Whether our photos are professional quality, or merely serve as a memory of a wonderful adventure, photos have become an increasingly important part of travel.  And in the era of so many digital options, from cameras to online storage to editing software and more, there’s no reason for it to be a complicated process. (I’ve been trying out some new products so look for some reviews coming up soon!)

My photo today is a wonderful memory of a trip to the Pompeii ruins.  Located near Naples, Italy, Pompeii was destroyed during a two day eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 AD.  The city was buried under ash and pumice, and for nearly 1700 years was presumed lost until its accidental re-discovery in the mid-1700’s.   The subsequent excavation of the site has been a glimpse at what life was like during the height of the Roman Empire.

Today, Pompeii is a popular tourist attraction, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Millions of visitors explore the site each year, along with its sister city of Herculaneum.

I spent a full day wandering the ruins.  It was interesting getting a feel for how the city was laid out before the eruption, and noting how some building were totally decimated while others had major walls and other components left standing.  Some of the artwork that survived was amazing!  During the spring and summer months, the ruins are open from 8:30 am – 7:30 pm, and during the fall and winter till 5 pm.  A one day ticket is

To get to Pompeii, take the Circumvesuviana train to the Pompei stop.  The entrance to the ruins is just a short walk from the station.  One day admission is €11,00, and a 3-day admission covering 5 sites (Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, Stabiae, and Boscoreale) is €20,00.  EU visitors under 18 or over 65, are FREE.  EU visitors ages 18-24 and teachers are half price.

Here are my suggestions on how to enjoy a visit to the ruins:

Plan to spend a full day.  There’s lots to see, and you will want time to explore what interests you.

• Wear comfortable flat walking shoes as you’ll be on your feet all day, and the site is hilly with uneven paths.  It may not have been polite, but I laughed at the people I saw trying to navigate the site in heels.
• Leave the strollers at home.  I saw people trying to push strollers up and down, but honestly, I’m not sure this is the best attraction for rolling along with the little ones.
• Opt for the audio guide.  While I didn’t follow along and listen to the entire guide, there are lots of sites numbered that match up with the guide.  I was interested in enough things to make it well worth the small additional charge.
• Bring water for certain, maybe a snack. You’ll want something to drink as you’re walking around.  You can buy food and beverage onsite, but bringing your own is both more convenient and cheaper (although onsite prices weren’t horrible).
• Don’t make big plans for the evening after visiting.  After a full day of wandering in the heat (it was March and quite warm), I was exhausted.  All I wanted was an easy evening in rather than a night on the town.

Photo credit:  personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

This beautiful building was constructed as a result of a promise made by King Louis XV in 1744.  He was suffering from a serious and mysterious illness (later believed to be gout), and vowed that if he recovered he would construct a building worthy of the patron saint of Paris. 

He recovered, and construction of the Pantheon began in 1758 and was completed in 1789.  Many delays were related to lack of finances – a common reason for construction delays even today!

Since its completion coincided with the start of the French Revolution, the Revolutionary government order the building changed from a church to a mausoleum where the remains of great Frenchmen could be interred.  Although it has reverted to a church twice since then, today it is once again a mausoleum.

When I walked into the Pantheon it felt austere and cavernous.  I felt the need to use my “library voice.” 

It’s basically a cross-shaped building, with a domed center.  Around the walls are murals depicting religious and revolutionary figures (I particularly liked the series of Joan of Arc), as well at statuary and frescoes.

Continue reading for more information and photos!

In the center of the Pantheon beneath its dome, is a pendulum standing nearly 220 feet tall (67 meters).  This is Foucault’s Pendulum, named for Leon Foucault who, in 1851, built the pendulum to conduct experiments demonstrating the rotation of the earth.  I was absolutely mesmerized by its simplicity and beauty.

After spending time appreciating all this art and history, you’ll have the option of visiting the necropolis (mausoleum) or climbing stairs to get a view of Paris from the top.

Not entirely morbid, the Pantheon’s necropolis is also a work of art.  Here are buried many famous Frenchmen and one famous Frenchwoman.  A few of the notables include:  Alexandre Dumas (author of the Three Musketeers), Victor Hugo (author of Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Voltaire, Rousseau, Emile Zola, Rene Descartes, Louis Braille and Pierre and Marie Curie (the latter the only woman buried here). 

Over the years there has been heated debate over who deserves and doesn’t deserve to be buried in this most sacred site.  Today, it takes an act of Parliament to be buried here.

I much preferred to climb up, however.  All 206 steps to the colonnade beneath the dome.  Don’t let the fact that this is a guided tour turn you away from this option.  It’s really only “guided” so that you don’t get lost on the way up!  And don’t worry about making the climb in record speed.  Go slow and rest along the way if you need to.

The view from the top is spectacular – a 360 degree view of all that Paris has to offer.  This is one of the best views in the city, in my opinion.

The Pantheon is located at Place du Pantheon in the 5th arrondissement.  The nearest metro is Cardinal Lemoine and the nearest RER is Luxembourg.

It is open 10 am – 6 pm October through March.  Starting April 1st it is open till 6:30 pm.  The upper area can only be visited April through September, and departure times very.  I’d recommend checking for a convenient tour time when you first arrive, and then work the remainder of your viewing around that time.

Admission is 8 Euros for adults, 5 Euros for ages 18-25, and free for everyone under 18.  It is an included admission on the Paris Museum Pass.  If you’ll be visiting several attractions, that’s a cost efficient option.

Photo credit:  all from personal collection

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

The American Presidents itinerary explores the lives, contributions and historical sites of all 43 presidents.  (President-elect Obama is not yet on the list.)  Among the sites listed are birthplaces, home and memorials.  There’s also a general presidential itinerary that includes the White House, Mount Rushmore, and other general sites.

The list includes over 70 sites spanning the country, all listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and about half part of the National Park System.

Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find:

• Description and significance of the site
• Information and maps on how to visit
• Photographs, old and new
• Accompany links to essays by presidential historians
• A “Learn More” section that will steer you to a bibliography and additional travel sites to help you plan a visit to any of the historic locations

I checked out a few places that have been on my to-visit list for awhile now, as well as added a few:  Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (in photo above), Adams National Historic Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, and the First Ladies National Historic Site.

How about you?  Any place on the list inspire you to visit?

Photo credit:  wikimedia

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

It honors those who bravely fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars.  ,  Beneath the arch is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I, marked by the very first eternal flame.  The flame burns in memory of those who died, but were not identified, in both WWI and WWII.  An inscription reads “Here lies a French soldier who died for his fatherland 1914-1918” (translated here into English).

The arch stands about 165 feet tall, and measures about 148 feet wide, and around it is a roundabout that is one of the busiest in Paris.  Do not try to dodge in and out of this traffic!  That would be dangerous, and brand you as a serious nutcase.  While I watched, I saw many people tempted by it – but fortunately no one crazy enough to actually attempt it.

You can reach the arch sensibly by following the signs to the underground passage way that will take you beneath the crazy roundabout to the arch.  From there you can take a short elevator ride back to ground level or climb the stairs.  In the photo above you see me waving at you before heading to the passageway to cross over.

What will you see?  Keep reading to find out!

Spend some time walking around the Arc de Triomphe looking at the sculptured facade.  A few highlights include a winged figure of Victory, a sculpture of Napoleon, and the 30 shields (each representing a victorious battle) on the crown of the arch.  On the inside and top of the arch are inscribed the names of generals and battles fought, with the names of those who died in battle underlined.  Conveniently missing are some of Napoleon’s later battles.

If you’re up to it, climb the 284 steps to the top of the arch.  There is no elevator!  The steps are stone, and the passageway narrow and circular.  It’s okay if you need to stop and catch your breath – most people did.

Once at the top, you’ll be treated to magnificent views in all directions.  Take a look around and you’ll see 12 major arterials leading into the Place (for an example, look at the photo below).  Watch how the merge into the roundabout, and you’ll have a real appreciation for driving in Paris.  There are fabulous photo opportunities from the top, and since the Arc is open late, it’s a favorite spot for sunset and evening photos.

You can reach the Arc de Triomphe by RER line A (train) and Métro (subway), getting off at the Charles de Gaulle-Étoile stop.

It is open daily from 10 am – 11 pm, and closes a half hour earlier during the fall and winter months.  There is no charge to walk around the base of the arch.  Access to the top was €7 when I was there, and kids under 18 are free.  Admission is also covered as part of the Paris Museum Pass.

The Arc de Triomphe was one of my favorite monuments in Paris, and is probably the most famous in Paris.  I’d put it on a must-see list for a Paris trip, for its historical significance, art, and views.  Allow half an hour or so to explore the ground level, and an additional hour (or more) if you are going to go to the top.

Photos credit:  all from personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe