Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It occupies an area approximately 402 acres. This temple was built by King Suryavarman II of the Khmer Kingdom in the early 12th century dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. Later, during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple.
Approaching Angkor Wat Temple Area, one can feel the grandness of this place just like during the 12th century.Inside the main temple is even more spectacular. The four towers of each corner and the highest center tower (43 meters high) represents Mt. Meru which is believed to be the center of the universe by Buddhism and Hinduism. Cambodians are very proud of this temple building which even found a place on the Cambodian flag.Entrances to the temple grounds. The main entrance was for the royals and the side entrances were for the animals and entouragesThis used to be the library.This used to be the bathing area before entering the temple.Carvings of Aspara dancers on the walls and decorative roofs surround the temple buildingsThe walls of the corridor depicting battle storiesThe top of the towers was the actual place where the praying practice occurs. The King needs to climb all the way to the top on hands and knees. Only the one with the handrails and re-enforced steps were opened for tourist.
Another temple in the area of Angkor is Banteay Srei. This temple was first built in the 10th century by not of the royals but by the king’s counselor a scholar and philanthropist. The temple used to be in the center of a Khmer village. Therefore it is of the same size and height as the other Khmer dwellings. The temple was dedicated to the Hindu God, “Shiva”.
The temple was mainly built of red sandstones with elaborate decorative cravings as well as many cravings of devatas. So its modern name became Banteay Srei, meaning “Citadel of Women or Beauty”.
The temple not just suffered from natural erosion but also from looting and pilfering for its beautiful pieces. Attempts were being made to restore with as many of the original pieces as possible and made replicas of many pieces of artworks so that the original may be put in the National Museum for safekeeping.
close view of the temple and elaborate decorative cravings
Note: In Cambodia, one can survive on fruits. They are not just healthy and delicious. They are also pleasing to the eyes.
Siem Reap is a resort city of Cambodia, a gateway to Angkor, an important and largest UNESCO archeological site. Angkor used to be the capital of the Khmer Kingdom during the 9th to 14th century. The 400 sq. kilometers of Angkor area consists of monuments, temples, residence, with features of different ancient urban plans, such as water reservoirs, hydraulic structures as basins, dykes, canals, and communication routes, as well as its architectural and artistic significance, that can attest to an ancient civilization for several centuries unique to Southeast Asia.
Angkor Thom was the last capital of Khmer Kingdom built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century.
Enter Angkor Thom via the causeway across the Siem Reap River and under the South Gate(Victory Gate)One may also take an elephant ride to Angkor Thom. Aligned on both side of the causeway is a seven-headed Naga which is a celestial being with a snakelike body and human head. Riding on it are Devas along the left side of the causeway and Asuras along the right side of the causeway.
Bayon, the state temple of Angkor Thom, situated in the center of Angkor Thom. It was first built by King Jayavarman VII the first Mahayana Buddhism King, in the 12th century and late 13th century. Bayon was first built as a Mahayana Buddhism Temple but later it was modified to accommodate Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism. Most notable are the serene faces on top of all the pointed towers.
The temple does not seem to have its own walls or moats to define its area. It is only surrounded by enclosures of three layer of galleries. Center tower rises 43 meters above ground.All towers have these faces carved on top, up to approximately 400. It has been said that these faces are of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or Lokesvara or even King Jayavarman VII himself. People also noted that the most sincere smile is the picture of the lower right.decorative carvings on the towersCarvings on the columns and walls of the galleries are dancers and stories of life during the Khmer Kingdom.Within Angkor Thom is a Terrace of Elephants. The structures on it had all been degraded by nature except the platform which was used for the King to greet the returning victorious army.Another terrace used to have statues of animals and the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac animals. Unfortunately, they have been looted.Ta Prohm was a monastery in Angkor Thom. It is the only place that was better preserved. In 1992 it was included in the UNESCO world heritage list.Ta Prohm is much left to how it was found. The only work is to prop it up at certain places. It is also the best-preserved structure of this area due to the nature of the forest trees that had grown around it. There are 2 types of trees that cause the coverage. The large ones are of silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) or thitpok Tetrameles nudiflora and the smaller ones are of strangler fig (Ficus gibbosa).[12] or gold apple (Diospyros decandra).
Amsterdam was a small fishing village in the 12th century that turned into a major port city in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. Amsterdam has many water canals, not just for easy transport but also because Amsterdam is mostly under sea level. The canals are the result of the dams and dikes that was built to hold off the flood water from the sea. The well-known windmills were energy source used to pump water back into the sea to keep the land dry. Having to constantly balance the level of waters, the Dutch has created the modern water management system of today which is continuously updating as the rising sea level of global warming.
canal scenes
Amsterdam city scenes
Rijksmuseum is the national museum dedicated to the arts and history of Amsterdam.
Front of Rijksmuseum
Other scenes within the museum.
where different tour groups meet
wonderful stain-glass window
reveaked during recent renovations
revealed during recent renovation
interesting sculptures
Some interesting paintings on display at the museum. We can see the progression of paintings from still portraits on the simple life and still objects to intricate brushwork, using white to bring out the lace and fabric; and later paintings showing actions and motions.
The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer (1631-1675)Woman with a Child a the Pantry by Peter de Hooch (1629-1683)Still Life with a Turkey Pie by Peiter Claesz (1597-1660)Portrait of a Man by Frans Hals (1582-1666)History Scene with a Self Portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) earlier work of Rembrandt and his head is to the right of the painting behind scepter.The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt in 1667Fishing for Souls by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne (1589-1662) Catholics on the right and Protestants on the left of the painting.The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1642 famous for its lighting and as in motion.Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild by Rembrandt in 1662 a great collective portrait
Cologne is the 4th largest city in Germany and the most populated city of the Rhine River. Cologne had been a major trading route between east and west Europe. The city was built by the Romans, occupied by the Holy Roman Empire, by the French during Napoleonic Era, and by the British briefly, after World War I. During World War II, about 61% of the city was destroyed. The cities pre-war Jewish population were either deported or killed. The city’s six synagogues were destroyed.
Today’s Cologne was the result of the 1945 Cologne urban planning and 1947 reconstruction of the city. The constructions of streets and thoroughfares to the city center help to modernize the city. Some old landmarks were chosen to be rebuilt. Cologne is a modern city with reflections of the old.
The Kolner Dom (The Cathedral Church of St Peter) is the tallest building second to the Telecommunication tower of 1981. It is the landmark of Cologne which can be seen all around town. It can hold more than 20,000 people. Because it holds the shrine of the Three Wise Men and has impressive stain-glass windows, it was included in the UNESCO world heritage site.
Cologne Cathedral (Kolner Dom) most loved Gothic church build between 1248 and 1880.
Inside the cathedral and the stain-glass windows.
Petrus- und Wurzel Jesse-Fenster, 1509
Great St. Martin Church a Romanesque Catholic church built on the foundation of a Roman chapel. Was rebuilt in 1985.Cologne City HallThe Famous Farina House Cologne Shop founded in 1709. Made the first Cologne Fragrance known worldwide.
The Rhine Gorge, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites due to its unique historical, cultural, geographical, and industrial combination. This 65 kilometers of the waterway between Koblenz and Bingen had been a very important trading route for a long time before the railroads. Because it was a major trading route and the center of Holy Roman Empire small towns and castles built along its banks. Due to wars, the castles fell into ruins, however, the small towns pretty much stayed the same.
The Rhine Gorge waterwayStolzenfels CastleThe Marksburg CastleElectorial Castle (or Alte Burg, meaning Old Castle) is a 13th-century relicThe 13th century Saint Severus’s Church in BoppardFeindliche Bruder (Enemy Brothers) Sterrenberg and LiebensteinBurg MausBurg Katz above St. GoarshausenLorelei Rock (lore means murmuring in Rhine dialect and ley means rock in Roman.) is a slate rock protruding around the bend on Rhine River. This type of rock is typical of Rhine Gorge which contains sediments and fossils.
Because the area water currents and the sound of a small waterfall in this area at the time caused an echoing effect, people named it the murmuring rock. Plus the position of Lorelei protruding around the bank caused many boating accidents. Stories were spin around these odd phenomena, such as elves living in the rock. In 1801, Clemens Brentano composed a ballad about a beautiful maiden betrayed by her love, was accused of bewitching men and causing their death. On her way to the nunnery to serve her sentence, from the top of Lorelei Rock she thought she saw her lover and plunge to death. The story inspired many poems, songs, folklore, and even in the works of symphonies.
Near Lorelei sits this statue of the pretty maiden combing her hair and singing song to distract the sailors to crash into the Lorelei rock. Taking her revenge on sailorman.Oberwesel, Martinsberg (Saint Martin’s Parish Church)Town of Oberwesel. The Schonburg on top of the hill. Underneath is the Liebfrauenstraße (Church of Our Lady) and in the middle with black rooftop doom is, Wernerstraße: “Saint” Werner’s ChapelBurg Gutenfels (Gutenfels Castle) of 1220 in the town of Kaub. Used to be a toll castle. along with Pfalzgrafenstein CastlePfalzgrafenstein Castle on an island behind up on the hill is Burg GutenfelsBurg Stahleck) (Stahleck Castle)
The towns along the Gore stayed the same due to its livelihood which did not change much from ancient times. Its special gorge climate and geographic condition especially the slopes facing south are a very good condition for a kind of terraced vineyards. The wines from these vineyards are very special.
vineyards along the slopes of the Rhine Gorge
Step terrace vineyards
Other scenes of the Rhine Gorge. Artists are attracted to this region and often drew inspiration from here for their creations.
Koblenz came from the Latin words which mean the convergence of two rivers, the Rhine and the Moselle. Because of its strategic position on a major waterway, it was in a prime location to collect tolls and levy taxes on goods that were on the merchant ships passing by. For this reason only, Koblenz had different occupants throughout its history. With this, of course, came the largest fortress built between 1817 and 1828 and it is the best-preserved fortress in Europe on the Unesco World Heritage List of 2002. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress located on the hilltop east of the Rhine across from Koblenz. It overlooks the old town of Koblenz and at the same time monitor the waterways of Rhine and Moselle.
The Fortress Ehrenbreitstein on the hilltop. and The Dikasterialgebaude at the foot of the hill, built in the mid 18th century in baroque castle style. Now it is used for offices.
The grounds of the fortress now houses several museums, exhibition halls, pubs, and a youth hostel.
View from the fort Ehrenbreitstein and the cable car ride.
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The German Corner (Deutsche Eck) at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle
This Statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I is a reconstruction of the old one which was destroyed during World War II. This is his memorial in honor of his Unification of Germany after three years of war. The original one was erected in 1897 and this replacement was erected in 1993. This has been a part of UNESCO world heritage “Upper Middle Rhine Valley” site since 2002
The Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) built-in the 5th century on the highest point in the town of Koblenz on a Roman foundation. Since that time it had been rebuilt and expanded on its original foundation. For a time from late middle age to the French Revolution, it served as the church of Koblenz.
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A walk around in the old town.
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Some other interesting tidbits about Koblenz.
Schangel a symbol of Koblenz. on a manhole cover. It is a child born in the period when Koblenz was in allegiance with France or the German-France child. Designed in 1940 dedicated to the poet, Josef Cornelius who wrote the lyrics to the anthem of KoblenzThe Schangelbrunn fountain stands in Willi-HorterPlatz. It will pit out water at odd intervals to spray at the passer-bys.Old Kauf und Danzhaus stands in St. Florin’s Market. It housed the Middle Rhine Museum until 2012. The head below the clock will roll its eyes to the beat of the pendulum and sticks out its tongue every 1/2 hour. It is a reminder of robber baron Lutter von Kobern”s execution in 1536The New Koblenzer beer brewery. Koblenzer was first brewed in 1689 in the Historic center of Koblenz. But it has become a part of a brewery conglomerate.
Heildelberg Castle Ruins is the landmark of Heidelberg. It is one of the most important Renaissance structure north of the Alps. It was built as a castle in the twelve hundreds. After several natural and man-made destructions, the rebuilding and expansion resulted in a three castle structure and through several changes of ownership it fell in ruins. Its position on the hillside is one of the reasons why it’s beauty charmed the romantics of the time.
The view from Heidelberg Castle terrace of the Old Town, the Old Bridge(Karl Theodor Bridge), and the Church of Holy Spirit.Heidelberg Castle Ruins from Old Stone Bridge
Some scenes from the castle ruins.
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Heidelberg Castle Ruin did not become a tourist attraction until the 19th century when the town is connected to the railroad system. The American writer, Mark Twain got his inspiration for Huckleberry Finn here as well as “A Tramp Abroad”.The banks of Neckar River that inspired Mark Twain for his Huckleberry Finn
The banks of Neckar river
Heidelberg is a university town. Heidelberg University founded in the 14th century, the oldest institution of higher education in Germany. Students, from the university, make up a quarter of its population. They bring in the vibrant vitality. innovation spirit, and idealistic vision which is unique to this town. Heidelberg’s attraction is this unique blend of the old and the new. Photos below show a variety of the old and the new.
Würzburg, a city in Germany’s Bavaria region. It is the center of Franconian wine country. Therefore is the home of many winery, wine cellars, and bars. The Franconian wine stores in distinctive round flat bottles ( bocksbeutel). Memorable wine tasting at the Staatlicher Hofkeler Würzburg, the former Prince Bishop’s Cellar.
Wine tasting list of wines to be tasted
Each wine tasting settings
Wine tasting room
Wine cellar
Würzburg Residence was the palace of Prince Bishops. Its construction was intended to be comparable to the Palace of Versailles or the Schonbrunn Palace. It is one of the masterpieces of Baroque/Rococo style architecture. Although most of it was destroyed or damaged by World War II, the grand staircase, the Imperial Hall, and the chapel still stand. After much restoration and reconstruction work was done from 1945 to 1987 to its present form. The Residence, and its Court Garden and Square are listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The front of the Würzburg Residence and the courtyard’s Franconian Fountain.The Back of the Residence leading into the Court GardenA view of the Court Garden
Among the busy shopping center is the Old Main Bridge (Alte Mainbrucke) built 1473-1543. The pedestrian bridge is aligned with statues of saints.
The oldest stone bridge in the city and quite busy too. Würzburg Cathedral in the backSt. Mary’s Chapel (the Marienkapelle )built 1377-1479 near the Marketplace
market square of Würzburg surrounded by beautiful buildings
And lastly the landmark of Würzburg, the Marienberg Fortress which stands on the west bank of the Main River. It originally was a fort built in ancient times but became a fortress and home of the Prince-Bishop. It was severally damaged in the Second World War and since rebuild in 1990. Now it houses two museums. From where it stands, one can see the whole city of Würzburg.
The Marienberg Fortress from the Old Main Bridge. Surrounding the fortress are the famous Franconian vineyards.
Nuremberg city would always be associated with the Nazi Party in our recent history. Nuremberg is where the Nazi Party took to power and Nuremberg is where it stood trial for its war crimes for the world to see.
Beyond its infamous recent history. Nuremberg has a glorious past as the center of the Holy Roman Empire, build around the banks of River Pegnitz. The vibrant trade brought excellent artisans and craftsmen thus established itself as the cradle of the German Renaissance.
Nuremberg Castle: Heathen’s Tower on the right and Sinwell Tower on the left. notice the fortified medieval sandstone walls
St Sebaldus Church, a medieval church has been a Lutheran parish since the Reformation.Frauenkirche of Gothic style architecture stands in front of the main market. Most notable is the church clock which would strike at mid-day. At which time the figurines of trumpeters and drummer and electors of the city would encircle the figure of the Holy Roman Emperor. In front would be the marketplace which would be especially active around Christmas time. Aside from normal wares, there will be the famous gingerbread cookies (Lebkuchen).The Gothic style Schoner Brunnen (Beautiful Fountain) spire stands 62 feet tall n the center of an octagonal pool enclosed by an ornated Renaissance grill. It is said that your wish would come true if you turn the golden ring on the grill three timesChain bridge of Nuremberg. Chain bridge ( Kettensteg) of Nuremberg, footbridge to cross the Pegnitz River. First built-in 1824, the oldest chain bridge on the European continent, It was recently fortified and re-opened in 2010.
A walkabout revealed a picturesque town as you can see below.
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of course, a walk should always end in food and enjoy the most notable Bratwurst and beer.
Regensburg is a Bavarian city on the Danube of Southeast Germany. There were settlements here during the Stone Ages. Around 90 AD the Romans built a fort here. Not until the Stone Bridge was build during 1146, Regensburg began to flourish. The bridge connects the trade from northern Europe to Venice, and because of this Regensburg became the cultural center for southern Germany noted for its gold works and fabric.
Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge) built between 1135 and 1146
Today, the Stone Bridge still stands with some restorations which will be completed soon.
Regensburg is the best preserved medieval city in Germany. Its Old Town Center was listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. With its oldest pedestrian street, built by Romans, in Germany, it is easy to get around. Here are some of the views of this Old Town which is still active and viable.
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The Town Hall Square consists of the Old Town Tower of the 13th century and the baroque style Old Town Hall and the Gothic Imperial Chambers building where the Perpetual Imperial Assembly met from 1663 to 1806. This is where the expressions “to put something on the long bench” (to postpone something) and “to sit at the green table” (to take important decisions) come from.
The Old Town Tower
“The protection and defende” on the facade of the Old Town Hall
Imperial Chamber Building
Goliathhaus Regensburg (‘Goliath House’ ) built around 1260 and the painting of David’s fight with Goliath was done around 1573 is both listed by UNESCO as one of the landmarks of the World Heritage City of Regensburg.Cathedral of Regensburg dedicated to St. Peter’s is an example of the Gothic architecture in Bavaria. Its construction started in the early 11th century and approximately 600 years later it finally finished in 1872. This cathedral is the Bishop’s church and home of the Regensburger Domspatzen (“cathedral sparrows”), It is also the burial-place of many important Bishops
The valuable stain glass windows of the Regensburg Cathedral installed between 1220-1230 and 1320-1370.
Interior of Regensburg Cathedral
Interior of Regensburg Cathedral
Interior of Regensburg Cathedral
stain glass of Regensburg CathedralAlte Kapelle (Old Chapel) or Basilica of the Nativity of Our Lady is oldest catholic worship place in Bavaria. It is a fine example of the baroque style of the 18th century and one of the masterpieces of the rococo decorationSt. Emmeram Church was originally a Benedictine monastery in 739. It had a collection of books and manuscripts and in the 11th century serves as a library. Now the collection along with the treasures of the Abbey had been removed to Munich.
Interior of St. Emmeram’s Abbey
Interior of St. Emmeram’s Abbey
Interior of St. Emmeram’s Abbey
Interior of St. Emmeram’s Abbey.
Last but not the least is the wonderful sausages from the restaurant specialized in different sausages. It sells approximately 6,000 sausages daily. Inside the restaurant only seats 35 people, but outside there are tables that can seat even more. One would not want to pass this up. Get a hotdog type sausage bun and eat it on the go is worth it too.
The Historic Sausage Kitchen of Regensburg, the oldest continuous open public restaurant in the world. The original building is the office of the construction workers for the Old Stone Bridge. When the bridge was finished it turned into a restaurant frequented by dockers, sailors, and cathedral workers. It became a grill sausage restaurant when the family took over in 1806.
awesome retirement 