Monday, August 31, 2009

Laurel and Hardy

Ulverston in Cumbria used to have a backstreet Laurel and Hardy museum with newspaper clippings about Stan Laurel, who originally came from the town. Earlier this year a new statue was unveiled in front of the Coronation Hall.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Grange Over Sands

This view is from Grange Railway Station over what was the Grange Sands. It is far less sandy having been overgrown by an invasive plant since the last time we were there about ten years ago. After taking this picture I was told by the station master that photography in the station was no longer allowed because it is an infringement of copyright. So that too has changed since ten years ago.
Our main reason for going was not to see the station but to view all the art and craft displays along the promenade.
This lady is creating flowers from willow sticks which are then mounted on hazel.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Prague - by my better half

And finally two of my wife's pictures. The only reason I get away with taking so many pictures on holiday is she is doing it too.
Jesus Christ with churches behind...
Two ladies on a bench.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Prague Day 8

Before returning home a couple of images of things British found in Prague. This wonderful statue of Churchill...

and a large shopping mall very close to our hotel but which we did not discover until the last day. A large Tesco over two floors - there are supervisors who get about here on roller blades. Also an M&S and Next. And shops we have lost like C&A are still there in Prague.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Prague Day 7

During my stay here I have been reading The Castle by Franz Kafka. This simple monument to Kafka, and his parents is in the jewish cemetary.
Ivy grows over and between most graves. Since the holocaust very few new graves have been erected in this particular cemetary.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Prague Day 6


Another image from another cemetary - an angel before crumbling monuments.
A street crossing in Prague. People waiting.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Prague Day 5

A dancing building.
Some of the best art is to be found for free in a cemetary in Prague remembering notable people from the the inter war years - it has no politicians or military. Most public art you must pay for in Prague.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Prague Day 4

The jazz band we saw most mornings.
The statue of Wenceslas in Wenceslas Square, now a place of casinos and clothes shops and cafes, rather than political rallies or large ceremonial displays.

Saturday, August 08, 2009

Prague Day 3

McDonalds next to the Museum of Communism.
Crowds watching the clock chime in the Old Town Square. The crowds grow as each hour approaches in a way that is more spectacular than the clock itself. So many cameras centred on the clock at the same time as the twelve apostles move round and the bell chimes.

Friday, August 07, 2009

Prague Day 2

Graffiti everywhere in Prague: some of it good, most of it bad.
The Charles Bridge by Night.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

Prague Day 1

A memorial to those who suffered under Communism. This is my first visit here since 1973. Much has changed.
A doll in the toy museum at Prague Castle