Tagged With "Bridge on the River Kwai"
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Re: November 24, 2016: Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
Did you count the steps up ? Looks like an Olympian task !
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Re: November 24, 2016: Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
Hi Garry I never thought of counting the number of steps to the top of Enger Tower for I was too preoccupied with the beautiful scenery; However, thanks to your question I did some internet investigating and discovered that apparently there are 105 steps you must walk to get to the top of Enger Tower (therefore 210 steps in total to get up and down the tower). You really don't need to be an Olympian to get to the top of Enger Tower. Although the number of steps sounds like a lot, and the...
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Re: November 24, 2016: Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
Thanks Ottoman. Thanks for the reassurance. I did have a fear of a thousand tourists behind me - pushing to ascend the stairway - and all at the gallop. The intervals are all well spaced and welcomed. That's why older people carry a camera !
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Glad you're traveling again, Mac. Boston is my home town, and October is THE BEST MONTH. Where are you staying in the city? I'd walk the Freedom Trail if you're feeling up to it. Go down to the waterfront. Boston Common and Charles Street are fun places to hang out. Newbury Street is fancy shopping and also has a few fun bistros and coffee shops. The Science Museum is excellent. Plenty of seafood to be had. New England clam chowder is great if you have sweater-weather. Go whale-watching...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 14, 2015: YanGuan -- a scenic little town to watch Qiantang’s Tidal Bore （钱塘江潮）in China
I have heard of the Qiantang Tidal Bore, which is the biggest in the World. The largest in Europe is that on the River Severn in South West England, which is highest near the equinoxes - a website details times and height predictions. I attach some pictures from a few years ago taken near a pub, conveniently located near a good viewing site. The bore is particularly popular with surfers, and I believe the world record for longest wave ride was recorded there.
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Re: Calabria to Sicily: A bridge too far?
I like it when people take on huge tasks and succeed at them. The American Space Program was like that -- expensive, risky, exciting and one of man kind's greatest achievements. This bridge would be a great engineering triump. And I think it would be important to link Sicily more closely to Italy. It would make the island much more accessible and allow freer flow of people. 9 billion Euros is a lot of money, but is probably comparable to the debt the US government runs up in a few days, so...
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Re: July 28, 2016: Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
It really is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Thanks for reminding us of these great views!
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Re: Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, Manitoba (Where Gumbo Was #184)
Thanks for your comment, Garry. The York boats were important to the development of the prairies, as was the Red River cart. You find examples of both at this historic site.
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Re: Sept 1, 2016: Wild Roses on the River Side.
WILD ROSES Wild Fruit - before the birds eat them ! I've been told by other walkers that further along you can only smell wild Jasmine. On the waters edge - where these grow - can best be described as a cool climate. With the onshore breeze off the river it rarely passes above 21c / 70f. So about the same climate as your Mountain rose. The smell really takes you by surprise - like walking into a small room holding a large "Women's Institute"meeting ! Perfume overload !
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Re: Red Brick and Sandstone: Look of the North
I was actually shown it by a friend, and saw it again from the river...but no pictures. .
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Re: Made in Romania-Beauties from Romania
Yes here is the description: 0:00- 0:04- Apuseni Mountains 0:04-0:14- Dragan Valey 0:14-0:24- Danube Delta 0:24- 0:31- Sighisoara City 0:31- Danube River 0:48- Constantin Brancusi's art- "Coloana Infintitului" 1:05- Sibiu county 1:44- Bran Castle- Brasov County 2:06- Huniazilor Castle- Hunedoara 2:22- Peles Castle 2:30- Brasov County- Central Square, and The Black Church 3:14- Sarmizegetusa- The Capital of antique Dacia 3:24- Bucharest- the capital of Romania I think that's it
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 20, 2014: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
Thanks for the pic Ottoman. I have traversed this bridge on 2 separate visits and and was fascinated by its size, architecture and grandeur.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 20, 2014: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
It is a great photo of a great bridge! And likely a rare day. Most of the times I've been in SF the fog and gloom preclude a nice photo of the Golden Gate.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 20, 2014: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
I would recommend renting a bicycle at Fishermans Wharf. Take your time crossing the Bridge Stop at Sausalito - Starbucks - Take in the beautiful surrounds. Watch the Fishing Boats. Take the Cycle track and head for the Ferry at Tiburon. Come back to SF on the Ferry and watch as the City rises from the fog. Great day !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day: Jan. 16, 2014: Liverpool Victoria Gallery
My favourite time to visit attractions is May-June-July. Before the little monsters are released on school vacation. Liverpool has hundreds of things to do - no exaggeration ! Here's 128 to go on with http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/A...seyside_England.html Liverpool makes a good hub for visiting nearby Chester with its 2,000 year old Roman Walls and Tudor Buildings. The River Dee and North Wales. All using local public transport - mostly trains. You can get a flight, Liverpool - Dublin from...
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Re: Is Porto worth the trip?
Much as I loved my time in Porto...it's NOT a day trip. Much too much to do there, including evening stroll along the Douro, port-wine tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and more. I'd say take the advice above and save Porto for another trip. Of the recommended day trips above, I'd vote for Sintra. It's an easy trip--trains run about every 30 minutes, more frequently in rush hours, The town itself is interesting, the Moorish Castle up on the mountain and the Pena Palace above that...
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Re: Where Gumbo Was, #6: The Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Vietnam
A great Where in the World is Gumbo Pic this week by Port Moresby . I couldn't believe anyone would get it. Hats off to Club2013 for nailing it!
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Re: Where Gumbo Was, #6: The Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Vietnam
Thanks for this. I'm learning more bout a part of the world I've never been.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was, #6: The Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An, Vietnam
JohnT, over the years Asia has become more & more a favorite part of the planet for me to wander and hang out. I think the reason may be, in part, because it's much more in a state of flux than, say, Europe and as a result has more to offer someone who likes a bit of edge to their travels. I fear Europe has become somewhat more of the same wherever I go these days while Asia offers more of what I seem to need. Not to say there aren't parts of Europe to which I still enjoy returning. But...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #33
One last set of clues before the "reveal" on Tuesday: 1) A major river flows near (but not through) this place 2) The photo does not demonstrate the scenery this place is most known for Do you know where Gumbo is?
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
Your piece will serve inspiration for many future trips,I'm sure of that.I had no clue as the extent of Eiffel's work but I now want to see several of them in person. This serves as an example of why TravelGumbo is so different and needed
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
PHeymont, Your post reminded me that I had seen a pre-fabricated church designed by Eiffel in Baja, Mexico. It is in the small town of Santa Rosalia and still in use. There is more info here .
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
Absolutely fascinating, thank you. And I thought that UK's Isambard Kingdom Brunel was prolific!
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
Brunel has fascinated me since reading a book on the Great Eastern, an unlucky ship he designed. Perhaps someday I can find time to post about his work...unless I hear a volunteer? Thanks!
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
I'm personally acquainted with one of Brunel's railway bridges, the Gatehampton Bridge over the Thames in Berkshire, England. I was advised by my Thames Path guidebook that I was approaching it. There was a strategically placed bench in a meadow where I sat, had a snack and looked at it from a distance for a bit before walking under it. Not at all knowledgeable, or even much interested, in bridges I tried to get at least a glimpse of what the guide meant when it said "one of Brunel's Great...
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Re: The "Eiffel Tour" Only Starts with the Tour Eiffel
T&N, you make an interesting point about the air circulation and coolness of Eiffel's building. These days we are constantly reading about advances in "green design," intended to reduce excess energy use. Ironic how well some of those principles of making life bearable were known so long ago by those who didn't have the option of mechanical air-conditioning! Another example is in today's blog about Gaudi's Casa Battlo in Barcelona, which uses an open well through the center of the...
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
Starting to get things planned now Hank ! You have the choice of flying into Edinburgh in Scotland. Manchester in the North of England. Or Gatwick / Heathrow which both serve the London area in the South of England. You can get a Train to Paris to end your tour with a few days of Culture in a foreign language ! Fly back to the US from Paris will save you hundreds of Dollars because you wont pay the UK "Departure Tax" but not vital ! Liverpool is less than an hour on the Train from...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #36
Still no correct solution, so time for some clues. 1) Yes, PortMoresby, that is a Canadian flag on top of the building (but, does that mean it's in Canada????) 2) It is close to an important river and surrounded by more than 1000 acres of parkland Does that help you figure out where Gumbo is?
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Re: Where in North America is the Euro the official currency?
Well, here's a bit to add, about the largest place in South America where the Euro is in use: French Guiana, which is technically a part of Metropolitan France (even Presidential candidates visit to drum up the vote!). Therefore, the bridge completed in 2011 and scheduled to open for traffic next month over the Oyapock River, will be the first permanent road connection between France and Brazil! More information HERE .
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Re: A Bridge to Everywhere
I like bridges in gardens too. Something just so peaceful about them. Here's one from Rikugien Gardens Tokyo
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#313)
The photo of the river is perhaps not as unhelpful as it might seem at first glance, but in any case you are getting a further clue as well today.
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Re: Oresund Bridge to get mammoth paint job
Interesting, The George Washington Bridge is always undergoing repainting. It takes about 2 years to completely repaint the bridge, and when they finish they start again.
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Re: Oresund Bridge to get mammoth paint job
I guess this is true of all the great bridges. I know the same happens at the Golden Gate Bridge in san Francisco.
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Re: Oresund Bridge to get mammoth paint job
We have a friend who has worked as a bridge painter, including, I believe, the GWB. He told us that the pace of the painting and the size of the crew is calibrated to make it a permanent job. The big difference for the Oresund is the vast amount of surface...
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Re: London's Tower Bridge, inside and out
It's been nearly 20 years since I took the tour...you wrote an excellent article and your photos -- especially the one of the entire bridge -- are wonderful!!!
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Re: Take a Walk on the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Looks like an amazing and beautiful place indeed.
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Re: Take a Walk on the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Great blog and pictures. Glad you enjoyed your visit. We took our kids there about 10 years ago on a visit to Vancouver. It is a beautiful place to visit. Thanks.
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Re: Take a Walk on the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Thanks for the comments guys. It is a beautiful and so glad someone suggested we visit. Hope to spend more time there on a future visit. One time wasn't enough, lol. Thanks again.
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Re: Paris warned: bigger floods will happen
The River Seine drains an area of about 30,000 square miles. When it rains for weeks - almost non-stop - anyone who lives near a natural River knows what to expect. "Experts" just like to add to the misery. Does someone pay these people ?
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Re: Paris warned: bigger floods will happen
Actually, part of the problem is that the Seine, like many others, is no longer a "natural" river. It's had its banks turned into walls, its flood plains turned from farms to cities, and more. And that requires, yes, experts to figure out how we can live with that when it rains. In the U.S., we have a similar issue with the Mississippi River, which has been so altered that floods that once spread over wide areas of land or were contained in marshy areas, and which fed fresh soil to farms and...
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Re: Prague's Jewish Quarter: An Emotional and Educational Journey
Such places have a much deeper impact, even, than the actual lives lost. It is an example of what Alisdair Maclean called 'cultural erosion'. Places, activities, landmarks all lost to future generations from the memories of those gone. I remember discovering a small forgotten Jewish cemetery at Tokay, Hungary on the confluence of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers. Many locals had no knowledge of it a mere 300 metres (across the river) from the main street.
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Re: Boston's Beautiful Public Garden
It's a great garden and a wonderful place to go for a walk or jog at the end of a summer's day.
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Re: June 23, 2017: The Shortest River in the World!
It looks like you could wade the entire length of the river!
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Re: From the Shoebox: Germany in the early 60s
Looked up one more. The one with the river barge is taken from Heidelberg looking across the Neckar River. I was able to match up some of the structures from then and now. I once tried to rent a top floor apartment on that side of the river back in 1990.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? #62
My first thought was the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, but from what I remember, it was on a river, not a harbour. I still favour a fishing port with some yachts, possibly in Northern Spain. However, I may be literally half a world away!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #40
Huuummm... I think I recognise those roofs... Could it be close by a river?
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #40
To answer some of the questions raised and hopefully move this along, here's some new info: 1) Jonathan L, of these two countries is correct. But we need something more specific than that. 2) Mac, you are one of the most traveled people I know so I believe you'd recognize any roof you'd seen before. And it is close to a major river 3) PHeymont, it's in a large city So where exactly is Gumbo?