Author: murphys836

Roamin’ around Rome

“Forever is composed—of Nows.” – Emily Dickinson

Like these enormous doors leading to our home for the next few days, Rome is huge!
So, I’ll narrow it down and just show you a small portion!
On a hot day of traveling the first rule is to drink water — lots of water!
A post about Rome must include the Colosseum.
Also, its neighbor, the Forum. This is ancient Rome’s birthplace and civic center, and the common ground between Rome’s famous seven hills.
As you can see, there’s a lot to take in.
The Borghese Gallery is a favorite of ours. This the Rape of Proserpina, sculpted by 24 year old Bernini. A disturbing subject matter but look…
at this detail – this is marble folks — marble!!!
My personal, all time favorite is this one – Apollo and Daphne. The mythical story of Apollo who was struck by Cupid’s arrow of love and is crazed. He chases & catches Daphne, who wants no part of him and calls for her father to save her. Magically, her fingers begin to sprout leaves, her toes become roots, her skin turns to bark, and she transforms into a tree. Frustrated Apollo will end up with a handful of leaves.
Again, marble – the detail is exquisite!
We walked back to town through the peaceful Borghese Gardens.
Of course we had to give props to my patron saint! 😉

Hitting the highlights like the Trevi Fountain,
and the Spanish Steps.
Of course we went to Vatican City and toured St Peters Basilica.
Always a thrill to view the Pietà — a representation of Mary with the body of Christ taken from the cross. This was Michelangelo’s first commission, done for Holy Year 1500. He was 24 years old when he completed it.
We climbed up into the dome for a closer look and found we weren’t the only photographers up there!
My photographer trying to get a better vantage point for which to capture the perfect picture.
Well, okay, we didn’t actually get to see Pope Leo but still loved seeing this image of him!
Me? I loved looking out the windows at the grounds of the Vatican. We were on our way to see the Sistine Chapel – where no photos were allowed.
Some pretty yummy food at an outdoor restaurant.
Amongst some Roman ruins there are several feral cats that are cared for by volunteers. We never tired of peering down to see them frolicking or sleeping!
By now you know me well enough to know I’m loving all of the rooftop and balcony gardens!

Bits and Bobs

(Before we head to the continent)

“A true journey, no matter how long the travel takes, has no end.” – William Least Heat-Moon

We were walking around a village and stopped to admire this thatched roof house. “Look at those birds atop!”
“Wait — They are made from thatch material!” Pretty cute, eh?
Trees in the countryside never have to be pruned because the trucks take care of that job!
Never got to see a hedgehog, however I did spot a vole. Can you see him hiding under the leaf if you zoom in?
This is a Cobaea or the Cup-and-Saucer Vine. Sooo pretty.
Loved seeing this reminder of my childhood days.
Public footpaths in England are some of our favorite things! We walked a portion of this trail.
If I could fit her in my luggage, I may have been tempted to pinch (steal) this adorable little one for my garden!
I just can’t stop capturing flowers with my phone…
Forgot to include this sign – thought it was kinda scary.
That face‼️❤️
A bit sad to leave England…

A Sign of the Times

“Be curious, not judgmental.” – Walt Disney

The chocolate “stick” in the cone is called a 99 flake. Don’t ask me why.
Really, really wanted to see one but no luck!
Looks like serious bingo players only with the “eyes down” order!
Yikes! Although, the intensity of his message is lessened by the fact that he’s holding a trowel and his bestie is a frog! 😂
Haha
So NOT the USA!
This guy is a huge celebrity in the Cotwolds! 😉
Love this!
Yes, we walked the path and it was fun for Murph to see some fellow golfers.
Always disconcerting to see this sign!

A peek at the other B’s

“Cover the earth before it covers you.” – Dagobert D Runes, philosopher

Beautiful Blockley,
with it’s babbling brook
and winding roads.
On our way to Batsford Arboretum,
with views of the local church.
Check out this crazy family history of people that lived here.
Gorgeous old trees to stroll through as we contemplated that wild family!
Back to Blockley
Typical site in Broad Campden
The High Street in the evening at Burford.
Country roads are so cool – and crazy.
I figure my “wing span” is a little over five feet – we hated meeting cars coming the other way while on these lanes.
Walking through one of the villages I spotted this. I mean who doesn’t appreciate a fairy garden? May have gone a bit overboard on this one though, eh?

So many B’s…

Bedwyn>Bakewell>Blockley>Batsford>Broad Campden>Burford

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travels’ sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Bedwyn – a lock along the Kennett Avon canal.
Bakewell – town square/ park.
Our home in Bakewell for the next four days.
Big question around town was “have you eaten a Bakewell tart, yet?”
Top shelf shows a few variations.
Can’t say we loved ‘em.
Hiking along the River Dove we came upon this tree stump with several 20p pieces (20 cent coins) that were pounded into it.
Funny thing is that we saw one of these many years ago but it was filled with tuppence coins (2 cent pieces).That’s inflation for ya!
Biking along the Monsal Trail outside of Bakewell.
We went through four, long, lighted tunnels.
Part of the trail was atop a viaduct and Murph ran down to take a look from below.
He also had a great look at the cows!
After biking the trail and returning the bikes we drove up to a village to see the path and viaduct from above. Nice countryside, eh?
Oh! And I got to meet a Womble when we went to the Heights of Abraham (outside of Bakewell).

In an effort to keep from boring you, I will post more of the Bs later.😉

Delightful Doors

I know we aren’t in Dublin, where they are known for their doors (heads up Dawn & Patrick) but several of these caught my attention.

“Nothing is true, but that which is simple.” – Johann von Goethe

Yup, I know it’s a window but still…
Technically, another window 😉

Why Wrexham, Wales?

“A little nonsense now and then, is relished by the wisest man.” – Roald Dahl

We traveled a few hours out of our way to see this!
We have become obsessed with this football (soccer) team – The Red Dragons.
Formed in 1864, it is the oldest club in Wales and the third oldest professional association football team in the world.
The Racecourse pitch was pretty buttoned up but we were able to get a peek.
The reason we are so interested in this team is that we have been watching “Welcome to Wrexham” for the last couple of years. If you haven’t seen it, why not? It’s a delightful and heartwarming documentary, of sorts, shown on Disney +
This is their coach, Phil Parkinson. He’s great and only swears a bit – well a lot but we’ll overlook that bit about him! 😉
My coach with a Red Dragons bench!
The fans stand here to greet the boys as they head to a match. They often stop to sign autographs and chat with the locals.
Hey it’s the UK, so of course there’s a pub attached to the stadium!
I had to belly up for a pint. (Not really, I hate beer!😂)
But I don’t mind shopping for some merch!
The team has advanced a few levels since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought the organization.
We have more places to visit but we will definitely keep our eyes on this town and team!

The Great, Great Bedwyn etc…

“One day you will wake up and there will be no more time to do the things you have always dreamed of. Do them now.” – Paula Coelho

Home for the next four days in Hungerford. Our friend, Belinda, lives in the neighboring village of Great Bedwyn.
Outside our hotel – cars may appear to be on the opposite side of the road – because they are! Murph doing a stellar job traversing the English countryside!
“Do what makes you happy, be with those who make you smile.and laugh as much as you breathe.” – Rachel Ann Nunes
My breakfast – I went for a large one this morning and –
and here’s Murph’s – full English.
Hungerford during day.
And also pretty in the evening.
A fun visit to Stonehenge!
Obligatory selfie
As you probably know by now, Murph and I love walking the tow path between Hungerford and Great Bedwyn.
We walked up through the fields this day.
There were huge haystacks. Prepping for winter, no doubt.
Back to the tow path and time for me to pick black berries for Belinda.
One day we toured the Sandham Memorial Chapel, dedicated to WW1 soldiers who died as a result of the war but were not acknowledged as dying “in” the war.
Wanted Murph in the pic too ☺️
No photographs allowed in the chapel so here’s a rough idea – very impressive when standing there.
At our all time favorite pub in Wiltshire, The Swan. This pic is bitter sweet because it’s our last night together. (Well, this year anyway)
“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.” – Matisse
Too cute to exclude!

Lively London

“When a man tires of London, he is tired of life.” – Samuel Johnson

We are setting out on the subway (or “tube” as it’s lovingly called here).

We visited the Borough Market on the south side of town. Really nice!

The pubs here have the most amazing flowers! (Sorry Roy 😉)
Interesting, eh?
One of the many stands.
Iconic – Tower Bridge
We were at the Tower of London to see the poppy display.
To mark 80 years since the Second World War ended, an installation of ceramic poppies flows through the Tower of London. Poppies symbolize remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. The Tower of London served many roles during the Second World War. As an historic military fortress, it guarded prisoners of war, supported anti-aircraft defenses and gave tours for visiting soldiers.
Beautiful, while symbolic…
Ravens are ever present at the Tower of London.
Big Ben at night – gorgeous!
And the London Eye is so colourful at night. (Not a typo but a nod to my British and Canadian friends 😉
Along the River Thames, we came upon this memorial wall. Generally memorials are dedicated to military wars so this was unusual and touching. I suppose Covid is a war of sorts!
Very remarkable and sobering
Around the city we spotted many bee houses – quite impressive!
Zoom in to see my travel partner!
Took the tube out to Heathrow airport to pick up a car. We’re on our way to the countryside to visit our friend, Belinda, in Great Bedwyn.

On the road again

“I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” Caskie Stinnett

One might ask why we leave home.
Sometimes, it’s even me asking that question!
Every flower competing for our attention.
Last week we were biking one of our many beautiful trails.
Where I spotted this bench – wise words, eh?
Hey there, couldn’t you find a larger map?
When you love a wanderlust, you learn to love wandering!
All packed up and ready to call an Uber. Yes, those are Canadian luggage tags. Not really feeling so proud to be an American these days!