Poland

Capture the Colour 2013

My lovely friend Suzanne, The Travelbunny, has tagged me to take part in this year’s Travelsupermarket competition, Capture the Colour 2013. When you’re at my level it’s just a bit of fun, but the prizes are brilliant, and some of the entries I’ve seen so far are pure inspiration. Nothing to lose, right?

A string of white rosary beads on the Carmo Church, Tavira.

The above shot is my entry for White. I used it in a Six word Saturday post when I’d just returned home from the beautiful Eastern Algarve. I was trying to get the images out of my head and back to my “real world” in England.

Romantic Summer evenings weren’t so easy to forget. Blue was the mood, and leads to my second entry from Tavira, pictured below.

A moonlit blue for an evening stroll.

But eventually you settle back in and start to plan for the next excitement. A wedding anniversary certainly helped. The trompe l’oeuil effect in my favourite Italian restaurant in Durham provided me with an interesting Green entry, and a good post for the Lingering look at Windows series.

Atmospheric green and trompe l’oeuil in La Spaghettata.

I looked through a lot of Polish windows earlier this year too, none more lovely then my Yellow entry. The Ratusz stands prominently in the market square, Rynek Główny, in Kraków. I had often looked at it in admiration but it wasn’t till I climbed the tower that I found these gems.

Through the windows of the bell tower of the Ratusz or Town Hall in Krakow

Yellow stained glass windows in the bell tower of the Ratusz (Town Hall)

I thought long and hard about my last colour, Red. I know that this isn’t a prize winning shot but to me it’s very special. It captures all the warmth and vibrance of the amazing occasion which was my daughter’s Steampunk wedding this year. My red-haired lady and her beloved cut a dashing pair. Lisa made her gown and Leo’s red frock coat. I think she deserves a place in this post.

Lisa and Leo leaving the church

I hope you enjoyed my selections as much as I enjoyed the chance to look back. Time to look forward and nominate 5 people to take part in the challenge.

Cathy of Catbird in Europe (just to confuse you, she’s now Nomad, Interrupted)

Lynn at Blue Brightly

Seonaid at Breathe of Green Air

James and Terri at Gallivance (an unfair advantage here, methinks!)

Guntha at Movin’ On

I know that in making these selections I’ve kissed goodbye to my chances, but it’s all about the taking part, isn’t it? (boo! hoo!) You have until 9th October to get your entries in folks, and you don’t even have to wait to be nominated. All the details regarding entry are at Travelsupermarket.com. Just follow the link. Good luck!

Lingering look at Windows- week 20

Who doesn’t love windows? Looking out on a bright Summer’s day. Looking in, when the lights are on, all cosy on an Autumn evening. I’m always drawn by the lamplight. Or by sunshine, of course.

But if you’re going to linger over them, the windows have to be a bit special, don’t they? I think I can offer a few from my recent trip to Poland.

Beautiful stained glass yellow in the Ratusz in Krakow

Wonderfully shabby peeling windows on Ulica Grodzka

Another bell tower window

One plain, one fancy window on Ulica Kanonicza

The lovely Mariacki Church, from the bell tower

Love this trompe l’oeil window side by side with a real one at the bookshop

I climbed the narrow circular steps of the Ratusz with my cousin, Adam, and neice, Ula. The views through the art nouveau windows were definitely special, even on a murky day. Ula confessed to me that they’d never climbed the tower before, even though they live in Kraków. I should show you how it looks from the outside.

You don't even know how beautiful the windows are from down below

You really can’t tell how beautiful the windows are from down below

I’ve enjoyed my first attempt at a lingering look at windows. Thanks, Dawn, for a really nice idea, and sorry it’s taken me so long to join in. I’m already thinking which windows I can use for next week’s challenge. Off I go to look through a few more.

Sunday Post : Perspective

Perspective is used by artists to give an illusion of space and distance. I remember struggling mightily with it at school. My brain understood the concept but my fingers didn’t. I don’t know of a better graphic artist than Jakesprinter. He never would have had my problems. This week he’s sent us a message in a bottle, and I’m reminded that I haven’t sang to you for a while. Perhaps you could be distracted that way, or should I just show you a couple of photos that, I think, represent the concept of perspective? If they don’t, hopefully you’ll enjoy them anyway.

The view from the Ratusz (town hall) in Krakow’s Rynek Glowny

And from a different window

I could NEVER draw this kind of thing

The museum dedicated to Pope John Paul. a beloved local

One of Krakow’s many intriguing doorways

Anyone for chess?

After all, I’m only trying to gain a little perspective on one of my favourite subjects- the lovely city of Krakow.

Perhaps you should look at some other entries to get a little better perspective. But don’t forget to visit Jake.

http://travelwithintent.com/2013/05/27/tarragonan-trompe-loeil/

http://max510.com/2013/05/27/sunday-post-perspective/

https://campanulladellaanna.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/sunday-post-perspective/

http://ohmsweetohmdotme.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/perspective/

http://mytropicalhome.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/the-sunday-post-perspective/

http://bopaula.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/sunday-post-perspective/

http://lynneayersbeyondthebrush.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/ship-passing-under-bridge/

O is for “okropny” and the Ojców Valley

The cosmopolitan city of Kraków is a million miles away from the river gorge of the Ojców Valley in time, but just 25km in distance.

I arrived in Kraków expecting the beautiful Spring weather I had experienced in previous years, but it was not to be. Okropny- the Polish word for “terrible”- described it very well. Mizzle accompanied grey skies, followed by crashing thunderstorms and heavy rain. Still, nic nie szkodzi, as they say in Poland. It “doesn’t really matter”, when you’re with family and friends. Polish hospitality is, quite rightly, legendary.

Along with all the eating and drinking a little fresh air was called for, so out came the umbrellas. A short drive north west of the city brought us to the village of Ojców and a different world.

The castle ruins at Ojców

Looming over the village, the castle ruins keep a beady eye on the end of the Eagles Nest Trail, a line of defence once stretching north to Częstochowa. Today most of the action in the valley comes from walkers. Armed with our umbrellas, we ventured along the woodland trail.

Limestone cliffs line the narrow banks of the River Prądnik, with greenery clinging tenaciously to every crevice.

Limestone cliffs line the valley

Ojców straggles through the valley. Signs for noclegi, a room for the night, or longer, adorn many of the wooden houses.

A typical village house

The cliffs tower protectively behind the homes

Even in the swirling mists there’s a grandeur to the scenery. We walk as far as Brama, named for the imposing rock structure which forms a “gate” through the valley.

Brama- the gate

The gorge is home to bats and caves, the best known of which is Łokieta, and is open for guided visits in Summer. The valley is rich in flora and fauna.

Just a few of the species found in the valley

I, meantime, am being eyed wickedly by a horse whose temperament seems to suit the weather. Horse and traps cover the short distance from Ojców to the beginning of the trail, for those who don’t like to walk, or just enjoy a ride. To be fair, it can’t have been much fun being a horse that day.

A “not so friendly” horse

We retrace our steps beside the gurgling river to Kaplicza na Wodzie, a small wooden chapel. It straddles the river on a platform, nicely side-stepping a 19th century Tsarist edict forbidding religious structures to be built “on solid ground”. In Poland, the Catholic Church was never easy to subdue.

The river passing through Ojców

Kapliczka na Wodzie

The chapel history

On a better day you can walk the 9km from Ojców to Pieskowa Skała, but a heavy shower had us dashing for the car. Perched on a wonderful vantage point, the castle at Pieskowa Skała dates from the 14th century, but was rebuilt in the 1580s as an elegant Renaissance residence. It has a delicately arcaded courtyard, as does Wawel Castle in Kraków, and pretty gardens. There’s a history museum and the restaurant is set into the castle walls. A climb up the circular steps to the roof terrace of the restaurant will give you fine views.

The castle at Pieskowa Skała

Italianate gardens

Weronika and her fiance, who were kind enough to take me.

Olsztyn Castle is nearer to Częstochowa, at the other end of the Eagles Nest Trail, but that’s an “O” to save for another day! I owe thanks to Julie Dawn Fox for the idea that inspired My Personal A-Z of Poland. The subjects have become very diverse so do go and have a look around.

I’m going to do something now that I wouldn’t normally do. Anyone who reads me regularly will know that a few weeks ago, I included an enquiry about Jake of Jakesprinter in a blog post. I’m delighted to find tonight that he’s back with a stunning new Sunday Post on the subject of Attractions. This post links perfectly to that and I am very pressed for time, so I’m linking the two. Welcome back, Jake! 🙂

Meantime I have 101 jobs to do since my return. I apologise for the quality of the photos, but you’ll be glad to know that after 3 days of okropny weather, we found some sunshine.

Best Moment Award

Awarding the people who live in the moment,
The noble who write and capture the best in life,
The bold who reminded us what really mattered –
Savoring the experience of quality time.

I am absolutely determined (well, a little bit anyway) to clear all my “unfinished business” before I go to Poland. What do I find, loitering in my Inbox, but a Best Moment Award. It’s a pleasing shape, isn’t it? Reminds me just a bit of Rafa’s Barcelona Trophy, but not quite so heavy.

No, I wasn't there! I very naughtily pinched this image from Zee News. Hope I'm forgiven.

No, I wasn’t there! I very naughtily pinched this image from Zee News. Apologies.

Moment Matters were kind enough to bequeath me this award, and then, just the other day, lovely Letizia of Dutch goes Italian nominated me again.

I misunderstood initially. I didn’t read the verse properly and had it fixed in my head that this was about a “best moment”. How to choose? So many best moments! And maybe, if I’m lucky, some best moments still to come.

Those incredible blue doors always bring back a magic moment

This one conjures a blogging friendship and a freezing day

How many times have I looked back at this wonderful moment

Shared golden moments in Warsaw’s Stare Miasto

And a truly amazing moment at the Festa dos Tabuleiros in Tomar

Haven’t we shared some beautiful moments, at home and abroad?

A very special wedding

And some wonderful sunsets

We’ve danced and we’ve sang

And made wonderful memories

But now it’s time to return to Poland

Where I hope to be making more beautiful moments to share. Thank you for indulging me. I’m going to pass on this award to some folk who have shared best moments with me.

The world according to Dina

Gallivance

East of Malaga

Writing between the lines

Photography of Nia

Going Dutch

I’ll be back in a week or so, but then I’m going to the Algarve, so all will be peaceful for a while. Enjoy!

Six word Saturday

Nine days in Poland with Dad

It almost didn’t happen because when I started to check us in online, I realised that Dad’s passport runs out on 30th April, 2013- the precise date we travel to Poland. Thank goodness for the days of online check-in. Otherwise, we might have been at the airport! A swift dash to the Passport Office in Durham has rectified all, and we are good to go.

Here was Krakow

Veit Stoss Altar, Mariacki Church

Gilded wood panels of the Altar in close up

Courtyard of the Jagellonian University

Professor’s room in Collegium Maius

And in complete contrast, a postcard that is very special to me, and seems appropriate for this time of year. It was given to me by my Aunt Anna, who is no longer with us.

Good health from the mountains

I won’t be about next week as I’m a very low tech traveller. In any case I will be working hard at my abysmal Polish. Wish me luck!

Don’t forget to visit Cate at Show My Face at check out this week’s Six word Saturdays. Just click on the link or the header.

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Entrance

I would love to be able to make an Entrance, but I’m more the kind of person who’s prone to falling up the step and making a fool of herself. I do know someone who can make a superb entrance though.

Lisa and Leo make the perfect entrance to married life

And she’s well equipped to make a neat exit too!

As ever, her hand sewing is exquisite.

When I first saw the big-eyed girl, looking around the door on Jake’s post this week, I thought of the other meaning of “entrance”- to fill with intense delight”. Lisa is well capable of this, too.

But neither of these photos are mine, so not really eligible for Jake’s challenge. My kind of entrance goes more like this:

Entrance to Whitby harbour

A well worn entrance in Tavira

Entry to a folk ceremony in Alte, in Portugal’s Algarve

The portal of the University in Wroclaw- a grand entrance

Entrance to the town square in Guimaraes

Entrance to a lighthouse?

Fun entrance

Old entrance

Heraldic entrance

As usual, click any photo to start the gallery rolling.

I’m very late with this post, and Jake will already be working on entrancing us with next week’s theme, so I’d better hit that Publish button. No accidents this time!

Come and meet Jake via the links or the lucky snake logo. His graphics are amazing and all visitors are made truly welcome.

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Sentimental Value

Jake gave us a beautiful post this week for his theme, Sentimental Value, and I almost decided not to take part. I have so many silly, sentimental things that I’ve hoarded down the years, and some of them are deeply personal. But this is a travel blog, isn’t it, so in the interests of “the show must go on”, I’ve found some things that I can share with you.

Ticket montage

Over the years I don’t know how many ticket stubs I must’ve pushed into a handbag pocket as a souvenir of whichever boat ride or ancient monument. Some of them, I forget are there till months later. But recently I had a great idea. I’m going to compile some of the more colourful ones (as above) and decoupage them onto a coffee table top. Well, if I’m truthful, I hoped that my daughter might do this for me, as she’s so much better at crafty things. Still, I think I might manage. What do you reckon? It would make a great conversation piece, wouldn’t it?

I’ve kept old Snoopy watches that no longer work, cards that I have to cull every year otherwise they’d flow down the stairs, and, of course, postcards. I used to buy them in quantity, in case the holiday photos weren’t a success. In these digital days that’s not such a problem, but I still struggle to pass a postcard stand without a surreptitious glance. I also used them as a holiday diary. Nowadays I’ve progressed to a notebook.

Let’s share a couple of favourites. Why would I want to part with them? The memories are invaluable.

The Dalyan peninsula, Turkey

Salzburg in Austria

Kas, also in Turkey

Sukiennice, Krakow

And, of course, Tavira

I’m feeling thoroughly sentimental now. Thanks, Jake. I’ll be over to check out the other entries later. Click on the lucky snake logo or the links to go with me.

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Captivating

Can’t resist having a little fun with this week’s subject Captivating. So many things in life can be captivating, including Jake’s Lucky Snake logo with it’s hypnotic eyes. It captures my imagination, holds it, and makes me smile- that’s a great definition of captivating.

Me, capturing “me” and an elephant

I loved this elephant clock, proudly displayed on the mantelpiece at Thrumpton Hall. I had just waved Lisa off on honeymoon and was speeding through the building, trying to capture as much as I could of this most captivating of venues. Posh frock packed away, and not expecting ever to visit the Hall again, every click counted. I didn’t mind being caught on camera. It was one more bit of evidence that I really was there. It wasn’t just a fairytale, though it well might have been!

This is how it looks without me- even more captivating!

I find this photo rather captivating too. All of twenty years ago.

Lisa and James, in Nottingham marina

Sentiment set aside, today I’m feeling much more mischievous. Is this a captivating image? Who is captive here? We were sitting on the seawall at Lagos watching the water dogs perform- a very captivating sight.

Which one is me?

Held captive by the camera! I’m developing a liking for this kind of shot, though I suppose it belongs more to the subject of shadows. Just for today, I’m calling it a captive image.

The prisoner, in his exotic jail

I found this little fellow somewhat captivating, and his happy friend below. The gnomes of Wrocław were endearing in the extreme, and I expect I’ll have to return someday to track down a few more.

Friendly, or Wellwisher gnome

But the photo I find most captivating of all, has to be this one. I will never forget the moment that I stood stock still and simply stared. Porto, with all it’s crumpled and faded beauty, is a memory that will stay with me forever.

Hauntingly lovely Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Porto

I know that Jake’s Comments box is going to be packed full of captivating images this week. One of my Sunday pleasures, when the chores are done, is to admire the other Sunday Post entries. Come with me? Just click on the lucky snake logo or the links.

Bridging the Gap

Some posts just kind of lure you in! You could do a Challenge post every day of the week and two on Sundays, if you had the time. Mostly I look, admire, make a mental note, blink twice and the next Challenge is there before me. Somehow I’ve completed all my chores with time to spare this weekend, and without further ado, I present Bridges, at the kind invitation of Ailsa at Where’s My Backpack.

Fonte Pequena at Alte, has two little bridges

The Infinity Bridge, Stockton-on-Tees

The beautiful approach to Cordoba and the incomparable Mesquita

A bridge spanning 2 countries, Poland and Germany, at Zgorzelec

An alternative “Bridge of Sighs”, in Cambridge

The River Wear and Framwellgate Bridge, Durham

The Shard, still at construction stage, beyond Tower Bridge

My “Poohsticks bridge”, Valley Gardens, Saltburn-by-the Sea

Barcos rabelos below Dom Luis I Bridge, Porto

Similar but different, Newcastle’s famous Tyne Bridge

And it’s beautiful neighbour, Gateshead’s Millenium Bridge

The setting sun over one of the two road bridges, Tavira

And it wouldn’t be complete without my favourite bridge, and we’re back with the subtle colour.

The wonderful thing about bridges for me is that often they span my favourite element, water. I love to lean over a bridge and gaze into the depths. Sometimes they even create beautiful reflections as a bonus- two for the price of one. Putting them side by side has taken longer than I expected, but now that I have, I’m taken with the contrast between my surly northern skies and the gentler images of Southern Europe.

Click on a photo to see them in gallery form.

Thanks, Ailsa. I’ve enjoyed my Sunday leisure time. Come bridge spotting with me over at Ailsa’s?

restlessjo

Roaming, at home and abroad

Poland

Capture the Colour 2013

Lingering look at Windows- week 20

Sunday Post : Perspective

O is for “okropny” and the Ojców Valley

Best Moment Award

Six word Saturday

Nine days in Poland with Dad

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Entrance

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Sentimental Value

Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post : Captivating

Bridging the Gap

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Nine days in Poland with Dad

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;

Share this:javascript:void(0);return false;