Where I've Ben

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-322337132010-01-03T21:03:12.870-06:00Where I've Ben<strong>Be sure and click the map links even if the little screen captures aren't very good. The mapping services are updating their maps all the time.</strong> <br> These are Google Maps or Windows Live Local images of where I've traveled. I created this blog after I gave up trying to get these added to googlesightseeing.com.Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-4160628829587095322010-01-03T20:49:00.000-06:002010-01-03T20:49:00.028-06:00Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MAWe arrived on Cape Ann on the Friday before the 4th of July. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.bassrocksoceaninn.com/">Bass Rocks Ocean Inn</a>. When we asked the desk clerk for suggestions for dinner that night, we asked where <u>they</u> went. The reply was an instant "<a href="http://www.rudderrestaurant.com/">The Rudder</a> on <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=42.606295,-70.657454&spn=0.008528,0.014763&z=15&source=embed">Rocky Neck</a>." The desk clerk knew the lady who owns it and had been to a wedding reception there recently. We headed to the harbor and Rocky Neck.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rockyneckartcolony.org/">Rocky Neck</a> is an artists' colony. As we drove through the twisty windy streets the locals were scrambling for views of the planned fireworks. Unfortunately, they were canceled that night. According to one local they were canceled because "the weather is too good."<br /><br />We had a wait at The Rudder but were thoroughly entertained by the locals hanging around the oyster bar at the front door. Our table was on the dock and we could watch customers come and go via boat. <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g41580-d675812-Reviews-Rudder_Restaurant-Gloucester_Cape_Ann_Massachusetts.html">Here</a>'s the TripAdvisor review. I'd say we were a little more favorable.<br /><br />You can see our geotagged Picasa album <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/albumMap?uname=benspicasa&aid=5354741264859871441#map">here</a>. And, yes, Cape Ann is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Ann">island</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-e0.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=gn&il=1&channel=2017612633087311072&site=widget-e0.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/ji4DRIL40z8TBCeSCOvd8XYCW9P-Do0v" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=42.606295,-70.657454&spn=0.008528,0.014763&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=42.606295,-70.657454&spn=0.008528,0.014763&z=15&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-416062882958709532?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-52796613506927048412009-07-26T13:08:00.001-05:002009-07-26T13:08:00.636-05:00San Marco Giardinetti Vaporetto Stop, Venice, ItalyWe arrived in Venice at the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&ll=45.432363,12.338022&spn=0.001871,0.00339&t=k&z=20">San Marco Giardinetti vaporetto stop</a>. Just to the West is <a href="http://www.harrysbarvenezia.com/">Harry's Bar</a> of Hemmingway fame.<br /><br />The Bird's Eye view is <a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=rk4wrmj0vbkj&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10969047&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.432465,12.337984&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.432465,12.337984&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=20" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-5279661350692704841?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-80825466106569124942009-07-19T12:51:00.002-05:002009-07-19T12:51:00.586-05:00Riva del Vin, Venice, ItalyWe just had to eat dinner at one of the restaurants de la <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJod7oXNU7yzw2rY1LBQOsB66rbmwA&ll=45.437979,12.335399&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18&output=embed">Riva del Vin</a> on the Grand Canal. We certainly paid too much but the atmosphere was worth it.<br /><br />We started our gondola ride from here also.<br /><br />The Bird's Eye view is <a href="http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=rk5p9bj0v46b&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10969011&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SlohDExtAjI/AAAAAAAAC8s/B5JeFJ5uWrs/s1600-h/IMAG1122.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; height: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SlohDExtAjI/AAAAAAAAC8s/B5JeFJ5uWrs/s320/IMAG1122.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357614799870845858" /></a><small><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SlohDExtAjI/AAAAAAAAC8s/B5JeFJ5uWrs/s1600-h/IMAG1122.JPG" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Picture</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJod7oXNU7yzw2rY1LBQOsB66rbmwA&ll=45.437979,12.335399&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.437979,12.335399&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-8082546610656912494?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-44459461079382078062009-07-12T11:56:00.000-05:002009-07-12T11:54:55.512-05:00Ponte dei Sospiri, Venice, ItalyConnecting the Doge's palace with adjacent prison is the Ponte dei Sospiri, commonly known as the "Bridge of Sighs." Lord Byron helped to popularize the belief that the bridge's name was inspired by the sighs of condemned prisoners as they were led through it to their execution.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_dei_Sospiri">here</a>.<br /><br />The Bird's Eye view is <a href="http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=rk53xtj0vjxx&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=10969093&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1">here</a>.<br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SloSRk2tY6I/AAAAAAAAC8c/w2ifMTmoxqQ/s1600-h/IMAG1168.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; height: 135px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SloSRk2tY6I/AAAAAAAAC8c/w2ifMTmoxqQ/s320/IMAG1168.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357614799870845858" /></a><small><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SloSRk2tY6I/AAAAAAAAC8c/w2ifMTmoxqQ/s1600-h/IMAG1168.JPG" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Picture</a></small></center></td><td><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJod7oXNU7yzw2rY1LBQOsB66rbmwA&ll=45.434031,12.340854&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.434031,12.340854&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><br /></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-4445946107938207806?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-41171315549657381492009-05-31T21:51:00.000-05:002009-05-31T21:51:00.382-05:00Ponte di Rialto, Venice, Italy<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.438025,12.335919&spn=0.001016,0.001845&z=18">Ponte di Rialto</a> is the bridge that comes to mind when you think of Venice. Construction began in 1588 replacing previous wooden bridges.<br /><br />Our gondola ride took us right under it.<br /><br />We ate dinner in a sidewalk restaurant just West of the bridge.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_di_Rialto">here</a> and there is a good website on it <a href="http://www.invenicetoday.com/art-tour/bridges/rialto.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-30.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633086276912&site=widget-30.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/JDOQcwg5wD_oUVVmrvrcWlMTHUTYmSb2?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.438025,12.335919&spn=0.001016,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.438025,12.335919&spn=0.001016,0.001845&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-4117131554965738149?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-29377943692994726922009-05-24T23:02:00.000-05:002009-05-24T23:02:01.482-05:00Hotel Antica Locanda al Gambero, Venice, ItalyIn Venice, we stayed at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=45.43557,12.336466+(Antica+Locanda+al+Gambero)&sll=45.435864,12.336466&sspn=0.003561,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.435638,12.336391&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18">Hotel Antica Locanda al Gambero</a>. Let's just say it wasn't the easiest place to find (nothing in Venice is). But it was well worth the search.<br /><br />There's a nice restaurant on the ground floor. The hotel office is on the next floor. We had a <em>second</em> floor room. Remember, they count the floors differently in Europe. Oh, and there's no elevator. The room was the nicest we had on that trip. The walls were covered in gorgeous fabric! The bathroom was awesome. I wish we could have stayed there longer.<br /><br />There's a long story of how we made our reservations there that I'll share over a glass of fine Italian wine.<br /><br />Their web site is <a href="http://www.locandaalgambero.com/en/location.htm">here</a> and TripAdvisor's review is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187870-d237416-Reviews-Antica_Locanda_al_Gambero-Venice_Veneto.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/ShIDj276uUI/AAAAAAAACwo/pJMa4xfgxn8/s1600-h/IMAG1136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 135px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/ShIDj276uUI/AAAAAAAACwo/pJMa4xfgxn8/s400/IMAG1136.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337332422964590914" /></a><small><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/ShIDj276uUI/AAAAAAAACwo/pJMa4xfgxn8/s1600-h/IMAG1136.JPG" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Photo</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJod7oXNU7yzw2rY1LBQOsB66rbmwA&ll=45.435638,12.336488&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=45.435638,12.336488&spn=0.000508,0.000923&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2937794369299472692?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-83418501970392855802009-05-18T19:31:00.000-05:002009-05-18T19:31:08.081-05:00Noonan Shore, PEI, CanadaOne day while we were just riding around on PEI, I wanted to get a good view of the Confederation Bridge so I found the road closest to the bridge and followed it down to the Northumberland Strait. This road was <a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=46.26147,-63.701069&spn=0.000501,0.000923&z=18">Noonan Shore</a> Road.<br /><br />What a discovery I made at the end of the road. There was this old fishing boat tied up but the tide had gone out and left it high and dry.<br /><br />The blues and reds in the boat perfectly matched the red sands and the blue water and sky. Awesome!<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SayL-Y3smBI/AAAAAAAACsY/_kp6N7DdGbI/s1600-h/CIMG0096X.jpg"><img style="display:block; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SayL-Y3smBI/AAAAAAAACsY/_kp6N7DdGbI/s320/CIMG0096X.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308771964707182610" /></a><small><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SayL-Y3smBI/AAAAAAAACsY/_kp6N7DdGbI/s1600-h/CIMG0096X.jpg" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Image</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&s=AARTsJqzARj-Z8VnW5pkPMLMmZbqrJcYpw&ll=46.26147,-63.701069&spn=0.000501,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=46.26147,-63.701069&spn=0.000501,0.000923&z=18&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-8341850197039285580?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-30949104705985506012009-05-10T19:49:00.001-05:002009-05-10T19:49:00.291-05:00San Lorenzo Market, Florence, ItalyAnother destination nearby our Hotel Casci in Florence was the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&ll=43.775153,11.254171&spn=0.000963,0.001695&z=19">San Lorenzo market</a>. If you can't find what you're looking for there, it doesn't exist. We bought leather goods there that weren't fashionable back in the States for almost 2 years.<br /><br />As typical in Europe be sure to haggle with the sellers. You can always get a better price than is posted.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&ll=43.775066,11.255228&spn=0,359.998305&z=19&layer=c&cbll=43.775029,11.255142&panoid=QMpCO_gBMv6Veh90vzDX0w&cbp=12,284.6201636798945,,1,6.780063291139238">street view</a> and here are some comments from <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187895-d523520-Reviews-San_Lorenzo_market-Florence_Tuscany.html">TripAdvisor</a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=43.775362,11.253948&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=43.775362,11.253948&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-3094910470598550601?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-42391489740194130102009-05-03T19:30:00.000-05:002009-05-03T19:30:01.221-05:00Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, ItalyJust down the street from Hotel Casci is the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=43.777237,11.259055&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=19">Galleria dell'Accademia</a>. In this museum is an entire wing full of Michelangelo's works including the iconic David.<br /><br />Although there were signs all around the statue admonishing to not take photos, flashes were popping all around so I finally pulled my camera out and took a <a href="http://item.slide.com/r/1/0/i/Nfxh0M6m5j-9ecAGggGcb7vfD4yqoH5n/">couple</a>.<br /><br />After we had seen everything in that wing, we walked through a small passageway into the rest of the museum. In that passageway was a door, like into a service closet. Except the wall around this mundane doorway was painted to look like an elaborate entrance way. I was amazed.<br /><br />So I snatched out my camera and started taking pictures. Instantly a guard approached me and begin warning me to not take pictures or he would confiscate my camera! You'll see I got <a href="http://item.slide.com/r/1/0/i/4-8GHQwl4D8-6OiTPJqWQLjvA1ZwAzzL/">one</a> anyway.<br /><br />The wikipedia page is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accademia_dell%27Arte_del_Disegno">here</a> and their web site is <a href="http://www.accademia.firenze.it/">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-a6.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633085072038&site=widget-a6.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/blwzRqo56T9dVBKeMoCORhE-YqsaTQns?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=43.777237,11.259055&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=43.777237,11.259055&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=19" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-4239148974019413010?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-17700049573649890022009-04-26T15:13:00.002-05:002009-04-26T15:13:01.322-05:00Hotel Casci, Florence, ItalyAfter another "exciting" drive through Florence (we saw 3 wrecks on the way), we arrived at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&ll=43.775517,11.256169&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=19">Hotel Casci</a>. When I asked about what to do with the car, they said we had 2 choices: 1) drive across the Arno and park in public parking or 2) they would valet park it for me. I literally threw the keys at them.<br /><br />Hotel Casci is so centrally located. It's 2 minutes from the <a href="http://whereiveben.blogspot.com/2006/10/basilica-di-santa-maria-del-fiore.html">Duomo</a> and <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.polomuseale.firenze.it/musei/accademia/&ei=4P-qSaXXBczN-QawseS3Ag&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DMuseo%2Bdell%2527Accademia%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff">Galleria dell'Accademia</a> (where Michelangelo's statue of David is). The <a href="http://whereiveben.blogspot.com/2006/10/ponte-vecchio-florence.html">Ponte Vecchio</a> bridge is just a little further walk.<br /><br />Their web site is <a href="http://www.hotelcasci.com/">here</a> and the TripAdvisor article is <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187895-d195703-Reviews-Hotel_Casci-Florence_Tuscany.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SasFVLNmIDI/AAAAAAAACsQ/K3Vus0VyEXM/s1600-h/IMAG1083.JPG"><img style="display:block; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SasFVLNmIDI/AAAAAAAACsQ/K3Vus0VyEXM/s320/IMAG1083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308342447131467826" /></a><small><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Hv5l5sxDEK8/SasFVLNmIDI/AAAAAAAACsQ/K3Vus0VyEXM/s1600-h/IMAG1083.JPG" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Image</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=43.775517,11.256169&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=h&source=embed&ll=43.775517,11.256169&spn=0.001046,0.001845&z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-1770004957364989002?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-27322692677103544672009-04-19T14:32:00.001-05:002009-04-19T14:32:01.487-05:00Porta Pinciana, Rome, ItalyLeaving Rome, we rented a car and headed out to Florence. As we drove out, we went through <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.909491,12.488424&spn=0.000539,0.000923&z=20">Porta Pinciana</a>, a gate of the Aurelian Walls.<br /><br />Driving in Rome was "exciting." As we approached Porta Pinciana we observed a near miss (millimeters, not inches) between a bus and a scooter. In the effort to avoid the bus, the scooter almost ran over an elderly lady walking on the side of the street. She never flinched!<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porta_Pinciana">here</a> and an interesting web page is <a href="http://www.romeartlover.it/Vasi02.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />Be sure to look at the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.909435,12.488565&spn=0,359.999152&z=20&layer=c&cbll=41.90935,12.488511&panoid=bOKigIF2J1m_4OGkIq2tyA&cbp=12,13.412801162352154,,0,3.433544303797469">street view</a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.909491,12.488424&spn=0.000539,0.000923&z=18&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.909491,12.488424&spn=0.000539,0.000923&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2732269267710354467?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-14325084948421087342009-04-12T17:46:00.002-05:002009-04-12T17:46:01.260-05:00Piazza Navona, Rome, ItalyOne of my co-workers whose wife owns a travel agency suggested that we visit <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.899562,12.47313&spn=0.004312,0.007381&z=17">Piazza Navona</a> while in Rome. I was glad I asked for his advice.<br /><br />The piazza is small giving a very intimate feel. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fontana_dei_Quattro_Fiumi">Fountain of the Four Rivers</a> stands in the center of it surrounded by street performers at night. Across one side is a strip of restaurants and, yes, they also serve gelato.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.899306,12.47313&spn=0,359.993219&z=17&layer=c&cbll=41.897817,12.473173&panoid=HPf4LqkulqmwX_MfznH-tg&cbp=12,2.515306518405694,,2,-2.500000000000001">street view</a>.<br /><br />As we left, we took a taxi. Unlike the other traffic, our taxi driver was stopping at every red light. I asked him why, joking that he just wanted to make the meter run. He said that he wouldn't stop if I'd pay his fine. I laughed and said I would. He proceeded to run every red light all the way back to the hotel.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_Navona">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-30.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084599856&site=widget-30.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/vpS234Qj3j9BWa6dDIVe-3fM3x8zd_4V?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.899562,12.47313&spn=0.004312,0.007381&z=15&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.899562,12.47313&spn=0.004312,0.007381&z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-1432508494842108734?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-29523828083725706692009-04-05T17:21:00.002-05:002009-04-05T17:21:01.574-05:00St. Peter in Chains Basilica, Rome, ItalyAs we walked to the Colosseum, we went past <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.893716,12.493322&spn=0.002156,0.003691&z=18">St. Peter in Chains Basilica</a>. The was a mass going on so we sat out front and had <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.893548,12.492544&spn=0,359.998305&z=19&layer=c&cbll=41.89346,12.492597&panoid=SugYMRTl0dGga_z-ZHrOOw&cbp=12,5.9990989132838095,,1,5">gelato</a> before going on to the Colosseum.<br /><br />On our return, we came back by St. Peter in Chains. It was well worth it.<br /><br />The legend is that the chains that bound Saint Peter when he was imprisoned in Jerusalem are held here. The chains are kept under the main altar in the basilica. There's also a statue of Moses by Michelangelo.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.desotonet.com/photos/Europe/images/Imag1014.jpg">Here</a> is my photo of the ceiling.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pietro_in_Vincoli">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.893716,12.493322&spn=0.002156,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.893716,12.493322&spn=0.002156,0.003691&z=18" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2952382808372570669?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-24479429669232055822009-03-29T16:46:00.001-05:002009-03-29T16:46:03.667-05:00Palatine Hill, Rome, ItalyThe <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.88886,12.486176&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=17">Palatine Hill</a> is near the Colosseum. The word "palace" comes from this place.<br /><br />People have occupied this site since 1000 BC.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_Hill">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-b5.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084597941&site=widget-b5.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/1mNR2nsK7D9D-cdovHUqKrevlb3H4O3I?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.88886,12.486176&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=15&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.88886,12.486176&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2447942966923205582?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-82474253352935157092009-03-22T16:04:00.002-05:002009-03-22T16:04:05.517-05:00The Colosseum, Rome, ItalyWhat can you say about the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.890585,12.492013&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=17">Colosseum</a>? It's OLD!<br /><br />We approached it on foot and as we emerged from around an <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.891224,12.490983&spn=0,359.972878&z=15&layer=c&cbll=41.89124,12.490869&panoid=YbDti0FWPUUptIVYls5Qcg&cbp=12,7.370022852857285,,1,-24.603791899437066">apartment building</a>, there it was. I actually got goose bumps.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colloseum">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/1c00000014f957a3/1/0/mrfn-3Qp4j8RcvcQrutPcFwZmpFghkOz.jpg">Arch of Constantine</a> is just outside the Colosseum.<br /><br />With <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.891161,12.491412&spn=0,359.972878&z=15&layer=c&cbll=41.891182,12.491257&panoid=jedg6bcsL7oL0mIorn-xmg&cbp=12,136.5091232112686,,0,-13.43762168979401">street view</a>, you can actually "walk" around the Colosseum.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-e8.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084597224&site=widget-e8.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/johM1ZhF5z8KVQPtCCGp4L56j9EpfDB8?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.890585,12.492013&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=15&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.890585,12.492013&spn=0.004313,0.007381&z=17" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-8247425335293515709?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-28458424080073917562009-03-15T15:32:00.001-05:002009-03-17T12:14:44.923-05:00Vatican Museum, Rome, ItalyThe <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.90702,12.453851&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=19">Vatican Museum</a> is just around the corner from St. Peter's but it's a big corner. Often the waiting lines wind back to St. Peter's. Get there early!<br /><br />Our primary destination was the Sistine Chapel. As you walk through the museum, there are signs pointing out the way to the Sistine Chapel. I believe that they run you all the way through the museum. There has to be a more direct way to get there. But it's worth the walk!<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Museum">here</a> and their web site is <a href="http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html">here</a>.<br /><br />There's a pretty neat street view <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.906805,12.453668&spn=0,359.99661&z=18&layer=c&cbll=41.906974,12.453413&panoid=VXhFAyBN0lGI84iTSDglpg&cbp=12,164.74013504230854,,1,-7.5">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-15.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084595989&site=widget-15.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/tGdr6QAs3D-EtoqSREQED6I0J5CH5lLX?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.90702,12.453851&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.90702,12.453851&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=10" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2845842408007391756?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-46463310764012058572009-03-08T22:51:00.001-05:002009-03-08T22:51:00.754-05:00The Vatican, Rome, ItalyOne of our first stops was the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.903363,12.454634&spn=0.008624,0.014763&z=16">Vatican</a>. It's not on the subway route so we walked a little.<br /><br />Pay attention as you wander around St. Peter's. We went down into the tombs and had to exit outside.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican">here</a> and their web site is <a href="http://www.vaticanstate.va/EN/homepage.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-55.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084594773&site=widget-55.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/TUasjIax7j_GtDGR1tF5ohzIogrr8Jo3?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.903363,12.454634&spn=0.008624,0.014763&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.903363,12.454634&spn=0.008624,0.014763&z=16" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-4646331076401205857?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-81988184455060834092009-03-01T22:00:00.003-06:002009-03-01T22:00:01.076-06:00Welcome House, Rome, ItalyWe stayed in <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.900943,12.493279&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=19">Welcome House</a> at Via Nazionale, 230, just down the street from train station. There's even a McDonald's nearby! But we ate more gelato than Big Macs.<br /><br />Their web site is <a href="http://www.welcomehouse.it/index-e.htm">here</a> and their write-up on TripAdvisor is <a href="http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187791-d555983-Reviews-Welcome_House-Rome_Lazio.html">here</a>. Many of the comments are in other languages. I think that gives you a feel that this is not a hotel that is routinely frequented by Americans. Remember that.<br /><br />Here's the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?cbp=12,330.5970023481859,,1,4.867344285358862&cbll=41.900968,12.493635&ll=41.900968,12.493635&layer=c">street view</a>.<br /><br />We walked back up to the train station and caught bus #110. <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=krCIh7ED1YUC&pg=PA560&lpg=PA560&dq=ATAC+City+Bus+%23110+rome&source=web&ots=TtAF49058F&sig=962BwIlwTeJ8oPpVPUSwsEUV9gE&hl=en&ei=18OYSeeUE5KJ-gaykMTvCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=7&ct=result">Here</a>'s a page out of Rick Steve's Italy describing the bus route.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&s=AARTsJrs-KiYZwArQBw7jI4yr-sX0HGOgQ&ll=41.900943,12.493279&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&source=embed&ll=41.900943,12.493279&spn=0.001078,0.001845&z=19" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-8198818445506083409?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-1160277533804205442008-12-13T22:03:00.003-06:002009-03-01T19:46:22.858-06:00Ponte Vecchio, FlorenceThe <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.768057+11.25309+(Ponte+Vecchio)&sll=43.768057,11.25309&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=43.768289,11.253047&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=18">Ponte Vecchio</a> bridge in Florence is so unusual. It was built in 1345. On the edges of it are very classy shops, gold and jewelery. There are lookouts on it so you can see the Arno River below. Be sure and click on <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.768057+11.25309+(Ponte+Vecchio)&sll=43.768057,11.25309&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=43.770815,11.253047&spn=0,359.98646&z=16&g=43.768057+11.25309&layer=c&cbll=43.768076,11.253175&panoid=AGz6hTBddmrTvQ9THzeSag&cbp=12,115.26668961035216,,1,3.767321194755068">Google's Street View</a> and look around.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vecchio">Here</a>'s the wikipedia article on it.<br /><br />I took one of my best photos from this bridge. I'll let you guess which one. These were taken with an Epson PhotoPC 650.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-e3.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633085072355&site=widget-e3.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/doqTmXGE1D8VpRo5-e3d5GJERO1ep8oo?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.768057+11.25309+(Ponte+Vecchio)&sll=43.768057,11.25309&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJo6vtWelb0OcGd9KZyahRZxUH0iUg&ll=43.768289,11.253047&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.768057+11.25309+(Ponte+Vecchio)&sll=43.768057,11.25309&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=43.768289,11.253047&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=18&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-116027753380420544?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-1160278303782326212008-12-20T22:20:00.001-06:002009-03-01T19:20:40.869-06:00Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, FlorenceWhen we were in Florence in 2001, we stayed just down the street from the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.773224+11.256083+(Basilica+di+Santa+Maria+del+Fiore)&sll=43.773224,11.256083&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJrVO2HGQ4DY0WHr6Qkbpp4RXW9ZiA&ll=43.773294,11.255794&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=18">Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore</a>, the Duomo. That's the baptistry next to it.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_del_Fiore">Here</a>'s the wikipedia article on it.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-c4.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633085067460&site=widget-c4.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/S5wD76Yz6T8mYsTjCt-PVhRlVOys_l7m?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.773224+11.256083+(Basilica+di+Santa+Maria+del+Fiore)&sll=43.773224,11.256083&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&s=AARTsJrVO2HGQ4DY0WHr6Qkbpp4RXW9ZiA&ll=43.773294,11.255794&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=43.773224+11.256083+(Basilica+di+Santa+Maria+del+Fiore)&sll=43.773224,11.256083&sspn=0.003835,0.006781&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=43.773294,11.255794&spn=0.002092,0.003691&z=18&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-116027830378232621?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-20860539601788570162009-02-23T23:29:00.000-06:002009-02-23T23:29:00.964-06:00Usk Castle, Wales<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.705239,-2.903566&spn=0.001795,0.003691&z=18">Usk Castle</a> is in the middle of the village of <a href="http://whereiveben.blogspot.com/2007/06/usk-wales.html">Usk</a>. Certainly the smallest castle we've visited.<br /><br />The original Gate House was the work of Richard "Strongbow" de Clare in about 1170.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usk_Castle">here</a>. Their web site is <a href="http://www.uskcastle.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-ed.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084036333&site=widget-ed.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/2nh211ZY3j-Mo69InpLXIPG3acecbmta?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.705239,-2.903566&spn=0.001795,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&ll=51.705239,-2.903566&spn=0.001795,0.003691&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2086053960178857016?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-61293140876996811902009-02-16T22:23:00.001-06:002009-02-16T22:23:02.527-06:00Caldicot Castle, WalesAlthough smaller, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.593255,-2.742419&spn=0.0018,0.003691&z=16">Caldicot Castle</a> reminded me somewhat of <a href="http://whereiveben.blogspot.com/2007/02/warwick-castle-england.html">Warwick Castle</a> in that it was so well preserved and most recently used as a residence. The remnants of the surrounding <a href="http://www.slide.com/s/AGDBMGk8Hz80eD355y9xFzu1h31cXh70?referrer=hlnk">moat</a> are still apparent.<br /><br />The castle sits in a 50 acre park so bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon.<br /><br />The Normans built a structure here as early as 1086 and the current structure dates from 1221.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caldicot_Castle">here</a>. Their web site is <a href="http://www.caldicotcastle.co.uk/">here</a>. There's another good web site <a href="http://www.castlewales.com/caldicot.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-1e.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084036126&site=widget-1e.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/zFrVFIP07T-4K7U6ZLBO-8jW1AhjPVFc?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.593255,-2.742419&spn=0.0018,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&ll=51.593255,-2.742419&spn=0.0018,0.003691&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-6129314087699681190?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-53047990963073507992009-02-09T22:05:00.001-06:002009-02-09T22:05:00.393-06:00Chepstow Castle, WalesJust down the (narrow, winding) road from <a href="http://whereiveben.blogspot.com/2006/08/tintern-abbey.html">Tintern Abbey</a> is <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.644349,-2.67487&spn=0.001798,0.003691&z=16">Chepstow Castle</a>. <a href="http://www.slide.com/s/fIZQbzcxwD-pS2A5rzPBn3xLp8FxYdUh?referrer=hlnk">PICT1453</a> is taken from across the River Wye from the location shown in <a href="http://www.slide.com/s/HLibxV1v3z8pkJ5fkVM9Y_zEUxuaZIaH?referrer=hlnk">PICT1464</a>.<br /><br />It seems like the castle is on the wrong side of the river to be in Wales but, like the roads, the river is windy there.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chepstow_Castle">here</a>. Chepstow's web site is <a href="http://www.chepstow.co.uk/">here</a>. There's another good web site <a href="http://www.castlewales.com/chepstow.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-14.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633082498580&site=widget-14.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/MLci49IrvT8iuM2mr1wlKJN2jHDDXsdz?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.644349,-2.67487&spn=0.001798,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&ll=51.644349,-2.67487&spn=0.001798,0.003691&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-5304799096307350799?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-37067945120707144112009-02-02T21:12:00.001-06:002009-02-02T21:12:00.609-06:00Raglan Castle, Wales<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&ll=51.770828,-2.850308&spn=0.001793,0.003691&z=16">Raglan Castle</a> was one of the newer castles we visited in Wales being built in the 15th century. An older castle was on this site from the 12th century.<br /><br />It's neat with the <a href="http://www.slide.com/s/3WfZxCbo7z8zcV-Zle01hYre0i8EH3bJ?referrer=hlnk">moat</a> surrounding it and the magnificent views of the plain from the top of the <a href="http://www.slide.com/s/GC0JCvSdsD_5LEGL8uZsDILNq5Lw4q9z?referrer=hlnk">Great Tower</a>.<br /><br />The wikipedia article is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raglan_Castle">here</a>. Their web site is <a href="http://www.abergavenny.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseAction=SM.nav&UUID=0A1C3788-97CC-48F4-B3D0F18E263CCFC7">here</a>. There's another good web site <a href="http://www.castlewales.com/raglan.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><center><table width=80%><tr><td><center><embed src="http://widget-35.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=2017612633084035637&site=widget-35.slide.com" style="width:211px;height:149px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><br /><small><a href="http://www.slide.com/r/X3iDyHsg4j-N_mvduF63mutrvI6GqSGJ?previous_view=lt_embedded_url" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Slideshow</a></small></center></td><td><center><iframe width="172" height="135" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&s=AARTsJpnOA3ioEtcI9rx_v7gyZqlolGTYw&ll=51.770828,-2.850308&spn=0.001793,0.003691&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=k&ll=51.770828,-2.850308&spn=0.001793,0.003691&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center></td></tr></table></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-3706794512070714411?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32233713.post-21209411068069917882009-01-24T19:31:00.000-06:002009-01-24T19:31:00.556-06:00Traffic Circle, University, MSOn the campus of the University of Mississippi, there's a new <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=University+Ave,+Oxford,+MS&sll=34.353357,-89.499779&sspn=0.140018,0.21698&ie=UTF8&ll=34.358893,-89.531482&spn=0.002188,0.00339&t=k&z=18&iwloc=addr">traffic circle</a>. It's just down the street from the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=University+Ave,+Oxford,+MS&sll=34.353357,-89.499779&sspn=0.140018,0.21698&ie=UTF8&ll=34.362249,-89.528827&spn=0.002188,0.00339&t=k&z=18&iwloc=addr">baseball stadium</a>.<br /><br /><center><iframe width="425" height="240" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/sv?cbp=12,337.0331580956401,,0,5&cbll=34.358891,-89.531481&v=1&panoid=&gl=&hl=en"></iframe><br /><small><a id="cbembedlink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?cbp=12,337.0331580956401,,0,5&cbll=34.358891,-89.531481&ll=34.358891,-89.531481&layer=c" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small></center><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/32233713-2120941106806991788?l=whereiveben.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ben Moorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14513790988776402812noreply@blogger.com0