs and take a leisurely walk around the piazza.
We left Piazza del Popolo and wondered up the steps to Pincio Gardens. We didn’t go into the gardens, but took a stroll along Viale della Trinita dei Monti towards the Trinita dei Monti church and the Spanish steps. The views across the rooftop of Rome were fabulous.
We arrived at the Spanish Steps, so named, not because they were built by a Spanish architect, but because the Spanish embassy is located at the bottom.
There are 135 steps leading down to Piazza di Spagna which were designed by architects Francisco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi and are adorned with planters of beautiful flowers all the way down.
There were hundreds of people in the piazza and before we headed down into the throng of things, it was nice to stand at the top and look down on all the activity below.
At the bottom, is Fontana Della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Longboat) which is Baroque in design and created by Bernini’s father.
From there, we wandered through the piazza and found a cafe to sit and relax for a while over a coffee (wine!!!) before heading to the metro to go to the other side of the city and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is home to Giardini Nicola Calipari, a small garden which really comprises the whole piazza. Although there is a fountain and some ruins there, it isn’t as attractive as other gardens in Rome because it was a little run down and the grass was overgrown in parts.
However, there was a lively Hindu festival in full swing and the colours of the women’s saris together with the music added a touch of excitement in an otherwise drab space.
From the piazza we walked towards Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore and the grand domed basilica of the same name. We by-passed the impressive building and found a little restaurant tucked in a little cobbled alleyway. The weather wasn’t what you’d call warm, but it wasn’t cold enough that we had to sit inside, so still wrapped in scarves, we found a table and sat and watched the world go by as we enjoyed our lunch.
We realized we weren’t that far from our hotel, so we took a slow walk back to Via Nazionale and stopped off for an afternoon tipple before we headed back to our hotel to get ready for our second to last night out in Rome.
Next time: Isola Tiberina
Back in Rome
We arrived back in Rome and decided we would go out for dinner in the city. Usually, we just ate near the hotel, but this evening we decided we were going to take the metro and find a restaurant near the Trevi Fountain.
We came out of the metro station onto Piazza Barberini, with its 17th century Baroque fountain, and down Via del Tritone, a less-touristy area of the city, with shops and restaurants, office buildings, and people going about their daily business. ,
We turned into a side street and found ourselves on a narrow, cobbled street with tall buildings on either side, much more atmospheric with plenty of restaurants to choose from, some with al fresco dining, and tourists making a bee-line for one of Rome’s most famous attractions. It was buzzing with activity. Sorry folks, no photographs! 🙁
As we walked along, we were approached by friendly staff, trying to attract customers into their restaurants, which all looked inviting with smells of delicious Italian food wafting into the street. It was difficult to choose, but we decided on one called Ristorante Taberna Patrizi e Plebei.
We by-passed diners who were happily enjoying their evening meals. The atmosphere was electric with their lively chatter and the clinking of glasses or cutlery on plates. We descended stairs into the cellar which was decorated with paintings of historical figures on the walls and ceilings, columns with carved capitals at the top, plush seating and circular tables down the middle and on either side. It was a good choice because the salad, to start, followed by pizza, breaded chicken breast and roast veal was scrummy, the wine was full-bodied, the staff, friendly, and the decor, beautiful. The only thing we didn’t like was the bill at the end! 😉 But, what the hell, we were on holiday, so the expense was justified.
After we’d finished, we walked further along Via del Lavatore to Piazza di Trevi and on the left is Chiesa Rettoria Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi, a lovely Baroque church which pales in comparison to the Trevi fountain. But, I still found it worthy of a photograph.
It sure is a sight to behold when you come to the end of the street, not only is the Trevi fountain huge, incredibly detailed and very striking, it’s also built onto a palace!! As you do! 😉 Most definitely in Rome you do! 😉
Palazzo Poli is the backdrop for this majestic fountain with Corinthian columns and triumphal arch built onto the facade.
The theme is the “Taming of the Waters” which tells the story of Oceanus taming a herd of sea horses. The use of strategically placed lighting creates a wonderful vision of light and shadows on the rock and in the crystal clear water.
It’s the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous across the world. As with the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain is one thing that visitor’s to Rome have on their list of things to see, us included, but, boy, I didn’t expect to see so many people! On the first day, after we’d been to the Vatican, we walked to see this impressive work of art and there were so many people there then, it was difficult to get photographs and just sit and enjoy the view. And this evening was no different, I think the best time to see it would be really early in the morning, or, failing that, rent a room right on Piazza di Trevi! I think that would be a tad expensive, but imagine the view from your balcony while you’re having breakfast! Next time, maybe! Despite the hordes of people, we managed to get a spot close to the fountain, so we could throw a coin in, which is supposed to guarantee your return to Rome. 😉
Apparently, over €3,000 is thrown in each day and, during 2016, €1.4 m was collected and it’s used to help the poorer people of Rome. Unfortunately, people have been known to steal the money before it’s been collected which is, of course, illegal. I don’t really know how anyone could even begin to attempt it, there are security guards all over the place!
These photos aren’t the best quality, my phone is rubbish when it comes to taking photos at night, but I think you can still see the magnificence of this opulent fountain. I know it’s cheating a bit, but I bought a postcard because I wanted an image without hundreds of people. And what a picture, don’t you agree?!
Next Time: Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Spagna and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II