Palace of Culture and Science - Warsaw, Poland

Palace of Culture and Science – Poland

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Hi Folks!

The Palace of Culture and Science is a gift from the Soviet Union to the people of Poland. And understandably its reputation is controversial, but in my humble opinion the building is magnificent. The Palace of Culture and Science is the tallest building in Poland and possibly the eight tallest building in Europe. The grotesque appearance of the Palace dominates the skyline of Warsaw. In 1967 the Palace hosted Rolling Stones’ concert, which is considered the first concert held by a major rock band in the East, behind the Iron Curtain. I managed to get a ticket to the concert but to my regret I caught the flu on the same night and stayed home. Luckily I was fit on the night Leonard Cohen performed in the Palace in 1985. What a voice, what a night! I wish you could have been there too! Some clever little devil gave the Palace a nickname the Elephant in Lacy Underwear, a perfect articulation for this monument representing Stalinist architecture with a touch of Polish historicism and American art deco. And that brings me to my travel plans: I will be viewing elephants in their natural habitat in the end of February, so stay tuned.

-Gart

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu - Madrid, Spain

Estadio Santiago Bernabéu – Madrid

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Hi Folks!

This is Real Madrid C.F.’s mythical stadium and a glimpse of Madrid’s skyline. Santiago Bernabéu is the place where legends are born and dreams are shattered. The cylinder shaped tower attached to the stadium is actually a silo used to store CR7’s hair gel. I still remember the first match on the stadium back in 1947 like it was yesterday. There was no need for the silo or hair gel back then.

-Gart

Fat Margaret - Tallinn, Estonia

Fat Margaret – Tallinn, Estonia

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Hi Folks!

Tallinn is one of the most exciting capitals in Baltia, right after Riga and Vilna. And this grey tower is the landmark of the Old Town. It’s called Fat Margaret. Poor Margaret, she would have deserved a nicer building to carry her name. Just kidding folks. Tallinn is fantastic! The town has a fascinating history as it’s been under dominance of many kingdoms. It was none other than Soviet Russia, which tried to suppress the proud Estonians. After the collapse of USSR, Tallinn has prospered.

-Gart

Bray Head - Ireland

Bray Head – Ireland

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Hi Folks!

I sang, “As I was goin’ over the Cork and Kerry mountains. I saw Captain Farrell and his money he was countin’.., ” when I hiked over the Wicklow Mountains along the Cliff Walk from Bray to Greystone (Bray Head). And suddenly I tumbled over the Europe’s First geocache (GC43; 53d 11.478′ N, 6d 04.818′ W). I just couldn’t believe my luck. I mean what are the chances, One in a Million. So, I continued my hike to Greystone singing, “… Musha ring dumb a do dumb a da. Whack for my daddy-o. There’s whiskey in the jar-o”. And I ended up in The Happy Pear, a fine health food restaurant held by David and Stephen Flynn. They had gotten everything right in The Happy Pear. They even served Eye Candy for the ladies – much like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito in Twins (1988), but on a whole different level.

-Gart

Trinity College Library Dublin

Trinity College Library – Dublin

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Hi Folks,

When I was studying in Trinity College Dublin, the Old Library’s (Trinity College Library) main chamber called the Long Room did not look the same. I believe it was in the 1860’s when Long Room’s roof was raised. I am not completely against the change but I preferred the lower roof. The Long Room was cosier back then. And it was definitely a more quiet place for studying. There are not many libraries that attract people as much as the Trinity College Library does. The archive includes a few books that I consider my favorites but are hard to find elsewhere. I highly recommend the fiction novel Book of Kells. Be sure to place a hold on the Book of Kells in good time. There is only one copy and it’s quite popular.

-Gart

Umpherston Sinkhole Gardens in Mount Gambier

Umpherston Sinkhole – South Australia

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Hi Folks,

They say that everything but gardening is unnecessary. I am not that sure of it but if you truly are into gardening, here’s a bit of an advice for you. Find a sinkhole and start gardening. If you are in the Mount Gambier region surely you will find some time to visit this lovely garden. Umpherston Sinkhole is a pleasant place to hang out but for staying for a longer time – it’s not for me. Surely I would think differently if I was a garden gnome.

-Gart

The Twelve Apostles Victoria

The Twelve Apostles – Victoria, AU

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Hi Folks,

This is a cool place. No wonder though, it’s by the Southern Ocean and the breeze from Antarctica is rather cool. If you just happen to be cruising the Great Ocean Road, you might want to slow down around here. The rock stacks are soft lime stone formed by erosion. There’s only eight remaining of the Twelve Apostles, so go before it’s too late. The Twelve Apostles is a must see if you are anywhere near Victoria, Australia.

-Gart

Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco

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Hi Folks,

I know, the photo is not the best of them all but my fingers were frozen like Fish Sticks and I could not operate the campera properly. I’ve got two things to tell you folks about San Francisco: Do not call it Frisco or Summer (especially in November). It’s about time to find some place warm – Australia, be prepared, here I come!

-Gart

Venice Beach - Los Angeles

Venice Beach – Los Angeles

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Hi Folks,

Pacific Ocean, the beach, the people, L.A…. Wish you were here! Venice Beach is the only place where I have felt that I’m not being stared at. The place is packed with quite unique people and a small gnome does not stick out from the crowd. By the way, Santa Monica Pier and the end of U.S. Route 66 is right next to Venice Beach.

-Gart

Las Vegas

Las Vegas – Nevada

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Hi Folks,

I thought it would be a good idea to double anything I have. Well… It went all right at first. Mom, if you see this, please send me some money for all in.. I mean food of course! Las Vegas baby, I will miss you but the highway is hot and the world cannot wait!

-Gart