Anne's Short Musings

I have always loved travel, and am fortunate enough to have done a bit this year - never enough, but there is alway 2019! So, a few memories of 2018.

Ah, Dubrovnik . Looking from the walls across the incredible of the Adriatic. (Climb the walls early, before both the heat of the day and the hordes of tourists settle in.) Just near the main gates stands a Franciscan monastery , with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. An oasis of peace. At the far end of town, a sea of boats and pleasure craft, to explore the seas. Nearby are some steps built to imitate Rome's Spanish Steps . At the top, follow the alley and signs to the Hole in the Wall, a perfect cafe just for sitting and escaping the crowds. Like my photos? - if you feel like contributing to my coffers, please click the link to buy my photos from the micro-stock site  123RF.  Cheers!  A Tranquil Monastery Cloister in Dubrovnik Notebook by EnsoCreations

Of course I start with Florence , the city I fell in love with when I was ten. Wandering towards the Arno, I was so busy looking at all the sights it was easy to miss this spectacular fountain on the corner of a house.

Hong Kong may seem a small island, but there is much to do - far too much for one visit alone. When you need a break from exploring all the shopping and food options, here are five suggestions to add to your to do list. Travelling to The Peak Simply reaching The Peak on Hong Kong Island is half the fun. Until 1888, the only way there was a three hour ride in a rickshaw; the opening of the Peak Tram saw the travel time reduced to 8 minutes. There is nothing quite sitting in the tram being pulled back into the seat as the tram climbs the impossible inline, which had a gradient from 4 to 27 degrees. A word of advice - arrive early, as the queues can stretch forever. Catching a bus is another option (and a good way to return) which gives quite a sightseeing tour of the exclusive houses and apartments of the Upper and Mid-Levels.

For one of the busiest waterways in Europe, the Danube offers many peaceful spots.

Corfu is a place of contrasts. A brilliant blue sea under blazing sunshine. A centre packed with tourists. And forgotten mosaics, so delicate.

I had too short a time in this magical city. Two cities, really; stately Buda on the hill, and the vibrant Pest which arose on the slat plains by the river. A morning spent in the luxurious Széchenyi Baths . An opportunity not to be missed, passing my time this Belle Epoch beauty, at times frequented by royalty.. And then there is the shopping. Budapest is famous for its shopping, especially in Pest where anything and everything can be found. A pig in a carriage? No worries. Finally, the Houses of Parliament. More stunning than any photograph can make them. An amazing piece of architecture, and simply magical when seen at night under a full moon. Like my photos? - if you feel like contributing to my coffers, please click the link to buy my photos from the micro-stock site  123RF.  Cheers!  Otherwise, please click the link if you are inspired to travel , or simply looking for ideas or advice.

Halong Bay is a place of soaring limestone cliffs - which come with their own caves. Although once home to a dragon , the Thien Cung Grotto was hidden by the jungle until discovered by fishermen seeking shelter from a sudden tempest. Wandering through, I came across this little nook. Gollum's cave, perhaps?

I love my coffee. A tad of an obsession, maybe. Especially as I roast my own, which makes me more than a little fussy about what I drink. But then, when travelling it gives me an excuse to try different types around the world , such as at a street side stall in Vietnam.

I found this Bocce di Leone while wandering around Venice as the sun was rising. (I always love exploring a place in the early morning, watching the streets wake up around me. In Venice I also watch the gondolas with their gondoliers set off to work.) These Lion's Mouths  were used during the Republic to make complaints and denunciations against individuals - a concerned citizen put a letter in the mouth, and the State investigated. Significant evidence was required before the State would act, and a signed, rather than anonymous, letter was preferred. Walk around Venice, and you can still find these - the Doge's Palace, for example, or the Church of St Martin. Wander Venice, and you'll never quite know what you will find .

So, as winter fades to spring in the Antipodes, my thoughts are turning to Paris.

I came across this wonderful mural in Le Panier district of Marseille. One painting on the back of a wall, yet it shows all that Marseille has to offer - the old town, the cathedral with the golden Madonna who beckons sailors to return home safely, a magical harbour, and a bounty from the sea. Most importantly, the figure of the fisherman dominates. Marseille began life as fishing port under the Greeks, and it has been on the back of these fishermen and sailors that the city grew and thrived. And from the fishermen - and their wives - came bouillabaisse. Like my photos? If you wish to buy one and so add to my coffers, please click on the gallery below which will take you my portfolio at  Shutterstock

I stumbled across a festival in the village of Terrassa in Spain. It proved a serious business. Some people must take forever to get their makeup ready. Or perhaps they've been standing in the summer sun a little too long. Finally they all gathered, and the dancing began. I lost count of how many bride and grooms paraded before us, swishing skirts and slapping knees. If you arrive a little late, it helps if you tower over everyone else so you can see over the crowds. It also makes for a spectacular entrance. Finally the king and queen make an appearance. It always takes giants a little longer to get ready, before they can go dancing and join in the festivities. A stately dance, so neither crown will slip. Then, once the royalty have given their blessings to all, the sparks start flying. The cause of the sparks is the dragon. What is a festival without a dragon? An hour out of Barcelona , and a dragon appears. But the dragon is pe

Ah, the streets of Vietnam. Never a dull moment. The vibrancy of Saigon - now known as Ho Chi Minh - where the sounds of motorbikes fill the air from dawn till well after dusk. I saw this lady taking a moment amongst the chaos. A morning coffee, a moment of stillness as bikes whizzed past in all directions. What I at times found overwhelming she had seen so many times. In the delightful streets of Hoi An , where push bikes almost outnumber the motor bikes, I captured a bride and groom cycling past, photographer in tow. Of course. And the bride managed it all in high heels. I love these road markers. They are all over Vietnam, adding a nostalgic touch as they spell out distances. What other way to transport goods? I saw motor bikes carrying many things, from blocks of ice to baskets filled with chickens. Six on a bike was not an unusual sight. Or else elegantly dressed women in heels sitting side-saddle behind their boyfr