Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay

A good friend from Montevideo came with me for a tour of the national government building El Palacio Legislativo. It truly is an amazing building. The stone and wood working inside and outside are wonderfully artistic. The details are astounding and everywhere. And, the library, oh the library, it is simply an enchanting room. I would love to spend an afternoon reading in it; in one of the big leather arm chairs surrounded by books, statues, history and the most enticing smell... the smell of knowledge and wisdom written on paper and bound in leather.

The Legislative Palace in Montevideo, Uruguay

Library in the Palace - notice the inlaid wood

Detail above a door in the Legislative Palace - solid stone

Detail of a gate at the Legislative Palace

Teatro Solis - Montevideo Uruguay

Teatro Solis is such a wonderful and beautiful place. I was lucky enough to get to visit there this year and to be acompanied by one of my most favorite people. Gracias Lila.

Teatro Solis - Montevideo


Teatro Solis - Montevideo

La Casa de Guerra

This house has a very special place in my heart, life and mind. It has been in many dreams. It fills me with happy memories and good feelings. It is my sanctuary and my peace.

La Casa

La Casa

La Casa

La Casa

La Casa

Montevideo - Uruguay

It has been a long time since I was last in Montevideo, Uruguay. I was very exicted to return to this charming South American capitol city. The main reason to return was to visit dear friends (whom I would include as being as dear as family to me). Of course, this is a very cold time of year to visit Uruguay, but I want to be here for my birthday. Here are a few pictures from Montevideo.

Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja in the beautiful country of Uruguay

El Cerro in Montevideo, Uruguay

Locks on Avenida 18 de Julio - Montevideo

When you find someone special, get a lock and together place it on the fence and then throw the key into the fountain. Judging by the number of locks, Montevideo is a happy place.

Plaza de la Constitución - Montevideo

The wind kicking up the Río de la Plata - Montevideo

La Ramba - Montevideo

Madrid

Well once again it is time to say good-bye to Spain. I always start and end my Spanish trips in Madrid. In many ways Madrid feels like home and I tend to visit the same wonderful places here in the capital city. This time was no exception, however I also wanted to explore some parts I don't usually visit. Here are three "Good-bye Spain" pictures.

The Almundena Cathedral in front of the Royal Palace Madrid

BMW Headquarters in Madrid

Plaza de Castilla

Cashel, Ireland

Hore Abbey near the Rock of Cashel

The Rock of Cashel

The view from the Rock of Cashel

Cashel, Ireland

My Bed and Breakfast is the white building in this picture

Cashel, Ireland

Field in Cashel, Ireland

Waterdrops on Clover - Cashel, Ireland

Cahir Ireland

I had to change buses in Cahir and decided to take advantage of the time by visiting Cahir Castle. I was not disappointed. It is a charming castle and a great place to spend some time. I enjoyed climbing the battlements and towers. I enjoyed the rooms and gardens. And, I enjoyed the fact that is wasn't crowded at all. I was the king of the castle for a few short hours. The castle is a must see for anyone in the area. (To the right you'll see the stair built inside the wall.)

Window in Cahir Castle

Cahir Castle

Roses in Cahir Castle Ireland

Limerick and Adare Ireland

I stayed in a quaint little hotel called the Railroad Hotel in Limerick Ireland. It is just across the street from the train and bus station and therefore very convenient for the traveler without a car. As I walk along the river I saw many mute swans and enjoyed the peaceful waterfront on my way to the castle (King John’s Castle). The castle was closed so I visited a couple antique shops. I found one to my liking (the owner had a wonderful accent) and bought a pair of Victorian tea cups and saucers for my mom. I think they are simply beautiful and charming… now I just have to figure out how to get them home. :)

I did a little day trip to Adare which is said to be the most charming village in Ireland. Honestly, it is really quite charming. I went on the castle tour and our group was only me, the tour guide and a lady from Missouri. It was awesome to have such a small group. The guide was awesome and knew so much and had a wonderfully Irish accent. The highlights of Adare were: The thatch roofed cottages, the city park, and the castle. I would highly recommend Adare to anyone looking for a nice morning or afternoon.

Adare is self proclaimed as "Ireland's Prettiest Village"

Castle in Adare Ireland

Riverwalk over looking the river Shannon and King John's Castle

Mute Swan and John's Castle - Limerick Ireland

Dublin Ireland

One of my new countries this year is Ireland. My trip here of course starts in Dublin. I'm staying in a great old town house. It has a wonderful reading room with old leather furniture. It is fun to hear the Irish accent and the traditional Irish breakfast is a must to stay the day out right. I'm including a few random pictures from Dublin. On the right you'll see St. Patrick's Cathedral. I also enjoyed Trinity College, the architecture of the city and walking along the river. I hope you enjoy.

Nine Doors in Dublin

Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland

A sphere within a sphere on Trinity's Campus

Dublin, Ireland

Half Penny Bridge - Dublin, Ireland

Toledo Spain

I decided to do a little day trip from Madrid and Toledo is one of the best options for day tripping. It also happened to be during the Corpus Cristi celebrations. In all fairness, Toledo deserves more than a day trip. It is such a great city to explore and it has several architectonic gems. I hope you enjoy these pictures from Toledo, La Mancha, Spain. The picture to the right is of one of the atlar pieces in the cathedral; in all its baroque glory.

Welcome to Toledo! - View from main gate

Banners on balconies in Toledo, Spain

Cathedral in Toledo, Spain

My favorite window and ceiling in the Cathedral in Toledo, Spain

Chairs waiting for the Corpus Cristi procession

Museum in Toledo with view of the Castle in the background

Street in Toledo, Spain