‘The Last Supper’ is one of the most familiar religious representations of Renaissance art. The most famous version is that of Leonardo da Vinci in Santa Maria della Grazie in Milan. Here in Florence, I am told, there are seven versions and I have been fortunate to see them all in the last few days. … Continue reading The meaning hidden within ‘The Last Supper’ →

So said Nelson Mandela. As my studies in Florence continue, I find myself in agreement. Take a look at this image and, as you do, be aware of your immediate responses to it. So, what do you see? Does this image make you feel anything? For me, I get both an intellectual and an emotional response. … Continue reading A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination →

I have spoken before of the contrast between seeking out specific works of art and simply looking for objects which please your senses. This was illustrated again for me this morning. I set out to visit Casa Buonarroti, the family home of Michaelangelo, in particular to see two famous early sculptures - the Madonna of … Continue reading Stumbling across beauty →

During the initial lecture in my course on the High Renaissance here in Florence, I was conscious of how the excellent speaker was drawing together painting, sculpture, architecture, philosophy and history to create a vivid tableau of what it was like to live at that time. Each strand of knowledge complements the others in weaving … Continue reading San Marco – a synthesis of Renaissance Florence →

Sometimes it's easy to be overwhelmed by the amount of information you're presented with. I'm in Florence and, although I have been here many times there remains a long list of 'must sees' (more often 'must see agains'!) demanding my attention. And, of course, I'm not alone; it seems every time I'm here the crowds … Continue reading Look at the details →

  Legend has it that Phnom Penh was founded by a revered woman, Penh, who discovered four golden Buddhas in a tree floating in the river of Tonle Sap. As she gazes out from her shrine atop Wat Phnom she must marvel at how her city is growing and changing before her eyes. Development is … Continue reading Phnom Penh →

So we're a little out of synch here, as wifi has not always been reliable last few days. Before we headed for Pnohm Pehn we took a day trip up to Tonle Sap, the huge lake north of Siem Riep. We drove through lush green countryside with rice fields and palm trees before reaching the … Continue reading Tonle Sap →

I have written previously of the difficulties of visiting sites associated with the Vietnam War. Today in Pnohm Pehn I witnessed even more unimaginable things-the genocide inflicted on his own people by Pol Pot. My thoughts here will be brief, the emotions engendered will live with me forever. In the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide … Continue reading Bearing witness →

We had enjoyed a wonderful day seeing the temples of Angkor. Now as we prepared to meet our guide at 8am there was a sense of 'after the Lord Mayor's show'. What else was there on offer after the awe inspiring Angkor complex? First we headed to another temple, Preah Khan. Built along similar lines … Continue reading Siem Reap – beyond Angkor →

  When you visit one of the iconic sights of the world, there's a nagging doubt; will it live up to my expectations? We had spend a lot of time, energy and money travelling to Cambodia and now the day had arrived for our trip to the temples of Angkor. We were excited but slightly … Continue reading The temples of Angkor →

Travels took us to the very south of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong delta where farming and in particular rice growing feeds the expanding population of the nation. It was refreshing to leave the city behind and travel through some countryside, heading for Can Tho to board  our boat for the night, the Bassac.   It … Continue reading Mekong delta →

One cannot visit Vietnam without confronting the war. Here they call it 'the American War'. In reality it also pitched countrymen and women against one another, tearing a nation apart. All within my lifetime. I do not pretend to know enough about the Vietnam war to proselytise  or proffer lofty opinions. But I cannot ignore … Continue reading The shadow of war →

I don't remember being in a city with two names before. Are we in Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? Our flight from Danang was to Ho Chi Minh City; our somewhat hyperactive guide Jay Jay welcomed us to Saigon. Ever anxious to avoid offence we had previously asked what to call this vast metropolis … Continue reading What’s in a name? →

  So far from home and yet such a familiar picture. This is the coast road between Hue and Danang. With a flat expanse of water and tree covered mountains tumbling down to meet the horizon it reminded me of Loch Lomond side; the leaden skies pregnant with yet more rain added to the impression. … Continue reading Hoi An →

Sitting at breakfast this morning I had a strange feeling something unexplained had happened overnight. The rain was sheeting down outside and 'silent night' was being piped into the dining room. Was I still in Vietnam or had I been transported to Christmas in Glasgow? I rationalised it by considering that this was just another … Continue reading Hue – the heavens open →

The day promised much; we were leaving Hanoi for the drive to Halong Bay. Well, we were trying to, but at 8am even the thousands of motor scooters can't make much headway. An hour and we had made it onto freer roads, but the skies were leaden and it even began to rain. Rather than … Continue reading Halong Bay →

Somehow this picture just sums up the day. Joyous and fun filled, carefree. We have had an amazing day touring Hanoi, seeing so many aspects of this fascinating city. We began at the Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, built in the 11th century. Vietnam tolerates all religions as well as those who have none. We … Continue reading The heart of Hanoi →

Sometimes you just want to like a place. You've talked about going, planned it together, dreamed of how great is was all gonna be. And then you worry; will it really measure up? It's some time since I last saw a country for the first time and as we flew into Hanoi, over amazing mountains, … Continue reading First impressions →

Here at last! Today we leave for Vietnam and Cambodia. Very excited! Keep an eye open for updates and pictures!

So here goes! Having more time at this stage in life is very special and affords Moira and I the chance to travel. As we have journeyed thus far I have kept a photo log but decided it was time to create some written memories and to embrace, albeit gingerly, technology. And so I've signed … Continue reading Introduction →