The musings of a man who is coming up to the next stage in life.
This week’s photo is of the Venus de Milo which is displayed at the Louvre in Paris.
You can see that it is a popular attraction. I have recently rediscovered a lot of photos from my trip to Paris taken in 2005. Hopefully I will be sharing more with you.
Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.
Steve
The city of Lichfield is situated in the county of Staffordshire and lies to the north of Birmingham. A small place given city status because of the cathedral. It is worth visiting from Birmingham to spend a city here. A historical city it is famous for being the birthplace of Dr. Samuel Johnson.
The best way to get to Lichfield is to take the London Midland train from Birmingham New Street to Lichfield City station. Journeys take around 40 minutes. The most expensive adult ticket costs £7.10 for a day return. Once you arrive into the station it is a five minute walk to the city centre.
There are several attractions to visit in Lichfield and I will list a few of my favourites. Firstly, I will point you towards the cathedral. Originally to be classified as a city in England you had to have a cathedral. What makes Lichfield Cathedral unique is that it is the only medieval cathedral that has three spires.
The next place I would recommend you visit s the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. Acting both as a museum and bookshop it tells the life story of Dr. Samuel Johnson perhaps Lichfield’s most famous son. Items that can be viewed in the museum include Johnson’s personal armchair and tea set. The museum is located on Breadmarket Street and has free entry.
website – http://www.samueljohnsonbirthplace.org.uk
Another attraction that you should visit is Erasmus Darwin House. Erasmus Darwin, the grandfather of Charles Darwin was a renowned doctor, inventor, poet and scientist who lived in the city for over twenty years. Included in the museum are two rooms with audio and visual exhibits. One pleasing aspect of the house is the Georgian herb garden that contains plants from the period. The museum is located on Beacon Street. Admission costs £3.00 for adults.
website – http://www.erasmusdarwin.org
A perfect place to go for a walk is Beacon Park. Originally marshland it was reclaimed in the 19th century. It is home to various sporting facilities used by the citizens of Lichfield. There are also monuments and statues. The most famous being of Edward Smith, the ill-fated captain of the R.M.S. Titanic.
If you are looking for entertainment then a visit to the Lichfield Garrick Theatre is a must. Opened in 2003, it is named after the famous 18th century actor David Garrick who was born in the city. The theatre shows plays and concerts while a local Rep company is based there.
website – http://www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Finally, if you are looking for somewhere to eat I would personally recommend ‘The Spark Cafe Bar’. Situated on Tamworth Street it serves excellent food at reasonable prices. The coffee is also excellent. There are plenty events that take place including live comedy and music. It is also home to a book club.
website – http://www.thesparkcafebar.co.uk
There is plenty more of Lichfield to see. It is a rewarding place to visit for the day. It has a small town feel where the pace is unrushed.
Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.
Steve
This week’s photograph is the statue of Sir Walter Raleigh in Greenwich.
Raleigh was an explorer during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He is famous for introducing tobacco to England. Raleigh was beheaded in 1618 on the orders of King James I.
Until the next post stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.
Steve
My final full day of my trip. I was determined to get as much in as I could. Who knows when I will be back in Prague again. So an early start was in order. I decided I would get breakfast on the go rather than eat in the hostel. After breakfast I made my way towards the Charles Bridge hoping that I would be able to escape the crowds.
At 09:30 in the morning I was glad to be able to miss the crowd and I could take in the sights of the bridge at my own pace rather than feeling rushed. Once I crossed the bridge I made my way towards the Lennon Wall. This was one place I wanted to visit after being told about it by other travellers. When I first viewed the wall I was taken aback by the colours. Once I started to make sense of it all. I could see Lennon’s lyrics and I started to feel emotional. Then I came across these two images.
It was then when my emotions overtook me. The tears started to roll down my face. I did not want to go home. The last twelve days have just been so enjoyable. Yet, all good things have to come to an end. In my heart I knew this to be true. I just had to compose myself again.
I just wanted to make my way back up to the castle so I walked instead of catching the tram. I just wanted to take in all the sights and sounds that were around me. Eventually, after a few detours I arrived at Prague Castle. I decided that I would just purchase the Short Visit ticket. Rather see less and savour than rush to see everything. The Short Visit ticket started at St. Vitus cathedral. I am a fan of churches and stained glass windows much to the amusement of my family. In that respect St. Vitus did not disappoint me. There were plenty of photo opportunities which I took advantage of. Both my camera and iPhone were busy. However, there was an over zealous member of staff who kept reminding people not to use the flash on their cameras. Lesson for people not to set the camera to auto.
From St. Vitus I made my way to St. George’s Basilica. This section took about forty minutes to view. At around lunchtime things were starting to get crowded. I needed to escape or at least needed to have something to eat. Luckily I found a cafe that was selling a sandwich at a reasonable price. Feeling refreshed I made my way to the Golden Avenue. This did not disappoint me. So much history there. My favourite section was the museum full of amour.
I made my way to the Old Royal Palace but I found this to be disappointing. So it was time to make my way back down the hill to the centre of Prague.
Once back I made my way to the Museum of Communism. Though not rated too highly by Lonely Planet it was one place I wanted to see. You cannot separate Communism from Prague as much as you may want to try.
There was one place I had yet to visit. This was Wenceslas Square. So much history took place there and I felt I could not miss it even if it was getting late. It did not disappoint me. There was almost a party atmosphere in the square. There were lots of stalls selling souvenirs and food. It almost felt like a Christmas market. Must have been the Friday feeling. It was certainly a party at the statue of King Wenceslas.
With a heavy heart I made my way back to the hostel. Over a beer I was enjoying the company of a Canadian who reminded me that I was lucky to live so close to the mainland. I had to agree with him. I am a lucky man.
Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy, keep smiling.
Steve
This week’s photo is of the statue of Doctor Samuel Johnson.
Famous for compiling ‘A Dictionary of the English Language’ Dr. Johnson famously said “A man who tires of London, he tired of life.” In fact he was born in the city of Lichfield in Staffordshire. This statue was erected in 1838 outside his birthplace in Market Square.
Until the next post, stay safe, stay healthy and keep smiling.
Steve
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