Wednesday 1 June 2016
Dinosaurs growl
http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/etna/current-activity.html
Off to Mount Etna I did go,
Kicked off of Italy's big toe,
Italy didn't like that growling noise,
Of the Dinosaur deep below...
A thought occured of a Dinosaur before....
A Tyrannosaurus Rex who loved to roar;
Fear inside me began to-quell I didn't believe he followed me to yell.
Down in the Volcano he began to bell..ow.
Another day on the Mediterranean sea,
He followed into the deep dark sea....
I on a Luzzu he began to yell;
I can see, I can smell.
The dinosaur hungry...
Oh will he eat me?
And then I remembered our old song...
How about if you sing along!
The song is ‘I'm a mean old Dinosaur’
I'm a mean old Dinosaur (make a mean face)
Big and tall (hand movements indicate size)
Here is my tail and here is my claw (hand behind their back and a claw shaped hand)
When i get hungry (rub your tummy)
I just growl
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!
Look out kids I'm on the prowl.
http://twomeatscreates.blogspot.co.uk/2011_08_01_archive.html
Saturday 28 May 2016
Watercolours
Sunday 22 May 2016
Sicily 2016
The most exciting moments of world travel are the unexpected. Sitting below Mount Etna as its active crater is spewing ash is as exciting as it gets.
To view Mount Etna we travelled to Sicily by catamaran a Venturi ferry from Malta. The visit was planned for the 20 May but high winds halted the journey to the largest of the Mediterranean islands. On the 21st May the activity of the crater halted tours.
Syracuse epitomises Greek culture being the hometown of Archimedus.
Mount Etna is said to be the most active in the world and it is 3,329 meters in height. This part of the island is known for its forests and hosts wild boar and Roe deer. On the side of Etna is the oldest chestnut tree in the world.
Sicily hosts the sub species The hooded crow the only other area this bird exists is Sardinia and Corsica.
Latterly I was to find out on the BBC Website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe--36351921
Mount Etna erupted on the 21st May it is Europes highest active volcano.
Mount Etna dominates the Eastern coast of Sicily.
Sicily is rich in culture such as arts music cuisine and archaeology. Such areas have been visited by British aristocracy since the mid 1800's.
Films such as Goldfinger and The Godfather were produced in this area.
It's archaeological evidence dated from 12,000 BC. Necropolis of Pantalica, Valley of the Temples and Selinunte are ancient sites housed on the island
With the reformation of Italian provinces Sicily is autonomous and links to Monaco.
The trip today was beautiful including a visit to the village of Taormina sitting on the coast of the Ionian Sea. It was built 206 metres above sea level with astounding panoramic views.This town had chic boutiques with designer clothes and accessories.
Beautiful gardens Parco Duca Di Cesaro, donated to the town by an English lady called Ms Trevelyan and the view of Mount Etna and Naxos bay is a philosophical experience where the world exhibits all natural elements in one space in time.
This area has a Greek theatre built by the Greeks in 4 BC. It's present structure was altered by the Romans and Classical plays are held there during the summer months.
Tasting local produce on the ascent Lemon Liqueur, pistachio liqueur, local sweet white wine, Miele, olives and garlic to name a few.
As we reached Mount Etna it was rumbling and spewing ash. The panoramic views showed lava flows from 2001, 2006 and 2010.
The lower slopes are fertile growing lemons oranges and grapes.
And where better to write this blog whilst 1900 metres at crater Silvestre, La Terrazza Dell'Etna whilst drinking coffee and eating pizza.
Other information can be viewed of other trips on : http://twomeatscreates.blogspot.co.uk
To view Mount Etna we travelled to Sicily by catamaran a Venturi ferry from Malta. The visit was planned for the 20 May but high winds halted the journey to the largest of the Mediterranean islands. On the 21st May the activity of the crater halted tours.
Syracuse epitomises Greek culture being the hometown of Archimedus.
Mount Etna is said to be the most active in the world and it is 3,329 meters in height. This part of the island is known for its forests and hosts wild boar and Roe deer. On the side of Etna is the oldest chestnut tree in the world.
Sicily hosts the sub species The hooded crow the only other area this bird exists is Sardinia and Corsica.
Latterly I was to find out on the BBC Website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe--36351921
Mount Etna erupted on the 21st May it is Europes highest active volcano.
Mount Etna dominates the Eastern coast of Sicily.
Sicily is rich in culture such as arts music cuisine and archaeology. Such areas have been visited by British aristocracy since the mid 1800's.
Films such as Goldfinger and The Godfather were produced in this area.
It's archaeological evidence dated from 12,000 BC. Necropolis of Pantalica, Valley of the Temples and Selinunte are ancient sites housed on the island
With the reformation of Italian provinces Sicily is autonomous and links to Monaco.
The trip today was beautiful including a visit to the village of Taormina sitting on the coast of the Ionian Sea. It was built 206 metres above sea level with astounding panoramic views.This town had chic boutiques with designer clothes and accessories.
Beautiful gardens Parco Duca Di Cesaro, donated to the town by an English lady called Ms Trevelyan and the view of Mount Etna and Naxos bay is a philosophical experience where the world exhibits all natural elements in one space in time.
This area has a Greek theatre built by the Greeks in 4 BC. It's present structure was altered by the Romans and Classical plays are held there during the summer months.
Tasting local produce on the ascent Lemon Liqueur, pistachio liqueur, local sweet white wine, Miele, olives and garlic to name a few.
As we reached Mount Etna it was rumbling and spewing ash. The panoramic views showed lava flows from 2001, 2006 and 2010.
The lower slopes are fertile growing lemons oranges and grapes.
And where better to write this blog whilst 1900 metres at crater Silvestre, La Terrazza Dell'Etna whilst drinking coffee and eating pizza.
Other information can be viewed of other trips on : http://twomeatscreates.blogspot.co.uk
Malta 2016
I returned to Malta after 25 years and my memories were beautiful. The Malta of today has grown in time.
Reflections of the past are similar to Penelope Livelys return to her home a form of repatriation as I travelled along roads fragranced with jasmine. And tree lined with oleander
and jacaranda.
Visiting Sleima was a delightful day where the vibrancy of Malta is highlighted by this marina and it's a jewel in the Mediterranean. Here I met a friend who had read my blog whilst recovering from an operation. I enjoyed the views across the harbour to Valletta.
A delightful trip around the north of the island brought the reality of Maltas historical significance and many areas are known as world heritage sites.
Valletta the gates built by the Order of St John in 1568 a fine example of baroque architecture. Many historical places are housed in this world heritage site including palaces and gardens.
San Anton Gardens is a site to behold. It was designed by Grandmaster Antoine De Paule (1623-1636). This was his summer residence. Many botanical plants of interest are to be found here.
I travelled also around the Grand Harbour by night Valletta illuminated highlighting it's beautiful bastions and fortifications. Valletta was awarded the GC for its bravery in the siege of 1942.
Mosta a place where I lived 54 years ago and yet it seemed only yesterday I had played within the city. It has the 3rd largest unsupported Church dome in Europe this was built in 1860, close by are the catacombs which have prehistoric remains.
Another delight was a walk through to Bugibba from Qwara stopping at a lovely restaurant called Watercolours this is one of Maltas largest seaside resorts. It also has the the remains of a Bugibba temple near the Dolmen Hotel. Close by is the Oracle Casino bearing similarities of entrance to Monte Carlo.
St Pauls bay delightful fishing village known as "Il Menqa". St Paul was welcomed here and you can see the island called St Pauls island. The locals built a chapel here called St Pauls Shipwreck Chapel. And close by is the Wignacourt Watch Tower built by the Grandmaster (1601-1622). This is the oldest standing for the period of the order of St John.
The Salt plains and L Salina is a lovely area to visit its National Park is a protected area for three endangered species which include the Killfish, a grass and a spider. Access to the gardens are through L'Salina or a top entrance at Bugibba.
The Killfish is also at Ghadira Nature Reserve this also hosts brackish waters and protects flora and forna a special conservation area which is the holder of the Europa Nostra Award.
Malta is also known for its fireworks and festivities visiting these which bring ancient cities to life.
A visit to the South.of the island to Tarxien the home of a Neolithic temple includes bands marching illuminations aerial fireworks and the pride of the feast.
Eighteenth century windmills can be viewed.
Blue Grotto and the sea caves, the traditional Luzzo boats take you into the limestone caves.
Returning to the mainland further along the coast are the Prehistoric temples of Hagar and Mnajadri...
Traditional to Malta a horse racing meet normal ten races..the trotting horses.
Reflections of the past are similar to Penelope Livelys return to her home a form of repatriation as I travelled along roads fragranced with jasmine. And tree lined with oleander
and jacaranda.
Visiting Sleima was a delightful day where the vibrancy of Malta is highlighted by this marina and it's a jewel in the Mediterranean. Here I met a friend who had read my blog whilst recovering from an operation. I enjoyed the views across the harbour to Valletta.
A delightful trip around the north of the island brought the reality of Maltas historical significance and many areas are known as world heritage sites.
Valletta the gates built by the Order of St John in 1568 a fine example of baroque architecture. Many historical places are housed in this world heritage site including palaces and gardens.
San Anton Gardens is a site to behold. It was designed by Grandmaster Antoine De Paule (1623-1636). This was his summer residence. Many botanical plants of interest are to be found here.
I travelled also around the Grand Harbour by night Valletta illuminated highlighting it's beautiful bastions and fortifications. Valletta was awarded the GC for its bravery in the siege of 1942.
Mosta a place where I lived 54 years ago and yet it seemed only yesterday I had played within the city. It has the 3rd largest unsupported Church dome in Europe this was built in 1860, close by are the catacombs which have prehistoric remains.
Another delight was a walk through to Bugibba from Qwara stopping at a lovely restaurant called Watercolours this is one of Maltas largest seaside resorts. It also has the the remains of a Bugibba temple near the Dolmen Hotel. Close by is the Oracle Casino bearing similarities of entrance to Monte Carlo.
St Pauls bay delightful fishing village known as "Il Menqa". St Paul was welcomed here and you can see the island called St Pauls island. The locals built a chapel here called St Pauls Shipwreck Chapel. And close by is the Wignacourt Watch Tower built by the Grandmaster (1601-1622). This is the oldest standing for the period of the order of St John.
The Salt plains and L Salina is a lovely area to visit its National Park is a protected area for three endangered species which include the Killfish, a grass and a spider. Access to the gardens are through L'Salina or a top entrance at Bugibba.
The Killfish is also at Ghadira Nature Reserve this also hosts brackish waters and protects flora and forna a special conservation area which is the holder of the Europa Nostra Award.
Malta is also known for its fireworks and festivities visiting these which bring ancient cities to life.
A visit to the South.of the island to Tarxien the home of a Neolithic temple includes bands marching illuminations aerial fireworks and the pride of the feast.
Eighteenth century windmills can be viewed.
Blue Grotto and the sea caves, the traditional Luzzo boats take you into the limestone caves.
Returning to the mainland further along the coast are the Prehistoric temples of Hagar and Mnajadri...
Traditional to Malta a horse racing meet normal ten races..the trotting horses.
Wednesday 5 August 2015
Exeter Torquay and the West Country
A trip to the West Country
I returned to Exeter after a great many years enjoying memories from the past.
'Gothic Evolutions, Poetry, tales, Context, theory', a book that develops from an exhibition at the Victora and Albert Exeter. It explains the descriptive process which takes account of the complexity of the events in the Reformation period of the Victorian times.
Torquay heralds the English Riviera with all the pomp and circumstance of the Victorian Era.
The Italian Riviera
Just recently I have been on a 10 day trip to the Italian Riviera.
This involved visiting, The French Riviera , Monte Carlo and Monaco.
An amazing trip which involved historical events.
The most recent historical societal event was at Monaco, which saw the christening of the Monacan Prince Jaque and Princess Gabriella. The visit was planned for 10th May 2015, to Cathedral Notre-Dame Immaculee but as a security measure the whole of Monaco was closed.
On the following Thursday I visited the Cathedral to take in the austerity of this community. Drifting in reminisce as the past became reality. The beautiful cathedral had timeless elegance. The white stone building is where the twins grandparents Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace are buried.
The day held emotions of happiness and tragedy, religious beliefs and the air of Christianity which was sustained by life and vitality.
Floral displays, the air heavy with the pollen from Lilly's alongside the portraits of the children embraced in the arms of Mary and Christ surrounded by the nuns.
The children were honoured in a second ceremony. Prince Jacques was formally given the Grand Cross of the Order of the Grimaldi, and Gabriella was appointed Grand Officer of the Order of Grimaldi.
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