Originally aired in 2011, this Nova episode is being rebroadcast on my local PBS station and, presumably others, on Christmas evening. Of interest to most visitors to Europe, if only as an integral part of the skylines, it’s worth watching or watching again. The medieval equivalent of landing on the moon: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/a…thic-cathedrals.html
Rethymno is a rare combination of history and modern-day luxury, with its multicultural old town, tropical beaches and exquisite Cretan cuisine.
recommended by TravelGumbo
From two viewpoints above the picturesque town, Paul Heymont enjoys the scene
DrFumblefinger shares some early morning photos taken of an olive vendor in Marrakech’s Souk.
This ceremony re-enacts the custom of the royal court during the Joseon dynasty to ensure the security of the king and his court.
George G shares fond memories of visits to Europe’s many Christmas markets
PortMoresby guides us to a community weekend market at a historic Northern California home (07/23/2014)
Jonathan L (pictured), on the road, meets PortMoresby (picture taker) for coffee in Auburn, CA.
PortMoresby’s Borneo adventures include a visit to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and once home to the White Rajahs
Thanks for the heads up on that. There are few things I enjoy doing more in Europe than to spend a half day exploring a great cathedral!
If people haven’t read it yet, I’d highly recommend Ken Follett’s great book, “The Pillars of the Earth”, a work of fiction set in Medieval times and focused on the building of these great churches.
I like your comparison: it’s a feat that we take for granted, but at the time was astonishing. Actually, I’m not sure I really DO take the great cathedrals for granted, as I try to imagine their building without advanced mathematics or heavy lifting equipment.
The Follet book is a good one and made into a decent miniseries with an excellent cast: http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/T…srl&trkid=222336