Czeck Republic 2003: Prague - The City of a Hundred Spires...

"Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others..." - Booker T Washington

'

(Cruise on the Vitava River)

(Colourful baroque building on both river banks)

The City of One Hundred Towers and Spires, 'Golden Prague' - names that evoke the many aspects of this fascinating city. Its rich architectural heritage largely results from centuries of escaping the worst ravages of war, if anything, it has been too successful. Maintenance, especially of the painted stucco exteriors, is a constant process, even in the last century, travellers complained about scaffolding erected at many locations. Under the Communists, Prague was the showplace of the Warsaw Pact although in a muted fashion. Since the 1989 Velvet Revolution, the city has thrown off decades of oppression and is now returning to its former glory. '

(Souvenir shopping)

(9th Century Castle)

I think I know

but I'm not sure why

In the lives we live we never try

To sing a song of our dreams to be

Or say prayer for you, not me
Don't cry for crimes when you're not sure

What day might lie behind that door

If you take your clock, remove the chime

Then in life you'll find we have the time.'

(Ivy McKnight)

👈 2003: Vienna, Austria

2003: Reinghau Valley, Germany 👉

Germany 2003: Rheingau Valley - Narrow gorges, twisted river...

"I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enogh to know that life is a complex matter..." - Walt Disney

Motorised tour through the wine-growing region of Rheingau and its districts of Kiedrich, Rüdesheim, Assmannshausen and St. Goarshausen, including the legendary Loreley Cliffs. Visits of the Niederwald Memorial and the medieval Eberbach Monastery, which gained fame as the shooting location for the film "Name of the Rose".

(An old castle along the river)

This stretch of the Rhine is the picturesque narrow gorge through which the river twists and turns past ruined castles and the Loreley rocks. Fine Riesling vineyards on steep terraces line the right bank, punctuated by quaint villages. Rüdesheim is beautiful, if sometimes overrun with tourists, while Bingen boasts an 11th-century bridge, Germany's oldest.

(Small boutique towns along the route)

The picturesque Rhine gorge hosts a special recreational cycling day which opens up 70km of highway on both sides of the river for the use of cyclists. Far from an event for hobbyists only, the Sunday on the river draws participants of all ages for leisurely rides in one of Europe's most stunning landscapes.

(Vibrant coloured sun-flowers)

,

I asked the Earth to show me all,

It took my hand, said start with small.

found a worm who dug the earth,

Told me, know the value of your worth.

A blade of grass, one of many,

Taught, be thankful of those around you child,

in case you have not any.

👈2003: Prague, Czek Republic

2003: Frankfurt, Germany 👉

Germany 2003: Frankfurt - Main-Hattan of Europe...

"Thank God for your life tonight. For health, your family, or your home. Many people don't have these things..."

(A road procession in progress)

(Unique buildings around town)

"Wherever I am, I always feel have to contradict when I hear that rumour about Frankfurt: the nightmarish saga about it being a Mini-Chicago with a slight taste of Apfelwein, sour. Stubborn, slightly puffy mules like to call this city the 'Main metropolis'. Oh, such clichés, how they obstinately persevere down through the decades..." - (Horst Krüger, 1978)

(The European Central Bank)

SEA GULL

Confined to these four walls,
I called home
Limit my mind and wondering soul,
I wished a bird I was borne to,
and tru' the sky I fly,
never resting. Why?

(A few gallons of whisky)

👈 2003: Reingau Valley, Germany

 2003: Venice, Italy 👉