If you’ll remember from my post yesterday, I was walking around Covington, Kentucky, in the freezing cold, taking photographs and talking to shop owners. These next two photos are from a candy store! That wasn’t difficult to guess. It’s hard to believe that Pez candies are now collectibles. There’s something to be said for those people that collect and/or keep things for many years. I’ve moved over 40 times in my life…so I’ve become an expert discarder of things!
Over-the-Rhine, is a neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. I was there a few days ago taking photos and after researching the web, discovered that it is believed to be the largest, most intact urban historic district in the United States. It also contains the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the United States. According to Wikipedia, “its architectural significance has been compared to the French Quarter in New Orleans, the historic districts of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina, and Greenwich Village in New York City.” I didn’t take a ton of photos of the architecture because I was mainly on the hunt for Street Art…which I posted about yesterday.
Up until about six years ago, Over-the-Rhine used to be one of the most dangerous and poorest places in the United States. But, with a heavy police presence and redevelopment, it is now one of the most promising in the nation!
Over-the-Rhine was included in the 2008 book, Frommer’s 500 Places to See Before They Disappear.
I like being able to see the windows at the back of this empty space through the front windows…
Red on Red!
This is Music Hall from two different perspectives…
Taken from within Washington Park…which is across from Music Hall.
I was glad it was an overcast day. The colors seemed to pop more!
The following photo is not considered Over the Rhine (just Downtown), but I like that the buildings have vines growing on them…
It’s nice to learn about places…especially when they’re in your own backyard!
Cincinnati Street Art is amazing! Having viewed Street Art in quite a few Cities recently, I realize that our City is very artistic. I now have a drop down category on my blog entitled “Tourist in my City” because I … Continue reading
One of the many fun aspects of blogging is to get to meet–in person–fellow bloggers that you’ve known through their blogs! I was anxious to meet Zully (rhymes with Julie) from the Spiritual World Traveler, so I left my VRBO condo in the Panhandle of Florida two days early and drove the 7 hours to Zully’s condo, where I would be staying for a few days, before continuing my trip down to the Ft. Myers/Cape Coral area. We talked late into the night and I slept great in her extra bedroom (loved the down comforter)! She has frequent guests. I can see why–she’s so friendly and makes everyone feel so welcome! The following day we went exploring.
First, we stopped at one of her favorite restaurants, The Ohana Cafe, and had an early lunch (since we skipped breakfast). They offer fresh, delicious organic–vegetarian food and the staff and owner are so friendly! I had a veggie burger.
This is the lovely Zully. It was a bit chilly so she had a colorful scarf wrapped around her…
Next, we drove downtown, parked and began walking. Although Zully has lived here for over two years, she is still exploring the area and this was a new experience for her also. We passed by this cute miniature park that was built by the committee, Citizens for a better Clearwater“, in working towards bettering downtown Clearwater.
The Street Art in Downtown Clearwater is beautiful!
We passed by this cute outdoor Cafe…
I love palm trees and office buildings. An odd combo…
More Street Art…
The Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church is beautiful…
Our final destination for the day…Clearwater Beach! Zully informed me that the busy season for the Tampa area beaches is beginning now. It was picture perfect with the beautiful white sand!
We walked along Pier 60, where every night you’ll find live music, street performers, and festivities!
We took a stroll where the touristy shops were. This Hooters bicycle of course, would have huge tires!
This “Jaws” boat was cool!
We drove back home and I made a trip to the grocery for fresh produce for salads, berries for homemade smoothies, and eggs and freshly baked bread for breakfast! Next on the agenda is exploring some of the small towns in the area!
Barcelona, Spain has a certain energy. A fresh, fun, and exciting spirit! Arriving by train from Madrid (a 3-hr. trip), my traveling companion and I dropped our luggage at the hotel and began walking. First along the waterfront…
Then we found a park with–of course–a fountain and magnificent statutes.
Heading towards the “Gothic” area…we saw “Street Art”…
Fun shops…
That’s me in the window…acting silly!!
Colorful veggies, fruits, bread and candy…a true Farmer’s Market!
No visit to Barcelona would be complete without viewing some of Antoni Gaudi‘s architecture. I love his whimsical style!
The famous Sagrada Familia’s completion is planned for 2026…the 100th anniversary of Gaudi’s death. He designed it to have 18 towers, 12 for the 12 apostles, 4 for the 4 evangelists, one for Mary and one for Jesus.
In 1926 Gaudí was hit by a tram. Because of his ragged attire and empty pockets, many cab drivers refused to pick him up for fear that he would be unable to pay the fare. He was eventually taken to a paupers’ hospital in Barcelona. Nobody recognized the injured artist until his friends found him the next day. When they tried to move him into a nicer hospital, Gaudí refused, reportedly saying “I belong here among the poor.” He died three days later and was buried in the midst of Sagrada Família.
I know this isn’t a very good photo…but it’s so tall…hard to fit it all in, so I’m only showing a small portion…
Tomorrow we’ll enjoy “bare buns” in Barcelona. Oh, and thanks so much for reading!
One of the many delights of Europe is the architecture and Madrid was no exception! Every where you turn there is a new fountain, statute, or plaza!
I have a split personality…probably because I’m a Gemini. Anyway, I currently live on five acres surrounded by woods, with a 70 foot deck to enjoy it. I love it! But, I would love to have a place in the City. To be in the center of the action and be able to walk to the grocery, etc. For now, I can imagine what it would be like to live in a building like this.
Lovely gardens…
The next destination of my three-week whirlwind European vacation was Lisbon, Portugal. We took the 10:30pm night train and I slept on the top bunk. Although this night train looked much newer than the one I took in Cairo, Egypt, it was much noisier. I didn’t sleep very well! But, who cares about sleep when you’re in Europe.
See you in Lisbon!
Sherry Lachelle Travels 