Photos from the Berlin Photo Tour (It's About Time...)

Nearly six months after an amazing Photo Tour of an abandoned Tuberculosis Clinic on the outskirts of Berlin, I've finally had a chance to edit the photos and post them to Flickr. Apologies for my tardiness, I'll blame the delay on life in general which always seems to be too busy. 

For more information on the incredible lineup of photo tours provided by Go2Know, check out their website (using Google translate). 

More photos are available on our Flickr page, which you can always reach via the little pink stamp graphic over on the right hand sidebar.

I'm so pleased with how the pictures turned out, and how wonderfully my Nikon D60 handled the low light conditions. The photography tour was a wonderful experience, one I'd love to participate in again (if only we lived closer to Berlin!).

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The Mystery of Stonehenge

Standing amid the towering slabs of rock it's impossible not to wonder, as millions have before you; why here, in the middle of idyllic rolling fields and deeply wooded forest? How were these gigantic stones cut and moved, tens of thousands of years before hydraulic machines and towering cranes were even an idea? Who were the people that created and built this magnificent site? What was the purpose of such a large monument? For the last  leg of our trip, we were on a journey to find out!

With a few days in the UK before our flight home, we decided to leave London for the quiet countryside of Wiltshire county. But the beauty of the surrounding rolling hills and idyllic towns were only a part of the attraction - the real appeal was the allure of Stonehenge. Famous for it's enormous rocks, and how little historians have been able to unearth about it's purpose, Stonehenge is a enchantingly beautiful sight still brimming with mystery and intrigue. 

As life in the English countryside is much slower than that of London, we found bus service between towns, and to Stonehenge, a bit hit or miss. Unfortunately the public bus route serving the site was cancelled last year leaving only two options to reach Stonehenge without a rental car. Option 1 - catch a public bus to nearby Amesbury and walk two miles to the site, or Option 2 - board the Stonehenge tourist bus in Salisbury (where we were staying) for a direct trip to the site and optional return stop at Old Sarum. 

The iconic stones of Stonehenge in all their glory.

Although we normally try to avoid tour groups by any means necessary, after a warning from our B&B owner that tourists have been killed walking along the winding road from Amesbury to Stonehenge, we decided to cough up the twenty pound/person fee for the tourist bus (this fee does include admission to Stonehenge and Old Sarum as well as front of the line access). 

As it turns out, the bus was actually quite enjoyable, although a bit pricier than we would have preferred, and the audio track that played through the speakers was more informative than annoying.

The sight as you enter the grounds.

The site's visitor centre isn't what you'd picture for a site as important and well visited as Stonehenge, especially after visits to comparable ancient sites like the Acropolis, Alhambra, or Colosseum. With only a small ticket window, gift shop, and portable lavatories on the side of a two lane country road, the site is functional and understated, fitting in perfectly with the quaint countryside. However rustic it may be, what the facilities lack in size and grandeur the stones more than make up for. 

The size of the stones is amazing once you get up close - over 24 feet tall in some cases.

As you pass under the road and finally enter the site, you are immediately entranced by the stones. A haunting and ethereal echo of days long since forgotten, the massive stones rise in majesty and stimulate even the most meager of imaginations. Theories abound regarding their construction and purpose - some sane and some gleefully insane. Whatever you believe to be true, no one can deny the massive effort it must have taken to transport and erect the stones. 

The "Heelstone" sits just outside the circle

While you can walk in and amongst the stones if you make special arrangement, the vast majority of visitors just take the short circular pathway around the stones - a thoroughly satisfying experience in its own right. The audioguide given to you for free upon entrance enhances the experience with fascinating facts about the mysterious and storied history of the site. 

A marker showing the location of one of the original wooden posts from the original henge

There's just something about Stonehenge that lures people to it...not unlike the Pyramids or the Colosseum. It's got the right combination of mystery, intrigue, and extravagant speculation that just make it a must see. The site itself is not what you'd expect (although I think that's a good thing), but the aura of seeing something that people still don't fully understand is definitely an uncommon experience and one that you won''t forget.

One of the many burial mounds scattered around the region

While the site of Stonehenge is undoubtedly the main reason that people venture to England's West Country, it should be noted that it is not the only neolithic site in the region. In fact, this particular region of the country is one of the most dense when it comes to neolithic sites. If Stonehenge managed to intrigue you, and you want to see something else, check out the henge at Avebury, Woodhenge, the Durrington Walls, or even Old Sarum.

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London Walking Tour - Westminister & the West End

Having thoroughly enjoyed our two walking tours in Berlin and our photo tour in Brugge, we decided to give guided tours another chance in London. Turning to London Walks and their "London Tour" we set out to explore all of the city's iconic sites in Westminster and the West End.

Statue of Richard the Lionheart outside the Palace of Westminster

Elizabeth Tower (with Big Ben inside)

Arriving at the Westminster tube station, our tour meeting place, we emerged from underground at the base of the Elizabeth Tower, renamed this year for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Often confused for Big Ben, which is actually the nickname for the bell within the clock tower, this tower is likely London's most recognizable landmark. It felt incredible to be so close to such an iconic symbol, as though we were finally experiencing the "real" London, and our guide Tom had lots of fun facts to share about the tower as well as the Houses of Parliament overall.

Westminster Abbey

Sting's house

Prying our group away from Big Ben, Tom led us through Westminster to the famous Westminster Abbey, St. James' Park, and Buckingham Palace, including numerous stops of interest in between - we even saw Sting's House.

The view towards Horse Guards - No beach volleyball this time of year

The view towards Buckingham Palace

As we made our way toward Buckingham Palace, Tom pulled us aside to point out something quite unique. It seemed that luck was on our side as we were just in time to see guests arriving for an audience with the Queen. At first this didn't make much sense, however we were quickly informed that guests of the Queen do not simply drive up to the front gates of Buckingham Palace. Instead, they are transported via horse drawn carriage from St. James' Palace to Buckingham Palace entrance one block away, complete with police escort and a trumpeter to announce their arrival. As we stood along the sidewalk, we saw not one but two processions pass by followed by the changing of the Horse Guard.

A special guest gets to meet the Queen

Changing of the Horse Guard

Although the weather was a bit cold at times, we really enjoyed our tour and the new information we left with. London Walks offers an astounding number of tours, making it next to impossible to choose just one and ensuring there is something there for everyone. 

Buckingham Palace - voted ugliest building in London

A member of the Queen's Guard in their winter uniforms

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Getting to know Belgian Beer at the Cantillon Brewery

A visit to Belgium isn’t complete without a tour of a local brewery – or two. For Brussels, this means a trip to the Cantillon Brewery, the only remaining brewery within the walls of Brussels. However if you’re expecting a traditional ale or hoppy lager you’re in for a surprise, as the Cantillon Brewery is one of only a handful of traditional Lambic breweries still in operation. 

An old crate for bottles of Gueze

Lambic is a flat beer produces from barley and wheat and fermented with naturally occurring airborne yeasts. In fact, the Cantillon Brewery is one of the only places you can actually see the brewing process, and taste the results from all their hard work. Relying on age old recipes handed down through generations, and original equipment dating back over one hundred years, the Cantillon Brewery produces thousands of barrels this centuries old beverage and its wonderful derivatives each year. 

The whole brewery is a blending of original and new

Each area has a description of its use

However, while the Lambic is unique on its own, it’s also only the beginning, because what the Cantillon Brewery does with it next is truly special. Using fresh fruit, and the sugars produced through further fermentation, the Cantillon Brewery also produces many varieties of a sweeter, sparkling, beverage called Gueze. Often called the champagne of beer (as it's produced using the same techniques, only using beer instead of wine), Gueze is a sparking beer with a wonderful combination of sweet and sour flavours. In addition to the Gueze, which is aged in former wine and champagne barrels for three years, the brewery also makes fruit-flavoured Guezes using tons of real, fresh raspberries, cherries, and apricots. 

Barrels of Cantillon beers aging for perfect flavour

More original equipment - still used today

As we entered the doors to the Brewery, only a short walk from our hotel, we instantly felt part of the family. The brewery is now on its 4th generation of brew masters from the same family, and everyone is warm and welcoming (not to mention eager to talk about beer).  After a thorough introduction to the brewery by one of the employees, emphasizing what sets them apart from their contemporary counterparts,  we were allowed to wander through the process using an amazingly descriptive brochure and corresponding numbers. 

Bottles awaiting a fill

Bottles age for a long time even after coming out of the barrels

Nearly one hour later, after wrapping up our self-guided tour of oak barrel filled cellars, hundred year old copper canisters, and creaky wooden staircases, it was time for everyone’s favorite part – sampling the goods! Included in the 6 Euro entry fee was a glass of one of their wonderful beers to be enjoyed in their cozy lounge area complete with wood burning fire. The only hard part was choosing between the four different varieties currently available.

Our choices - Rose on the left and Gueze on the right

After careful consideration, we opted for the Gueze and the Rose, a raspberry infused Gueze. The fact that they use 150 kilograms of fresh fruit with just 500 litres of beer is evident once you put it to your lips - this stuff is fantastic.

For more information on the Cantillon Brewery or their selection of beers (including where you can get them across the world), check out their website here. Brewery tours are carried out throughout the day, or you can just stop by for a drink or two.

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Fun and Photos in Brugge

During our stay in Brussels we set a day aside to explore the picturesque city of Brugge, only an hour away by train. Being that the city is quite beautiful, we decided to tag along on a photo walking tour during the morning hours, hoping it would not only help us get acquainted with Brugge, but also provide a glimpse at some of the less-touristy areas of the city and add to my (limited) knowledge base of all things photography related.

Brugge in the sunshine

The morning of our visit we arrived to cool temperatures and drizzling rain. However, as they say in Brugge, "if you don't like the weather, wait ten minutes", which proved to be true as we experienced the entire gamut of weather conditions in just one day. From bone chilling rain and gray skies to glimpses of sunshine and a break in the wind just long enough to capture some great reflection shots, the weather in Brugge is truly unpredictable. 

Reflections along the canals

Just one of many bridges

Another thing I could not have predicted is that our tour guide Andy would turn out to be a fellow Canadian (although he is from Montreal which many Canadians may argue is like being on a different planet). In addition to his roots, Andy quickly won us over with his easy going approach to photography and the tour guide role. 

Some of the many canal-side homes in Brugge

Brugge's windmills offer a fun photo opportunity

Unfortunately the sky wasn't too helpful this particular day

Fall colours (and rain) in Brugge

iPad in hand, Andy started the tour by asking about how comfortable I was with my camera, my knowledge level, equipment, experience, etc... and then continually provided advice specific to my needs, instead of advanced knowledge I won't be able to use for a few years. He also gave me suggestions on interesting ways to compose shots, and was always willing to provide very kind critiques on shots that I had taken. 

We couldn't leave without sampling a few chocolates

Beautiful champagne display in a store window

While I snapped some photos of Brugge's lovely canals, historic buildings, and hidden details, Andy and Travis were able to cover every topic under the sun from travel and our trip to real estate, work, and life in general. Andy was also willing to give insights into his experiences with different cameras, lenses, software, and other photography related topics.

Andy said to look out for lions...

... as Brugge is covered with them.

Wait, that's not a lion. I only wish I could remember this guys name.

When the timing works out...

Although I was the only one "shooting" that day, it was great that Travis and I were both able to participate in the tour, and for a very reasonable 20 Euros total (which I think we made back in following some of Andy's advice for cheap places to eat and buy chocolates). Especially considering we had just the one day in Brugge, it was great to be able to experience it together and, when I'm struggling to remember some of the pointers Andy gave me, Travis can help me out!

 Although this photo tour was just 10 days ago, I feel like the stuff I learned during it has been easy to put into practice, and most importantly, I have seen a noticeable improvement in the quality of my photos. 

The website for Photo Tour Brugge can be found here, and Andy's photography site (which has some great photos from around the world) can be found here.

Oh, and as with the Berlin Photo Tour, these are just the jpeg's without any real editing. We will let you know when those go up.

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The Great Brussels Comic Walk

After arriving in Brussels, via our overnight bus from Berlin, at around 7 in the morning (which thankfully was a few hours late), we were again saddled with having to find something to entertain us (and keep us awake) until we could check into our hotel. After a good experience with a walking tour in Berlin, we figured that doing something active was our best bet, and eventually settled on a self-guided walking tour of the comic murals of Brussels.

If you've ever been to Brussels (or anywhere in Belgium or France for that matter) you know that comics are a big deal. Bandes dessinées (literally "drawn strips") are an integral part of book culture in these regions, accounting for nearly 20% of book sales in some areas. Throughout our trip, we've seen people reading comics in coffee shops, on the train, and even while walking down the street, as well as large outdoor markets catering solely to book and comic fans.

"Monsieur Jean" - one of the few French comics represented in the murals

"Le Jeune Albert"

"Lucky Luke" - faster than his shadow.

Brussels, perhaps more than any other city, has embraced this comic-crazed culture and proudly offers comic themed goods in book stores, tourist shops, museums, and, as we quickly discovered, even on their walls. With almost 50 wall murals now, anyone can experience this culture with just a map and a good sens of direction. 

"Caroline Baldwin" comic wall

"XIII" - Inspiration for Jason Bourne?

Relying on the accuracy of this map, provided by a local tourism website, we started weaving our way through the city seeking out these large paintings. The entire walk quickly escalated into a sort of treasure hunt, as we speculated which comic may be revealed around the next corner. To our frustration at times, the murals actually blend into the surrounding buildings quite well. Who would have thought a forty foot painting could be so hard to find?

"Yoko Tsuno" - You can really see the size

"Ric Hochet" - some murals interact with the city

"Tintin" - probably the most famous mural

Not only was this walk enjoyable, and a bit exciting at times, it also provided a great introduction to the city, covering the major tourist sights as well as some outlying areas. We both agree that it was a wonderful way to see Brussels and we happened to stumble onto both the Mannequin Pis and Zinneke Pis statues as well (the first being the famous bronze statue of a small boy peeing, while the later is the lesser known bronze of a dog, also urinating).

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