London – Only a Brief Visit

Posted on May 29, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of our capital city starting off at Trafalgar Square and ending up at St James Park and Wellington Barracks. Only a couple of hours was possible as family and the pub were the main reasons for the visit.

Guards Memorial, Horse Guards Parade

Trafalgar Square

The Mall

View from St James Park

Changing the Guard, Wellington Barracks

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Abstracts

Posted on May 25, 2014 by John Mallaney

Abstracts are not the norm for me but as the weather was very poor it was time to experiment indoors.

Abstract

Venice – Gran Teatro La Fenice

Posted on May 25, 2014 by John Mallaney

There is much more to Venice than just canals and Gondolas, as this post will clearly prove. The Gran Teatro La Fenice (Great Theatre of The Phoenix) was not originally on our itinerary, but happenchance and curiosity led us through the doors. As I now understand, La Fenice is one of the most famous operatic theatres in Europe, and the meaning of its name derives from it having risen from the ashes – as does a phoenix when reborn – following a fire that destroyed the original theatre, San Benedetto, in 1774. Unfortunately, for opera lovers, the theatre was once more destroyed by fire in 1836, and yet again in 1996, the latter being caused by arsonists. In 2001 La Fenice was reopened after a reconstruction costing approximately £90m. Discovering the marvel of its interior was worth every cent of the 9 Euro admission fee.

Gran Teatro La Fenice

Strike A Pose

Posted on May 22, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of a robin – always eager to pose.

Robin

In The Field With Canada Geese

Posted on May 20, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of Canada geese which were busily moving to and from a field next to Wilstone reservoir near Tring. Unsurprisingly, a relaxing hour ensued whilst I sat and waited for the right shots to happen.

Venice – Venetian Carnival Masks

Posted on May 20, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of Venetian carnival masks which are impossible to miss on the streets of Venice. An ancient tradition, the masks are normally worn during the carnival of Venice which apparently is not to be missed. The masks were historically used to hide social standing so that all levels of society could converse or even flirt freely without being judged. The carnival takes place annually during February/March.

Carnival Masks

Venice – Rialto Bridge

Posted on May 18, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few night shots of the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal. The bridge is the oldest canal crossing and was completed during 1591. To date, it is one of Venice’s most renowned and popular architectural symbols.

Rialto Bridge, Venice

The Canals of Venice

Posted on May 18, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots of the wonderfully picturesque canals of Venice.

Venice

Venice – Gino Mazzuccato Glassworks, Murano

Posted on May 11, 2014 by John Mallaney

Here are a few shots taken in the Gino Mazzuccato glass making factory on the island of Murano, located about a mile north of Venice. The Murano glassmakers are renowned for producing some of the most important brands of glass worldwide. Having originally being located on Venice, the glassmakers were ordered by the government in 1291 to move to Murano owing to the increased risk of fire to Venice’s infrastructure, which was predominantly constructed of wood. Should you ever visit Venice then it is likely that Murano will form part of your itinerary.